Saudi Arabia's Katrina aid to fill tanks for Alabama shrimpers

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1135961344179260.xml&storylist=louisiana

Some of the Katrina recovery money from Saudi Arabia will fill fuel tanks for shrimpers in hurricane-damaged Bayou La Batre.

Starting in January, shrimp boat owners on the Alabama coast will receive vouchers for free diesel fuel, about $1.2 million worth in all, paid for through the world's largest oil producer, the Saudi Arabian Oil Co.

"I know, Saudi Arabia. It seems kind of strange. But they've been very kind and gracious to us," said Ernie Anderson, president of the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama, which will administer the Saudi gift. "We all hope this will kick-start the economy down here."

Through their government-owned oil conglomerate, the Saudis have quietly donated "tens of millions" of dollars worth of goods to victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, said Rob Arndt, spokesman for Saudi Aramco.

[htuttle]

1. Ironically enough, Saudis don't really even eat shrimp

It's not halal, you know. 'Course, that never stopped King Fahd from drinking his wine, either...

[uppityperson]

2. I quit eating shrimp recently also

Thinking that gulf shrimp are having to deal with pollution and bodies, and Thai shrimp with bodies makes me want to give them up for now.

[htuttle]

3. I never eat them, either

Face it, they look like bugs. Big, shiny water bugs.

[Canuckistanian]

4. $1.2 million? They spill more than that at lunch

That's more like giving a few bucks to a homeless person or throwing some loose change in the donation box at the cash register.

Or, to put it another way, the daily per diem for one of Tom DeLay's junkets.