Haiti EarthQuake

[Sava700]

Terrible news and really looks awful from what happened down there. Now not to sound insensitive or mean in anyway but I've got only one question since Obama has announced:

President Obama pledged Wednesday that the U.S. government would lead "a swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives" in Haiti after that country's powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/13/ ... index.html

My question is: Where is this money coming from for this aid?? We have US citizens starving, no jobs, no power, no heat and so on...yet we have all this money from this magic money tree for this cause? Perhaps we can take it from Afgan/Iraq funds for it? I mean saving those lives sounds better than wasting troop lives.

I'm all for helping those people down there cause we all know (now according to the news) that its pretty much just leveled everything on that island but ya gotta ask some interesting questions. I sure hope all other counties are going to provide the same amount of funds for this cause.

[YARDofSTUF]

The same place other strugling countries got the the money to help us during Katrina.

[Brk]

As far as I know, 100,000 or more Americans didn't just suddenly die. Sending aid to help the people of Haiti in this case is far more pressing than jobs here at the moment, sorry.

It sounds like you're exploiting the situation to get in another dig at a president you don't like.

And it doesn't matter how much other countries help. It isn't a pissing contest, nor is it incumbent upon us to wait until we can determine how much other countries are going to pitch in.

[brembo]

As far as I know, 100,000 or more Americans didn't just suddenly die. Sending aid to help the people of Haiti in this case is far more pressing than jobs here at the moment, sorry.

It sounds like you're exploiting the situation to get in another dig at a president you don't like.

And it doesn't matter how much other countries help. It isn't a pissing contest, nor is it incumbent upon us to wait until we can determine how much other countries are going to pitch in.

But Burke......

VT > Gas Prices > 100,000 people that don't live in the US. Geez man.

[Sava700]

As far as I know, 100,000 or more Americans didn't just suddenly die. Sending aid to help the people of Haiti in this case is far more pressing than jobs here at the moment, sorry.

It sounds like you're exploiting the situation to get in another dig at a president you don't like.

And it doesn't matter how much other countries help. It isn't a pissing contest, nor is it incumbent upon us to wait until we can determine how much other countries are going to pitch in.

Well lets break this down a little shall we:

1st, I didn't say anything about 100,000 or more Americans dying all of a sudden, but the need is here also with tax money you and I both provide so its not insensitive to suggest anything or ask a question cause it sure sounds as if your making it appear that way although I made sure to make my point clear that I wasn't being like that.

2nd, I'm not trying to "get a dig at a president I can't stand"... Yeah he sucks, yeah he hasn't made good on hardly nothing and so what that he's lied his way into office with campaign promises that he's now reneging on...but that's NOT why I made the thread.

3rd, I'm not saying match $ for $ , but it would be nice to see these countries, the other countries of the world no matter who they are take the "leadership" spot FIRST instead of waiting for the US to do it just as Pres Obama did today....that's how I saw it but if I'm wrong then ohh well.

I hope that clears that up.... I don't like whats happened down there, I'd love to help but I'm going to send money to local charities instead as I always do when I can.

[PsykoPenguin]

hope some of those dollars are going to save the animals that were effected by this...

[Sava700]

I'm not the only one with questions like this:

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

With Haiti facing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions - the U.S. is in the crosshairs of a massive relief effort.

President Obama says the U.S. government will lead a "swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives" following the deadly earthquake.

He says the U.S. has already mobilized military flights over the country to assess the damage... and that civilian disaster assistance teams are on their way.

The president points to the "heart-wrenching" images from Haiti and adds that the tragedy "seems especially cruel and incomprehensible" in a country that's already accustomed to hardships.

Mr. Obama says Haiti will have the unwavering support of the U.S.; although he hasn't pledged a specific amount of aid. Officials say they're still trying to figure out what is needed. Meanwhile the president is also calling on Americans to help and to donate money. He says the Haitians are our neighbors; and that Americans need to be there for them "in their hour of need."

Of course it's not just the U.S. helping here. Aid agencies and governments from around the world are springing into action - mobilizing search and rescue teams and sending money, aid and food.

The scope of the death and destruction isn't known yet - but it's clear that Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, has been devastated. Some officials fear the death toll could reach 500,000 - with millions of others displaced.

Haiti needs a lot of help.

Here’s my question to you: Should the U.S. lead the international response to the Haiti earthquake?

http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2010/ ... arthquake/

alot of responses thus far at the bottom of the page like this one:

In a word – NO! US should certainly help in initial effort to save lives but it will be days or weeks before kinds of heavy equipment needed for that will arrive in sufficient quantity. Sadly, probably too late.
The Organization of American States should lead effort with UN assistance and generous contributions of money and supplies from oil and natural resources rich neighbors like Venezula and Brazil. Let Cuba send its underutilized military and police forces to demonstrate a little civility and compassion for Hatians in need

or this one:

I say we don't help them Cafferty. For one, we cannot afford it. Two, we have people in the US that are homeless and could use are help. Lets stop this madness of helping every country out there when we need to help the people in our own country first. Honestly, it seems the help we have given other countries in the last 50 years or so seem to be not appreciated.

[Humboldt]

Looks like a lot of it is being donated by private companies:

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Companies pledged millions of dollars in aid on Wednesday to help victims of a powerful earthquake in Haiti that devastated much of the impoverished country's capital and killed thousands. UPS gives $1 million, split into cash and services

* Walmart Canada says stores to accept donations

Digicel Group, a top mobile phone operator in Haiti, said it would donate $5 million in cash toward relief efforts and appealed to others to help victims of the quake.

Lowe's Cos Inc (LOW.N) is donating $1 million to the Red Cross' efforts in Haiti. The no. 2 U.S. home improvement chain also plans to seek monetary contributions from its customers, spokeswoman Julie Yenichek said.

National Bank of Canada (NA.TO), which will contribute up to C$250,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, said National Bank MasterCard cardholders can exchange reward points for a cash donation to the Canadian Red Cross.

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) said it would accept donations to the Canadian Red Cross in its bank branches, and would make a C$250,000 corporate contribution.

Wells Fargo (WFC.N) will contribute $100,000 to the American Red Cross' disaster relief fund. Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) plans to provide aid too, a company spokeswoman said.

FedEx Corp (FDX.N) said it is working with international relief groups including the Red Cross to fly supplies to the island once shipments start moving, while United Parcel Service Inc (UPS.N), which participates a World Food Program that helps coordinate delivery of aid to disaster zones, said it expects to have its volunteers in the program called up soon.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN132 ... arketsNews

[Dan]

Looks like a lot of it is being donated by private companies:



http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN132 ... arketsNews

us Californians are doing our part in a small way

http://www.kcra.com/money/22228734/detail.html

[Roody]

us Californians are doing our part in a small way

http://www.kcra.com/money/22228734/detail.html

That's awesome man. The amazing thing is people don't have to give much in order to make a huge impact. If everyone gave 1 dollar to help Haiti that would be a big deal towards helping a country that just got hammered by a terrible tragedy.

[YeOldeStonecat]

I see on Googles main page there's a link
http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/

[Roody]

President Obama on Thursday promised $100 million in immediate American relief aid to Haiti -- an amount he said would grow in the year ahead.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/ ... tml?hpt=T1

[Sava700]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/ ... tml?hpt=T1

Where is that money coming from?

[YARDofSTUF]

Where is that money coming from?

Canada.

[Roody]

Where is that money coming from?

As in which department? I have no idea. Not really concerned with that. These people need our help. You and I are rich beyond our wildest dreams compared to a lot of the people there dealing with this tragedy.

[Sava700]

As in which department? I have no idea. Not really concerned with that. These people need our help. You and I are rich beyond our wildest dreams compared to a lot of the people there dealing with this tragedy.

Yes they need our help, yes compared to them we are rich but that's not the point and not the question. I'm not trying to sound rude, inconsiderate or at all not show some sort of compassion but I'm curious as to where this "Magic" money is coming from.

[Roody]

Yes they need our help, yes compared to them we are rich but that's not the point and not the question. I'm not trying to sound rude, inconsiderate or at all not show some sort of compassion but I'm curious as to where this "Magic" money is coming from.

Sava, I have always known money was important to you, but I can honestly say I have never seen you this obsessed over it until Jan. 20, 2009. Feel free to correct me, but I don't recall similiar threads like this created by you when we went into Iraq? How about Katrina? You say that's not the point, but it's fair for people to ask what's driving this constant money obsession in this thread as opposed to where the concern should.

[Brk]

In December, it was estimated the war in Afghanistan costs around $57,000 per minute. Being that taxes I've dutifully paid are included in that ridiculous amount, I've no problem with a paltry $100 million going to aid human beings in need as opposed to being pissed down war's wide drain.

I'm opposed to foreign aid as it is normally, thanklessly doled out, but foreign aid is different than emergency disaster relief, and in light of the horrific devastation and human toll, I don't really care where the money is coming from.

Simple human decency shouldn't depend on the answer to loaded, quasi-rhetorical questions.

[Sava700]

Sava, I have always known money was important to you, but I can honestly say I have never seen you this obsessed over it until Jan. 20, 2009. Feel free to correct me, but I don't recall similiar threads like this created by you when we went into Iraq? How about Katrina? You say that's not the point, but it's fair for people to ask what's driving this constant money obsession in this thread as opposed to where the concern should.

Has nothing....NOTHING to do with Obama. I don't have to stand up on a soap box and shout I care about whats happening, feel bad for them or whatever else your wishing to happen cause I do, I've stated it a few times already. Money such as this 100Million just came out of the air and I'm just curious as to where it came from. You may not know or it doesn't matter to you and that's fine. I'm glad to see people helping out however they can...I will continue to help out here at my local charities also as I've always done when I can.

[TNATireFryer]

i dont understand -
poof - here's 100 million and more on the way -
WTF?
sheesh
i want a job -

[Roody]

Has nothing....NOTHING to do with Obama. I don't have to stand up on a soap box and shout I care about whats happening, feel bad for them or whatever else your wishing to happen cause I do, I've stated it a few times already. Money such as this 100Million just came out of the air and I'm just curious as to where it came from. You may not know or it doesn't matter to you and that's fine. I'm glad to see people helping out however they can...I will continue to help out here at my local charities also as I've always done when I can.

Perhaps if you had verbalized similiar money concerns during Katrina or Iraq or to use Burke's example with Afghanistan it would be easier to buy into this theory that this isn't just a way to ding Obama.

[blebs]

I can understand helping people in a disaster. Man needs to help Man, that's a given, but we need to help our own citizens as well. Anyone taken a look at the homeless shelters lately? If not, go have a look just before closing and see how long the lines are. Funny thing is, these people disappear until morning. Where do they go?

[Sava700]

i dont understand -
poof - here's 100 million and more on the way -
WTF?
sheesh
i want a job -

yep 100million right out of thin air...

[Roody]

I can understand helping people in a disaster. Man needs to help Man, that's a given, but we need to help our own citizens as well.

A point no one disagrees with blebs.

[Sava700]

I can understand helping people in a disaster. Man needs to help Man, that's a given, but we need to help our own citizens as well. Anyone taken a look at the homeless shelters lately? If not, go have a look just before closing and see how long the lines are. Funny thing is, these people disappear until morning. Where do they go?

This is the point I'm getting at..we have the need here EVERYDAY not just a single day of a issue..do we need a earth quake for the whole country to help those here?

[Sava700]

Perhaps if you had verbalized similiar money concerns during Katrina or Iraq or to use Burke's example with Afghanistan it would be easier to buy into this theory that this isn't just a way to ding Obama.

I shouldn't have to express concerns for whatever just to make certain people happy or to justify a concern or explain a question I'm asking or to defend that I just said a few times already in this thread that it wasn't a ding against Obama.

[Roody]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/20 ... ti-relief/

[YARDofSTUF]

Perhaps if you had verbalized similiar money concerns during Katrina or Iraq or to use Burke's example with Afghanistan it would be easier to buy into this theory that this isn't just a way to ding Obama.

He did bring up complaints like this about katrina.

[Shinobi]

I really don't care where the money is coming from... those people need help.

Looking at some of the photo's on the news sites, just horrific. I see that other countries are accelerating efforts as well.

[Humboldt]

I really don't care where the money is coming from... those people need help.

Looking at some of the photo's on the news sites, just horrific. I see that other countries are accelerating efforts as well.

Reps sent

Federal aid for this is a drop in the bucket compared to what's spent on other complete bullshit.

I understand where Sava is coming from but the in the larger scheme of things it's money well used IMO.
Not regardless of where it comes from but more importantly regarding where it goes to.

If Sava would rather donate to local causes, good for him
Much needed.

Respect for Obama and Bush and Clinton for their efforts in this as well.

[Humboldt]

I'm glad to see people helping out however they can...I will continue to help out here at my local charities also as I've always done when I can.

Reps sent

[JawZ]

Just to keep things in check, foreign aid donated to the US for Hurricane Katrina was around $854 million.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internatio ... ne_Katrina

[Roody]

He did bring up complaints like this about katrina.

He was concerned about the money we would be spending to help our own citizens with Katrina?

[YARDofSTUF]

He was concerned about the money we would be spending to help our own citizens with Katrina?

It was a huge thread. He wen on about how people shouldnt have lived in New Orleans and that we shouldn't waste money rebuilding there and so on.

Hell this is the same guy that says people are stupid for getting caught in wild fires, because they're so easy to outrun.

[Roody]

It was a huge thread. He wen on about how people shouldnt have lived in New Orleans and that we shouldn't waste money rebuilding there and so on.

Hell this is the same guy that says people are stupid for getting caught in wild fires, because they're so easy to outrun.

ahhh yes. I remember that now.

[Sava700]

It was a huge thread. He wen on about how people shouldnt have lived in New Orleans and that we shouldn't waste money rebuilding there and so on.

Hell this is the same guy that says people are stupid for getting caught in wild fires, because they're so easy to outrun.

LMAO.... its a big DAMN BOWL!! Even experts have said it, so I've not stated anything beyond what many experts have pointed out for years!! As for the Wild fires...again EXPERTS have stated that we constantly push in to regions and have for years had fire control to the point the fuel on the ground could cause many wild fires even larger than the ones we experience now so my argument was justified by yet again experts in the field.

I really don't wish to argue these two issues since they are way off topic from the "Haiti Earthquake".

[YARDofSTUF]

LMAO.... its a big DAMN BOWL!! Even experts have said it, so I've not stated anything beyond what many experts have pointed out for years!! As for the Wild fires...again EXPERTS have stated that we constantly push in to regions and have for years had fire control to the point the fuel on the ground could cause many wild fires even larger than the ones we experience now so my argument was justified by yet again experts in the field.

I really don't wish to argue these two issues since they are way off topic from the "Haiti Earthquake".

Oh my bad, you only like to attack one type of victim at a time?

[Sava700]

Oh my bad, you only like to attack one type of victim at a time?

[Roody]

Oh my bad, you only like to attack one type of victim at a time?

[Sava700]

I didn't see that as funny cause I'm not "attacking" anyone... and its really way off topic to even discuss something else beyond the title of the thread. As a mod I would think you would agree and not fuel the fire.