# After Katrina **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 30, 2005, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201 "2005-08-30T03:03:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/21 "2005-08-30T19:12:36Z")
This is one of the more mean-spirited OPs I’ve seen here. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2005, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/22 "2005-08-30T19:38:17Z")
> [@guizot](#): > > I think that the U.S. has a lot more than the countries affected by the sunamis. To expect places like Sri Lanka and Indonesia to give money to the U.S. seems strange to me. These are relatatively poor countries, and, I would imagine, countries which are in debt (a relatively greater debt than that of the U.S., perhaps). For the sarcasm-impaired, I was not being serious when I suggested that Sri Lanka and Indonesia owed us one. ---
**Author:** ![flodnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/838e76/32.png) [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/23 "2005-08-31T11:18:52Z")
> [@whiterabbit](#): > > This is one of the more mean-spirited OPs I’ve seen here. Indeed. I’m a bit surprised it wasn’t moved straight to the Pit, but perhaps **samclem** is the optimistic type. To answer the OP, think about it. Natural disasters in countries as wealthy as the US generally do not prompt massive international aid, because those countries can take care of themselves. Sometimes specific aid is requested - large forest or brush fires, for instance, can be too much for fire fighters from one country to handle - but generally wealthy countries are able to take care of their own. If the United States had asked for international assistance and been refused, you’d have a point. What’s happening right now, on the other hand, is Standard Operating Procedure for First World Disasters. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/24 "2005-08-31T11:42:41Z")
> [@KeithT](#): > > [Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offers food, fuel to US.](http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=152850) Of course, that’s obviously a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism all over the continent, so it probably shouldn’t count. 😉 I was all set to congratulate Mr. Chavez on rising above petty disputes in times of emergency… until I read this: > [@](#): > > Last week, Chavez offered discount gasoline to poor Americans suffering from high oil prices and on Sunday offered free eye surgery for Americans without access to health care. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/25 "2005-08-31T11:44:14Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I was all set to congratulate Mr. Chavez on rising above petty disputes in times of emergency… until I read this: That said… if he’s serious, then good for him, and it’s an excellent gesture. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/26 "2005-08-31T21:16:07Z")
> [@lk1932](#): > > How many countries of the world will offer us aid during OUR hour of need. Does the number “0” sound about right? I think that nearly everyone is on the same page with this one. [If you need help, you’ve got it.](http://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/katrina_083005_9000.shtml) > [@](#): > > The Deputy Prime Minister added that she has contacted U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and advised him that Canada stands ready to provide assistance if needed. In addition, the Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh, has directed the Public Health Agency of Canada to contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and offer any assistance that may be helpful, such as emergency medical supplies contained in the National Emergency Stockpile System. Apart from the offer of support from the Canadian federal government, [Canadian relief agencies](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050831.waid0831/BNStory/Front) are mobilizing to help out in the aftermath of Katrina. > [@](#): > > Highly trained Canadian disaster response volunteers are currently being readied to be sent to the devastated areas, the Red Cross said. I expect that the response is about the same from other U.S. allies. Why the hell would anyone expect otherwise? Of course, in real terms, the amount of concrete aid that comes in will be utterly dwarfed by the amount of outgoing aid that goes out – but that’s natural – the U.S. doesn’t require financial aid. Other countries will stand ready with offers of supplies and skilled relief workers – because these are areas where we can actually _help._ You can read this post as significantly abridged, seeing as we’re not in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![CWN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@CWN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CWN)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/27 "2005-08-31T23:27:54Z")
> [@Larry Mudd](#): > > I think that nearly everyone is on the same page with this one. > > [If you need help, you’ve got it.](http://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/katrina_083005_9000.shtml) > Apart from the offer of support from the Canadian federal government, [Canadian relief agencies](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050831.waid0831/BNStory/Front) are mobilizing to help out in the aftermath of Katrina.I expect that the response is about the same from other U.S. allies. > > Why the hell would anyone expect otherwise? > > Of course, in real terms, the amount of concrete aid that comes in will be utterly dwarfed by the amount of outgoing aid that goes out – but that’s natural – the U.S. doesn’t require financial aid. Other countries will stand ready with offers of supplies and skilled relief workers – because these are areas where we can actually _help._ > > You can read this post as significantly abridged, seeing as we’re not in the Pit. The local NBC station in NYC is running a special telathon and in over 21 minutes has raised over 3.2 million - Just thought I would share ---
**Author:** ![CWN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@CWN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CWN)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/28 "2005-08-31T23:50:12Z")
Update just a bit over 6million after a hour (and Canada we always know you are there for us!) ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/29 "2005-08-31T23:56:17Z")
that canada would send help was not in question, and never would be questioned. just as canada would never wonder if the u.s. would help. both countries have a understanding that we are there for each other at all times. (although i do believe that gw is anti-canada for some odd reason.) a good portion of the time we forget that y’all are a separate country. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2005, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/30 "2005-08-31T23:58:50Z")
I expect that Hydro workers (powerline repair workers and their trucks, etc) will go south without hesitation. We have not forgotten your aid during the Great Ice Storm. ---
**Author:** ![CWN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@CWN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CWN)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/31 "2005-09-01T00:05:44Z")
[QUOTE= a good portion of the time we forget that y’all are a separate country.[/QUOTE] Dang when did that happen!? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![CWN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@CWN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CWN)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/32 "2005-09-01T00:12:34Z")
Always figures we were just a large southern provinece ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/33 "2005-09-01T00:18:08Z")
A [kind word](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=6530337#post6530337) for the OP. (Is that asbestos I smell?) ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/34 "2005-09-01T00:41:59Z")
I heard on the radio that the German Red Cross was on stand by for assistance. ---
**Author:** ![CWN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bc79bd/32.png) [@CWN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CWN)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/35 "2005-09-01T00:48:23Z")
ah geez ya gonna make me start liking the Germans (am of German heritage) ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/36 "2005-09-01T14:58:52Z")
> [@rocking chair](#): > > \(although i do believe that gw is anti-canada for some odd reason.) \ If by gw you mean George W. Bush, he has some reason to be anti-Canadian - our former Prime Minister, Jean Cretien, was firmly anti-American, and not shy about it. And then there was that whole “not going to war against Iraq when the U.S. did” thing. But that doesn’t mean that the average Canadian citizen isn’t going to help in any way they can. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/37 "2005-09-01T18:55:52Z")
> [@lk1932](#): > > How many countries of the world will offer us aid during OUR hour of need. Does the number “0” sound about right? So far, 24. So “0” is about wrong. > **[The latest from the StarTribune](https://www.startribune.com/)** > > Follow the StarTribune for the news, photos and videos from the Twin Cities and beyond. ---
**Author:** ![hildea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ebca7d/32.png) [@hildea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hildea)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/38 "2005-09-01T18:58:30Z")
The Norwegian Red Cross has information about how to donate to American Red Cross on their webpage. They’ve been asked by Amercian Red Cross what kind of help they can offer, and list water-equipment (I assume for purifying drinking water), medical equipment, and tents as stuff they can send quickly. ([Info in Norwegian](http://www.rodekors.no/Article.asp?ArticleID=11931&oppslag=1)). > [@lk1932](#): > > Does the number “0” sound about right? No, not really. ---
**Author:** ![Jman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jman/32/4416_2.png) [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/39 "2005-09-01T18:59:17Z")
> [@CWN](#): > > ah geez ya gonna make me start liking the Germans (am of German heritage) I like Germans too. (while I live in Germany, I am an American…but of German descent, so whatever…) ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2005, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201/40 "2005-09-01T21:51:41Z")
[Aid offers pour in from around the globe](http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9161198/). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-katrina/319201.md?page=3)