<p>Just wondering, where are our international friends? Americans rush to all corners of the earth, as official government groups and as concerned individuals, to assist others who have suffered natural disasters. I hope that we see some reciprocol help in the weeks and months to come.</p>
<p>Venezuela has offered oil, food, drinking water, medical care, buses for transport.</p>
<p>We could also use some of those to provide scientific briefings to the politicians. There is NO health risk from exposed dead bodies (as horrible as we might feel that is.) All the politicians do when they talk about that is to ratchet up fears higher than it would be otherwise. The biggest disease risk is tetanus (from smaller injuries, gashes, etc.), and then, as it has always been in the southeastern states, cholera.</p>
<p>lkf my H and I were discussing that Q last night. I guess we will wait and see.</p>
<p>Well, after our initial gracious offer to the tsunami victims that the administration had to be shamed into increasing, I can’t blame the international community for not saying, well, here’s some money</p>
<p>After seeing how much is going to Iraq we don’t look like paupers</p>
<p>And what about our own drug companies my Goodness, Walmart should be sending in truck loads of goods</p>
<p>Our drug companies are the ones to step up know- they have the medicine, the pills for the water, first aid…</p>
<p>When our own businesses step up, then we can complain about the rest of the world</p>
<p>
It would be nice to visit a thread on this subject that didn’t feature such snide and frankly, uninformed commentary. Must you turn every aspect of this tragedy into a Point/Counterpoint amateur hour, CGM?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-083005aid_lat,0,7658760.story?coll=la-tot-promo[/url]”>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-083005aid_lat,0,7658760.story?coll=la-tot-promo</a></p>
<p>The Texas governor was just on CNN. Texas will be sending 500 buses to evacuate the Superdome. The refugees will be housed in the Astrodome. The calendar of events has been cleared until December. They will be fed and clothed and their medical needs taken care of. Their children will attend public school until they return as well. Texas National Guardsmen are also on the way and medical evacuations to Children’s Hospital in Houston have begun.</p>
<p>No political agenda here. I’m just proud of my state right now. We haven’t agreed on much lately concerning important issues. It just feels good that we can agree on this need and jump in to help. </p>
<p>I am proud that my state is taking action to help in whatever way is possible.</p>
<p>Driver, I’m not interested in discussing the “politics” of this, especially on this site, but the OP was a political one, so a political reply seems reasonable for those inclined.</p>
<p>I agree about the OP, Garland, my objection had to do with quality and tone rather than subject.</p>
<p>Just heard that in addition to the Superdome, Reunion Arena in Dallas will also be used to house refugees.</p>
<p>Could be Eadad. I haven’t heard that, but it makes sense if it eases crowding.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Actually, Walmart offered this initial donation on August 29th:
“As Hurricane Katrina bears down on the Gulf Coast states, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced a donation of $1 million to The Salvation Army to provide early support for upcoming disaster relief assistance.”</p>
<p>Also, thank you mini…I just heard this morning about Venezuela’s assistance. I hope others follow suit. </p>
<p>Alongfortheride, I think that the contributions made by Texas are wonderful. I also heard that the New York firefighters were sending a contingent to assist in some way. </p>
<p>Actually, my original post wasn’t meant to spark political controversy. I would just be happy to see the “international brotherhood” concept work both ways. There is no way enough can be done to help the victims of this disaster.</p>
<p>alongforthe ride, you <em>should</em> be ever so proud. Your information has made me teary-eyed. The “might could” state is right there being the Just Do It state. Stupendous and inspiring.</p>
<p>As we drove north out of Baton Rouge yesterday, we saw the convoys of utility trucks from other parishes and other states headed South. It buoyed my spirits. Had I been there to see your Texas bus convoy, I would have dissolved in a puddle of my own tears.</p>
<p>$1million…thanks, Walmart</p>
<p>I will offer a sincere thanks to the Waltons for what I’m sure was just an advance on future similar examples of compassion in the opening stage of this tragedy.</p>
<p>I am sure the gas/oil companies will show some compassion, as well, which I am sure will be forthcoming soon as well in this tragedy.</p>
<p>And I do thank Walmart. I would have expected nothing less.</p>
<p>(sigh)…</p>
<p>Several Canadian relief organizations are organizing donations and volunteers to send to the affected areas. Anne McLellan, Canada’s Public Security Minister, has promised that Canada will do what ever it can to help (they’ve already inventoried the drugs, and I heard on the news that they’re also sending some sort of water purification system developed by the military)</p>
<p>I haven’t seen if anywhere else in the news, but the Dateline NBC special just reported that the State Department has received offers of assistance from about a dozen foreign countries. I wonder why none if it is being made public as it was after the tsunami…</p>
<p>I teach in a suburb of Houston, and our school just enrolled 3 evacuees today, and the number will go up, we know. The family’s clothing sizes have been disseminated to the teachers, and we are supplying these kids with school supplies, clothing, etc and clothing, etc. for the parents. They are staying with relatives, but this is a huge financial drain, and no job to go home to. Just money going out. We are also collecting gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, etc.
I am still wondering where the Hollywood stars are that came out for tsunami relief. Our church is having a second collection for Catholic Charities, and boxes for donations for evacuees in our area. I am also VERY proud of Texas for all that we are doing for these people. We have suffered in the past, and know what it is to need help. We have also received and sent help in the past. So it is easy to understand why Texans have risen tot he challenge. Churches close to the border with Louisiana opened up for evacuees almost immediately, and my friend said San Antonio is taking in many as well. Go Texas!!!</p>