[LuckyStrike]

Samoa and Indonesia have again been hit by earthquakes and tsunamis. Maybe I am just uninformed, but I have not seen any reports about the United States rushing aid to the sites of devastation. Apparently heavy digging equipment is needed on site. During the Bush administration, Bush sent the U.S. military to help out. Is Obama doing as much? I don't know, I have not seen any reports to that effect. Why do I not know whether or not we are? Why is the news media not telling me?

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by LuckyStrike

Samoa and Indonesia have again been hit by earthquakes and tsunamis. Maybe I am just uninformed, but I have not seen any reports about the United States rushing aid to the sites of devastation. Apparently heavy digging equipment is needed on site. During the Bush administration, Bush sent the U.S. military to help out. Is Obama doing as much? I don't know, I have not seen any reports to that effect. Why do I not know whether or not we are? Why is the news media not telling me?

Of course the U.S. --- President Obama is giving aid , why would you think not ? .
>f

U.S. military sends aid to Pacific disaster-torn areas
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military has been providing assistance to typhoon- and earthquake-damaged areas in the Pacific Ocean, the Army Times reported on Saturday.

The U.S. Pacific Command has sent five Air Force C-17 transport jets from Hawaii, to the U.S. island territory of American Samoa, which was devastated by a strong earthquake and an ensuing tsunami Tuesday that took at least 31 lives, it said.

The aircraft sent to American Samoa were laden with search-and-rescue teams, mortuary affairs personnel, food and water, more than 10 wheeled vehicles, as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supplies.

In addition, a U.S. frigate has arrived off the coast of American Samoa.

In the Philippines, where downpours on Sept. 26 caused by Typhoon Ketsana flooded capital Manila, two U.S. dock landing ships are standing by offshore with some 1,500 personnel aboard, including elements of III Marine Expeditionary Force out of Okinawa, according to Timothy Keating, head of the Pacific Command.

As the Filipinos are bracing for even more severe weather, Keating said the U.S. military will provide further assistance if it is required.

The Pacific Command also sent a C-130 transport aircraft to western Indonesia, where it delivered relief supplies following the Sept. 30 earthquake there.

In addition, the amphibious transport dock ship Denver, with 1,033 service members aboard, will arrive in Indonesia in "a couple of days" with its three CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters and a half-dozen smaller helos.




http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...t_12178521.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agencies working to aid Samoans hit by quake, tsunami
CNN) -- Five days after a deadly earthquake and tsunami slammed into the Samoan Islands, burying parts of the islands under a sea of mud and debris, U.S. agencies continued Saturday helping residents dig out and providing relief to disaster victims.
About 300 responders are on the ground in American Samoa, including personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Health and Human Services, according to those agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy are continuing transport of supplies to the territory, including meals, water, blankets, tents and medical supplies.

"In addition to our efforts in support of the governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in a press release Saturday from FEMA's Washington headquarters.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapc...a.tsunami.aid/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Military searches for bodies, brings aid to Samoas

The United States, Australia and New Zealand sent in supplies and troops, including a U.S. Navy frigate carrying two helicopters that will be used in search-and-rescue efforts. The Hawaii Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force flew three cargo planes to American Samoa that carried 100 Navy and Army guard personnel and reservists.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...BAmQwD9B2MHBG0


http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49717

[poochee]

Another source, where the President addressed the subject.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_303304.html

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by poochee

Another source, where the President addressed the subject.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_303304.html

poochee ,,,One thing that I have always been proud of is ...... the U.S. response to disasters overseas .
American Samoa is a given , but I am speaking of nations that our not under our "umbrella " so to speak .
Its one example of really doing something decent , aiding the unfortunate victims --- without ulterior evil motives , and hidden agendas .
to this kind of U.S. aid ! . Something we can be proud of ! >f

[poochee]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

poochee ,,,One thing that I have always been proud of is ...... the U.S. response to disasters overseas .
American Samoa is a given , but I am speaking of nations that our not under our "umbrella " so to speak .
Its one example of really doing something decent , aiding the unfortunate victims --- without ulterior evil motives , and hidden agendas .
to this kind of U.S. aid ! . Something we can be proud of ! >f

Yes, we can be proud of that!

[LuckyStrike]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

Of course the U.S. --- President Obama is giving aid , why would you think not ? .

I didn't say that I thought we were not giving aid. I said I didn't know. I was wondering why I have not seen reports to that effect. The most informative link you provided is a Chinese news site. I don't normally browse chinese news sites. I was wondering why there is not more information about what the U.S. is doing to help in American news sites.

The main point of my post is that I am interested in knowing what we are doing to help those people, and I wondered why that information is not being widely reported. I googled for "american aid to tsunami victims" and most of the results of my search were about other countries giving aid, or about the 2004 tsunami.

[dotty999]

Originally Posted by poochee

Yes, we can be proud of that!

I cannot wholeheartedly agree! I wish the UK hadn't become embroiled in the Afghanistan war due to the USA, you have to draw the line somewhere, aid is another matter which is different and should be addressed as a matter of urgency and appropriately so

[poochee]

Originally Posted by dotty999

I cannot wholeheartedly agree! I wish the UK hadn't become embroiled in the Afghanistan war due to the USA, you have to draw the line somewhere, aid is another matter which is different and should be addressed as a matter of urgency and appropriately so

I was referring go disasters.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by dotty999

I cannot wholeheartedly agree! I wish the UK hadn't become embroiled in the Afghanistan war due to the USA, you have to draw the line somewhere, aid is another matter which is different and should be addressed as a matter of urgency and appropriately so

What in hell are you talking about ?.
The subject is disaster aid , humanitarian efforts , a whole different deal than occupations , weapons deals , and nation building .
Disaster aid , and providing it , is something to be proud of , it makes sense above politic .
As far as the UK , well , you got screwed too , you know it ,I know it , we all did . >f

[poochee]

Originally Posted by LuckyStrike

I didn't say that I thought we were not giving aid. I said I didn't know. I was wondering why I have not seen reports to that effect. The most informative link you provided is a Chinese news site. I don't normally browse chinese news sites. I was wondering why there is not more information about what the U.S. is doing to help in American news sites.

The main point of my post is that I am interested in knowing what we are doing to help those people, and I wondered why that information is not being widely reported. I googled for "american aid to tsunami victims" and most of the results of my search were about other countries giving aid, or about the 2004 tsunami.

I guess you don't believe the Huffington link.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by LuckyStrike

I didn't say that I thought we were not giving aid. I said I didn't know. I was wondering why I have not seen reports to that effect. The most informative link you provided is a Chinese news site. I don't normally browse chinese news sites. I was wondering why there is not more information about what the U.S. is doing to help in American news sites.

The main point of my post is that I am interested in knowing what we are doing to help those people, and I wondered why that information is not being widely reported. I googled for "american aid to tsunami victims" and most of the results of my search were about other countries giving aid, or about the 2004 tsunami.

I believe it is not noteworthy , no really big news story , as we always provide some aid in these situations , we expect it . The American media gives us what we want , and this story is not it . Lettermans affairs is .
I read about the disasters , and aid in media , so did not think much about it .
Maybe you need to read better sources ?.
When you posted , you brought up Barack Obama and George Bush , why I don't know as American policy has not changed that I know of >>>
"During the Bush administration, Bush sent the U.S. military to help out. Is Obama doing as much?"
It appeared to me that you thought maybe something had changed in U.S. disaster relief policies because of change in administrations ?.
No luck there , our President , our nation will always { hopefully } come to aid when disaster strikes and is needed . >f

[Wino]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

I believe it is not noteworthy , no really big news story , as we always provide some aid in these situations , we expect it . The American media gives us what we want , and this story is not it . Lettermans affairs is .
I read about the disasters , and aid in media , so did not think much about it .
Maybe you need to read better sources ?.
When you posted , you brought up Barack Obama and George Bush , why I don't know as American policy has not changed that I know of >>>"During the Bush administration, Bush sent the U.S. military to help out. Is Obama doing as much?"
It appeared to me that you thought maybe something had changed in U.S. disaster relief policies because of change in administrations ?.
No luck there , our President , our nation will always { hopefully } come to aid when disaster strikes and is needed . >f

You have to admit that Bush didn't have a lot to brag about, so he would really push to make it known we were sending aid to a foreign disaster area. Ironic he flubbed Katrina so badly.

[dotty999]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

What in hell are you talking about ?.
The subject is disaster aid , humanitarian efforts , a whole different deal than occupations , weapons deals , and nation building .
Disaster aid , and providing it , is something to be proud of , it makes sense above politic .
As far as the UK , well , you got screwed too , you know it ,I know it , we all did . >f

don't even go there! Bush got the UK involved,yea, we got screwed which involved many of our men suffering fatalities for a useless war.

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by dotty999

don't even go there! Bush got the UK involved,yea, we got screwed which involved many of our men suffering fatalities for a useless war.

You Brits did not, have not , suffered financially , or with fatalities , nearly as much as the U.S..
That said , I agree with your outrage , your pain , and opposition to these wars { at least Iraq totally , and the other ? increasingly so } .
BUT , you cannot blame the moron , Bush Jr, , for Brit involvement . That is your problem . Bush was ours .
You in the UK obviously have a-holes in charge too ! .
Licking Bush boots is bound to cost a big price !
This is the kind of leadership that you Brits should ditch , and all those who support them --IMO
Still , this has nothing to with humanitarian-- disaster aid. >f

[Couriant]

if only the US can react this quickly domestically...