Libertarian Librarian

History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men.

So, Katrina misses most of New Orleans, but still manages to devastate the city. Makes me feel a little bad about this post. But only a little. You live in a city located below sea level and right next to the sea, well, you take your chances, I guess. Which does not make me heartless. I do feel for the thousands and thousands of folks whose lives have been totally ripped apart by the failing of the city's levees. I mean, how can you look at this:

without feeling for the owners and residents of that city? Indeed, should you wish to help out, please go here and pick the charity of your choice.

But. But. The title of the post is, sadly, tongue in cheek. Here's the question-- why? When there are earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, droughts, or attacks by bands of roving mutant crocodiles anywhere in the world, U.S. Aid agencies are always at the forefront of efforts to help. Always. Even in countries that don't like us.

So, where in the bleeding sands of San Parneudro are all of our allies now? The current estimate of damage is up to around 35 BILLION! The death toll is over 100, and is likely to rise much, much higher. Thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of people are homeless, and it may be months before the city is even habitable, much less close to normal.

Where is OUR help? I know we're the richest country on the planet, so okay, I don't expect efforts like those following the tsunami in Southeast Asia, but seriously-- why does it seem nobody outside of the U.S. is doing ANYTHING? There is extensive coverage of the disaster in London's online Guardian newpaper. At least seven separate articles on various aspects of the tragedy. None, not one, lists any aid agencies that readers could donate to, not one article suggest that Tony Blair send us some aid. NOT ONE FRIGGIN MENTION!

Australia's Daily Telegraph calls it an "unimagined catastrophe", but again, no mention is given of possible aid from the Australian government, nor are there any addresses, links, or other suggestions for how readers could help us in our hour of need. Our two closest allies, and neither one of them even suggests that maybe we could use a hand, nor provides any information for readers who might wish to lend a hand.

Germany's Der Spiegel magazine offers some explanation for the lack of response, and I understand what they're saying about not needing foreign troops or helicopters or anything. Clearly we don't need any of that. But how about some $ for the Red Cross or donations to various other charities? No?

Does anyone doubt that if the levees in Holland broke and the North Sea came pouring into Amsterdam, that folks in Kansas, Arizona, Georgia, Connecticut and everywhere else in America would be sending money and condolensces to the poor Dutch people? But we get nada, zip, bupkiss?

Aye carumba. Well, okay kids. We're on our own. Please donate if you can, and say some prayers for the homeless and injured.

UPDATE: Well, okay, I found one article saying that British Petroleum has pledged $1 million to the Red Cross for aid efforts in Louisiana, and will match employee donations on a 1-1 basis. Good for them. So, that's 1. Hopefully more will come as the massive scope of the disaster becomes clearer.

I also found an article indicating that Venezuela is willing to send aid workers, water and other stuff. Venezuela of all places. Go figure. But a nice offer, nonetheless.