motorsport goodwill

[drunkenmaster]

If only more countries and there governments were more concerned about a true humanitarian crisis.

If you look at some of the amounts of aid given by some large economies compared to others it's appalling.

January 11, 2005

Australia has announced the biggest pledge in its history: $US762 million ($A1.01 billion)

Germany has also promised a massive package, totalling $US668 million ($A881.85 million)

Japan, which has promised $US500 million ($A660.07 million

United States has pledged $US350 million ($A462.05 million)

I dont have other numbers on hand, but there were significantly small amounts from other European countries like France.

[Bambikiller240]

I do not have figures either, but I heard a radio report that the contributions of the oil-rich countries (like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, et al) were very small in comparison.

BTW, my understanding is that the $350 Million figure pledged by the US counted only government funds, not public charites like Red Cross, etc. I wonder if the figures for the other countries also account for only government funds. I suspect this would be the case.

BTW2, I find it interesting that the world has rallied to this cause, but seems to have ignored the loss of over 500 million lives in Rwanda over the past few years.

[drunkenmaster]

There have been huge non government contributions by charities all over the world, government contributions prove to be the most interesting in my opinion though showing political alignments and policies. Locally there have been nation wide concerts, and special international sporting events all donating proceeds in the millions to the cause.

I beleive as this disaster has affected citizens of so many nations, was so sudden and the clarity of purpose to aid and rebuild all contribute to the global effort.

[Go240Zags]

I do not have figures either, but I heard a radio report that the contributions of the oil-rich countries (like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, et al) were very small in comparison.

BTW, my understanding is that the $350 Million figure pledged by the US counted only government funds, not public charites like Red Cross, etc. I wonder if the figures for the other countries also account for only government funds. I suspect this would be the case.

BTW2, I find it interesting that the world has rallied to this cause, but seems to have ignored the loss of over 500 million lives in Rwanda over the past few years.

Not only does that $350 million pledge from the U.S. government not count contributions from corporations, churches and ordinary Joes/Jills, it also doesn't count the 14,000+ U.S. military personnel 44 (supposed to double) helicopters and planes and naval ships the U.S. has been using to provide immediate aid. That's got to have run into the tens of millions already and probably won't stop until its over $100 million. Of course we're not alone using our military to deliver food, medical supplies and treatment, but often that part of a country's participation is overlooked. Indonesia, however is already trying to boot foreign military aid out.

Bambi, It never fails to amaze me how sometimes the world responds so generously and at othertimes it turns a blind eye. I don't know if it has to do with one crisis being in Asia and the other being in Africa, I would sure hope not. Part of it I think is we give to whatever is freshest in our mind and is getting all the television coverage.

As far as pledges of aid go, it only counts if the countries follow thru. The Christmas time earthquake about a year ago in Iran garnered hundreds of millions of dollars in promised aid. The actual amount delivered was a fraction of that. And unfortunately there are still many people in Iran living out of tents without enough food and water.

[Inf]

BTW, my understanding is that the $350 Million figure pledged by the US counted only government funds, not public charites like Red Cross, etc. I wonder if the figures for the other countries also account for only government funds. I suspect this would be the case.

BTW2, I find it interesting that the world has rallied to this cause, but seems to have ignored the loss of over 500 million lives in Rwanda over the past few years.

1) I'm not sure about the others, but I know the figure for Japan is government funds. The $350 million does not include military resources expended carrying out aid work either IIRC.

2) This bothers me as well. I suppose it has something to do with what the media feels obliged to report on. For them, I suppose, carnage in Africa is 'old news' and not worth reporting on and rallying support for.

[Bambikiller240]

...........Bambi, It never fails to amaze me how sometimes the world responds so generously and at othertimes it turns a blind eye. I don't know if it has to do with one crisis being in Asia and the other being in Africa, I would sure hope not. Part of it I think is we give to whatever is freshest in our mind and is getting all the television coverage...........

...........

2) This bothers me as well. I suppose it has something to do with what the media feels obliged to report on. For them, I suppose, carnage in Africa is 'old news' and not worth reporting on and rallying support for.

Thanks for the responses, guys!

Sadly, even when the Rwanda situation WAS being reported on the nightly news and on the front page of newspapers, the governments of the world and the U.N. largely ignored the situation. Oh, the U.N. sent in a few "Peacekeepers" but they turned tail and ran away when the going got tough.

I have to believe that the realtors of the world have a saying that explains it....."Location, Location, Location". It makes all the difference in the world.:mad:

[drunkenmaster]

or "natural resources, natural resources, natural resources"

Mosquitos appear to be the big concern in Indonesia now.