Ask for help?? !! ?????

[IrishEyes]

I've recently seen and read that there are many countries around the world that have offered to help the US during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Most of the countries have made donations to the ARC, or other charitable organizations. Many more have said that they have certain things, from military equipment, to doctors, to cash, at the ready, if only we ask.

 

This brings up two questions for me...

1) Why would countries publicize that they are willing to help, but are awaiting a 'formal request' from Washington? Why not just make the offer, and if the US takes it then- ok, if not- ok? Either way, why put out that you are willing to help but will wait for the US to ask? Are all countries required to ask every country for help in a disaster? Is that how it went with the tsunami? Did everyone just wait until specific countries asked for specific things?

 

2) WHY, if offers have been made, have we not accepted them? Is this a pride issue? Do we only want help from some countries but not others? Should we not accept help for people in need because we don't care for policies or leaders of the country that is offering?

 

This really has me upset, can you tell? Yet I can't seem figure out either of these two things. I understand that there is a diplomatic protocol for certain situations. But shouldn't the protocol be relaxed when people's lives are on the line? Or should it then be more strictly adhered to?

[Erasmus00]

This brings up two questions for me...

1) Why would countries publicize that they are willing to help, but are awaiting a 'formal request' from Washington? Why not just make the offer, and if the US takes it then- ok, if not- ok? Either way, why put out that you are willing to help but will wait for the US to ask? Are all countries required to ask every country for help in a disaster? Is that how it went with the tsunami? Did everyone just wait until specific countries asked for specific things?

 

Think about the situation with the downed Russian sub. The first time it happened, Russia refused to ask for help, and so they never got it, and lives were lost. Unfortunately, it seems national pride often comes before lives.

-Will

[IrishEyes]

Think about the situation with the downed Russian sub. The first time it happened, Russia refused to ask for help, and so they never got it, and lives were lost. Unfortunately, it seems national pride often comes before lives.

-Will

So you think this is a case of national pride? Whose pride? Is the US to proud to accept help from others? Or are the others waiting for us to ask so they can say "Oh look, the US needs help!"

 

Personally, I can't see a country doing that. What would it gain them, to mock us in a time of disaster? Would they feel better than us? And why would we not ask for help from everyone around? I mean, send out an SOS message on CNN, "The US is seeking and accepting any and all forms of help that other coutnries around the world are willing to provide."

 

I saw a list on CNN that specified how much each country was willing to donate. It was quite interesting. From countries like Sri Lanka and Thailand, who have their own rebuilding to do still, to France and Cuba. Of course, it was cool seeing all of the EU coutnries that have volunteered 'things' to help. But when I got to the list of the Middle East, I was blown away. One country was willing to donate $100 and another $500 - that's MILLION, by the way. It just made me cry, literally.

[Tormod]

I don't think anyone (at least not on a national level) is mocking the US, far from it. I do think however that the logistics do play a major role. The US has a large system in place and probably wants to handle as much as possible on their own. We have several rescue teams here in Norway who have been on stand-by since before Katrina hit, and they are now taken off duty since the US did not need them. A smaller team of SAR (search and rescue) people were sent on US request, I think.

 

I think it is a good sign that countries don't just send realms of rescue workers without an official invitation. Imagine the nightmare if thousands of people suddenly turn up around New Orleans to help out if there is no need for them.

 

On the other hand, there might be a pride issue too. If people die because national rescue attemts are futile or not good enough, then yes, help should have been requested. It will always be easier to be wise in hindsight, though...

[Qfwfq]

India was moderately hit by the tsunami just after Xmas and was offered help, like other hit countries. They replied thanks, but other countries are hit worse and we are able to help others as well as our own victims.