Congressman disappointed at lack of foreign aid for Katrina victims

[Bullshot]

At a town hall meeting in Ottawa, Ohio Wednesday, Republican Congressman Paul Gillmor commented about the lack of assistance from other countries for victims of Hurricane Katrina. I wouldn't say he was upset, but the fact that he brought it up tells you that he's disappointed with the other countries. He brought up the fact that the U.S. is always there for other countries and is the most generous in sending aid to countries that suffer from disasters.

Gee, Congressman. Don't you think maybe that at least some of these countries are a little honked at us because the current administration launched an illegal war on Iraq? Or that it condones a "Christian" nut job who stated on TV that we should assassinate the leader of another country? Or that it appointed another nut job as our ambassador to the UN through some back-door maneuver? Don't cha think?

Background on Gillmor: He's one of these fat-cats who never had to work a day in his life. His family owns banks. He owns five homes--One along Lake Erie, his family homestead, another one in suburban Columbus, another one in Washington, and yet another one in Florida. He could pass as Dennis Hastert's brother in both looks and girth.

Oh, and whenever he comes to this heavily-Catholic part of NW Ohio, he always manages to get in his word that he's pro-life, even though I've never seen him introduce anything to back his statement. But, it gets the job done, because all of those attending his meetings just swoon over him when he says he's pro-life (but he supports the war and staying in Iraq. Go figure).

[Birthmark]

1. I'm disappointed at the lack of domestic aid

[jbnow]

2. And gee congressman

we've already turned down real assistance. (Don't know if we'd ever turn down money)

And gee congressman, I am more disappointed at our own frigging government's lack of rapid assistance for its own people.

And gee congressman, shut the f up.

[bribri16]

17. Thank you!!! n/t

[CJCRANE]

3. That's stupid

a) the USA is supposedly the richest country in the world
b) any offer of aid could be seen as an insult or scoring political points (e.g. Chavez).

[auburngrad82]

4. Exactly what do they expect

Remember we're the richest country in the world and we've opted lately for isolationist policies and to strongarm the rest of the world to get what we want. Do they just expect everyone's hearts to immediately fill with love for us now?

It doesn't work that way.

[agingdem]

5. I could be wrong but...

I think Georgie's "fuck you" policies (Irag, Kyoto, Bolton and the UN, "new Europe", etc) has a lot to do with the apathetic response from world leaders.

[quisp]

6. in fact, there have been offers of aid from other countries

and even Venezuela has offered discounted fuel oil to New Orleans.

But it isn't reported on Faux News so the Congressman probably hasn't heard about it.

[leesa]

7. You mean those countries you ridiculed and offended with insults?

Those worthless "we don't need em" countries?? We usually send the least amount of money. I think the GOP has spread this myth of US generosity for long enough.

[no_hypocrisy]

9. Was it something "we" said?!

The world is enjoying a cluster Schadenfreude, karma blowback. Our (not mine in particular) hubris has come back to bite us in the ass. When you tell the world "we don't need or want you", the world will respond accordingly, humanity be damned. Can't have it both ways.

[Totally Committed]

8. Our government goes out and intentionally

and arrogantly pisses all over the rest of the world, and we are disappointed in the lack of foreign aid for a natural disaster?

The United States has said in word and action, "We can go it alone". Perhaps the rest of the world has decided to let us do EXACLY that.

TC

[Mass]

10. Actually coming

France and Germany have both offered help at this point, waiting for Bush to say what we need.

The basic problem will probably be that the lack of will and organization in the US will delay this help (dont forget, Bush has only stepped on the plate yesterday afternoon).

[LetsGoMurphys]

11. other countries shouldnt take W's policies out

on the poor people that are suffering. We as a people have been very generous to these other countries. Those who can decipher between us and our government are the truly intelligent ones.

[Yupster]

12. Agree Letsgo

Even in the Red State of Louisiana, I'd wager without looking it up that the people of New Orleans voted overwhelmingly for Gore and Kerry.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

14. Read the posts above before responding!

Other countries HAVE offered aid.

[KayLaw]

13. Geez!

Not very well informed for a congressman, is he?

:shrug:

[hopein08]

15. I've found that low expectations for Republicans help in quelling anger...

over their pure and simple idiotic nature. Sure I still get mad, but nothing surprises me anymore. It's really quite sad.

By the way, Bullshot, I'm going to pass this information to my sister. She just moved to Bowling Green to get her masters this summer. She's still registered to vote in Pennsylvania but may switch, but she'll like to know about the politics of the area. He would be the Representative for Bowling Green, right? Our current Congressman is Phil English. He's another Repub. fat-cat who's never actually had a job. He brags about being a teetotaler all his life. He's also got a girth as big if not larger than Hastert. And, his wife is such a twit that she calls his local office and asks where she's supposed to call to make a plane reservation.

[CBHagman]

16. Our own State Department says Gillmor is a liar.

Sean McCormack, the official State Department spokesman, just rattled off a long, long list of nations and international organizations that have offered what he termed "generous" help. The would-be donors include France, Germany, and Venezuela, among others. Let Gillmor's office know this.

[saracat]

18. We refused aid from Russsia < Holland and Venezeula. Fuck him.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

19. We've been known to turn down help

Goodness knows we didn't let the team of International election observers to function here last November.

W doesn't know how to accept help, for others, in public.

He only knows behind the scenes dirty money, and brute force.

:puke: