The Russians are helping

[Swifty_Johnson]

http://www.russiajournal.com/news/cnewswire.shtml?nw=48834#n48834

Russia offers help to U.S. after deadly hurricane
Russia Journal
August 31, 2005

MOSCOW — Russia is ready to assist the United States in dealing with the damage caused by hurricane Katrina, which has taken 68 lives so far and left behind a tremendous amount of devastation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to U.S. President George Bush Tuesday.

"Russia deeply sympathizes with Americans, who faced a disaster of such a colossal scale, and is ready to offer necessary assistance," Putin said.

Putin asked Bush to extend his condolences to families and relatives of those killed in the disaster.

"Accept my sincere words of regret in connection with the natural calamity in the USA. I know that hurricane Katrina, which swept the southeast coast of the country, resulted in deaths, left tens of thousands of Americans without roofs over their heads, and caused substantial damage to the region's economy," the message said.


Wow, a cold war enemy stepping up to the plate. Where's our "allies"?

Swifty

[Roscoes_C&W]

We don't need any of em.

[Iggy V2]

Dunno what you consider Canada, but not only have we offered assistance, but plenty of us are already there.

[Nymf]

Roscoes is right for once, at least in the way that help have been offered by most euro countries but been declined by U.S for now...
For example a 50 man crew of catastrophy trained rescue workers that helped in turkey, iran, finland, france and recent swedish hurricane/earthquake catastrofies was deployed to assist but were not allowed, reason supposedly cus they had there passports stamped in iran.
That is what ure county feels about ure "allies" swifty

[Aelfwine]

Since your so critical, what are you doing to help Swifty?

[Noleader]

At any rate it is nice to see Russia offer. Shows that both east and west are starting to work together more.

[Post]

Being expected to give charitably is lame no matter who to or whom from. Thanks Russia! You other countries that aren't declaring war on us are cool, too, though.

[Figtoria]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050831.waid0831/BNStory/Front

[Post]

Then thank you Canada, too.

[Riddick]

Canada is just one of those countries that you can assume that stuff about. I think the statement by the Prime Minister about best friends is completely right. Was no doubt in my mind about Canada when I think about the allies as Swifty mentioned.

We luv u Canada. :hump:

[Swifty_Johnson]

Dunno what you consider Canada, but not only have we offered assistance, but plenty of us are already there.

Canada is the 51st state. :)

I know Canada is helping, and I also know that we'll have a lot of Canadian power crews down here repairing our electrical infrastructure. Canada was with us last year, and will be here again. For that we are thankful.

Since your so critical, what are you doing to help Swifty?

I live in Florida, you know hurricane magnet for the last year. I've assisted plenty of people down here during the hurricane strikes last year. This year I sold some stock and when I get the proceed check I'll be donating money to the salvation army. So, what have you done?

Was no doubt in my mind about Canada when I think about the allies as Swifty mentioned.

I wasn't thinking Canada at all, but other European powers, who know like the ones that complained our Tsunami aid that was given was to stingy.

WOW, they are starting to stir. At first, the Europeans told us it was all our fault because of Global Warming, now they are starting to realize the magnitude of the situation.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050901/ap_on_re_eu/france_us_katrina_hk4_1

Swifty

[Aelfwine]

So, what have you done?


When I try to turn the conversation into a oportunity to take shots at other countries i'll answer that. Kinda sad to try and politicize this situation.

[Swifty_Johnson]

When I try to turn the conversation into a oportunity to take shots at other countries i'll answer that.

i.e. Nothing.

Kinda sad to try and politicize this situation.

No, what's sad is countries that expect the U.S.A. to respond quickly to situations around the world and criticize us when we don't aren't stepping up to the plate when we are in need.

Swifty

[Roscoes_C&W]

We are the richest, strongest, most enduring nation in the world and we do not need any charity from foreign countries. If you want to help us, then put your charitable goods towards Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

[Swifty_Johnson]

We are the richest, strongest, most enduring nation in the world and we do not need any charity from foreign countries.

Yes we do. It doesn't hurt to go out and get charity in times of need. It also doesn't help to get the support of trained teams to assist in the search and rescue. I am shocked that at this time the bureaucracy of our government would deny entrance to some search teams based on passports stamped in Iran, that sort of stuff needs to be taken care of in these times. Not everyone can go house to house looking for survivors and administering first aid. These trained teams are worth their weight in gold.

Swifty

[Riddick]

We are the richest, strongest, most enduring nation in the world and we do not need any charity from foreign countries. If you want to help us, then put your charitable goods towards Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

Doesn't there ever get to be a point where it is to much tho. I mean it seems like things are just stacking up for this country. Is it wrong to expect or ask for a helping hand?

[Darko]

Those Swedes aren't the only rescue teams not allowed in to the US. According to the news last night there were around 200 rescue workers that the guy knew of that weren't being allowed into the US (wouldn't surprise me if there were more that he didn't know of). Those were all teams that have been deployed around the world to help in earthquake, flooding etc. areas. All with lots of experience in doing their job, offering their services and yet being denied entrance.

Those teams could be of tremendous help, even if the US is the "richest, strongest, most enduring nation in the world". Just seems wrong to turn down help like that in times like these.

[Riddick]

Yeah, that goes along with all that stacking up thing I was talking about. With all this stuff going on things start to interfere and take away from amount of effort we can put in each individual thing. And now with all of this terrorist stuff going on and all that I am sure the borders are tight like a ducks ass and people who seriously want to help are having a hard time getting in because of all these politics and procedures.

[Roscoes_C&W]

250 people won't make a difference. If they were in Iran, we don't want em here.

[Darko]

250 people won't make a difference. If they were in Iran, we don't want em here.

I'm pretty sure you sitting on your big, fat, nationalistic ass typing this couldn't care less but I'm just as sure that the people in NO would care a bit more.

[cogsliastro]

we been helping other countries,including russia for so long that maybe its time we get a little help.

[Roscoes_C&W]

I'm pretty sure you sitting on your big, fat, nationalistic ass typing this couldn't care less but I'm just as sure that the people in NO would care a bit more.

Now isn't the time to let our guard down. If there's a problem with their visas and they wouldn't be allowed in any other time then they shouldnt be allowed in now. It's 50 Swedes, the 100,000 people in N.O. won't even know the difference. Nor will the thousands apon thousands apon thousands apon thousands of aid worked and national guard. Stop kidding yourself and pretending 50 Swedes matter. Don't you worry, the people in N.O. are going to recieve a shitload of aid without the help of other countries. There's a drive through donation center by Dodger Stadium with a looooooong line as we speak, and that's only 1 little speck on the big picture.

[Darko]

Now isn't the time to let our guard down. If there's a problem with their visas and they wouldn't be allowed in any other time then they shouldnt be allowed in now. It's 50 Swedes, the 100,000 people in N.O. won't even know the difference. Nor will the thousands apon thousands apon thousands apon thousands of aid worked and national guard. Stop kidding yourself and pretending 50 Swedes matter. Don't you worry, the people in N.O. are going to recieve a shitload of aid without the help of other countries. There's a drive through donation center by Dodger Stadium with a looooooong line as we speak, and that's only 1 little speck on the big picture.

I'm pretty sure those Swedes have way, way more experience in matters like these than a very huge majority of the people currently helping out. Even if only a few thousand incredibly experienced catastrophe rescue workers, split up in several teams that have been working together for years, were allowed in to the country instead of being held out then I sure as hell think they would make an impact. Their experience alone should be a great asset to the rescue effort.

Saying that they should be kept out of the country because they've been helping out in countries that the US government is opposed to is a bogus reason. You're being way, way too paranoid Roscoes. It's not like these are some completely unknown, never before heard of rescue teams sent from Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq that are being kept out. We're talking about highly trained Western European rescue teams that have been helping out for years without ever having planted nuclear bombs or anything like that.

[Swifty_Johnson]

250 people won't make a difference. If they were in Iran, we don't want em here.

Yes they would, 250 trained people would make a big difference. The first 72 hours are critical in and S&R operation after a disaster, the delay is just ignorant. It doesn't matter if they were in Iran, they aren't Iranians, they are S&R people.

Stop kidding yourself and pretending 50 Swedes matter.

This just isn't 50 random Swedes picked off the street and shipped over. These are 50 trained S&R people who will make a difference in what happens, who lives and who dies.

Swifty

[cogsliastro]

fema just stopped all help in n.o.,90,000 square miles of n.o. is underwater,the government isnt helping at all.....ill take whatever i can get right now, if im in n.o. ill take 50 sweeds off the street right now if they all got a bottle of water.

its getting really nasty down there right now......if someone dosent help,i think that really big problems will start.

[Swifty_Johnson]

fema just stopped all help in n.o.,

They have to, they are getting shot at. The police and NG are going in there and looking to put an end to the looting and the shooting.

Swifty

[Roscoes_C&W]

Shoot them. Plain and simple. fly over the place with some of those choppers they had in veitnam with the big gun on the side and just start spraying gun fire on the looters. Done deal.

[Riddick]

While I am sure that those 50 swedes and such would be a great help and is greatly appreciated I have to agree that at times like this we still shouldnt give any relax in our borders with all the other stuff going on in the world, I was just discussing this at lunch with a co-worker. I mean people wanting to cause more damage to our country certainly arent going to take a break because of the N.O. disaster.

I am sorry that the S&R people got caught up in all that but I am also glad that we are not lax in our protection.

[Darko]

While I am sure that those 50 swedes and such would be a great help and is greatly appreciated I have to agree that at times like this we still shouldnt give any relax in our borders with all the other stuff going on in the world, I was just discussing this at lunch with a co-worker. I mean people wanting to cause more damage to our country certainly arent going to take a break because of the N.O. disaster.

I am sorry that the S&R people got caught up in all that but I am also glad that we are not lax in our protection.


I think one day you'll wake up and realise that you've gone too far.

But who am I to say?

If you think it's worth it then so be it. I hope you were right and you managed to keep terrorists out of the country, if not then the people in NO are the ones who will pay.

[Roscoes_C&W]

if not then the people in NO are the ones who will pay.

That's more speculative than not letting certain relief groups into the country. You don't even know if 50 people can even make a dent in this. As of right now FEMA isn't even allowed to go there cause they are getting shot at, so nor will 50 Swedes. Right now I'm going to side with the experts who are there to protect me and you and not random observers who have no idea what the situation is.

[Riddick]

Tough subject. I am part of this country and I still can't comprehend the balance that needs to go in between helping others, helping ourselves, protecting others, protecting ourselves and how much we should do in all that.

No matter what you focus in you will make enemies. And there is no doubt that we should be helping others like we have, that is our responsibility (ignoring the controversy that has risen up about it all and its motives). So when we are helping others of course there enemies will become our enemies.

It seems like damned if you do and damned if you dont honestly. Neutrality isnt an option for this country.

[Cavan]

[QUOTE=cogsliastro]fema just stopped all help in n.o.,90,000 square miles of n.o. is underwater,the government isnt helping at all.....ill take whatever i can get right now, if im in n.o. ill take 50 sweeds off the street right now if they all got a bottle of water.QUOTE]

It's hard to help when there is no power... no water... no communication... absolutely NOTHING is working in metro NO's.... not to mention that a majority of the routes into the city have been damaged and/or destroyed....

You can't drive out of the city unless you have special vehichles.. there is no where to get gas TO drive outta the city.. and a majority of the cars in the city are under water...

[cogsliastro]

It's hard to help when there is no power... no water... no communication... absolutely NOTHING is working in metro NO's.... not to mention that a majority of the routes into the city have been damaged and/or destroyed....


i know that,but when the tsunami was happening,fema was there faster than in the usa.that dosen't give anyone the right to shoot at anyone,but that is what the governemt is for,they need to send in troops TODAY,not tommarow,not the next day.....TODAY.people are dying right there in front of the convention center,they showing them on cnn,there are still people on top of thier homes........................and its raining.

i do agree with you,but they need to get thier thumb out of thier asses quick,or we're ganna have an epidemic.

[Swifty_Johnson]

FEMA was not faster in the tsunami than the hurricane. We had ships in the area that were able to provide AID fast. The first responders had to CUT their way into the area. So many trees were down blocking the roads that it took extra time to get to the effected areas.

I saw trucks loaded with supplies arriving at the Superdome, so they are getting food and water into the city now. When the 4 ships arrive, they'll have extra supplies, a hospital, and another evac place to send people.

We are overwhelmed right now, so many people and not that many options to get the out.

In the Tsunami many of the people were outright killed in the hardest hit areas, in the hurricane many of the people survived. Now we have to contend with getting these people out of an area who's transportation infrastructure is in shambles. This will take time.

Swifty

[Darko]

That's more speculative than not letting certain relief groups into the country. You don't even know if 50 people can even make a dent in this.

Yeah, I know it's speculative, but I think they would've been more likely to be able to help than be a threat to national security. If they suspected some particular guy to be a threat, then sure, don't let him in.

I seriously doubt that some terrorists signed up for Swedish rescue groups years ago abiding their chance to help out with a natural disaster in the US. How often has there been a catastrophe of this magnitude in the states in the last century or so? The fact that they decided to get themselves an Iranian passport stamp while they were at it doesn't sound too smart either.

It just sounds absurd to me that they decide not to let any of those 50 in. I'm pretty sure the other 150 I mentioned were in a similar situation since they were from other small Euro countries. It wouldn't surprise me if there was a lot more from other countries that weren't let in.


Don't get me wrong, I understand the reasoning for not letting them in and I understand perfectly the threat terrorists pose to the US. In this case though I just think it was too far fetched to deny them all entrance.


I actually kinda wonder how much good they'd do if the shooting at rescue workers is a lot more common than I think it is. If every rescue worker within a mile is a target then I guess they wouldn't have been able to do much to help.

[PoxTheSmall]

One of the horrible aspects of any disaster is that the weakest tend to die. That means, injured folks, old folks and children. The last group is going to break our country's hearts when they start analyzing the aftermath. At least with the WTC, the folks most likely injured or killed were mainly working class adults.

Since this is the first major natural catastrophy on American soil since 1906 (as per CNN), we're going to bear witness to some of the most heartbreaking images we've ever seen, thanks to mass media. I predict that the next 3 weeks absolutely devastate our nation.