The tsunami in Asia has surely brought out the best in many. Private donations from Americans are rolling in and the nations of the world quickly pledged large amounts of money to aid the afflicted countries. Unfortunately, though, the natural disaster has also opened the door to the usual Bush bashing, anti-Americanism, hypocrisy, and radical environmentalism. The ideologues voicing their accusations find themselves in a sorry predicament when we cannot even come together to the aid of hurt countries.
The human capitalistic spirit kicked in when the various countries began pledging money for relief efforts. Within days of the disaster France exhibited a healthy dose of hypocrisy. One-upping the United States, at the time, France said Thursday it is the No. 1 donor for the Asian disaster-pledging 42 million euro ($57 million). French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin's boasted that France was vaulting to "the head of all the contributors". My question for Raffarin is why are they so eager to assist the countries that need help so badly now but are opposed to the efforts in Iraq? Iraq has seen destruction too, most of it under Hussein's reign. If France was truly willing to exhibit their generosity they would assist in all countries that desperately need a lending hand instead of picking and choosing to which disaster zones to provide relief. Their bragging about their formerly leading donation amount shows nothing but hypocrisy; France could have a better reputation if they didn't donate at all.
Rather unlikely ideologues spouted their radical environmentalism just days after the disaster struck. Rev. Sam Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, and Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, issued statements rebuking the United States, among other nations, for not signing on to the Kyoto protocol. Kobia said of the tsunami, “[it is] a clear warning on what climate change could to do the world.” Noko agrees, finding the earthquake and resulting tsunami to be “a reminder that we would do well to heed, at a time when even the relatively inadequate efforts by the international community to address climate change continue to be subverted and undermined by some of those most responsible.” Fortunately countries like India who have not signed on to the Kyoto understand that economic development and prosperity is more important than slowing “global warming” at the cost of stunting economic growth. Instead of blaming America and “global warming” one should consider the true causes of the devastation: lack of economic development, infrastructure, and communication systems. The religious community, no less, it seems should be stepping in to take care and show compassion for the victims.
The tsunami also produced an opportunity for those opposed to President Bush to tell how cold-hearted a man he is. The US initially pledged 15 million, which was soon upped to 35 million. At this time the full extent of the devastation was not known. In the first couple days 20-30 thousand were estimated dead. Within the week the US upped the pledge to 350 million eclipsing all other countries except Japan and Australia. Apparently however, we didn't donate enough soon enough for the Bush-bashers. They were “embarrassed” at the small amount that was pledged at the outset. Perhaps these people did not realize that immediately upon hearing the news the President ordered two carrier groups to the region. Before any blue helmets showed up it was Aussie's and Yanks doing the dirty work. Those who call themselves citizens of the world were mortified when they heard President Bush was setting up a coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster composed of Japan, the US, Australia, and India. The UN was not included in this list. Former International Development Secretary Clare Short said, “I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said. “Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four's PM programme. Again, I would like to see the UN rushing to the destruction in Sudan, and Iraq.
Of course, these actions should come as no surprise. We are reminded that human nature is no better than nature itself. Will people come together because of this? No doubt, but some have made relationships tougher. After all is said and done, I am proud that my country will be in a better standing with many. Those who were affected will remember whose uniforms they saw and the generosity of American corporations and private citizens will be remembered.
Ben Stafford is a freshman majoring in economics.