Originally posted by STANGI Congratulate you on your personal donations iand that of your nation, if in fact you have donated that money, however, you are accusing America of not giving enough way too early! Brings to mind the story of the Tortaise and the Hare-you are counting way too early Stang-when did this tragedy happen????? And, I didn't see you mention how, not only are we giving what you gave us credit for giving, but we are also footing the bill for relieving the Iraqi people of their dictator and giving them freedom for the first time since the british originally invaded. My point here is just wait until this time next year and then we will do another tally-besides Stang, the old saying goes..."those that profess and beat their chests of giving to the poor are those most guilty of giving nothing" the real heroes are those that are putting their own lives on hold by jumping on a plane and heading over to asia to assist physically while their families stay behind and struggle to make ends meet....I really believe folks here would have a little more respect for you if you actually gave us some credit and cease your "blanket" negative bashing of Americans. Seems we gave your nations some aid back quite a few years with a draught your country was suffering-and i will venture to say that we most likely didn't ask for anything in return! I would further venture a guess that most every country in the world not affected by this tragedy is doing its best to assist in whatever ways possible. And you still have yet to answer my original question to you....what has caused you to express such profund hate for America? And if you answer with your same, tired statements, I will cease to post on this thread.
Me: $780 + helping gather donations from the public.
Australia: Up to $500M pledged (not bad for a country with less than 10% of America's population and far less millionaires/billionaires).
As I've said before, I don't hate Americans (in fact, I have American friends) but I hate what America has done as a nation, such as Vietnam, Iraq, supporting dictators, capitalism creating poverty (and dissent), etc.
I persist as critics remind the lessons to be learnt from Vietnam, Iraq, etc.
(I apologise for the times I am unable to reply to all comments).
I also hate the increased risk of terrorism to America, Australia and other countries as a consequence of America's invasive and violent actions.
Originally posted by kingspawn43I admire those Americans and others that are helping the people of Asia for no other reason than humanitarian.
I really believe folks here would have a little more respect for you if you actually gave us some credit and cease your "blanket" negative bashing of Americans.
Originally posted by wolfbynyteWould you support American police invading homes in America and then having shoot outs around innocent men, women and children following one of the occupants shooting someone in the street ?
Iraq is part of a broader strategy to bring freedom to a region that in the past has been condemned to tyranny and violence where those with little hope for a better future provided terrorist groups a deep pool from which to draw recruits and to attack free people across the globe.
Originally posted by DelmerOur prime minister was fearful and greedy enough to give America aid in Iraq. Australia has suffered casualties and is at increased risk of terrorism ...
Why should we give any aid to anybody? When was the last time we received aid from any of you? When was the last time we even received a thank you from any of you?
... and then you dare to ask when the last time was you received aid from any of us !
Originally posted by flexmoreThanks Flexmore.
when those bushfires were going off our best firefighters went over to u.s.a. too.
Australian firefighters to help battle US wildfires
23 July, 2002
A senior firefighter from State Forests of NSW will today fly to the USA to determine how Australian firefighters can help to battle forest wildfires sweeping across 12 western American states, the NSW Minister for Forestry, Kim Yeadon, today said.
"For the second time in three years western USA is in the grip of major wildfire emergency and American fire authorities are asking Australia and New Zealand for help," Mr Yeadon said.
"Already, almost 1.5 million hectares of land across a dozen states has been ravaged by wildfire and local firefighters are currently battling more than 50 major fires.
"At this stage in the US fire season the total area of forest burnt is well up on the same time in the 2000 fire emergency which was regarded then as the worst in the USA for fifty years.
"Across much of the western USA the combination of drought conditions, expected hot, dry weather and high forest fuel loads make most forested areas vulnerable to rapid fire growth and extreme fire behaviour.
"In response to a request for assistance through Australia’s National Forest Fire Management Group, State Forests fire manager, Mr Paul de Mar, is now on his way to the US National Interagency Fire Centre in Boise, Idaho.
"He will be working with US fire authorities to determine how Australia can most effectively contribute to the fire fighting effort and relieve exhausted local firefighters.
"We expect this will again involve sending a contingent of specialist Australian and New Zealand fire fighters including aircraft managers, incident controllers and field commanders with extensive experience in managing large, complex forest fires."
Mr Yeadon said that during the last major US wildfire emergency in 2000 Paul de Mar was one of nine expert firefighters sent to the USA from State Forests and the NSW Rural Fire Service. He was also team leader of the 96 member Australian fire fighting contingent.
"This time he will be the Australian liaison officer on the US National Multi-agency Command Group and will oversee the induction and deployment of the Australian firefighters when they arrive in the USA," Mr Yeadon said.
(http://www.forest.nsw.gov.au/currentaffairs/releases/230702.asp)
Originally posted by STANGHave you ever been to Chicago?
Would you support American police invading homes in America and then having shoot outs around innocent men, women and children following one of the occupants shooting someone in the street ?
Police think they are above the law.
We have chaos on the streets, their job is to control it as much as possible.
Even though I don't agree with the police feeling above the law, at least I feel a bit safer walking down the street.
Originally posted by wolfbynyteI've been to LA and Miami ...
Have you ever been to Chicago?
Police think they are above the law.
We have chaos on the streets, their job is to control it as much as possible.
Even though I don't agree with the police feeling above the law, at least I feel a bit safer walking down the street.
... but what about the scenario raised in the question regarding police going into American homes, etc ?
Originally posted by STANGDepends on the reason. If it is to sustain the safety of the majority then yes. I'm not saying one life is greater than another's, however, I feel that to risk one life is worth it to save lives of thousands.
I've been to LA and Miami ...
... but what about the scenario raised in the question regarding police going into American homes, etc ?
Originally posted by STANGSorry Stang but that example does not even apply in this situation-because Americans aren't like cowardly terrorists who will use innocent people to hide behind....we are in a war to bring peace to innocent people and the most unfortunate thing about war is that people die. What is their choice stang?????......being killed by Sadam or by terrorists or fighting for their freedom? I for one would much rather die fighting than hiding behind the cowardly idea that if we don't get involved we will be safe because while you hide, the terrorists will gain strength and sooner or later we will all be forced to deal with them and by then they will be too strong.
Would you support American police invading homes in America and then having shoot outs around innocent men, women and children following one of the occupants shooting someone in the street ?
Originally posted by STANGOn behalf of America, I thank your firefighters for their help-much appreciated Stang! Now, i would be interested in knowing how much money we paid your government????????? But i don't want to sound unappreciative because I seriously am grateful they came to help us. So, thanks again!
Thanks Flexmore.
Australian firefighters to help battle US wildfires
23 July, 2002
A senior firefighter from State Forests of NSW will today fly to the USA to determine how Australian firefighters can help to battle forest wildfires sweeping across 12 western American states, the NSW Minister for Forestry, Kim Yeadon, today said.
"For the second tim ...[text shortened]... he USA," Mr Yeadon said.
(http://www.forest.nsw.gov.au/currentaffairs/releases/230702.asp)
Question: why do you say your prime minister was "greedy" for sending help to Iraq? You have look at the big picture-your soldiers aren't there to "help" us, but rather to join the effort to bring stability and peace to a dangerous region to us all!