Did you know that other countries help the US quite often?

Yup. During crisis experts come from various countries, money and volunteer time are offered and delivered. There is a world community that we tend to ignore that even countries that are not fond of each other set aside differences when there are tragic events. I am not just talking about America giving or receiving, but also between other countries.

For instance, when Haiti had the earthquake, Israelis who are experts in getting people out of being buried under buildings flew in. I think they probably would do it for almost any country around the world. I would think areas often struck with earthquakes or who have been through many years of war also have these type of experts.

Medical personnell, religious services, engineers, all sorts of help happens that goes without real recognition.

I do think we should be willing to acceot help more readily. Although, sometimes we might turn it down because we are unable to use it effectively. I am only assuming here. Coordinating efforts after disasters can be very difficult.

They do this for two reasons.

1. They know that the US government is out of money, and will probably have to be more selective about who gets a handout of taxpayer money. They would like to give a reason to be the recipient.

2. They do so with conditions attached. Those conditions being an amount of money that they will get from American taxpayers in exchange for their “charity”

But in every case, they want something. And they want YOU to pay for it. The question becomes do you want to be a sucker, or do want to manage your own problems?

@josie Please give references on your above statements. I am very interested in seeing them.

I was on a Red Cross DMAT team in Cutler Ridge and Homestead, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and there were French doctors and a Canadian contingent operating nearby.

I was on a DMAT with Partners in Health out of Boston in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, immediately after the 2010 earthquake. We worked alongside and freely shared resources with French and German DMATs and we were all supplied potable water and anesthetics from both a US aircraft carrier and a French aircraft carrier.

They work disasters for the same reasons we do.

@josie That’s a cynical way to look at helping others.
But taking your statement as fact in this instance, do you believe that when Americans ‘help’ we’re seeking favors as well?

Venezuela has sent heating oil for low-income households and seniors.

When you mention Katrina, don’t forget that it was not just about disaster relief. The Dutch showed the Americans how they can build better dams.