A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....01-06-05....Media slow to respond to Bush's Tsunami response

JohnHuang2, Dansangel | 01-06-05 | JohnHuang2

[dansangel]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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Media slow to respond to Bush's
Tsunami response
by JohnHuang2

Regarding the Asian tsunami tragedy, sure he was personally slow to respond and of course he shouldn't have waited three whole days before making his first public comments and obviously it wasn't smart -- it was downright politically tone-deaf -- for him to stay on vacation as the death toll mounted, letting a golden opportunity for him to display goodwill and compassion slip by. How could he be so totally insensitive? But enough about Kofi Annan.

Truth is, probably the greatest contribution to the relief effort so far has been from the U.N. by being on vacation. With Kofi frolicking at a ski resort in Jackson Hole and finishing up 'My Pet Goat', the stingy U.S. launched one of the greatest disaster relief efforts in world history and, in a stunning development, the disaster relief is reaching the victims. Responding to criticism from a total of 2 members of the entire press corps, Kofi, in his defense, noted that even while traversing Wyoming's slopes on up-armored skis and feasting on Sushi with Saddam oil vouchers, he was thinking of the tsunami victims. The whole time. And that his absence didn't matter. (Wholeheartedly agree.) "First of all," said Kofi, wiping the soy sauce off his lips, "there was action. It wasn't inaction," he noted, his frostbitten buns peeking from behind. "We live in a world where you can operate from wherever you are. You know the world we live in now. You don't have to be physically (there) to be dealing with the leaders of the governments I have been dealing with." With his trusty 'No-Hands' cell phone, Kofi rode the steep hillsides while directing the all-out effort to plan his next press conference.

Besides, you go to vacation with the ski vacation package you have, not the one you might want or wish to have at a later time.

While Kofi was holed up at Jackson Hole, his crony, Jan Egeland, in a news conference about disaster relief, said Americans are "stingy" with development aid and that Americans want higher taxes to fund more development aid. (In the GOP sweep of Nov. 2, Egeland keenly senses a yearning for higher taxes.) Showing he's on top of things, development aid has nothing to do with disaster relief. Once it was patiently explained to Egghead how the U.S. provides more development aid than Michael Moore spends at McDonald's, he issued a swift clarification, saying he didn't really say what he said, or that what he said was quoted out of context. Or that he wasn't talking about America at all. In the press conference which sparked the controversy, Egghead used the phrase 'rich Western countries', so he couldn't possibly be talking about America.

While Egeland back-peddled, other Kofi cronies -- the New York Times and the Democrats -- kept up the drumbeat of criticism, claiming Bush was slow to respond. Democrat strategist Mary Anne Marsh told Fox News that "the world looks to the United States to lead" but Bush was slow to respond. Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone told CNN that Bush "is doing a good job now" but, in the beginning, Bush was slow to respond. CNN's Dana Bash noted that, although "Bush is now back from his vacation in Texas," he's battling perceptions that "he was slow to respond." Yet, former Gephardt campaign manager Steve Murphy, breaking from the pack, said this: "I do believe" Bush was slow to respond.

If I got this right, Bush was slow to respond to last week's tsunami by waiting until . . . last week to respond. Here was an excellent chance for Bush to win hearts and minds by holding a press conference on Tuesday last week but he waited till Wednesday last week. So now desperate victims are turning down U.S. relief because Bush didn't rush to the cameras. Missed was a golden opportunity for Bush to show the victims he's on their side and not on the side of the tsunami. And to show the world our gratitude for rushing aid to hurricane victims in Florida (not).

At Crawford on the day of the disaster, the heartless cowboy dragged his feet for 2 whole minutes before mobilizing thousands of troops, half a million pounds of relief supplies, 20 Navy ships, 14 cargo planes, 50 helicopters, floating hospitals, pledging $350 mill and forging a core group of nations to help in the effort. So, the media responds by saying Bush was slow to respond because he didn't talk to reporters. Stricken tsunami victims yearned for Bush sound-bites and photo-ops, but Bush held back. (Killer Wave could be stopped by Killer News Conference.)

Almost everyday since the tsunami, we've been bombarded with stories about government incompetence by a media which wants government running everything from health care to the corner grocery store. Government makes a hash of everything, so you definitely want government in charge of everything. And with billions in disaster relief on the way, critics criticize Mr. Slow-To-Respond for rushing aid under his 'core group', rather than letting the U.N. lead the effort. (Nothing like the U.N. to guard against big money being diverted for corrupt scams.) Except for screwing up Rwanda, Darfur, Sudan, Congo and terrorizing Sierra Leone with systematic gang-rape, the U.N.'s a model of competence, say Democrats. When disaster strikes, victims say thank goodness for Kofi Annan. And that Norwegian slut, Jan Egeland. Whether it's mud slides, tornados, hurricanes, volcanoes, floods, earthquakes, latest Oliver Stone movie or other disasters, the U.N.'s always the first to respond with . . . a press release.

But if it's potable water that you want, and if the food and medicine and water must reach impossible terrain halfway around the world, there's nothing like the U.S. military. Cash pledges are fine, but they're not that tasty, they can't quench your thirst or patch up a wound. When it's crunch time, it's good ol' American boots on the ground, not pledges from France, which really save lives. When stricken tsunami victims see U.S Marines and the red, white and blue, their eyes immediately light up. Small wonder. God bless the U.S.A. (and that 'heartless' cowboy in the White House ;-)

Anyway, that's...

My two cents

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-03-05 Military Monday 01-04-05 A Few *More* of FR's Finest 01-05-05 Celebrate Living #9

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[dansangel]

[dansangel]

Come join us at the Finest as JohnHuang2 lets the UN know just how we all feel!

[dansangel]

~ God Bless Our Military ~

We ask Lord, that you guide the leaders of our great country in all of their decisions. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decision.

Protect and guide our military Oh Lord; strengthen them in their trials; give them courage to fact the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; dansangel, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, all military personnel and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin..........niece, loved one Pippin...nephew & his fiancee weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew Dubya............................nephew StarCMC......................brother ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons Spruce.....................daughter Philman_36..............2 nephews Rose inRoseBear...cousin's hubby Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................active duty LongCut..................active duty cjk............................active duty Trish.......................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue..................active duty Notwithstanding.....active duty thumperusn.............active duty Q6-God.....................active duty Q6-God...................twin brother Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons............active duty wingnutx..................active duty bjcintennessee............son, niece LakeLady...............nephew Proud AF Dad..............son Ladysmith...nephew, friend's son Katydidnt..............son

Maigrey................cousin Its_me_K.E.T.........son ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear.........2 nephews gator girl............husband severa.......husband, brother Hostel..................cousin MozartLover......son, nephew LBGA........................son katykelly.................son cookcounty..............son SpookBrat...nephew, cousin Doug from Upland...son-in-law Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Tiffee4Bob.......boyfriend deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews TexKat..............son, step-son Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law Darheel.....................niece Donaeus...................nephew dixie sass...............nephew BeAllYouCanBe............son Repubmommy...............brother AgThorn...................2 sons homeschoolmama.......nephew kneezles......................son Redhead....step-granddaughter Redhead..step-grdaughter fiance Atomic Conspiracy..half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...nephew Atomic Conspiracy...niece Sunflowergal.........grandson visualops.................cousin Alouette.......................son mrstank.......................husband MrsMike31..................husband eaglesiniowa.................son auboy.........................cousin spotbust1....................husband Leofl................................son chena................................son campfollower..................fiance LuvW.......................son painter....................nephew tina07......son-in-law and friend The Mayor...friend's son Lt.TonyG MontanaCowgirlCop.........brother

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Angel.

[Elkiejg]

Priceless John.....another winner - thanks.

[GailA]

Good morning coffee's on

[dansangel]

Good Morning (((((Aeronaut))))))

Wishing a great day! :-)

[dansangel]

Hi (((((Gail and Rocky))))))))

Thank you for bringing coffee - looks like we have enough for everyone at the Finest today! :-)

[.45MAN]

Thanks John that was great!!!!!

dansy! I didn't evern know that you were up when you put this up....

[.45MAN]

Oh by the way....

Happy Birthday!!

[dansangel]

dansy! I didn't evern know that you were up when you put this up....

I was up before the alarm....for a change.

:-)

[dansangel]

Thank you! :-)

[The Mayor]

January 6, 2005

Undeserved Blessings

Read: Habakkuk 3:17-19

God . . . has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. —Ephesians 1:3

Bible In One Year: Genesis 16-19

---

Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behavior on and off the court.

Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude. He explained, "If I asked, 'Why me?' about my troubles, I would have to ask, 'Why me?' about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child?"

Ashe's attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble, "Why me? Why is God allowing this to happen?" Even if we're suffering acutely, we must not forget the mercies God pours into our lives—such things as food, shelter, and friends—blessings that many are deprived of.

And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.

Think about God's blessings and ask, "Why me?" Then your grumbling will give way to praise. —Vernon Grounds

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. —Oatman

With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings.

[dansangel]

Today's Scripture touched a nerve. Unemployment has weighed heavy on my heart (and soul) but I have tried so hard to focus on all of the positive things in my life.

Even so, I still have bad days when I allow satan to put doubt in my heart.

I will continue to focus on all of my many blessings, pray to St. Michael for strength in fighting off satan and this beautiful reading will help to bolster me.

(((((((Rus and Jules))))))))

[MEG33]

Thank you for your presentation,dansangel!
Kudos, John, you nailed it as usual..!

[dansangel]

(((((MEG)))))

Have a great day!

[The Mayor]

Excellent job you two!
Up here is wher my brain is supposed to be..
see the hole ? Yup we filled up the air space with money
so my head wouldn't collapse......

[dansangel]

ROFL!! Excellent caption!

:-)

[The Mayor]

I share your opinion, some times life seems so filled with despair.
I too have been unemployed far to long but,
The good Lord has blessed us with enough work to sustain us.
Since I have been forced back into self employment I have not
advertised or even solicited work but it has come my way.

Prayer has worked wonders in our lives and I have felt and Thank so so many for their Prayers.
The Prayer warriors here at the Finest are the best..

Jul left here an hour ago, she and my oldest son Elijah are on their way to Los Angeles.
They will be filming the Larry Elders show tomorrow morning at 10:30 AM....

Please keep her and Elijah in Prayer for their safety on their flights,
and for the Lords wisdom and guidance while filming the show.
I have been Praying that Mel Gibson become aware of Jul's being fired because of his article she quoted on stem cell research.

This whole thing could balloon into a real public debate and awareness concerning embryonic vs adult stem cell research.

The people need to know the truth..

God Bless you Dansangel, keep the faith and keep looking up!
He is there watching you and all of us Faithful.

[The Mayor]

Thanks!

he is so corrupt it make me ill..

[dansangel]

Heard a little while ago about a magnitude 4.4 earthquake in So. Cal.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1315241/posts

Off the top of my head, Mama_Bear, JustAmy, Diver Dave, jwfiv and The Robinsons come to mind. Prayers for *all* CA FReepers to remain safe!

[dansangel]

he is so corrupt it make me ill..

Just like so many died-in-the-wool libs. Yuck.

[dansangel]

The people need to know the truth..

Prayers most certainly for Jul and Elijah to travel safely. You are all in my daily prayers anyway, but will concentrate on safe travel.

When will the Larry Elder show be aired....or is it live broadcast tomorrow? I'm so glad they are getting their message out.

[The Mayor]

From what I understand they will just be filming tomorrow.

I will let everyone know when it is going to be aired..

Funny thing about the show is that they said that Jul will be on alone,
they could not find an opposing view to be on with her.

[dansangel]

I received this in my email today - a double-whammy along with your Daily Scripture. *Someone* is definitely sending me a message! God Bless you and your family.

I ASKED GOD

I asked God to take away my pride.
God said," NO" He said it was not for Him
to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "NO" He said her spirit was whole,
her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, "NO" He said patience is a by product
of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, "NO". He said He gives me blessings
happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, "NO". He said suffering draws you apart
from worldly cares and brings you closer to HIM.

I asked God to make my Spirit grow.
God said, "NO". He said I must grow on my own,
but He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
And God said, "NO". He said I will give you life,
that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me love others as much as He
love me. God said, "AH, finally you have the idea."

[dansangel]

they could not find an opposing view to be on with her.

Interesting. So many opposing views in annonymity and no one willing to face her "up close and personal." *Very* interesting, indeed.

[The Mayor]

Wow! Great message, something in there for all of us..

I posted on the earth quake thread too.
Maybe thry will feel a little one, I felt 2 when I was out there years ago.
Kinda freaky and scarry at the same time..

I gotta run for a little while. Be back soon.

[The Mayor]

Absolutely!

It should be an interesting show seeing that they just voted to fund stem cell research to the tune of 6 billion..

[AgThorn]

John - you are one great writer .. I am so glad you are on the 'right side'! God bless and Happy New Year!! ping to my wife

[dansangel]

Hello (((AgThorn and Lily4Jesus)))))

Thank you for the kind words and have a blessed day!

[Aquamarine]

Well written John, glad to have you back after a short break.
Your presentation is perfect Dansy, the squirrel made me laugh. :)

[MEG33]

Prayers going up..God bless you all.

[Billie]

(((((((((((Dansy)))))))))

Good morning, Sistah Dansy. I saw all your birthday wishes on yesterday's thread, but I always thought today was your birthday, so guess the Finest gets to have birthday cake two days in a row!

[Billie]

Another winner, you two! Excellent essay, John! Great presentation, Dansy!

[Mama_Bear]

Happy second day of your Birthday! ....or Dansy's Birthday "part two". ;-)

Thanks for bringing us JH2 today. I'll be back later when I have more free time and will read his commentary then. HUGS!

[Lakeside]

Well, maybe we can have a birthday week for you! I missed yesterday, too.

Happy 2nd Day Birthday to you, Dansy!

[Lakeside]

Happy New Year to you, Enrique. Kudos for another super article this week.

[LUV W]

HAVE LOTS OF FUN, DANSY!!!

[LUV W]

Exactly what I was gonna say--you beat me to it!!:^}...old "golden-tongue"!

[JulieRNR21]

"With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings."


The above thought has really touched my heart in recent weeks.

I am very private person so will not go into any details but just say that there has been much stress in recent weeks while my beloved husband has been having a health ctisis.

Prayer, the love of God and support of our family and dear friends have sustained us during this time.

We surrendered to God's Will and were led to the right doctors and help he needed.

I will add you both to my special prayer list.

Mayor: Please let me know when Jul will be on Larry Elders Show.

Dansy: Someone once said: "Do what you love and the money will follow." Will be praying that you make the right connections to find employment.

[visualops]

That is a very good reminder!

Happy belated Birthday!!!

(((((dansangel))))

[Diver Dave]

Pssst. Hey Buddy. I hear Dansy's having another birthday.
Happy Birthday, Dansy!

[dansangel]

LOL - No, not *another* one! I couldn't handle that.

(This one is a rather *traumatic* one, too. Just like Jack Benny, I'm "49 and holding!")

:-)

Thank you ((((((Diver Dave)))))))))

[dansangel]

Thank you ((((((Aqua)))))) especially for the use of two of your graphics!

[dansangel]

Today *is* my birthday ((((((Billie))))))) but I didn't want to correct anyone. It was wonderful to receive my well wishes a day in advance.

Thank you for the ***Beautiful*** birthday wishes. The calla lilies and fairies are delightful!

And the cake....well, I'll have to indulge a little later. .45MAN and I just got back from lunch at a Cuban restaurant and it was good!

Love and (((((((HUGS)))))))))

[dansangel]

I get to enjoy my beautiful birthday card from you *two* days in a row! :-)

Thank you so much (((((Mama_Bear)))))) - you know how I feel about purple flowers.

I am blessed to have such wonderful FRiends (and a sistah) like you!

Love and (((((HUGS))))))))

[dansangel]

Today is *the* day - thank you for your good wishes and so nice to *see* you again (((((Lakeside))))))

[dansangel]

Thank you so much (((((LUV W))))))) for the pretty card and the great HUG!

I'm hoping you are having a wonderful and blessed day.

:-)

[dansangel]

*Today* is the day (((((visualops)))))) so you are not "belated."

Thank you for the good wishes and I hope you are having a super Thursday! :-)

[Temple Owl]

Great job. Sorry to be so late, but my server has been down all day. Just got it back.