Maasai Tribe s-Ultimate Gift 15 Cows Were Offered to Help Heal Sept. 11 Suffering

ABCnews.com ^ | 06/03/02 | David Mwangi

[BraveMan]

[Gladwin]

This is, I think, the single offer of assistance received from ANY country for 9-11. Sure lots of other countries said, "Sorry to hear you got blow'd up"...but did they send search crews, dogs, trucks, money? It just shows how wonderful people can really be, no matter the differences....

I think Canada sent crews, but our countries are siblings.

[humblegunner]

These guys are no wimps for sure.. the Kenyan government
had to ban them from the tradition of sending each 14 year old
boy out to prove his manhood by killing a lion with a spear.
The Maasai were miffed.. especially the boys.

[glorygirl]

No, the Saudis are on TV raising money in a telethon for the terrorists to carry on their plans.

I get angry when I see Americans disrespecting gifts from a people who give not from their wealth, but from their poverty.

It just reinforces my belief that we encounter these tragedies because of our own ingratitude.

These people have done nothing but try to help the United States.

Shame on you, gubamyster, for posting a story in an effort to generate ridicule.

Whatever your beliefs about race and culture, your attidude is unamerican and disgraceful.

[Lazamataz]

Arrayed in red robes and bead jewelry, impoverished Kenyan Maasai tribespeople gave a U.S. official their most precious possession — cattle — to show sympathy for the bereaved of Sept. 11. "To the people of America, we give these cows to help you."

Sure hope we ate them!

[sawsalimb]

Good people,and tough people. My regards to them,and a hope that their herds multiply.

[MonroeDNA]

What a heart warming gesture! Friends like these should be cultivated, in any way we can.

Whatever their culture did to make them this generous, and to raise warriors at 14 to kill lions with a spear, needs to be infused into us.

What a great and noble people!

[rmlew]

You are correct about Canada. The US US has a special relationship with a few countries, most of which are the white countries of the British Commonwealth. We are tied by blood, culture, history, and commerce in a way that no other country can be. The closest would be Israel, where blood donation began within an hour of the attack.

The NATO countries of mainland Europe all sent condolences and many helped in the war, but their responses were more constrained.

[xrp]

This is such a touching gesture from the Maasi. Can we adopt them or something?

[Poohbah]

If we did, the Masai would be cheering us on.

"Vegan" is from the Swahili and Lakotan word for "lousy hunter."

[Tymesup]

Email of thanks winging its way as we speak.

[gubamyster]

Shame on you, gubamyster, for posting a story in an effort to generate ridicule.

I really doubt if you can read my mind and tell what my intent was. If so, maybe you should count ballots in FL next election. I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't think the article was worthy.

[reformed_democrat]

Can we adopt them or something?

Maybe we should see if they'll adopt some of our kids. I'd like to see our public schools instill the values these people have.

[truth_seeker]

Maybe they could send these cows to Sacramento. I hear there are a few cow bells going unused today.

And it is good, I say to you my brother. It is good.

[monkeywrench]

Good for you. I hope more do this, also, and that he makes sure he relays our appreciation.

This sure beats the 'whine' France gave us. :)

[duckbutt]

I was struck by the spiritual nature of this gift. The US has no need for 14 cows. But, we will sell the cows and use the money to buy Maasai beaded jewelry to give to the 9/11 victims' families. In essence, we've acknowledged the gift and given it back to them in a way that will help them.

How often do we bring our puny gifts to the Lord -- gifts from a heart overflowing with gratitude. God has no "need" for our gifts, but the gesture touches Him in such a way that we receive it back "pressed down and overflowing".

I'm touched by their gift, and I hope the US will be generous with them.

[kattracks]

BTTT

[monkeywrench]

Well said! The thought of our puny gifts to God, (or to our parents when we were real small) crossed my mind, also. E mail this guy!

[cicero's_son]

I hope we can repay the Maasai their kindness someday.

This is a most generous and heartfelt gift. Very moving.

[codebreaker]

I saw the same story on the news, what a touching gesture on both countries parts-the Maasai for the gift and the American ambassador selling the cows to a local for traditional beads for ceremonies because it would cost too much to ship them elsewhere.

I hope Rudy or Bloomberg hears of the story.