I love this country

Not sure if you’re being sarcastic there, Backer… But short of flying to Indonesia – which not a lot of us can do – money is probably the easiest and most direct way to help the folks over there. I nominated WorldVision to receive my money, since I’ve done charity fundraising for them in the past and I trust that they money is put to good use.

I know, Marci, and I didn’t mean to accuse all Americans of being stingy or anything. I just think it’s cool that Australians, despite not having nearly as much money as Americans do, have donated more per person. It’s all the more surprising given that Australia’s relationship with our Asian neighbours hasn’t been all that great historically (or so the Snook tells me).

You know, regardless of what country we live in, we are all citizens of the planet and I have been awed at the outpouring of money, volunteerism, and supplies sent to a devestated area of the world from all over! The aftermath of a catastophe of this magnitude will take years to recover from and, in my opinion, what matters is that we don’t forget to care about the efforts there not only now, but also 5 or 10 years from now.

Yes Kris, I watched a piece on the news on how Australia has nicked a bit of water above the country as it has oil 😉 The country (can’t remember which islands) are in dire need of finance and need the oil but Australia won’t give them the water back. Disputes over country boundaries going on atm. I though Aussies were such nice people too 😉

As for the money, yeah we’re all giving money but also would be good if we started being more environmentally friendly. I’m sure that would have more impact in the long run too but we’re all too set in out ways so that won’t happen anytime soon.

Peace to you all brothers and sisters! 🙂

‘I watched a piece on the news on how Australia has nicked a bit of water above the country as it has oil 😉 The country (can’t remember which islands) are in dire need of finance and need the oil but Australia won’t give them the water back’ -Weeb
Do you have that link? I’d like to read that story. (I wouldn’t put it past the Howard gov’t, bah!)

Personally I think that the reason why the Australian public has give so much is because of geography. I’d say one out of three Aussies has been on holiday to Indonesia, so they have that personal tie to the place. Plus there are SO many people here from India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc. I mean who wouldn’t give to their home nation in its time of need???? SO yes, Australians are natually generous people, but in this case I personally think there are some other factors involved. But that’s me.

But I’m sure we all agree its pretty cool that at this time in history people globally can set aside differences and give so much to people they will never meet.
(I’ll get down off my soapbox now…sorry…)

cool, thanks