Go to content Go to navigation Go to search

thirteen billion dollars : thirty million dollars :: political capital : ?

The basic moral issue is why a direct political connection (a la the political bonds of Florida to other US taxpayers) creates a strong presumption of massive US government aid. Obviously, there is a political reason for a better response to Florida, since Indonesians won’t be voting for anyone in the next Presidential election, no matter how much aid we send.

But that’s a pretty pathetic moral response—disaster relief as political pork barrel.

Yup.

Mr. Newman cites a New York Times analysis which says, “even Mr. Bush’s critics do not expect spending on that scale for the far greater disaster in South Asia.”

Count me with the chorus that says, on the contrary. Oh, yes. Yes we do, and more, besides.

Actions speak louder than words.

—Filed 1647 days ago to ; .

  1. Maybe this needs some definition on what "expect" means here -- I certainly think it's a good idea, and I've been saying all week that it would be a good step in improving our image internationally, besides being basically humane. However, this administration has a bad track record for doing things I think are good ideas.

    (Oh, explosions. Happy new year, everyone!)

    — Glenn    Jan 1, 05:18 AM    #

Commenting is closed for this article.