archy

Just by the numbers
Via Converger's diary at Daily Kos:

• Number of deaths due to four Florida hurricanes in 2004: 117
  
• Number of deaths due to Aceh earthquake and tsunami in 2004: 120,000+
  
• Homeless due to Florida hurricanes: 11,000
  
• Homeless due to Aceh earthquake/tsunami: 5,000,000
  
• US government aid to help Florida hurricane victims: $2.04 billion
  
• US government aid to help Aceh earthquake/tsunami victims: $35 million
  
• Estimated cost of George Bush's upcoming inaguration celebration, not including security costs: $40 million
  
• US government direct cost, per hour, of the US war in Iraq: $9 million
  
• US per capita government contribution to help earthquake/tsunami victims: $0.12
  
• Jackie Chan's personal contribution to help earthquake/tsunami victims: $200,000

There is, of course, a lot more to be said on the issue af American stinginess (and I'll say some of it). The point here is not whether we are the best or the worst, it's the perception. And the perception is bad.