Kings

[poliphilo]

George Bush reminds me of those useless late-18th century kings, George III and Louis XVI. He has no instinct for leadership; he has to be told what to do. "Say, Mr President, don't you think it would be a good idea if you flew down to the Delta and put in an appearance?" "Awww...do I have to?"

A natural-born leader would have been down there, mingling with the refugees, just as soon as it was safe to fly.

Sooner or later every dynasty throws up a man unsuited to the job.

George III was a successful farmer and Louis XVI had a talent for watchmaking and George Bush- if left to his own devices- would have cut the mustard (just)in the lower levels of middle management.

Did they tip the tea into Boston harbour for this? I think not.

Comments

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I heard on the news this morning that the USA was accepting offers of foreign aid. I haven't checked out the details, but there was talk of Russia helping out and Britain and other European nations.

I think there may have been a certain reluctance to come forward because- hell- you're the richest, most powerful nation in the world and maybe you'd take offence.

[(Anonymous)]

There is no shame in accepting help from a friend. The problem is that the help is never offered. It has been this way for as long as I can remember and I am 43 years old. Many countries, including our so called friends like France seem to find great joy in our problems. What would happen if we really did decide to turn our backs on everyone else? They hate us and blame us for all of the world’s evil as it is. We do we have to loose. We have carried the burdens of many others for a very long time now. I hope I don't seem too bitter, but there are many here who are feeling the same way these days.

[philtration.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I forgot to log in on that one.

[easyalchemy.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, well, I live in Canada, and since we don't quite count as the newest state, I think our offers of disaster aid still count. And Canada is constantly offering aid; we did during 911, and we are now. But it's being held back. You can read about offers of help from Canada and the American government's initial response here

Yes in the past the US has sent aid to lots and lots of places. So has Canada. It's been less, but we have fewer citizens and less money all 'round. We do what we can.

Your news media, in the States, is not what I'd think of as an honest attempt at true reporting. I doubt there's as much interest in the story of Canada offering to help as there is in just about any human drama piece. So maybe you're not hearing about it, whil they're busy re-hashing the story of thousands of dead bodies and looting. It doesn't mean it's not happening.

My beef is not with the people of New Orleans, who are plainly suffering and dying because their government cared more about invading an oil-rich Middle Eastern country than it did about building up and supporting the infrastructure on its own soil. I don't hate the individual Americans, except insofar as they were blind enough to elect Bush in the first place, nevermind re-electing him.

From where I stand, your country is starting to look like it's sliding from 1st world to third, your system from democracy to tyranny, your infrastructure falling to pieces, your citizens suffering and dying. And I want to help; but there's only so much I can do. The rest lies in the hands of Americans, like yourself; because this didn't have to be such a huge tragedy. Your government let it become one.

[philtration.livejournal.com]

And yet we spread ourselves thin across the globe trying to make a difference. Would we not be a much stronger nation if we took care of our own problems first?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I can't dispute the facts here, because I don't know them- but is it really the case that other countries have always refused aid to the USA? It seems on this occasion that help is being offered- and being gratefully received.