I Am Ashamed to be an American

When 3,000 Americans died in the attacks of 9/11/01, there was an outpouring of sympathy, and outrage, and support from all over the world. By sunset of that terrible day, there was probably not a single nation that failed to weigh in with expressions of horror and solidarity.

When probably hundreds of thousands of human beings died and perhaps millions were displaced in an unspeakable horror, the President of the United States, the leader of the free world, the spokesman for all Americans cleared brush and rode his bicycle on his ranch, not showing his face or saying a word for three days.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder rushed back to Berlin from his vacation to address the disaster. The only American voice heard was that of Bill Clinton who expressed horror and appealed for international relief on the BBC. The administration's response was to trash Clinton.

Explaining the about-face, a White House official said: "The president wanted to be fully briefed on our efforts. He didn't want to make a symbolic statement about 'We feel your pain.' [Washington Post]"

"Actions speak louder than words," a top Bush aide said, describing the president's view of his appropriate role.

So true! And what action spoke louder than Bush's absence of words? The Americans pledged $15 million! 15 million dollars! Bush is probably going to spend more than that on his inauguration. He then reacted indignantly when the United Nations called America stingy. What else can one call it? In a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, $15 million? This is America? I am ashamed.

There was an international outpouring of support after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and even some administration officials familiar with relief efforts said they were surprised that Bush had not appeared personally to comment on the tsunami tragedy. "It's kind of freaky," a senior career official said.

These are Bush's true colors.

But here's the real tragedy. Indonesia is the largest Islamic nation in the world, and one of the hardest hit. What better way to show to the Islamic world, to show to the entire world, that America is a nation of compassion and of caring, and not a selfish, resource-gobbling, exploiting, war mongering people?

Why are we hated in the world, Mr. Bush? Because they hate us for our freedoms, as you so cynically love to say? No. Because of your inexcusable treatment of the rest of the world. You are the ugliest of ugly Americans. Your contempt for your own people is exceeded only by your contempt for the people of the rest of the world.

Instead of all the propoganda efforts, instead of all the infiltration and espionage, instead of all the disinformation campaigns, you should be leading the world in the effort to help these poor people.

You call yourself a Christian, Mr. Bush? Shame on you.

All are urged to read this story. See who you elected to lead us and lead the world.