February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
But if the initial U.S. response was torpid, the first financial aid offering of $10 million a mere drop in a very big bucket, the message has apparently since gotten through in Washington that the disaster that has so tragically afflicted a dozen nations, and millions of people, is worthy of a response of the greatest magnitude, and one that will last for a lot more than mere days.
The United States was by no means alone in perhaps not quickly comprehending the true scope of the catastrophe that began to unfold the day after Christmas.
Either way, it is encouraging indeed to see the subsequent rapid acceleration in the pace and proportion of U.S. action and aid to a level that is a far more accurate indicator of America’s compassion and wherewithal.
The sight of U.S. military forces engaged closely in rescue and relief work has been a tonic to those who have fretted at the thought of a world that sees America solely as an aggressive military power and not, as we know it to be, an ultimate guarantor of peace and prosperity for so many nations around the globe.
Even now, the death toll in the disaster continues to mount. The need for logistical skill and speed in what is a massive feeding and cleanup mission will be evident for some time.
When it comes to both, the U.S. clearly leads the world and must be seen to do so.
President Bush’s recruitment of two of his predecessors, his father and Bill Clinton, to spearhead private fundraising for aid and relief is an adroit move.
There’s no doubt that Americans will give, and give generously. And to have two former presidents leading the effort puts a distinctly public and official seal on a task that will require sustained leadership and long term engagement.
The role of Bush Sr. and Clinton is as clear a signal as any that President Bush understands the importance of what needs to be accomplished, both in the short run and over an extended period.
It would be absolutely on the mark if the president reminded the world more than once in the coming weeks — even if it is a bit of a hoary old clich