Tragedy in Southeast Asia

Before I post about the tragedy in Indonesia and points beyond, let me first say that Dartmouth College is proud to join the Ivy League Republican Blog. I am encouraged to see the GOP doing quite well on all of our campuses.

Regarding the tragedy in Southeast Asia, the AP reports that the United States has already pledged an initial $15 Million in aid toward the rescue and recovery effort currently underway. Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke with leaders of several countries in the region to pledge his support and offer condolences while President Bush monitors the situation from his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Because I find it distasteful to be overtly political on issues of tragedy, I will say that I am very proud of the United States for leading by example. I have long felt that we are obliged as leaders in the world to help those countries who are poor and require our assistance. In my view, this demonstrates the very best of American virtue and generosity.

Some might assert that we have little to gain by offering our support to these small countries, but to me our assistance demonstrates the compassion of the American people. Although, we have our own fiscal problems, helping those struck by tragedy and who are less fortunate, is just the right thing to do. In the mean time, it only seems appropriate that we offer our thoughts and prayers to the people of Southeast Asia, coping with tremendous loss.

Tory
Dartmouth