For all of the criticisms of the United States for being “stingy” – for wanting to build an empire – for spending too much on our military – for only donating $350m to relief efforts – for spending more in a day of the war on terror than we donated to the relief effort – how can you not look at these pictures of the sailors of the United States Navy rendering aid in East Asia and see through all of that rhetorical smokescreen?
We’re only able to provide aid like this because we have invested in the military that we have today. Had we drawn down as far as some other countries have – we wouldn’t be able to provide this sort of aid.
Only $350m? What’s the pricetag for the carrier group and the amphibious group that are over there now?
Take a look at the faces of the these men and women. They are there to help – there’s no intent or desire for “empire” in their eyes – no matter what the Socialist Alliance or Claire Short has to say about it.