I wonder

[fixer27]

I wonder, if the shoe were on the other foot, and say CA had that big
quake, who would come to the US's aid? Do you think we would be showered
with aid? What nation's would come to our aid? Or do you think that the
we would be told we are rich, you don't need our help? What would the
world's papers say in the headlines?

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I think some of our people here said power companies including from Canada came to help in Florida after the hurricanes.

 

[faramir]

This is pure speculation but i'd say if youended up with 150000+ dead after an earthquake or some other natural disaster people would come in to help as well. I understand the "rich versus poor" part, Indonesia, Sri Lanka et al are no US so countries are probably more inclined to give monetary donations to these countries because they help the most; US on the other hand would probably have little use for 3 billion dollars (or whatever donations for this disaster amount to in the end), that's literally a couple of days worth of war in Iraq so money aspect would not be critical - supplies (of medications), rescue teams, etc., that's where help would probably be needed and offered.

That's how i see it; $3 bn sounds like a big heap of money to an ordinary person like you and me but in fact it's not all that much for all the countries involved; now imagine how pityful it would seem n the case of the US. Better yet, have a look at the usual US budgetary expenditures, it'll give you better sense of perspective as to how relatively small that sum would seem.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Every time there's a natural disaster in the US countries all over the world offer us money, including the poorest countries. We always decline with thanks.