You know, this reminds me of something that happened back in high school. It was probably at the end of my school year after 9/11, close to Memorial Day. We all gathered in the gym for an assembly and had to sit and listen to a teacher read this article that some guy had written which basically said that America always comes to the aid of other countries while other countries never seem to want to help us. (This was in reference to the fact that we seemingly had to take care of ourselves after 9/11.)
After seeing that Wiki link on Katrina, I think I need to facepalm like none other. I would just like to apologize on behalf of my country. Rest of the World, you folks are awesome. I am sorry that we are too bullheaded to accept your help when you so graciously offer it, and I am sorry that we squander what assistance we do allow.
At the very least, if we weren't going to take the money or other material resources, we should have at least capitalized on the expertise of the island/coastal nations who clearly deal with water-related disasters all the time. God forbid America make new friends or strengthen the existing friendships, though. I'm pretty content with having been born an American for the most part, but after moments like these... just... facepalm. Fucking facepalm.
- Jen