By Staff
A tragic Pakistani earthquake may have claimed as many as 79,000 lives.
America, in responding quickly, could benefit from the same kind of image boost following the U.S. response to the tsunami in south Asia last Christmas.
America reaching out as a friendly giant has got to be more effective for public relations than dropping bombs and torturing people in dealing with Muslims critical of President George W. Bush's war on terrorism.
It did in Indonesia as a pleasant byproduct of our inherent generosity.
Pew Research Center conducts research on worldwide attitudes toward the United States. A Pew survey showed positive world reaction to Americans' tsunami response.
U.S. aid to tsunami victims is now estimated at $350 million, way up from a lower starting commitment of $30 million.
Pew President Andrew Kohut acknowledged, “There are some opportunities to be sure” for U.S. aid, including relief involving troops, to bolster its image in Pakistan.
Our federal government initially pledged $50 million for rescue and recovery efforts after the 7.6-magnitude quake on Oct. 8.
That amount is a significant gesture coupled with the visible presence of our soldiers and military helicopters delivering relief.
The U.S. military and monetary response to the massive tsunami that struck in December 2004 furnished the Muslim world a much-needed humane view of a superpower whose invasion of Iraq and abuse of alleged terrorists shredded its image.
United Nations officials say the quake injured more than 60,000 and left 3 million homeless - many in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
Tens of thousands of others may die from disease and infection depending on how rapidly relief arrives.
The UN asked for international aid of $312 million and received pledges for $86 million by Oct. 20.
Americans, of course, are not responding out of a PR ploy.
Americans aren't worrying about how much it will cost.
We're just trying to do what needs to be done because it's the right thing to do.