[techweenie]

There was a comment early on that major nations were being 'stingy' (the official did *not* name the US).

At that time, the US government had pledged $5 million (yes, that's the original pledge). Later it was mentioned that another $10 million would perhaps go to the Red Cross 'later.' Then the figure was revised to $35 million; then to $350 million.

So as stupid and stingy as the original response was, the US has made what I think is a reasonable pledge, and US citizens will probably nearly double that commitment.

And no, I don't think GWB was obliged to cut short his 'brush clearing' vacation when the news of the disaster was developing.