[jyl]

I understand the sentiment, but don't think it really makes sense.

First, I don't expect other countries to offer us financial relief. The poor countries aren't able to. We don't financially help the other rich countries when they have disasters. (When's the last time we sent financial help to Switzerland or the UK after a natural disaster there etc?)

Second, if there's specialized medical or specialized search/rescue needs, I'd want to see our fellow rich countries offer to send teams, just like we send such teams around the world. But I'm not sure there is this need. (I'm seeing small boats picking people off rooftops, you think there's a shortage of bass boats in the SE US such that Germany needs to send some over? :-)

The recovery effort is just getting started, we'll see what needs arise as the poeple on the ground get their arms around things.