...to see who can denigrate aid offers the most?

I'm cynical, extremely cynical, and I know as well as the next person that NOTHING is ever given without thinking one will gain something from it eventually. But you know... I don't care. We should take what is offered, say, "Thank you very much!" and get on with rebuilding lives that were destroyed, burying those that lost their lives, constructing something out of the ashes that will survive better the next time and kick some politicians' asses if they don't do what is necessary to see that this doesn't happen again because they chose war over strengthening levees.

I'm not too proud to say, "Thank you." We've done a lot for others but think about the things they may say about us if they think we didn't give enough or they think we dont' have anything else to do with the things we give, that we are rich and have excess, blah blah blah. It's petty when they do it and it's petty when we do it.

My heart aches for the victims down there. I know people in Mississippi and around New Orleans. I know someone who was searching desperately for family members. I'm sure many of you do, too. Let's keep our thoughts and energy flowing where they will benefit others. Each gives what they feel they can.