EDITORIAL
After late start, Bush rises to tsunami need
President Bush deserves credit for his efforts to overcome a late start in the U.S. government's response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.
In an inspired move, he appointed his two predecessors, Bill Clinton and his father, George H.W. Bush, to lead private fund raising to help the stricken regions.
Amid all of the attention to pledges of aid from world governments, it's important to note that private charities and other non-governmental organizations also are crucial. The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, Unicef and many others were on the ground and contributing from Day 1 of the tragedy.
It's unfortunate that Bush's initial sluggish reaction may jeopardize an opportunity to win hearts and minds in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, as well as in Sri Lanka, Thailand and India.
But Bush quickly increased this country's contribution from $15 million to $350 million, joining the worldwide response to what may be the greatest disaster in history. But what matters most now is that the aid be effectively and appropriately delivered where it's needed most, that 100 percent of the eventual pledged amount is paid in full, and that we make a commitment to aid in redevelopment over the next decade.
One problem is that the promised tsunami aid will eat up the U.S. Agency for International Development's entire international disaster and famine assistance program for fiscal year 2005, creating problems in other commitments as the year wears on.
The Defense Department also has a $115 million emergency fund, and its crucial diversion of airlift capacity plus the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln likely will account for that.
Bush has done well to send his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region to show the flag and our nation's sympathy. But the president would be wise to visit the region himself in coming weeks. A respectful visit to national capitals to express our nation's condolences would go a long way toward repairing America's image.
