The massive flood that hit Pakistan earlier this month has been reported to cover about one-fifth of the nation and has claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. Reports explain that number is expected to rise due to unsanitary conditions in the region as well as illnesses. More than 200 health centers in the area have been destroyed and 4 million Pakistanis remain homeless. The United Nations has appealed for $460 million to help the nearly 20 million people in need, but so far they have only received about $263 million with an additional $54 million in pledges—70 percent of the goal.
While no two natural disasters are alike, worldwide donation comparisons to past disasters affecting other nations are mind-boggling. For example, InterAction, an umbrella group for U.S relief agencies has collected $12 million for Pakistan flood relief efforts compared to more than $500 million they received for the Haitian earthquake. The American Red Cross has only collected about $2 million in relief funds compared to the $100 million they received for the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the $670 million for Hurricane Katrina and $230 million for the Haitian earthquake.
The Associated Press reported that Americans—compared to other overseas disasters—have been stingy in giving to Pakistan relief. Even further, Americans have been 40 times more generous in giving to other nations in need. In addition, the Pakistan flood has gotten very little American television coverage. A few months ago it was hard to turn on a television or read a newspaper and not hear about Haiti and five years before that Hurricane Katrina. But this week, Glen Beck’s tea party rally is the top news on every news medium despite the fact that, essentially, it is exceptionally insignificant compared to the displacement of 4 million people.
Usually natural disasters—despite their location—bring people together. For Pakistan there are no celebrities, no telethons and no past presidents soliciting money from Americans with heart-wrenching commercials. Has America lost its soul? What happened to tolerant and generous America? The Obama administration quietly gave $90 million, but there has not been any media hoopla about that; perhaps if there were, Americans would follow suit.
As the world watches Americans ridiculously debate the make-believe Ground Zero mosque being built in Lower Manhattan, it is painfully obvious we are still bitter and resentful towards September 11, 2001. Our anger should be geared towards the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, not an entire nation of innocent victims who, for the most part, do not support Islamic fundamentalism. Let us help the nation of Pakistan out of the kindness of our hearts, not the hate that has been conditioned in our minds. Let us show the world that America is strong and that we are smart enough to separate hate from humility.