Fuente : Centre for Public Opinion & Democracy
http://www.cpod.ubc.ca/

EARTHQUAKE: Americans Review Tsunami Aid Allocation

/noticias.info/ (Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States are divided over the role the United Nations (UN) should play in the allocation of tsunami relief funds, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 50 per cent of respondents believe individual countries should provide aid directly, while 34 per cent would place the UN in charge of the effort.

On Dec. 26, large areas of Asia and parts of Africa were ravaged by the worst earthquake and tsunamis to hit the regions in four decades. More than 150,000 people have died, and many more have been displaced.

U.S. president George W. Bush announced $35 million U.S. in aid to the afflicted areas on Dec. 29. Four days later, the American government’s contribution was raised to $350 million U.S.

On Jan. 3, Bush enlisted the help of two former presidents—George H. Bush and Bill Clinton—to lead a fundraising drive. The current head of state asked "every American to contribute as they are able to do so."

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has asked international donors to provide $1 billion U.S. to deal with the first six months of relief operations. 83 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. has acted in a generous fashion.

Polling Data

What would be the best approach to international relief efforts for the tsunami victims?

The United Nations (UN)
in charge of relief efforts
34%

Individual countries providing
relief aid directly
50%


When helping other countries in times like this, is the United States...

Generous
83%

Stingy
12%


Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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