Ron Peacock
ACEH, Indonesia (PN)

The largest relief effort since WWII continues as the "civilized" nations of the world hurl vast sums of money and logistical resources into the tsunami ravaged regions of the Indian Ocean. Inconceivably, before the true extent of the devastations could be known, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland guilefully accused the USA of being "stingy". The Under-Secretary-General's remarks were as welcomed in Washington as a spoiled jar of Norwegian pickled herring. Herr Egeland eventually apologized but not before achieving the UN's objective of undermining America's well earned reputation as the largest source of world humanitarian aid. (OECD data reveals the U.S. gave nearly $2.5 billion in emergency and distress relief in 2003 while all other countries combined gave $3.4 billion. The U.S. also contributed nearly 70 percent of all food assistance.)

Herr Egeland's initial comment and subsequent scramble to "explain" his statement mark the first modern examples of a Norwegian taking the offensive or acting on behalf of his own defense. Not since Norway learned the packing technique of sardines, has a Norwegian achieved such a significant milestone. The UN and Herr Egeland's intentions are transparent; by preemptively planting the seed of disinformation, the U.S. has been put in a no win situation. Regardless of America's final contribution, our goodwill will be perceived as a response to Egeland's false accusation. Furthermore, during a December 30th press conference, Egeland was asked - "…do you feel that your comment - that "stingy" comment - created a healthy competition?" to which he replied in part - "I see now that it may also lead to discussion of additional funding for good causes, and I would welcome that." No doubt! We can't imagine anything more welcome than billions of dollars in the felonious hands of UN officials.

The United States has agreed to dismantle a four-nation group set up to handle tsunami assistance and let the United Nations act as the chief aid coordinator. The asylum has been turned over to the inmates. With the UN 'den of thieves' controlling the aid, you can be assured it will be misappropriated, misdirected and filtered into terrorist hands. Lastly, it is sad and shameless that so many continue to exploit the destruction and suffering for political gain and the advancement of ludicrous conspiracy theories.