One Man's Perspective: America to the rescue

Over the years, Americans have developed tremendous hearts and very thick skins.

How many times does the world spit in our eyes, decry our gluttonous and capitalist ways, besmirch the evil western culture - then turn to us every time Mother Nature gives them a smack down.

And every time, rather than turning our backs - we respond. And we respond in a big way.

Not only through our "corrupt and evil government bent on world domination" who sends soldiers, relief workers and millions and billions in dollars; but also through private resources and charitable organizations that the people of this country help fund. Americans step up.

Why? Because it's the right thing to do.

And we've been giving to Haiti in one form or another for quite some time - and their corrupt political structure has swallowed up a great deal of those resources - never getting them to its poverty stricken people.

We have a very low tolerance for human suffering and so we react with outrage - offering more dollars and more volunteer hours. That's what happens when you're "one nation under God." It comes with the territory. You have and you give and you make a difference.

It's actually gotten to the point now where America is criticized for not being fast enough or giving enough.

We have doctors and surgeons walking away from patients who need them here. We see cargo loads of food being shipped while we have people digging through garbage cans for a meal. We have soldiers leaving loved ones to dig bodies from under piles of rocks, and did I mention that this country is going to wind up bankrolling the majority of the relief services.

But it's never enough.

So pardon me if I feel a bit cynical about Friday night's celebrity telethon effort featuring George Clooney and his celeb friends. It's not that I don't think it's a good thing to help raise the dollars. Hey you're getting some free entertainment for your dollars.

But these celebrities are calling on the American people to give even more than what they do through their taxes that the government is sending to help, as well as all the private donations that people already contribute.

I don't need to be guilt-tripped into this. It's clear to see how bad these poor people have it over there. It wasn't good to begin with, but it's absolutely hell-on-earth over there right now.

So instead of playing on the goodness of the citizens in a nation sporting a 10 percent unemployment rate right now with a declining economy - why don't these celebrities just step up and give till it hurts a bit too. Let's remember, it's the American taxpayer that kicks out the ridiculous amounts of money annually to watch movies or buy CDs. They're working that into their budget so when Cannes Film Festival time comes along, good old George and his buddies can rent the most expensive yacht for the week, find some bikini clad babes and live the "A" lifestyle. Then it's off to a weekend of skiing in the Alps. Of course they stop for about three months to make a movie on site in the Mediterranean - reload the coffers with another $20 mil, then head out again.

So as they challenge me on Friday night, I'll return the challenge.

George and friends, why don't you donate half of your next film project to Haiti relief. At the superstar going rate of $10 to $20 million a film - that would leave them with $5 to $10 million to "survive" on. If that's too tight, they could always make a second film.

I'm not suggesting people shouldn't give, but when it comes to ridiculously paid celebrities putting on a sad face and asking me for more, I just wonder how enthusiastic they would be about it if everyone decided to donate that money they use for weekend entertainment purposes?