[SOC] Our northern neighbor responds

[Bill Cunningham K4KSR]

Forwarding a note from VE3CHQ.

The US press is not reporting offers of genuine help from around the world,
nor of US non-acceptance of nonfinancial aid..  Here's a note from VE3CHQ
that shows how Canada is responding.

Telephoned the Cdn Red Cross but the line was busy and the answering
service was slow to respond.  Went to town and asked at my
bank how I can contribute.  They will shortly set up a donation system
but have not yet done so.  Went to the In&Out store and they had a coin box
on the counter with wads and coins in it, marked "Katrina."  My donation
will be more than coins, though.

The CF has loaded a destroyer and two frigates in Halifax with emergency
supplies, generators, transformers, water, etc.  They are awaiting word
from the US where and when to move.  I gather that some CF aircraft
(Hercs?) are standing by.

Kofi Annan spoke to assure the US that the UN's members were ready to
help, too.

Anyway, just thought you should know that folks outside the US are
gearing up to assist.  Hope the victims can hold on for a bit longer.

What angers me is that the dying from lack of water has not yet really
begun.  All the victims need right away is potable water and some
emergency rations; rescue can come later.  And our Navy ships and air
farce planes just sit there.

The latest ARRL sunspot report has some info on a few hams in the NO
area.  One is evacuated but his home of 50 years is gone.  It took him
from 1000 Sun to mid afternoon Mon to travel nonstop to Houston on a
multilane highway with all lanes going west, average speed 12 mph.