US #1 Export - discontent with government

Apparently, victims of the Asian earthquake have taken their queue from the US and are complaining about the slowness of the response. While I am saddened at the loss of these people and have no wish to speak lightly of their tragedy, there seems to be a growing trend around the world of people who look only to government to help in times of trouble. I am certain this discontent was encouraged by the spectacle that occurred after Katrina.

In the past, the order people looked for to solve crisis problems was: their own preparedness, their family, their friends and neighbors, their community assistance and/or their religious community. Finally, the government came in last. Now they seem frozen in their tracks waiting for the government to step in and help us all if they are too slow.

I guess we can be proud that we have exported this nonsense abroad. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.