G7 supports tsunami debt freeze

[MaineDem]

The G7 group of industrialised nations has announced a freeze on debt payments from the countries affected by the Asian tsunami.

UK Chancellor Gordon Brown unveiled the accord on Friday, ahead of a meeting of the Paris Club of creditor countries on 12 January.

The deal will only freeze repayments, rather than cancel the debt itself.

The G7 is also likely to urge the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to speed up its assistance to the stricken countries.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4154601.stm

[UncleVinny]

1. Saving Lives vs. Killing: Do the math!

Do the math.
We’re spending approximately $200 billion for the war in Iraq. With nearly100 million households in the US, that’s
- $2,000 average from every family for war.

The US is offering $350 million for tsunami relief.
- That’s $3.50 per household for saving lives.

One perpetuates death and destruction and generates resentment from other countries. The other saves lives and garners good will among nations. The war option is almost 600 times larger than the salvation option. Bush pushes for private donations to save lives, while the Pentagon gets whatever it asks for. So tell me, where is the compassionate part of this conservatism? Doesn’t it strike you that our values are a wee bit out of line?