My point about Blair's negative qualities is that, yes, they are undesirable, just like being overwhelmingly religious is undesirable. It leads to flying planes into buildings and introducing constitutional amendments that go against the entire idea of the constitution (wouldn't be the first time, remember prohibition). And if mainstream America isn't like Bush, why did they re-elect him? (Indeed, why oh why oh why did they re-elect him?)

The figures quoted by the BBC are what the various governments have said they have given, not something they've made up themselves. And I wouldn't be looking for god's judgement on funds given, unless you think he communicates by earthquake.

Are you seriously saying that mainstream America aren't gun owners? Or insular? Because, well, you are. You might not be as mainstream as you think. You're certainly articulate as opposed to all the masses I see on the Internet. "AMerica rulez all u lame contries!!!!!!! U SUX!!!!" would be their equivalent of your argument (told you that you were articulate).

But this is turning into a conversation, not a blog. So I'll just join you in your sentiment that we all try to outdo each other in good deeds this year.

I'd have to say that our leader does represent our country quite well. He's pleasant, always looking for solutions, charming, arrogant, always has a smile on his face, traditional, religious but in a quiet way, occasionally pompous, likes to interfere in other countries. He's a pretty good match (hence his election victory by two landslides). Your leader is overwhelmingly religious, patriotic, inarticulate, a gun owner, slightly xenophobic, insular, charismatic, anti-gay. Doesn't that sound like mainstream America to you?

As far as my figures for governmental aid, there's a good round up here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4133971.stm

You can also see that the good people of Britain have already donated £20m (about $39m) themselves as well as other resources. I sincerely hope that Americans will far surpass that.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4133987.stm

Okay, slightly ironic twist, that was me below but I wasn't logged in. Don't know what happened to your first anon comment but they're obviously allowed.