Thoughts, part one

There has been some comments on Facebook lately that have made me think.  So here are my thoughts.  Several folks have mentioned that while the US sends aid (both personal and governmental) to many countries after a natural disaster no one sends any to us.  While there have been some exceptions, traditionally, our government refuses aid from other countries saying that "We take care of our own."  I think that may be because aid always comes with strings-even if we can't see them.  The truth is, we don't take very good care of our own either.  Very shortly after the horrid fires took lives in Australia last year and again after this year's flooding there, Aussies quilters sent out a request for quilts and sewing packets for the ravaged areas.  People all over the world, including the US, began sending supplies, quilt blocks, and money to help.  (Quilters are very generous!)  I have never seen such an appeal for those hit by tornados, hurricanes, etc here.  Maybe it's out there and I just haven't seen it, but there don't seem to be any requests for aid to the people affected.  Why is this?  Do we expect the Government or Insurers to take care of everything?  Or maybe the Red Cross? I'm just wondering.