121212 hurricane Sandy relief concert from Madison Square Garden

www.121212concert.org

If you haven’t noticed, my question about which country will offer some help to the victims of hurricane Sandy, was pretty much qualified as rhetorical.  Yes, rest of the World doesn’t give a shiznit about our people.  Considering, the United States jumps in to help with every major disaster around the globe,  the lack of interest is just ungrateful.

Here’s a grand idea.  The money extorted from the United States every year to fund the United Nations, $7.691 billion in 2010, should be redirected toward the relief efforts in New York and New Jersey.  After all, it’s our money, and we want some return on the investment.

So here we are.  12-12-12 concert  with an amazing group of celebrity stars performing on stage to raise funds to benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund for the Sandy relief.  Yes, Americans are like onions.  Under the yellow skin, we’re all tearjerkers who help others.  Of course, with the exception of Pamela Anderson Lee and other unfortunate folks with Hepatitis C that would cause the yellowish skin.

Tony Soprano himself, James Gandolfini, is making the phone calls during the concert.  My favorites took the stage: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Chris Rock, John Bon Jovi, Jimmy Fallon, Jamie Foxx, Quentin Tarantino, and Steve Buscemi.  Although, Buscemi’s interest in rebuilding the Jersey Shore might be vested in a new boardwalk for his upcoming season of  HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”.

The collection of the performers was quite impressive.  Among others: Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, Kanye West, The Who, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones.  I have to admit, Alicia Keys was awesome, but Billy Joel just brought down the house.  The Piano Man still got it.

As a surprise bonus, it was great to see Michael Stipe from R.E.M. singing with Chris Martin from Coldplay.  You have to appreciate the skill of these guys.  Man, Lady Gaga looks bleak in comparison.

The real heroes of the hurricane were not forgotten.  Police, firefighters, emergency medics, doctors, nurses, sanitation workers, and many more that assisted thousands of residents before and after the storm, were recognized by all.  I officially change my position on privatization of the fire stations, keep them public, we need those guys to stay.

Unfortunately, the Atlantic City mogul was no show, still recovering from the hurricane Sandy damaged comb over.  Mirror mirror, on the wall, where’s Donnie Trump after all???

Above all, it’s a righteous cause and one would hope for a great response.

Hurricane Sandy aftermath: What country will offer assistance first?

Hurricane Sandy left a huge path of destruction.  Estimating the damages will be almost impossible, since the effects of the hurricane will be felt for years to come.  Stock market, tourism, casinos, tax revenues, jobs, insurance costs, infrastructure, and human factor.  First careful estimates are in already.  The Huffington Post reports:

As a wide swath of the eastern seaboard begins to recover from what's estimated to be at least $20 billion in hurricane-related damages, the help is pouring in. Federal recovery dollars are being funneled to state agencies, nonprofits are accepting donations, first responders are caring for the injured and neighbors are helping neighbors.

One burning question comes to mind: which countries will jump in first to offer any form of help to the United States?

United States provides tons of assistance after every major disaster all over the world.  We all know that.  This is a payback time.  Who's first?  Going once, going twice...