Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - U.S. Headlines: "U.S.-based relief groups report an overwhelming response from donors moved by the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami, with more than $200 million raised as of Tuesday."

Who said Americans are stingy? This article, and many others like it, support my previous posting regarding American generosity.
See also:
Profound shift in US culture of giving from The Christian Science Monitor
U.S. arrives with aid in hard-hit Indonesia from the San Francisco Chronicle (note the massive infusion of logistical support by the US)

We are a nation blessed with freedom and wealth that comes from hard work. We believe in opportunity and earning that which we have. In giving others the opportunity to better themselves. The old adage, "give a man a fish and you've fed him for a day, teach him to fish and you've fed him for a lifetime" is rooted deep in the American psyche.

Even so, we also are a compassionate people who are willing to give of our resources to help those truly in need. When misfortune visits others we open our hearts and our wallets to help them through the struggle. We give them a shoulder to cry on, then the resources to rebuild on.

We don't need a government to do this for us or to tell us to do it. We do it out of a heartfelt compassion that, too, is deeply rooted in the American psyche.

Be sure to visit Letters From Iraq