Along the same vein, we could also ask: “Why aren’t rich individuals giving more?” These are the people who have the talent, skills or good fortune to amass mind-boggling wealth, more than us ordinary folks can ever imagine, and constantly grace the who’s-who lists of the rich and powerful. People like Rupert Murdoch, Warren Buffett, David Beckham, Michael Jackson, etc.

Cynicism about any underlying motives for publicity aside, we could do with more of the world’s richest men and women coming forward in this unprecedented global time of need.

PS: Last heard, only the Queen of England and Bill Gates have pledged contributions.

I absolutely agree. It is time for the more fortunate to step up and give back to the international society that helped to build their fortunes.

More corporations also need to step up to the mark to donate.

As devil's advocate - It's interesting isn't it that some people in Australia 'expect' the rich western cultures and the richest members of the western cultures to contribute to the restoration of a normal life in countries devastated by natural and unnatural disasters, as though it is their responsiblity and duty to do so.

Neither is truly a reason to respond.

The best and most noble of reasons to respond to disasters is to respond on compassionate grounds for any other is ignoble, inhumane and unworthy, and will be interpreted in future times as opportunistic.

Interestingly, these same people do not ask these questions of the rich in non western cultures, and there are many here, nor is the question asked of the generosity or lack thereof of non western nations. Why is this?

The disgrace is the reaction of the Islamic world. Lets look at some of the 'impressive' donations from the Arab world to their muslim 'brothers' in Indonesia:
Kuwait $2m
Saudi Arabia $10m???

The same goes for Arab assistance to Palestine. Most arab states are more interested in exporting their brand of religious fanaticism than helping those who need it.

I think the reaction from the West has been pretty impressive. Most people I know have donated something, and all the western countries are falling over themselves to give more.

Lets have some respect for what has been given already.

The urgent need for both governments and individuals is to follow through and fulfill their commitments. The Australian Government and the Australian people have "talked the talk", now we need to see them "walk the walk" It is not necessarily the cash promised that is the whole of the contribution. The U.S. aircraft carrier with 6000men on board would be quite a large contribution in assistance but also in the cost of the operation. Then of course there are the helicopters, transport planes etc. fairgo.