I HAVE become totally amazed over the last few weeks at the lack of compassion shown to the Americans in New Orleans by the British Press and public.

Following the Asian Tsunami disaster, people were falling over themselves to donate to aid agencies.

The response to the hurricane disaster has been virtually nothing. Indeed, it has become an occasion for most to take a swipe at the USA and George Bush.

It is certainly true that the pygmies come out to attack when the giant is knocked down.

A child dying alone and scared in the water is just as devastating to those from a rich country as it from an Indonesian island.

For those that shout 'America is a rich country', should remember that aid comes in more ways than just money. Imagine if our Government suddenly had to get hold of thousands of tons of medical equipment.

What I have personally learnt from this disaster is firstly, the British Press leads the public around by the nose and can influence the response to disaster with biased reporting.

Second, the vast majority of the public donate money like the Hypocrites at the temple. They are happy to shout about how much they have raised for well publicised events, yet lack the sincerity to help a neighbour when there is no kudos attached.

M SWIERS,

Worcester.