“我的麻烦比你还多！”

　　How much should America pay to help the victims of the earthquake and tidal waves that killed thousands of people on the shores of the Indian Ocean? Americans like to think of themselves as generous people, so there was incredulity when President Bush first announced an aid grant of $15 million. The figure was quickly raised, but even at $35 million still seemed paltry. Many believed that Bush hadn't understood the extent of the losses -- or hadn't troubled himself to find out.

　　Just how fierce the ensuing criticism was in America can be gauged from today's cartoon by the great Pat Oliphant. Bush, wearing the cowboy hat Oliphant so often portrays him in, is a very unwilling giver. The poor tsunami survivor must plead for money, as Bush reluctantly ("I suppose" -- in spoken English this usually indicates a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the speaker) offers $5, which he then doubles to $10, adding a load of excuses. Things really get bad when Bush makes himself out to be a victim too ("You think you['ve] got troubles!", a colloquial phrase meaning "My troubles are even worse or more numerous than yours!").

　　Finally the president raises the offer to a more adequate $350 million (but Japan is still giving more: $500 million) and stomps off. To sweeten the deal, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the president's younger brother, will take part in the rescue effort.

　　To be fair, it should be pointed out that the US military is now heavily committed to rescue operations, particularly in Indonesia, where twelve big military helicopters are ferrying supplies and evacuating victims; naval vessels are offshore serving as mobile hospitals, and military doctors and other personnel are playing an important role in the ongoing effort. But why did it take so long for the president to respond appropriately? Bush grew up in an aristocratic American family, and as Westerners say, noblesseoblige -- if you occupy a high position in society, you are expected to contribute to philanthropic endeavors without complaint. That was certainly the elder Bush's line.

　　　But look at the younger Bush's complaints and excuses. Clearly Oliphant believes that Republican tax cuts, on top of the expensive war in Iraq, are making it harder for the US to respond to unforeseen events. And that is a dangerous position for the American government to be in: life, after all, is full of costly imponderables.(听英文53501,文章注释535011)