Tax deductions for tsunami relief donations...say what GW?

While doing some reading on the tsunami I learned some pretty surprising things-
1. Although over $4billion dollars has been pledged- the victims may never even see all or even most of that money. Why is this? The money is only a pledge, not cash, just a promise and 9 times out of 10 the amount of aid pledged is not actually donated. One possible reason is that donor countries want to make sure the country is accountable to this money and that it does not feed corruption so they only give to specific programs. Either way- the people need this money so we need to find a way to get it to them.
2. President Bush is allowing tax payers to claim tsunami relief donations on their 2004 returns! How generous- way to incent people GW. Due to budget constraints GW has called on us, the people, to doneate priveately. "The greatest source of American's generousity is not our government, it's the good heart of the American people." (Time) I must have a good heart cause I decided to donate even before he called on me. Don't get me wrong- I think it is amazing how people around the world are reaching out to these victims. Yet somehow it was more beautiful before it was advertised as such. It was 100% about generousity and responding to the need of others in the world. Now that seems tainted somehow. Was it necessary? I would be interested to see stats on how much donations went up after that announcement was made. Hmmm maybe I'll come across that someday.
3. The tsunami victims need our help...the numbers keep increasing and increasing. Villages are devestated and entire families are missing. DONATE!!!