So what are you're opinions/ feelings about this catastrophe?
I'm leaving for the Philippines next week so I'm a little nervous... although I doubt there's anything to be afraid of.
Printable View
So what are you're opinions/ feelings about this catastrophe?
I'm leaving for the Philippines next week so I'm a little nervous... although I doubt there's anything to be afraid of.
What disasters might you be referring to?
You pick one ! Tsunamis, Earthquake... don't you watch CNN?Quote:
Originally Posted by t3h j3ff
Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India... where all affected by the earthquake.
I don't you'll have to worry about earthquakes or tsunamis, but it might be hard to have a good time with all the destruction, mourning and devastation. My mom went to Kobe, Japan after their earthquake about 10 years ago. She brought back some pictures. There was rubble everywhere. Natural disasters are not fun.
The largest recorded earthquake for 40 or so years (8.9 on the Richter scale) hit the Indian Ocean, causing tidal waves and flooding to hit the areas Chris named.Quote:
Originally Posted by t3h j3ff
I think it's a terrible loss of human life, but sadly there is no way to avert earthquakes, or at least that I know of.
I shouldn't think you would have anything to worry about regarding earthquakes and tsunamis when you travel to the Phillippines, Chris.
Thanks :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
I'm still a little nervous though.
This was a horrible tragedy, I wish the best for all of those families who have lost. Although it is beyond depressing, I hope you can still have a good time Chris.
I was there 3-4 years ago and I was in Manila, visiting relatives. You've nothing to worry about, really. It's definitely different from America; it's nothing like America. It even feels different with America. However, you'll feel at peace there. When I came back, I felt like a new man. I hope it does the same to you. Have fun. Oh, and if you don't go to Jolli Bee, I'll hunt you down. :) And bring me back Jolli Bee's ambrosial spaghetti. :love: :love: My mouth longs and waters for it... *Drool*
In Manila? Peace?Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingBig
Anyway, about the disaster, well, nothing I can say. I feel it's a shame such natural disasters are concentrated in such poor countries that have no ways of preventing against the disaster. I mean, if such thing had happened, for example, in Japan- wich is a place where such things can happen and yet developed nation- the casualties would have been much lower than in third world countries. Actually, according to the newspaper, in case of a natural disaster in a developed country in comparison with a developing one, of each person dying in a developed country, fifty die in the poor country.
Oh, you must mean about that quack? Well, I don't know, but you can't just be scared of disasters just in Asia. Natural disasters happen anywhere at anytime. I went to the Philippines last year for a month, and the worst that happened were the heavy rains.
that's a big earthquake.
not nearly as big as the '64 Alaskan quake though. That one was a 9.5 I think. which is I think almost 10,000 times bigger than the 8.9. or something. it's a logarithmic scale anyways, so ask Unne. He'd probably know.
the only reason why people make a big deal about this quake and not about the much huger Alaskan quake is because the bigger one was in Alaska. There's not much up here to damage or destroy. Whereas India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. I think it's THE most densely populated, in fact.
Too bad for all the damage and loss of life, though. truly. It was their time, though, and not much to be done when your time comes.
If earthquake 1 is 0.6 points higher on the Richter scale than earthquake 2, there is about 4 times more seismic activity and about 8 times more energy released, using simple log10 conversions.
India gets a serious shaft in terms of natural disasters. At least this wasn't near where my family is, unlike that devastating quake 3 years ago that killed ~13000 people.
This ones killed more than 14 500 thousand people with thousands still missing. Most of these people in the poor countries don't have insurance and all that. They also have no food and their fresh waters supplies have been contaminated. Luckily they're getting aid from other countries like Australia and America. Also getting help from UN and Red Cross. It's been on TV all day since it's pretty close to Australia and there were lots of Australian tourists injured but only 5 are missing.
Not good. :(
Does anyone know if there are any relief funds yet? I know it's still soon, but I really want to contribute in some way.
We have a few in Australia.
http://www.seven.com.au/news/tsunami
You should be able to donate to the Unicef and/or Red Cross ones.
Also check this site. They don't have anything yet but they should soon.
http://www.cnn.com/quake
I'm under the impression that the world is coming to an end, so you may as well travel while it still exists, eh?
It was impossible to have prevented, unfortunately. Hopefully though, they will build earthquake resistant buildings during the rebuilding process. It would be an unacceptable crime for them not to.
I can't even imagine how scary it must be, being dragged out to the ocean by a Tsunami. It must have been a horrible way to die. I feel sorry for the victims.
It's nasty and horrible.
more to the point it came out of no where!...it's sad to see all the destruction and a little disturbing that some of the news shows over here are showing pictures of the dead :confused: but i spose that cant be helped. my heart goes out to the unfortunate, and it would be good to see everyone (as in governments and stuff) pitch in and help!
i was reading a newspaper and it had an article about some of the aussies who were there at the time, one guy was saying that while he was at a beach (can't remember where) the water was sucked a kilometre out to sea then came rushing back in 10m waves. scary.
its a teribble disaster that couldn't have been prevented, lets just hope that nothing like this hapens again for a while!
Mmmm...as far I know, the biggest registered earthquake in human history was in 1960, Valdivia (Chile). It was of a 9.5. I don't think there's been anything as big since that.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeBlayde
Geez, what a shame, Validivia is a beautiful city. Here, some impressive images of the city after the disaster:
http://www.angelfire.com/nt/terremotoValdivia/
It's all rebuild now. Good thing, cause it's probably the best city in Chile.
I think we should declare a national war against earthquakes to stop this from ever happening again right this second!
2 aussies are now confirmed dead. Death toll at around 17000 now
Although it couldn't have been prevented, Sri Lanka and India should have warned people what was coming. It took the waves 2 and a half hours to reach Sri Lanka from Indonesia. Sadly, the places hit were mostly poor fishing villages and were too poor to have warnings. Also because of the poverty, it is unlikely that the houses will be rebuilt to withstand tsunami's.
Oh I'm actually half Philippine, so I've been there lots of times.Quote:
Originally Posted by SomethingBig
And Jollibee is yum... :D
We agree.Quote:
I'm under the impression that the world is coming to an end, so you may as well travel while it still exists, eh?
I appreciate your cynicism, but it's gotten me thinking some disturbing thoughts. The US budget is really in the pits thanks to gratuitous military spending and mishandling. I don't know what aide our government's going to give, I just hope that we give all we can. I was watching the report on CNN, they're saying they have no food and no water in some places. Get your boxes ready, a canned food drive or two seems like a good idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doors
My sympathies lie with the thousands of people who lost loved ones in that terrible disaster. It is indeed unfortunate that thousands more innocent people should be dying in another area of the world , not to war , drought or disease but succumbing to the destructive powers of Nature. It is a sad reminder of the fragility of human civilization in the face of our Planets elemental forces ,and of the world's respective governments responsibility for the welfare of their citizens ... :cry:
Though my grief is nothing compared to my growing sense of anger ... :mad2:
The tsunami which has ravaged 8 countries in South Asia was the result of a massive undersea earthquake , one that scientists had foreseen happening. The death toll could have been significantly , if not completely reduced had a warning been broadcasted to the affected areas ... why was such a warning not undertaken by the respective authorities ?
I hope the authority figures responsible for such negligence are able to justify their lack of action , or may the blood of thousands rest upon their consciences for the rest of their lives.
The death toll is topping 22,000 now and still going up. This breaks my heart. :(
Nature doesn't get much uglier than this. A truly horrific disaster... but at least the world is responding quickly. Nations are sending aid and militaru personnel to assist; the UN is making similar steps. Even old hatreds are taking a break, with the Tamil Tiger rebel groups working alonside the government forces they usually oppose, in order to help the victims. [q=Itsunari 2000]
The tsunami which has ravaged 8 countries in South Asia was the result of a massive undersea earthquake , one that scientists had foreseen happening. The death toll could have been significantly , if not completely reduced had a warning been broadcasted to the affected areas ... why was such a warning not undertaken by the respective authorities ?
[/q]Earthquakes aren't exactly predictable. It's easy to say, "OK, so there's going to be a big quake somewhere in this area, in the next century or so", but that's as 'predictable' as it gets. No-one is to blame for this tragedy; many countries have plans for how to respond to such an event, but there's little that could've been done to prevent the loss - aside from blackading the beaches and moving everyone inland decades ago, and forcing them to stay away from the beaches for ever, just about.
I have disagree with you, D. The Pacific ocean has a "Tsunami warning system" set up. The Indian ocean does not. It took some of the waves over an hour to reach some of the places where it did the most damage. Had there been a warning system set up, thousands of people would still be alive right now. These deaths were preventable. It is imperative that an alert system is set up in the Indian ocean, and any other ocean that it is not in. We can't afford to let this happen again.
I'm a bit confused on the exact details, was it an earthquake underwater that caused a tsunami, or did the earthquake also affect the mainland as well as spark a tsunami?
Turns out this is worse than that earthquake. But still not near my family. Wow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Me before I learned it was actually 24000 dead, not 2400
[q=DJZen] Does anyone know if there are any relief funds yet? I know it's still soon, but I really want to contribute in some way.[/q]
Three years ago when the earthquake hit Bhuj, I set up a relief fund chapter in my own high school. I'm pretty sure you can do the same, and simply send everything you've collected to Red Cross. Don't trust the Indian government - they've promised 550 million, but the last time a big natural disaster hit, they mismanaged international relief funds big time, and nearly got Vajpayee kicked out of office instead of voted out.
[q=BtV]I'm a bit confused on the exact details, was it an earthquake underwater that caused a tsunami, or did the earthquake also affect the mainland as well as spark a tsunami?[/q]
Earthquakes always occur at fault lines - turns out this one was underwater, off the coast of Sumatra. One plate slips, which causes an earthquake. Many are familiar with earthquakes over land, but earthquakes over water basically cause tsunamis. So the earthquake itself doesn't deal as much damage, but the tsunamis do.
[q=Chris]I'm leaving for the Philippines next week so I'm a little nervous... although I doubt there's anything to be afraid of.[/q]
Actually answering the original question, you'll be fine - there was just a bunch of crap that happened, so it's unlikely it will happen again very soon.
[q=Itsunari 2000]The tsunami which has ravaged 8 countries in South Asia was the result of a massive undersea earthquake , one that scientists had foreseen happening. The death toll could have been significantly , if not completely reduced had a warning been broadcasted to the affected areas ... why was such a warning not undertaken by the respective authorities ?
I hope the authority figures responsible for such negligence are able to justify their lack of action , or may the blood of thousands rest upon their consciences for the rest of their lives.[/q]
[q=nik0tine]I have disagree with you, D. The Pacific ocean has a "Tsunami warning system" set up. The Indian ocean does not. It took some of the waves over an hour to reach some of the places where it did the most damage. Had there been a warning system set up, thousands of people would still be alive right now. These deaths were preventable. It is imperative that an alert system is set up in the Indian ocean, and any other ocean that it is not in. We can't afford to let this happen again.[/q]
I don't know your level of experience with living in third world countries, but I can tell you India's primary concern isn't spending gazillions on attempting to prevent death due to natural disaster. In fact, since India is primarily Hindu and policy is often dominated by Hindu culture, Indian policy is not going to lean towards preventing Mother Nature's rampage anytime soon. Rather than fundraising for relief, the government will probably fundraise for memorials.
This eerily reminds me of the Bhuj earthquake in early 2001... just when I joined this place. Seems nothing's changed since then - same shocking disaster, same governmental and international response, same generic gestures from people who don't really care towards people actually affected by it, same finger-pointing... hmmph.
this is not good...
I have just realised that someone i know is in Phuket during the holidays...
I'm not sure if hes back yet but im going to check in the morning (its 9:30 pm)
Its walking distance so yeah
i just hope he and his family are ok
Im really worried...
I hope that your friend is alright. Phuket was hit very badly but hopefully he's alright.
How do I feel? Scared... I mean it can happen also in Portugal... it happened once in 1752, it can happen again... I just fell sorrow for those people... you go on vacation to that place and u u're at ur hotel, u open the window and u see most of the people dying with hunger, no, I'd never go to those countries and I have no pitty of the people who were in vacations there. I just fell bad about the local people whom have died!
40,000 confirmed dead, thousands more still missing.
I can't wrap my head around this. The magnitude of this tragedy is just too overwhelming, I can't even comprehend what it means for 40,000 people to be dead. It's just insane.
Oh. my. god. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinity
Is not Oh my God is true and people should never go to vacation to those places! People die of hunger there and u stay all happy at the hotel or go to the beach! Very nice?! :mad2:
A life lost, is still a life lost. I can't even hold back the tears when watching CNN and actually seeing the devastation.
Don't you see? It didn't matter whether a person was rich or poor, a native of the country or a tourist, it was just...death. Unmerciful and without prejudice.
My heart goes out to everyone who was hurt by this tragedy, including my own best friend. Maybe that's why I'm reacting so emotionally to this, it actually hits home for me.
I'm not trying to sound rude coz I'm not, but I don't like people whom go to another country in vacation and that country is where most of the people dies... it's not fair... why don't they just go to another country where people live well and don't die of hunger?
[q="Divinity"]I'm not trying to sound rude coz I'm not, but I don't like people whom go to another country in vacation and that country is where most of the people dies... it's not fair... why don't they just go to another country where people live well and don't die of hunger?[/q]
People die of hunger in every country, include those first-world nations. Some of these areas that were hit rely on the tourism money in order to survive, without continued tourism, areas, such as Phuket Thailand, would no longer have any source of income...meaning more people would die of hunger.
There are already 58.000 deads :(. And there are expecting numbers till above the 100.000 far above it. There are also more the thousand tourist missing in the diverse areas. And there are more then 30.000 people missing on the Adaman islands and those other islands. Besides that even in China there was felt a earthquake because of the earthquake in the sea and in America and Africa they had higher waves then normal because of normal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Miriel
This is terrible that it happened. It's already the second time that a devistating earthquake hits the world on the second day of Christmas. Let's all pray it doesn't happen it doesn't happen a third time.
This is sickening - 60000 dead and I can't reach my best friend who left for the area Christmas morning. I can't even bring myself to think about anything else.
Damn that sucks :/.I hope nothing has happened to your friend.Quote:
Originally Posted by princeofdarknez
I just got a call from him saying he's okay. What luck. :relief:
I'm so happy for you and him :)Quote:
Originally Posted by princeofdarknez
What a tragedy nearly 60.000 dead :(
Yes what a tragedy. I was watching the news and thousands of homes were destroyed. Its truely depressing.
I heard on a new segment today, that some guy from norway was all calling the USA stingy for donating not much to the relief efforts. When we have donated 35 million and more is to come. And Norway hasnt even donated near that much, he first said we were stingy for donating 15 million, then when we donated 20 more million he was all like saying he didnt call the USA stingy, he called the whole western world stingy.. .And the money the usa has donated doesnt include the many organizations for the humanatarian effort over their. Its kind of like they're blaming America.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapc...aid/index.html
60.000? HolyO_o
Anyway, nothing to add that hasn't said before.
As for Divinity, your point dosen't make much sense. So basically, you can freely live an hedonist life and not give a crap about people dying...as long as you live long away from them? It really dosen't make much sense. In fact, those countires benefit from tourists. Without turism, Spain would be third world.
60 000 thats unbelievable...this is truely a tragedy! Im speechless what can you say to something like this except why?
As for the Philippines...im sure its fine though speaking for a filo myslef Joliibee is awesome! havent been there in a while but the only thing you should worry about is traffic and peak hour times!
The man from the U.N. who was being critical of the amount of aid being sent by the Western countries actually HAD an impact.
Before his statement, the U.S. announced a 4 million dollar donation to Red Cross, AFTER his statement the U.S. upped it to 15 million. Within a few hours from the statement Canada increased it's aid from 1 Million to 4 Million and stressed that it was only the beginning.
The guy wasn't blaming America specifically, he was directing his statements to ALL western countries. It takes a lot of guts to step up and say that for a tragedy of such behemoth scale, people who have the power to help must be willing to open their purse strings a little.
Sure he wasn't being very tactful, but his intention was to get the media to question the aid their countries were giving. It worked.
Don't forget that the number of dead will certainly go over 100000,especialy when diseases start spreading among the people struck by the disaster
Shadow Nwxus would you like to go on vacation and look out of the window and see people dying of hunger? Now is more than 69.000 deads.
divinty the world isn't a case of see no evil, hear no evil, be no evil. Traveling to a country with poverty and hunger doesn't in any way endorse it and most of these people you talk about survive off the tourism.
I just don't understand how can those people be on vacation and see other dying of hunger... don't hate me for don't understanding that! Those people shouldn't live of tourism only....
It's really tragic. :(
It's reported now that the death toll may exceed 100,000. That's more than the amount of people killed by either of the atomic bombs dropped near the end of WWII. That's so awful i can barely imagine it. Most of them children also - a generation wiped out. I can't see how anywhere could recover from something like that.
It is very tragic.. I believe the actual number is much much higher than 60,000 and we won't be able to grasp it's damage for years to come.
It's nearly 80,000 now. I feel like donating some money to the Red Cross. I dunno how though.
EDIT: I just read Shlup's entry. Now this is seriously reminding me of A Day after Tommorow.
There's been so many casualties in 2004, I've been donating money to victims of the Iraq occupation all year and I'm trying to find some efficient organizations for this recent natural disaster....Quote:
Originally Posted by Rye
Just be sure to check that the organization is OK with the American security filters.
The American people are very charitable.
I remember when I was younger, I raised money for 9/11 causes, but I just gave that to the school I was in at the time for them to send to causes.
I'm sure after they will make a fund soon.
Bush had just made a statement about helping out with relief funds.
From what I've read, they're predicting a quarter million to be dead at the end of this with at least 50,000 of the death toll out at sea.
Divinty, if that's how you feel then fine. What everyone else is trying to say is that these people are able to survive thanks to the funds they recieve from tourism. It's a shame that that seems as if it's the only means of pulling in money but sometimes it is. Many countries survive mostly on tourism. If it angers you that these people vacation there then that's fine but it's not right in my eyes for you to not feel sadness or at least some emotions rather than deserves-them-right.
I'm very worried about the sitaution over in those countries. It seems as if you didn't die from the natural disasters then you'll end up dying form measels or other diseases. I surely hope that aid isn't coming to late for those communities.
My condolencses to those who have lost and my deepest hopes that things start looking better.
*Doesn't use split personalities in this thread*
According to many news sources, the death toll is somewhere around 81,000. Just thinking about it makes me completely depressed. How the numbers could rise from an estimate 12,000 yesterday, to 80,000 today. There are many, many missing. What makes me tremble the most is that they are people just like us. A large population of many areas has been wiped out. People related to those who passed away are crying as well. I can't bear to hear anymore news on the rising death count. All I can say is I am sorry to all those who lost any family, and hope things start brightening up a bit, hopefully. :(
That is very good.Quote:
Originally Posted by princeofdarknez
I heard somewhere there were 100,000 dead.
chaos: Well, I can imagine that the death toll can rise that high. Still, it's so hard to believe.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doors
A moment of silence will be held at Eyes on Final Fantasy Forums within the next two hours for all those affected by this tragedy around the world.
Never before in recorded history has a tsunami claimed more than just over 30,000 lives (Japan, 1883), yet over 45,000 are feared dead in Indonesia alone. The death toll is expected to rise above 100,000 and could possibly double beyond this amount as illness, disease and plague begin to spread through the waters.
R.I.P. Victims.
Yeah, saying that it sucks would be a critical understatement.
According to Wikipedia, there has been a death as far away as South Africa, as well as an estimated 1,200 displaced in Madagascar.
Tourists from at least 27 different countries of all corners of the world have been confirmed dead.
On a more minor note, just to emphasize the power of this earthquake and the subsequent tsunamis: Tsunami energy that passed into the Pacific Ocean caused wave fluctuations of 2.6 meters at Manzanillo, Colima, due to focusing of tsunami energy from the Pacific plate rise and local terrain. That's a 2.6m wave fluctuation in Mexico.
100,000 deaths is hard to take, especially in such an unexpected fashion. I will be making a donation of some kind.
I just made my donation via Amazon.com
I hope Amazon.com and Apple.com(the sites I listed) will do the same. It be a shame if they only act as a vendor towards donations simply to "look good" in a sign of tragedy...like so many celebrities did on that stupid 9/11 telethon.
I would like to personally thank the EoFF staff for the moment of silence. It really makes me happy to know that there is still real charity and caring in the world.
I would also like to make a special note. The Doctors Without Borders website has been getting so much traffic that the server actually crashed! To me that's a VERY good sign!
I got a little money for Xmas and I think perhaps someone who's actually in need could make better use of it than I.
What makes me happiest is that this is a foreign tragedy and yet there's a decent effort from the US to help. Now if we can just keep doing this sort of thing.....
I'm probably going to donate to Action Against Hunger and, if it doesn't bankrupt me, Doctors Without Borders, the latter of which my parents both donate heavily towards, and a cousin of my mother's works with on a regular basis. Both of these are organizations that I respect and agree with 100%, and I invite you to check out their websites.
Regardless of whether you are religious or not, whether there is a God or not, this event deserves our most sincere and compassionate prayers and thoughts. I can only begin to imagine what it must be like right now, with so much widespread panic, chaos, death and destruction and this is AFTER the fact.
We, as the people of the world, must use this as a rallying point, a moment to make our stand and try to somehow, someway find some good and hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. The worst thing we can possibly do is stand pat and allow this event to completely cripple the lives of so many people and families. Make donations, of money, of goods, of your time, as much as you feel you can in an effort to respond to this, and perhaps we can stem any further tide which seems to be engulfing the region more and more with every single day.
The death toll is staggering, with tallies now well over 100,00 and as others have noted, there is a great chance the number will climb above 200,000 with the spread of illness and disease as time passes on. Yet, amidst all of this, a single thought struck me which I found very profound. This disaster struck everyone, it didn't discriminate, both those who lived in grand water front estates as well as those barely surviving in fishing shacks were struck down with the only common bond being that they were all human, as we all are. Hopefully, even in such horrific and trying times, some perspective may emerge that one cannot be judged on how much they own or what their social status is, but rather that they indeed lived, and lived to their fullest potential.
There is a growing sentiment in much of the world, especially the Western World, that we are immune to such disaster, that we will escape unharmed from the wrath of nature, of human evil, and the like, but we must get these thoughts out of our head. We are all, first and foremost, people, and regardless of where we live, we all matter in some regard. In the last two decades, millions of people have been killed either through famine, through oppression, through genocide, through natural causes or as a result of illness from these causes and it seems that they routinely get swept under the proverbial rug since they do not directly impact our own lives. How many of these lives could be saved with even a little more help and compassion, a tiny bit more aid and outreach from the rest of the world? Perhaps not even a one, but that does not mean we should stop trying to help those less fortunate than us.
If nothing more, we must really, truly begin to realize how lucky many of us do have it and be ever so thankful for the lives we are able to live and continue living. I know I have been guilty on more than one occasion for thinking way too selfishly and forgetting to reach out to other people and try to help improve their lives as well as my own. It is something I work on routinely and continue to try to improve on with each passing day.
Now, I by no stretch of the imagination mean to say that we must donate all we have and more to others and leave nothing for ourselves, as that would be fool-hardy at best, but rather if we can try to temper our own needs and every once in a while, attempt to give our time and something else we may possess in abundance to others who are struggling, who are less fortunate, then we'll greatly enrich not only our own lives but the world as a whole. Don't be discouraged or beat yourself up if you feel like you're not doing enough, do as much as you can sincerely do and that in and of itself will make a world of difference. More than ever, we must be a world united by a common compassion, and perhaps we can begin to pick up the pieces from this tragedy and find some way to help those who have suffered so greatly from it. Yet, even in the future, should this situation ever find some resolution, we must not allow ourselves to fall back into completely focsuing on ourselves, but must always strive to help.
I thank EoFF very much for having the wisdom, empathy and compassion to have this moment of silence, as it speaks volumes, ironically, to all those associated.
Take care all, together we can make a difference.
It's sad, and we can't even blame anyone for it. The death toll rises by a few thousands every day. It's horrible...to see such big numbers printed on the front of the newspaper and know that each of that 40,000 was someone once living...
:cry:
Malaysia was hit by the tsunami, but Indonesia shielded most of it, and that's probably why I'm not dead. Maybe. On second thought, maybe not. Indonesia shielded M'sia and took the brunt of the waves, so only the tip of Malaysia was hit.
Well, no one really knew. There isn't any tsunami detector thingy in the Indian Ocean, although there is one in the Pacific. nik0tine said so too:Quote:
Originally Posted by Itsunari 2000
[q=nik0tine]I have disagree with you, D. The Pacific ocean has a "Tsunami warning system" set up. The Indian ocean does not.[/q]
But apparently a few countries did know something was going to happen, and they 'couldn't get through to the proper authorities', as it said on CNN. That's just wrong.
[q=Chris]I'm leaving for the Philippines next week so I'm a little nervous... although I doubt there's anything to be afraid of.[/q]
My best friend was moving to the Phillipines on the day the disaster struck. But I seriously doubt there will be anything wrong...Phillipines wasn't hit that badly-in fact, was it even hit?? Thailand, yes, but I'm not sure about the Phillipines.
You seem down on them. But this time there won't be any international relief funds; they're not accepting any (yet). They said that they have enough resources, and then some to give as aid, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by princeofdarknez
Newspapers. :love:
Confusion, chaos and misery. :( It makes me feel guilty to celebrate NY's.
The problem now is the disease. On the news it said that 5 million people were in urgent need of food, water and medical supplies.
Another thing that I heard is the 45 million dollars the US has given to the affected areas is the equivalent to what they spend in 5 hours fighting the war in Iraq.
Hope that Portugal will contribute with smth too! The deads are over 87.000 :( will this ever stop?
Where's that 87 billion now? 87 billion could go a long way if we weren't using it to blow people up. Dman, I need to donate.Quote:
Another thing that I heard is the 45 million dollars the US has given to the affected areas is the equivalent to what they spend in 5 hours fighting the war in Iraq.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nik0tine
I would rather we blow up the TERRORIST than the terrorist blow up us.
To be quite honest, I'm glad there's no person to blame for this. I'm not a big fan of finger pointing, nor do I believe that punishing people makes the world a better place. That's just my personal opinion, but I wanted to offer it in case someone hadn't considered that angle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Resha
Wanting to enjoy what time you have left to you is no crime. I think we should learn from this that life really CAN change drastically in the blink of an eye, so find what goodness you can. If you still feel bad, you could try saying a toast with any company you might have. Keep the event and the people in your thoughts, but don't be forever crushed. If you want to help those in need, there are ways.Quote:
Originally Posted by Resha
Yes, it's truly horrible. The death toll is somewhere around 122.000 now. Man, I can't even imagine such an amount of people being dead :/
My neighbour is in Thailand right now. She was at a beach in Phuket when the tsunami came. She's a tough lady though, she grabbed a floating madrass and was carried by the wave 1 km (little less than a mile, I think) on it. :o
Divinity, I know that others have responded to you in this thread, and that your understanding of the situation is different to others, but I really must respond to your comments.Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinity
As others have said, people in countries such as Thailand rely on tourism to sustain their economy, fragile as it may be. Having studied tourist spots, I doubt very much that the local government of various countries would allow tourist resorts to be set up in the middle of Thai slums, as that would serve merely to discourage tourism. I have friends who have been to Thailand, Africa, Vietnam, and many other places, and let me tell you; it is extremely hard facing those in poverty. How do you pick your battles? Sure, you can give money to ten people on the street, but eventually you will run out of money, and then what will you do?
How can you feel bad about the local people who have died, but not pity other people whose lives are just as valuable? Every person who has died is somebody's friend, child, partner, etc, and the death toll, although around 152,000 is far from done.
At this time of year , surrounded with gifts and other material possessions ,it's especially easy to take what you have for granted ie. social security , income , individual political freedom etc. and to forget that thousands of others in the world may not be so fortunate to enjoy such priveleges ...
The recent catastrophe which has ravaged the coastlines of Southern Asia and claimed thousands upon thousands of innocent lives serves as a violent wakeup call to anyone immersed in the " buy , buy , buy " commercialism which seems to dominate the festive period and a strong reminder of all the pain and suffering throughout the world , due to war , famine , drought and in this case , natural disaster. It is a reminder of how priveleged and secure we in the Western world seemingly are , and ultimately , a chilling reminder of man's mortality in the face of Mother Nature's wrath.
Perhaps mankind is atoning for it's sins in some way , the apathists speculate whenever life is lost on such a massive scale ... given the widespread devastation and harrowing tragedy we have seen over the past few days , some may be inclined to agree. Yet , I think , that just for one minute , were everyone to put aside their gifts , switch off the TV and stop whatever they're doing , just to spare a thought towards the soul-destroying loss of life , the grief of millions ,and ultimately , come to the realization of just how fortunate we are to be living with such privelege on a daily basis ... then perhaps I , personally , could find some comfort in knowing that everyone in the civilized world were united together , in a universal cause for the welfare of those in the ravaged parts of the world.
I sincerely hope that everyone , of any political/philosophical persuasion has at least a shred of compassion and generosity in their heart , towards making donations in support of this noble cause ...
Thank you.
Also, Rye made a thread in general chat noting various charities who are accepting donations. Please spare a little of your Christmas loot and give generously to this cause.
I think blowing up 100,000++ people just to avenge the 9/11 is like killing an ant with an axe.Quote:
Originally Posted by wakka
5 million people have been left foodless and homeless.Thats almost as bad as the 125,000 people dead.
Can't argue that ideology. Besides, I doubt the terrorists are going to squash the beef with America and its allies, and give us a hand with the whole ordeal if we do help them. It's sad, but true.Quote:
Originally Posted by wakka
Quote:
Originally Posted by nik0tine
Quote:
I think blowing up 100,000++ people just to avenge the 9/11 is like killing an ant with an axe.
Im just saying that we are going to spend money if we are going to win this damn war. Plus, Bush said that giving 35 million dollors was just the beginning of the money we are going to send if i listened to the news correctly.
You know, natural disasters tend to kill a lot, but we as humans destroy much more life. Haulocost (sp brain not thinking today) = 6 million.
Stalin sent 20 million to death
Iraq War - 100,000+ innocent civilians of iraq
Though this is a great tragedy, perhaps we as a people should reflect back on how much we destroy.
I'd like to ask your opinion: I would like to donate something for helping people, but right now I really don't have much money (well, I mean, I am not working, but studying, meaning I only get a little cash for my parents to buy a book or two, nothing more). What exactly could I do asides from giving money? I do have some free time on weekends (Well, I'll have in february, cause exams are coming soon).
Oh, by the way, nice post, Captain.
Anyway, and now comes another thing to think about: dosen't it feel bad to help sometimes? Everytime I give money to a beggar or something along those lines, I feel horrible. I don't feel like a good person giving charity to a person who asks for help, but like a heartless bastard that needs to do such thing to clean his bad class conscience. Ironically, I don't feel good at all doing it, because in the moment I may start feeling good about giving charity, I feel like a total asshole because I realize I am buying my good conscience for an euro. Sometimes I help people simply for good will, but as soon as the idea of feeling better with myself by doing this crosses my mind, I soon start self-torturing myself with the feeling I am actually being a selfish bastard. And I question myself if it was really good will or an unconscious selfish action. Makes me feel like crap. And I can't help it.
Also, on another note but in a somehow related issue, how do you feel about the media coverage? Because I can say I absolutely hate the TV for the way they are covering the issue. It's not only this, it has been building up for ages, and it's the fact that such a sensationalistic style is given to the facts, to a point the actual problem seems to be dissolved, blurred, in front of shocking images of corpses piling up in beaches. It almost feels as if people are meant to obtain some sadistic pleasure over it, and it really irks me. They way it is focused- so many images, so many deaths- dosen't actually give you a perspective of the magnitude of the tragedy, but some kind of sick feeling of vanalization, the fact they try to impress you but fall into some Hollywood style image. It feels like a small tragedy- nothing to worry about, it wont get to us- it's far away, it covers of minimmum corpses distant territories, of tragedies we cannot see in the distance. That is how it feels, it has been sensationalised in such a way it's hard to really feel it, because it feels like fiction. However, when it hits close home, it feels different, if it happens in a place you have seen, then you go like "crap, it could have been me". It's how I felt the 11th of March after the bombs in Madrid, or- in a less degree- on the 9/11 (because I had visited New York). However, this feels so distant, it's places I have never visited, people I have never met, and so it makes it look like some fiction, like it's not really happening, even if it is. Argh, I feel like crap. Does anyone share this with me? I wonder if I am becoming insensibilized, and that worries me...however I feel I am not alone.
When I found out about what happened, I felt like bursting into tears for all those poor people. I don't believe they deserved it. There are rumours going around my neighborhood that it is the beginning of the tribulation, which is the Christian phropesy (Don't know if I spelled it right) of the end of the world and where Christ comes back. *I don't know if it's true, but it kinda wierds me out to think about it* reason why is because it states that earthquakes and such are supposta happen in wierd places, which in thier opinion, is India and the other places. And this is the biggest one yet. a 9.0 and killing about 180,000 innocent people. Sad.
SN, you make some very good and profound points.
First off, I empathize completely with your feeling toward giving to charity, but realize that you are not doing it for yourself, to make yourself a better person, but because you are trying to help others. At least, I HOPE that's the reason... I kid.
When you give to charity, you are giving a piece of yourself, whether it's money you have, possessions you own, or time itself, and that in it's own way can be far greater even in small doses then doing nothing at all. If you don't have enough money, but have some time, see if you can volunteer locally somewhere, where they're organizing supplies to be sent to help those in need, or even, to help at a local soup kitchen. Something I fear greatly is that while this disaster is making headlines, the local troubles will be swept under the carpet and we'll turn a blind eye to our own poor and less fortunate, so working to help those folk as well is just as noble a duty in my mind.
As for the media, it is what it is. In this day and age, we, meaning the masses want access to everything. We want to be shocked and appalled because it makes us watch longer. It's a double edged sword because while it can de-sensitize us to the horrors of this situation, it also can mobilize us by letting us know it is in fact happening and thus we can hopefully react and do something about it. Media will always be giving us this very problem as the more we see and know, the less we'll be shocked by it, but hopefully, the better prepared and knowledgable we'll be to help and remedy the given situation.
Take care all.
I agree. Captain, I agree with that. SN, You are a wonderful person. And I mean it.
This disaster has taken its toll on many lives. It's awful to hear that tens of thousands have lost their lives, and it's very hard for me to comprehend that so many people have died. It's so horrible when something like this happens. :(
I've donated some money to the Red Cross so that I could in some way help those who are suffering. I've also prayed for the souls of the victims and their families, and I hope that there won't be any more victims, although it seems there will be, because each day new bodies are found and many of people are still missing.
I would've written more, but the Captain summed up pretty much everything I had in mind with his posts. I'm just so shocked about all of this. Take care, all.
I totally agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by Calliope
I gasped when i read divinty's comment about not having pity for the tourists, i read your (divinity) other posts about how people can go there and stuff and i was like ok i disagree but its your opinion its fine by me but as soon as i saw the words "i dont have pity" for those who were tourists i just felt bad...you seriously made me feel horrible about that comment....so if a friend of yours would go there and God forbid die there would you say meh.... poor locals? i hopefully dont think so...a life is a life people strive for equality here and clearly you have no regard for it...the death toll has reached above 125,000 and though i am sad about this i only ask you respect the people of those whose lives were taken that day locals or not...just thank goodness that it might have been someone you loved...
Well, serously, this thing is making me kind of sick. That post I wrote last night is completly sincere, as is the one I am writing now:
How can I be at peace with myself in front of such thing? I do not mean only this Asian disaster, because when you come to think about it, this horrible tsunami isn't really that big...not considering the fact half of Africa is starving to death, and has been starving to death for years. Not considering slavery in east Europe with those poor inmigrant being sent to our Europe, including my damn country, to get exploited as prostitutes. Not considering companies (multinational and local) are using child labour in inhumane conditions, that prostitutes in India are forced to live in 2x2 meters room through all their life, that life is really worth nothing. It is not only about this tsunami, indeed a horrible disaster, it is not about 9/11 or about this or that earthquake. It's not like this disasters the media talks so much about are ruining our fantastic utopia, because in the long run and once you think about, this corpses transformed into numbers, this anonymous orphans are just a molecule in a gigantic body of corruption. What I can't stand, what really pisses me off, is to turn on TV while for 20 minutes my head is bombed by multiple mind-numbling advertisments, and feel anger towards it, because simply to know that wealthy countries can attempt to create such a ridiculous bubble of smiling faces on the TV screen as some veil to uncover reality really pisses me off, to the point where I really ask myself...isn't it us, the proud wealthy ones, the ones who deserve a disaster? Sure, someone could tell me no one deserves that..yeah, I can say I agree, but there is something we cannot deny, and it is that none of us is innocent.
This reminds me to a little documentary I saw in TV about Guantanamo. There was this ex-Al Quaeda member who left the group after the attacks on the WTC. He asked his father, "Why are we slaying all those people? What have they ever done to us?". And the father replied "They pay taxes to the US goverment, and the US goverment wastes them in weapons, with this weapons they kill people". Well...how can you actually deny the words of the father? He was right, it really is like this...of course, I don't think those people deserved death because of that, but what he said is undeniable.
It's not really our fault, after all. How can I be blamed of being born in the "developed" countries? I realise I am guilty, I realise I am participating in this. For everything I buy, for everything I consume, I am guilty. I am feeding corrupt entities, corrupt goverments and companies, that perpetuate this order of corruption. So, I can try to avoid buying Coca-Cola because they are a bunch of bastards, I can boicot Nike, or McDonald's, but let's be serious, even if you can attempt to reduce it, it is impossible, while living in this world, to avoid being part of it.
Or I could just be like Paul Gauguin and leave to Tahiti. Actually, it's what I'd like to do. Hurray for Hölderlin.
And I am getting off topic. Yeah, anyway, that's all I can say. I'm sorry if I felt someone feel like me.
You're a good person SN.
This has opened up a whole other can of worms SN, but I'll take a crack at it.
I've always been, and forever shall be, a firm believer that nothing is forever in place, that if a company is corrupt through and through, it will eventually be taken down and something wholly better will take its place. What needs to happen, in order for this downfall is for free spirited and brave folks, such as yourself, to really get your voice out there and take a stand on issues you truly believe in. If you think McDonald's is horrible, then by all means stop going there and also do some research into your intentions so that you can back your position up entirely. To take it a step further, use the media, which if done correctly can be used solely for the spreading of ideas, and write an editorial about your beliefs. Circulate them and allow for the exchange of new and radical thoughts to begin to penetrate the world at large. It may start out as only just a few whispers in the shadows, but if what you say has truth to it, which I think it certainly does, it will resonate and grow.
Global natural disasters, in my opinion, make it easier for the world to take because there is no one who can be at fault, no good guy and bad guy situation. Nature is a force we cannot control and thus, for that brief instant, we are reduced to being human and not to trying to identify ourselves as something else in order to stand out, using status, power and the like to try and get ahead. Sure, it is human ambition which leads us to strive for the top, but we also have deep rooted compassion that can swell out when we see that no great responsibility is needed, and no great war needs to be fought, and thus we can just help without fearing being on the wrong side.
I fear, the great tragedies that occur globally mostly happen because of indifference and a lack of being responsible and self-aware. People suffer in Africa, but since it is such a tangled web of political red tape and corperate monopoly, it seems like just helping cannot answer the question. What needs to happen, I believe, is a drastic simplification of the world, not even in terms such as socialist, democrat, republican, but instead for us all to realize that we are all human beings first and foremost and we should help each other get by, regardless of the situation, who's at fault or the circumstances.
As for the situation as wealth, I feel that if used correctly and wisely, the wealthy can greatly alter the course of the world. If they give money to charity or use their clout to alter situations they believe in, perhaps there will be a drastic shift in how our world seems to spin. If you are born into a wealthy family, don't view it as a disgrace per se, but perhaps as an opportunity to change the world.
That being said, you don't need wealth or power to change the world, you need fresh ideas, trust, compassion, honor and an open mind as well as a potentially thick skin because criticism is usually the first step toward change and if you cannot hold out long enough, you'll be swept away before you can do any good. Believe in yourself, find people who strengthen you and strengthen them in return. We are the generation of hope and new ideas I believe, and we will fix this world as best we can if we work together and don't get too discouraged too soon.
Take care all.
You know what sucks? To have Firefox crash while you write a very long post. Anyway, leaving all the historical crap to a side, I believe it is preety complicated to fight against the alienating construction done in modern society. I mean, look at all the advertisments everywhere, it's like the perfect way to create a society of mindless zombies. And most of the people I know that don't like society, do not really seem to be ready to change it, because they have dogmatic ideas being blindly followed. How can someone attempt to change the world into something different when most of the people who wish so are a group of dogmatic sheep? "Hey, look, Marx said that, it has to be right". Argh.
Wow, look, I just made a simplified version of a long post full of pedantic quotes from German Romanticism.
Anyway, as I was typing before Firefox crashed, I do know people who attempt to deliver the message. Songwriters, for example. Here in Spain we have quite a variety of songwriters, and well, most of the ones I know never really got to deliver much of the message because, when getting into the market, they didn't sell much for not being commercial. Of course, not like the companies promoted them. Well, I know one who has been succesful, mainly because he has been singing since the sixties, and those where different times, with different music. I mean, just compare The Beatles to Britney Spears. By the way, in case you are interested or curious, here are some songs by a Spanish songwriter that never sold much, but is very good.Oh, and it's a legal link, actually, it's from the singer's official site. I recommend "todo_eres_tu.zip", "auxi_va.zip" and "rapto.zip" (I can translate the lyrics, if someone likes them).
But well, I am starting to get off topic. I just wonder if there is a way to communicate such a thing. Of course, many have done it, but they are oftenly considered to be in some superior orb or something. Take Hölderlin, for example. How many people have read Hölderlin? He is one of my favourite thinkers. Or a better known example...Marx. OK; how many people have ACTUALLY read Marx? Same thing. If you try to make an intellectual revolution, be ready to be read by intellectuals.
For me, it would be great to have people like Noam Chomsky to be known by the average person, something beyond student discussions.
Of course, then you have someone who has gotten to be known, who is Michael Moore. But to be quite frank, he does deliver the message, yet also gets sensationalistic, wich is a double bladed weapon: you do deliver the message and people listen to it, but it looses credibility with the way it is exposed.
they said that there could be after shocks for a week a month or even a year that could kill alot more people.did you know that we are fighting pretty close over seas to mount armageddonQuote:
There are rumours going around my neighborhood that it is the beginning of the tribulation, which is the Christian phropesy (Don't know if I spelled it right) of the end of the world and where Christ comes back.
Not really, Har Megiddo is in northern Israel. Anyway, Megiddo and the surrounding Esdraelon plains have been an important military location for most of recorded history. It's been estimated that more battles have been fought at Megiddo than any place in the world. In fact, the first recorded battle in history (of course there were ones prior, but no records exist) took place there around 1460 BC, when Pharoh Thutmose III attacked the Canaanite fortress there.
You're right. We can't prevent tsunamis from happening, but we could have prevented all of the above.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marick
[q=Resha][qq=me]Don't trust the Indian government - they've promised 550 million, but the last time a big natural disaster hit, they mismanaged international relief funds big time, and nearly got Vajpayee kicked out of office instead of voted out.[/qq]You seem down on them. But this time there won't be any international relief funds; they're not accepting any (yet). They said that they have enough resources, and then some to give as aid, too.[/q]
Things look different when you've been a citizen. Have you been a citizen? I didn't think so.
At least international response is so big this time they're not going to have a chance to fsck things up. And with a new administration this time around, who knows - they just might do their job. It was the poor majority who voted them in, after all.
About the whole society gig. The only practical manner by which one can change society is through manipulating the rules of the existing infrastructure already in place. The most effective manner is simply pressing "reset", but that is an option not really available to anyone. All the governments in place are really nothing more than successful conspiracies by a handful of people to maintain regional power. If you can manage a conspiracy of people such that they all obtain high level positions in several world governments, only then can you actually begin to change the way society works on a scale that you seem to be hoping for. It is simple to change the world and its future, but it is difficult to alter society and its future.
And use Notepad next time. ;)
"About the whole society gig. The only practical manner by which one can change society is through manipulating the rules of the existing infrastructure already in place. The most effective manner is simply pressing "reset", but that is an option not really available to anyone. All the governments in place are really nothing more than successful conspiracies by a handful of people to maintain regional power. If you can manage a conspiracy of people such that they all obtain high level positions in several world governments, only then can you actually begin to change the way society works on a scale that you seem to be hoping for. It is simple to change the world and its future, but it is difficult to alter society and its future."
I disagree with you there, but that's the beauty of debate, the differences of opinion can be more easily teased out.
I've always believed and will continue to do so, that each person has a profound influence on the way society works and if just one person decides that they want to alter it, even slightly, it is well within their power to do so. Though we have a finite lifespan, we all possess an almost limitless wealth of potential and an infinite imagination to create new ideas that can drastically change things up. I was watching a 60 Minutes piece on the two young men who created "Google" and after watching that believed even more that if you have the means, put forth the effort and are given the opportunity, anyone can change society. The question though is, for better or worse?
To get back on topic, I read in several recent articles in Time Magazine, The New Yorker, The Houston Chronicle, and The NY Times that if America reduced its military funding by even 5% and used those funds to increase aid abroad, we'd produce something close at a half billion dollars in relief for those hit hardest by this disaster, by AIDS in Africa, and even for homeless in Middle East and Asia. Make you think, what if we just tried it?
Take care all.
D----,
I'm not sure we disagree as much as you think - I think change is possible, and that it takes very few people or hours to do so. Come to think of it, I suppose you could change society simply by controlling the appropriate channels - rather than governments, control media outlets instead. I didn't say that earlier. Are you at odds with my proposed methods for such change, then? I take it from your 60 Minutes Google citation that is the case...
It's a known fact that if you cut a sliver off the defense budget, we'd end up with a crapton of money. Defense spending in the Bush era is what erased the budget surplus to begin with. That being said, I doubt it will be implemented. I'm not a government expert, but is there a way to force a popular vote on such an issue?
I suppose it's just a difference in phrasing things. I believe people can change anything, themselves, the world, the future, society itself, while from your posts I sensed that you agreed with that except for the society bit. I posted the little thing about "Google" because they fundementally changed the way society surfs the net and through my eyes, anyone can do that. That's the difference I gather, but we're more together than in disagreement to be sure.
I'm not sure if you can ask for a vote on how the government works directly, but I believe we can petition our local Senate or House of Rep member with these thoughts and that they can in turn sign a petition, but of course, that hinges on whether your Congressperson shares your ideas in the first place. There are probably other ways to go about it as well, but that's the quickest route to the best of my knowledge, though it's none too quick in actuality either.
Otherwise, we can just hope that the government decides to do this itself, or else come next election, we as a country realize that we must make a batter effort abroad or else run the risk of further alienation.
Take care all.
ya i dont care they are not the enemy we should not be fiting them they are just hcinese ppl so why is US goverment sending troops to fite them? they just made a flood i dont care we should be fiting the terrerists!
We're not fighting them. They're more than just Chinese people. No troops were sent to fight. They didn't make the flood, nature did. This changed nothing in the current war.
I don't quite understand your post Sephy.
Troops are being sent to give aid and help salvage the situation after this natural disaster, not to fight in any conflict, at least to the best of my knowledge.
Take care all.
ya but i dont care what have the chinese ppl done for me oh nothing so let them die their are to many of them anyways and now they all die so it is good more food for me!!
I'm going to give the advice that good ol Mom gave us all at one time or another: Just ignore him. Your better off that way. :)
Because they haven't gone out of their way to do something for you, they should die? I haven't done anything for you, nor will I ever do anything for you. Should I therefore, also die? I certainly hope your mind doesn't work this way.Quote:
ya but i dont care what have the chinese ppl done for me oh nothing so let them die their are to many of them anyways and now they all die so it is good more food for me!!
SePhYsBlAdE666, one more retarded post like that and you're banned from EoFF. If you're going to be horribly insensative and offensive, at least pull yourself together enough to make your posts understandable.
This will be your final warning.
well that is what i think i dont think they need are help i think we should use the money to fite terrerists who kill us on sept 11 i dont care about the flood b/c if we help them they wont give n e thing to us that is fair it is like u help someone else they help u but no they have not helped us..
Maybe they can't give us anything back cause they lost EVERYTHING in the flood, SePhYsBlAdE666?
ya i no but they didnt have anythin to give in the first place i dont no why we waste money on them when there is poor ppl in america dont give money to the poor chinese ppl give money to the poor americans in the citys
I can think of many a reason for sending aid over to the disaster area. A mere few are...
a.) They didn't ask for this to happen to them, they are just like us - human and equal
b.) If we were in their position we would appreciate others to help us
c.) It's almost inherent - analagous to helping someone who you've seen that's been knocked down by a car, you should feel a 'want' to help other people who have experienced horrible misfortune
d.) Refraining from helping others in situations like this would reduce this planet to chaos
On another point, i've just had a thought - with these rising water levels caused by global warming etc., perhaps situations like these in the world are going to become worryingly more common? I know that the tsunami wasn't related to this at all, but would there be some kind of change in the behaviour of the oceans? Or at least simply more flooding?
At least that idiot's been banned now.
A-men.
My hope is that he was just not fully aware of the situation and that if he was, his opinion would have changed.
A bit of good news to report: It's estimated that a half a billion dollars worldwide has been donated to help the survivors.
Isn't it amazing what the world can do when we come together? Next, on to the Genocides in Africa, I say! Let's start fixing this planet.
Take care all.
Australia's giving a billion dollars over 5 years to Indonesia to help them rebuild everything.
Like I already said I find it terribly what happened, but I think it's now beginning to overreact. People over spending more and more money on it. Like it said in the newspapers here the goverments want to "win the game I offer the most help to Asia". That is kinda wrong I think. I myself already contribute around 25 euro's to Asia and I think if every person in the rich country's would do that and then the goverments give some money. We will have enough help. The problem only is, when is it enough help? Is rebuilding enough, or do you want to help everyone untill everything is perfect again? I think we need to help those people no matter what. The disaster is terrible, and I think that is even slightly said. But a mayor here in Holland said something and I kinda agree with him. He said that this action got a lot of money. But other terrible things happened like the earthquake two years ago in Iran or the situation in Sudan now. And not much money goes there. And that is why that mayor has a double feeling with giving money to Asia. Like I said I kinda agree with him. But the difference between those disasters and the Asian disaster is that almost every country in the world is hit by that disaster. If you look at the tourist and how far the waves got (even in America). And if people really want to help they should keep helping not like in previous disaster, that it focusses on it and then slowly dissapears and then the people there will still be left with nothing.
I hope you understand my opinion. If this opinion isn't very correct then I am sorry. If you don't agree with my opinion, tell it.
im not really the "crying becuse of somthing emotionel was on tv" kinda guy but when i was watching cnn i saw a really depressing story that made me cry (not really crying but with tears comeing down my face) :( and i really felt sorry for that guy i wanted to send some money but....i switch the channal and family guy was on and it made me forget about it.
i know...i know kinda rude but its what happend :(
Yeah I saw the news of a 9 years old boy whom surived without 3 weeks eating and drinking and it was safe... his mom died and his two brothers, only his father and grandmother were alive... that was hard for me to see it...
:(...
it?Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinity
yes the news....
oh... i thought you were refering to a living being as "it"
At least it's good that a lot of people contributed..
May the people who died from this catastrophe rest in peace..
Oh no... I'm not that evil... no it was hard to se the news... at the begining I didn't even see the news coz of it...
That might very well be the case, unfortunately. I hope some Day After Tomorrow kind of disaster won't ever happen, but who knows. After the tsunami there were some floods at least in Scotland, Sweden and Finland (and surely other places but I was mostly concerned with the floods in Finland at the time), and I guess it was some kind of a late effect cause by the tsunami (I could be wrong though). And if the ice melts from the north and the south, I think it would severly affect the Gulf Stream etc, which would in turn affect weather and possibly result in a new Ice Age or something. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr.K
Anyway, it's very shocking how many countries have had losses because of the tsunami. A lot of Swedes are either dead or missing, dozens of Finns who were in the area disappeared and are probably dead (which makes this catastrophe feel closer to me because I'm a Finn) and so on, but the biggest casualties were in the native's ranks. Watching all those videos the media showed about the flood was truly horrible. These kind of disasters really make one realize how nature can be a powerful force, and makes one respect nature even more.
I'm worried that there might be more horrible catastrophes such as this to come (and I'm sure there will be), but if anything I was positively surprised how people (at least in Finland and Sweden, and I'm sure in other countries as well) were willing to donate quite large sums of money to the Red Cross and such organizations or help in some other way in the disaster zone. It made me realize that even though one might think that there world is a cruel and evil place, there are at least some people who still want to help those who are suffering. I'm grateful for all the people who have helped the victims in any way, and I'm grateful for organizations who still care about people and try their best to help them.
I think it's great that they're getting help, and that there's such an outcry for help, but my question is this, when millions of children die in the streets of 3rd world countries, why then do we ignore that? Why is it such a tragedy when a tsunami strikes, but not when millions live in poverty their whole lives? Where's the money there? Canada, US, Austrailia, why does the tragedy with cameras from CNN get all the money?
Suddenly everyone cares about one horrible event. It really looks to me like this is a twisted polical thing, as in "who is the most generous?". If it were otherwise, the world wouldn't continue to ignore the tragedies that happen all the time on a much larger scale. Maybe they're just not as glamorous.