Tidal Waves Kill More Than 120,000 in Asia
12-30-04, 01:12 PM
#401
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<small>
Annan: Nations Pledge $500M in Victim Aid
UNITED NATIONS - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites) said Thursday world governments have pledged $500 million in aid to quake-tsunami disaster victims.
Annan told reporters he was "satisfied" with the response to the disaster after a U.N. relief official earlier called Western nations "stingy" in helping developing countries.
"Let me say that in this particular instance the response has been very good," Annan said in response to a question about the earlier criticisms by U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland on Monday.
"Governments have donated and they have indicated to me that they will do more," Annan said. "I am satisfied with the response so far. The only thing I want to stress is that we are in this for the long term."
He said the disaster is "so huge that not one country or agency can deal with it alone."
On Monday, Egeland said the catastrophe in the Indian Ocean would require the biggest relief effort the world has seen. He added a criticism of what he called low levels of aid to the developing world by rich nations.
"We were more generous when we were less rich, many of the rich countries," he said. "And it is beyond me, why are we so stingy, really. ... Even Christmas time should remind many Western countries at least how rich we have become."
One measure by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows that none of the world's richest countries donated even 1 percent of its gross national income. The highest, as of April, was Norway, at 0.92 percent; the lowest was the United States, at 0.14 percent.
Annan: Nations Pledge $500M in Victim Aid
UNITED NATIONS - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan (news - web sites) said Thursday world governments have pledged $500 million in aid to quake-tsunami disaster victims.
Annan told reporters he was "satisfied" with the response to the disaster after a U.N. relief official earlier called Western nations "stingy" in helping developing countries.
"Let me say that in this particular instance the response has been very good," Annan said in response to a question about the earlier criticisms by U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland on Monday.
"Governments have donated and they have indicated to me that they will do more," Annan said. "I am satisfied with the response so far. The only thing I want to stress is that we are in this for the long term."
He said the disaster is "so huge that not one country or agency can deal with it alone."
On Monday, Egeland said the catastrophe in the Indian Ocean would require the biggest relief effort the world has seen. He added a criticism of what he called low levels of aid to the developing world by rich nations.
"We were more generous when we were less rich, many of the rich countries," he said. "And it is beyond me, why are we so stingy, really. ... Even Christmas time should remind many Western countries at least how rich we have become."
One measure by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows that none of the world's richest countries donated even 1 percent of its gross national income. The highest, as of April, was Norway, at 0.92 percent; the lowest was the United States, at 0.14 percent.
12-30-04, 01:23 PM
#403
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Originally Posted by Duran
So France, Australia, and Greece are invading? Give me a break.
-pedagogue
ps. Thought we neededa tiny bit of comedic relief in this thread.
12-30-04, 01:53 PM
#404
DVD Talk Hero
This is crazy
some of the resorts are already open again and people are acting as if nothing has happened
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...55E911,00.html
some of the resorts are already open again and people are acting as if nothing has happened
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...55E911,00.html
IT seems almost impossible.
Just days after the tidal wave disaster, one of the devastated beaches was returning to normal yesterday.
On Sunday, Patong Beach was hit by a wall of water that swept into Phuket, claiming at least 120 lives.
Parasols, chairs, and other beach paraphernalia were swept to the top of the tree-lined beach, dragging helpless holidaymakers with them. It was at this beach that six-month-old Melina Heppell, of Perth, disappeared from her father's arms when the huge wave struck.
For some tourists yesterday, however, the tragedy was becoming a memory, albeit a vivid one, as they made the most of the weather and topped up their tans.
Many in bathers and bikinis, some lounged on sunbeds and others took a dip in the water that had claimed so many lives a few days earlier.
Their fun in the sun came despite warnings that aftershocks could follow the disaster that is likely to have killed as many as 100,000.
As many Westerners waited for news of missing loved ones others arrived to take holidays as usual.
Engineer Paul Cunliffe, from Manchester, arrived on an almost empty flight from Malaysia. Gin and tonic in hand, Mr Cunliffe said he and two friends were booked into a beach-front hotel that had escaped serious damage, and had been assured of a "wonderful holiday".
"Our friends think we're mad. The only risk we face I think is if there's another quake. We love the place that much and we thought we would take the risk," he said.
Further south at Surin Beach, where 10 died, tourists also were out in force.
Just days after the tidal wave disaster, one of the devastated beaches was returning to normal yesterday.
On Sunday, Patong Beach was hit by a wall of water that swept into Phuket, claiming at least 120 lives.
Parasols, chairs, and other beach paraphernalia were swept to the top of the tree-lined beach, dragging helpless holidaymakers with them. It was at this beach that six-month-old Melina Heppell, of Perth, disappeared from her father's arms when the huge wave struck.
For some tourists yesterday, however, the tragedy was becoming a memory, albeit a vivid one, as they made the most of the weather and topped up their tans.
Many in bathers and bikinis, some lounged on sunbeds and others took a dip in the water that had claimed so many lives a few days earlier.
Their fun in the sun came despite warnings that aftershocks could follow the disaster that is likely to have killed as many as 100,000.
As many Westerners waited for news of missing loved ones others arrived to take holidays as usual.
Engineer Paul Cunliffe, from Manchester, arrived on an almost empty flight from Malaysia. Gin and tonic in hand, Mr Cunliffe said he and two friends were booked into a beach-front hotel that had escaped serious damage, and had been assured of a "wonderful holiday".
"Our friends think we're mad. The only risk we face I think is if there's another quake. We love the place that much and we thought we would take the risk," he said.
Further south at Surin Beach, where 10 died, tourists also were out in force.
12-30-04, 02:02 PM
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I haven't read this entire thread, but the numbers are going up so fast, and with the whining from some about our being stingy, I cannot help but wonder if these governments will drastically inflate or are already drastically inflating their body count in order to get more money from us and the rest of the donors.
12-30-04, 02:11 PM
#408
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Originally Posted by al_bundy
how can people lounge in the sun, when a few miles away thousands may be dying because of this?
12-30-04, 02:13 PM
#409
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Originally Posted by ukywyldcat
I haven't read this entire thread, but the numbers are going up so fast, and with the whining from some about our being stingy, I cannot help but wonder if these governments will drastically inflate or are already drastically inflating their body count in order to get more money from us and the rest of the donors.
you have got to be kidding. This is quickly becoming one of the most lethal disasters in recorded history - as in EVER. It is horrifically bad....
Once again, no one, not Egeland or anyone else, singled us out for being stingy. NO ONE. He made a single comment about the western world in general that was taken and run with by the media and construed into something it wasn't - mainly by people like yourself you love to bring up how jealous everyone is of us and how quick the world is to bash the U.S. because we're so awesome.
12-30-04, 02:16 PM
#410
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by al_bundy
This is crazy
some of the resorts are already open again and people are acting as if nothing has happened
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...55E911,00.html
some of the resorts are already open again and people are acting as if nothing has happened
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au...55E911,00.html
12-30-04, 02:17 PM
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Aerial view of people sunbathing next to Patong beach, Thailand, four days after a tsunami hit the area, on December 30, 2004. One of the most powerful earthquakes in history hit Asia over the weekend, unleashing a series of tidal waves which devastated coastal areas of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and tourist isles in Thailand, killing thousands of people. REUTERS/Luis Enrique Ascui
12-30-04, 02:27 PM
#412
DVD Talk Hero
Some before and after photos, courtesy of digitalglobe.com, (large pics available at site):
Before:
After:
Before:
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Before:
After:
Before:
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Before:
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12-30-04, 02:37 PM
#413
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I guess it's true since the NY Slimes mentioned it. I sure miss the days of Jayson Blair working for the times. It was probably better written with him around.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
The Times added that it hoped Secretary of State Colin Powell was embarrassed to announce "the initial measly aid offer" of $15 million. "That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities" in January.
Although many Americans believe the United States spends a great deal on foreign aid, the amount is less than one quarter of 1 percent of its budget, the newspaper noted. U.S. spending on development aid in 2003 was $16.2 billion, less than the $37.1 billion from the European Union.
The newspaper also urged Bush to make good on U.S. relief pledges and noted that U.S. relief for the Bam, Iran earthquake a year ago still has not been delivered.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
The Times added that it hoped Secretary of State Colin Powell was embarrassed to announce "the initial measly aid offer" of $15 million. "That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities" in January.
Although many Americans believe the United States spends a great deal on foreign aid, the amount is less than one quarter of 1 percent of its budget, the newspaper noted. U.S. spending on development aid in 2003 was $16.2 billion, less than the $37.1 billion from the European Union.
The newspaper also urged Bush to make good on U.S. relief pledges and noted that U.S. relief for the Bam, Iran earthquake a year ago still has not been delivered.
12-30-04, 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Gil Jawetz
I couldn't do it and these particular tourists are obviously self-centered bastards, but I bet the resort owners and employees are happy to have any business and sense of normalcy, so for their sake I guess I support this.
12-30-04, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Numanoid
Some before and after photos, courtesy of digitalglobe.com, (large pics available at site):
Before:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/5520/banda...ejune23200.jpg
After:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6150/banda...82004dg9nq.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/9878/banda...june232004.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6003/banda...82004dg6ym.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/8762/banda...rejune2320.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/1975/banda...redec28200.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/4718/banda...forejune23.jpg
After:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6089/banda...ssingdec28.jpg
Before:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/5520/banda...ejune23200.jpg
After:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6150/banda...82004dg9nq.jpg
Before:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/9878/banda...june232004.jpg
After:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6003/banda...82004dg6ym.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/8762/banda...rejune2320.jpg
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http://img88.exs.cx/img88/1975/banda...redec28200.jpg
Before:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/4718/banda...forejune23.jpg
After:
http://img88.exs.cx/img88/6089/banda...ssingdec28.jpg
HOLY SHIT!
12-30-04, 03:15 PM
#416
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Myster X
I guess it's true since the NY Slimes mentioned it. I sure miss the days of Jayson Blair working for the times. It was probably better written with him around.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
The Times added that it hoped Secretary of State Colin Powell was embarrassed to announce "the initial measly aid offer" of $15 million. "That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities" in January.
Although many Americans believe the United States spends a great deal on foreign aid, the amount is less than one quarter of 1 percent of its budget, the newspaper noted. U.S. spending on development aid in 2003 was $16.2 billion, less than the $37.1 billion from the European Union.
The newspaper also urged Bush to make good on U.S. relief pledges and noted that U.S. relief for the Bam, Iran earthquake a year ago still has not been delivered.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
The Times added that it hoped Secretary of State Colin Powell was embarrassed to announce "the initial measly aid offer" of $15 million. "That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities" in January.
Although many Americans believe the United States spends a great deal on foreign aid, the amount is less than one quarter of 1 percent of its budget, the newspaper noted. U.S. spending on development aid in 2003 was $16.2 billion, less than the $37.1 billion from the European Union.
The newspaper also urged Bush to make good on U.S. relief pledges and noted that U.S. relief for the Bam, Iran earthquake a year ago still has not been delivered.
12-30-04, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Myster X
I guess it's true since the NY Slimes mentioned it. I sure miss the days of Jayson Blair working for the times. It was probably better written with him around.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eut/index.html
NY Times calls U.S. aid for tsunami 'miserly'
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The promised U.S. relief for South Asia's tsunami crisis is "miserly," and a U.N. official who criticized Western nations for not giving enough aid to the needy was "right on target," The New York Times said in an editorial Thursday.
The senior U.N. relief official who chided wealthy Western nations for being "stingy" with their aid was not "misguided and ill informed," as President Bush said on Wednesday, the newspaper wrote.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland made the statement in reference to general aid supplied by the wealthy countries, but later praised the rapid international response to the tsunami that hit 12 countries Sunday.
The Times said: "We beg to differ [with Bush]. Mr. Egeland was right on target."
"But the $35 million remains a miserly drop in the bucket, and is in keeping with the pitiful amount of the United States budget that we allocate for nonmilitary foreign aid.
The Times chided Bush for waiting until Wednesday to express his sympathy to leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia for Sunday's disaster that has left an estimated 120,000 people dead and millions homeless. The president announced the increase in U.S. aid to $35 million on Wednesday, saying it was "only the beginning."
I'll say it again. Send the US 2005-2010 UN dues to Asia relief efforts instead.
I'll add:
Cut down on the inaguration festivities.
Take the rest of Kerry's campaign funds and send it over too.
The New York Times should send a "miserly" $35 million over themselves.
12-30-04, 03:19 PM
#418
Administrator
I think this is a very good idea and the beginning of a trend in more than just disaster relief. It will put in perspective what we and our allies do versus what the U.N. does. Not to mention how much gets allocated to "overhead" when it goes through the U.N. They're only the middleman anyway, they don't create their own money.
Bush 'Undermining UN with Aid Coalition'
By Jamie Lyons, PA Political Correspondent
United States President George Bush was tonight accused of trying to undermine the United Nations by setting up a rival coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster.
The president has announced that the US, Japan, India and Australia would coordinate the world’s response.
But former International Development Secretary Clare Short said that role should be left to the UN.
“I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said.
“Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four’s PM programme.
“It is the only body that has the moral authority. But it can only do it well if it is backed up by the authority of the great powers.”
Ms Short said the coalition countries did not have good records on responding to international disasters.
She said the US was “very bad at coordinating with anyone” and India had its own problems to deal with.
“I don’t know what that is about but it sounds very much, I am afraid, like the US trying to have a separate operation and not work with the rest of the world through the UN system,” she added.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3944374
By Jamie Lyons, PA Political Correspondent
United States President George Bush was tonight accused of trying to undermine the United Nations by setting up a rival coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster.
The president has announced that the US, Japan, India and Australia would coordinate the world’s response.
But former International Development Secretary Clare Short said that role should be left to the UN.
“I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said.
“Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four’s PM programme.
“It is the only body that has the moral authority. But it can only do it well if it is backed up by the authority of the great powers.”
Ms Short said the coalition countries did not have good records on responding to international disasters.
She said the US was “very bad at coordinating with anyone” and India had its own problems to deal with.
“I don’t know what that is about but it sounds very much, I am afraid, like the US trying to have a separate operation and not work with the rest of the world through the UN system,” she added.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3944374
12-30-04, 03:20 PM
#419
DVD Talk Legend
After things settle down over there and the people have their basic needs met (clothing, food, water, shelter), there's going to be a lot of grieving going on. Does anyone know what most of the population is over there? I'm guessing Budist? Is there anything we can do to help them with their grief?
12-30-04, 03:21 PM
#420
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Originally Posted by LorenzoL
You think that's bad, the Canadian Federal government only pledged $4.5 million dollars. The province of Ontario has promised $5 million dollars for the relief efforts
Yes, but you see the difference is that the NYT has no interest in slamming the Canadian Federal Government, France, or anyone but (you know the rest).
12-30-04, 03:31 PM
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EVERY country's media right now is attacking their own country for doing too little, so it's not just the NY Times here. Plus, It isn't the job of ther NY Times to criticize others, as it's a US publication. For example, in HK's newspaper, there were large articles about how unhelpful the govt. here has been at rescuing people stranded in Phuket, or sending emergency teams to identify bodies.
Of course, I think that this is all a bit unfair, as no one knew how many foreigners were affected, and how huge the devastationw as gonna be. Hindsight is 20/20, but the newspapers sure aren't ready to let go easily...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ke_tourists_dc
Newspapers across Scandinavia fired off editorials accusing the region's leaders of being too slow to respond to the initial disaster and to send out help to their countrymen.
Swedish tabloids were the harshest. "She went to the theater," said Aftonbladet, referring to Foreign Minister Laila Freivalds. It said she did not go to her office for 30 hours.
Freivalds said she had been contactable all the time on her mobile phone.
The government has acknowledged it reacted slowly in the early stages, but said no one knew how big the disaster was.
Of course, I think that this is all a bit unfair, as no one knew how many foreigners were affected, and how huge the devastationw as gonna be. Hindsight is 20/20, but the newspapers sure aren't ready to let go easily...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ke_tourists_dc
Newspapers across Scandinavia fired off editorials accusing the region's leaders of being too slow to respond to the initial disaster and to send out help to their countrymen.
Swedish tabloids were the harshest. "She went to the theater," said Aftonbladet, referring to Foreign Minister Laila Freivalds. It said she did not go to her office for 30 hours.
Freivalds said she had been contactable all the time on her mobile phone.
The government has acknowledged it reacted slowly in the early stages, but said no one knew how big the disaster was.
12-30-04, 03:31 PM
#424
DVD Talk Legend
Another aspect of all of this is that, with all of the dead, there will be a lot of "unoccupied" beachfront property throughout Asia.
There will be more bloodshed as people fight for those properties / islands.
As for vacationing there now, hey, tourist dollars are tourist dollars. Would you rather have people there spending money, or staying in another country and doing nothing? Plus, you are guessing that "thousands" of people are dying within a mile or two, that is pure speculation. I'm going to give them the benefit of doubt and say that everybody within a reasonable distance that needs help is being attended to by some agency.
There will be more bloodshed as people fight for those properties / islands.
As for vacationing there now, hey, tourist dollars are tourist dollars. Would you rather have people there spending money, or staying in another country and doing nothing? Plus, you are guessing that "thousands" of people are dying within a mile or two, that is pure speculation. I'm going to give them the benefit of doubt and say that everybody within a reasonable distance that needs help is being attended to by some agency.
12-30-04, 03:33 PM
#425
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by al_bundy
how can people lounge in the sun, when a few miles away thousands may be dying because of this?
