I fear the death toll for this one's going to go a lot higher before we're done hearing about it. If you're the praying type, I hope you'll join me in praying for the victims, their families, and all of those mobilizing to help with the rescue and recovery operations. This is going to turn out to be a bad one, I am sure.

Let's not forget the folks in Mynmar (burma).

I wonder if China will be honest about the loss of life and devastation or try to downplay it?

Same with Mynmar, both reclusive leaderships.

You know - I was thinking the same thing earlier this morning. When I first heard the news, they were reporting to "only" have lost 5 lives. Yet, it was measured at a 7.2 (I believe) on the scale. And, I was thinking - how could that be??? Low & behold about an hour later - more, MANY more lives lost reported. Very sad...

So far I think they're too busy pulling dead bodies from the wreckage to play politics. News reports seem to be pretty frank, and there are lots of eyewitness reports coming out. This is not something anyone can cover up, however good the Chinese gov't may be at it.

You're about 9 days late for that, but feel free to start a thread.

I don't know many folks from Burma, but I have a number of Chinese co-workers who are very upset today.

Here is the latest... At least that I could find... Death Toll Nearly 9,000

Oh indeed, let's move on to the next natural disaster and forget about the last one.

I think the folks in China that survived are better off than those in Burma -- as bad as the Chinese government is it doesn't seem to be as callous and idiotic as the Burmese thugs. How thankful I am to God that I was born in the USA -- while we are far from perfect, there is a large gap from the US to #2 in my book.

LOOKY HERE, BUD: let's quit playing "dueling natural disasters", for heaven's sake!

There's plenty of compassion to go around. I just don't get what the heck is your problem that you have to DISRESPECT the victims of this earthquake with your "me too" post on behalf of Myanmar.

If this forum wasn't a dead zone we'd have already had a long discussion about Myanmar and the tragedy and their government and how bad they are for interfering with relief efforts. But it looks like you missed the boat on that one and now you're trying to screw up this thread. How about if you stay on topic? Is that too much to ask?

I agree with Snoopy's assessment: I am pleasantly surprised at the Chinese government's seeming quick and appropriate reactions, and the fact that contrary to their reputation, they seem to be reporting this fairly straight up. Maybe it's because they know the world is already watching, with the Olympics coming up. Let's hope this is the start of something new and positive on their part.

BMIC -- I think you inferred disrespect when none was implied. I did not sense disrespect. There has simply been 2 tragic natural disasters of recent and I do not see the disrespect in discussing both.

The topic of this thread is not a generic "natural disasters". If you want one of those, then start one yourself..

I am new here but I find you to be very rude at times. Your last comment is a fine example.

I couldn't care less what you think. Errr, then again maybe I could. I will certainly give it a try.

Friggin noob!

Maybe you are one of the reasons that new people won't post.

Friggin flamer!

Now get back on topic

Meanwhile back in Mynmar, we have dead bodies floating in once potable water.


Opps, wrong disaster, we don't care about that one.

In China, reportedly 18,000 dead, only 82,000 behind Mynmar.

While I feel horrible for the lives lost & the people & families over there... I can't help but to wonder - do we/should we help? Their government has told us more than once they don't want our help. So - what should we do? Keep trying to show our US tax dollars down their throat? Or put it to use either with the recent earthquake in China or even on our own home soil out west in light of the recent tornadoes???

I would say donate to NGO's to have them direct the aid in a manner which is fitting. They have the better experience and a better chance in most cases to get in where US Aid cannot.

My heart bleeds for both places.

Here's a question for those posters who believe in a higher being, God specifically. Do you think this is "the wrath of God"? If so - why? If not - why not?

Burma's disaster is horrible, almost beyond my comprehension that so many are dead and dying.

China, however, touches a really raw spot in this mother's heart. Most Chinese are allowed only one child. When I read about thousands of children entombed in their schools, all I could think about is that thousands of parents have lost the only child they will ever be able to bring into this world. So sad, so terribly and horribly sad. Who will provide for those childless parents when they are elderly? China has so many problems, I can see this impacting them for years to come.

Or, it could be Mother Earth shaking off some of the Excess.

I can't access Youtube from work but look up George Carlin and his Environmental monologue.

I was kinda thinking something along the same line, except not quite to PC, more like "survival of the fittest". I know - I'm sorry.

I've never heard that particular monologue.

Me either - I'll try to catch it at home, thanks.

George Carlin? Oh God! I can only imagine! Yeah, I would say disasters like these - or any for that matter, are a true test of anyone's faith... Whatever faith you believe - I think devestation of any kind would be heartbreaking if faced with... As for me, I only try to show compassion and thank my lucky stars it's not me or anyone I know. It reminds me of how fragile life is and to try to appreciate even the small things. Ya never know what day is going to be your last!

I really cannot say whether it is the wrath of God or not. Neither can anyone else, IMO.

BMIC -- Jeez, if we don't have a large enough lack of civility you need to add to it. Don't go looking for reasons to be insulted and you'll likely not find many. Don't go picking fights and the same goes. Jeez -- cool off!

Well it doesn't seem to be holding you back.

Welcome to the party! Now how about you can the personal atttacks and post something worth discussing? We NEED some of that!

P.S. - On topic: I have nothing but loathing for the Chinese Government, but the people of China are severly oppressed. They do not deserve to be punished for their government's failings.

Wrath of God? NO. More like "Sh** happens".

I heard that the US is only offering aid to these places to make us look better to the rest of the world (Lewis Black or Elliott on the radio this morning said that). I don't think I agree with that idea. I don't think we are so callous to not provide aid to anyone, we have never refused to help people that I can think of (I'm sure we have but I can't think of an example at the moment).

A good point some may make is that we should be focusing on the disasters that are happening here at home. Every morning on the news I hear about another storm somewhere, another tornado hitting some place. It seems a lot worse than usual.

I don't think it's a wrath of god, maybe a butterfly flapping it's wings somewhere (chaos ).

I also think that if a topic about the earthquake gets people to make general comments about other disasters it is a good thing. At least we are talking.

::runs:: ::hides::

The United States is arguably the most generous nation on the planet, and it's not limited to our government. I don't have the figures handy, but I have heard that the charity of the average American far exceeds that of the population of any other country, when you combine government aid and relief efforts with private giving to charitable efforts.

We most definitely do NOT do it "just to look good". There are plenty of other nations who give what is arguably token assistance. But America's largesse is unequalled.

...and we ARE helping out here at home. There are all sorts of government programs, but even more private organizations that mobilize regularly in response to natural disasters. Most of which you never read about in the news, in part because the liberal media don't like to report on religious organizations doing anything positive.

Some of us work with recent immigrants from Myramar/Burma. So, I can see why some may make a reference to that natural disaster as we see there family members at work, the grocery, and in our houses of worship. So of course we might post on the tragic fate of many as they aid does not reach family members. Their relatives live in Western MD and WV now.

It all depends on where you sit. Who is next to you at the market in the next pew.

God Bless anyone facing such a loss in China or Burma. I was without gas (No heat, no hot water, no cooking) for a week and felt depressed and gross as I mingled among the normal. SO I can imgine being swept away by flood or pummeled under rubble in any country.

The school in China where they fear 900 children lost. Those poor parents, all with just one child, how sad. Thanks for the tips on aid and where to donate, I do always wonder which is the best agency. Appreciate the practicale suggestions.

My only direct experience with a natural disaster was when Isabel wiped out my pier, sea wall, and a few trees. My house had only minor damage and no one was hurt but I was still depressed for several days. I can't even imagine how they must feel.

On this we agree. I think I have posted the stats here before.

My post was poorly written.

I kind of mistyped but could not get back in to EDIT.
I can not imagine the pain and hardship people face from a natural disasters. Floods, Cyclones, Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes..........I can not handle small speed bumps in life. I would be a mess. God bless them all, I hope they are finding relief d are safe from more trauma.

It is so tragic. I can't even read the articles. I saw one picture of a mother, or grandmother, holding a screaming baby and I lost it.

Feel so helpless that there's nothing we can do, personally.

I heard the stupid Chinese gov't. is also rejecting help offers from outside. At least they are more capable than the Burmese gov't.

That's odd. I just heard this morning that they ARE going to accept some of the offers for help, from Japan and Taiwan for example.

From MSNBC:



Can't miss the fact that they're trying to spin it as China refusing aid for a long time -"days" - but in fact considering the lumbering monstrosity that is their government, I'm amazed it didn't take longer for them to start opening the doors to outside help. After all, they do have an awful lot of internal capabilities to start with, so there's a lot they can do and are doing already.

The worst part of it is not being able to find the rest of your family.

Oh, the total devestation... I just keep trying to wrap my mind around this & still feel like I cannot even begin to understand...

Pictures of Hell