Friday, August 20, 2010

Washed Away

"...The sheer scale of the disaster almost defies comprehension. Around the country, an estimated 15 to 20 million people have been affected. That’s more than the entire population hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami and Kashmir earthquake in 2005, the 2007 Cyclone Nargis and this year’s earthquake in Haiti — combined.

"...An area as big as Italy and larger than more than half the countries in the world — some 160,000 square kilometers, or 62,000 square miles — is under water.

So far, Great Satan and Great Britain have sworn lifesaving bling like $76 million and $32 million each. Ok.

And their militaries are working round the clock with even more enroute

Yet when Haiti got blasted to sea level - pledges skyrocketed up to 10 billion bucks in 10 days.

So what gives? Is 'donor fatigue' a factor? Or is it something else?

Is Great Satan's client new clear Army with a nation/state attached paying a price for perceptions?

"...Are the people of Pakistan now suffering because of the corruption of their leaders, real and perceived, and the support, real and perceived, given by the Pakistani military and intelligence services to militant groups..." al Qaeda, Taliban and assorted terrorists?

Pic - "Among a broad swath of Pakistani public opinion, holding out a hand for help constitutes a loss of dignity and therefore face."

6 comments:

Annie said...

There are people in Pakistan who themselves wouldnt donate until they it is some respectable non-governmental person handling it. No one trusts the government. So if other governments are hesitant in trusting our government, i wouldnt blame them.

Having said that, the devastation is of great proportions. There must be NGO's working there for this cause who can be trusted. So spread the word, if you can Courtney.. Its a great cause.

Cheers!

courtneyme109 said...

Thanks Annie - I was fixing to hit you up and see what all could be done. So far Red Cross seems to be the donating spot.

It is horrible right now - let's all hope better days are ahead

YN2(SW) H. L. Gauthier III said...

Reread the B-side to soft power. CDR Salamander makes the point that efforts like this are akin to watering the desert. Plants might grow, but only as long as you pour water. Water that wouldn't have been there in the first place.

Render said...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Kashmir_earthquake

...

BOTTOMLESS
PIT,
R

Peter said...

Seems that the Muslim oil states can handle any rescue efforts. They are always yammering about how charity is one of the five pillars of Islam. Too bad their idea of charity is sending wild-eyed radicals into American Mosques.

Peter said...

Seems that the Muslim oil states can handle any rescue efforts. They are always yammering about how charity is one of the five pillars of Islam. Too bad their idea of charity is sending wild-eyed radicals into American Mosques.