Tidal Wave Reflections... and Actions
I was so overwhelmed by the initial news of the tidal wave and its destruction that I kept it at bay in my mind as long as I could. But as usual denial flooded its banks, this time with the pictures on the front page of the New York Times on Tuesday. It was so distressing, I wouldn't leave it face up on the breakfast table.
Of course denial is a guilty luxury (and sometimes a luxury of the guilty) that, like much else, many can't afford. So far, around 77,000 are accounted dead with many more missing, with maybe more than 100,000 dead when all is said and done.
To put it in perspective, just south of 3,000 people died on 9/11.
If you want to help -- and who wouldn't? -- I've put some links at the bottom of the post. But first, two more links:
As so often is the case, Real Live Preacher says it well, this time comparing the money we have pledged to send in aid in response to the tidal wave disaster with the money we plan to spend on the (second) inauguration of President Bush. (FYI: $15mil compared with $30-40 mil.(*but see note below -ed.)) And as he is so good at doing, he isn't content to let us point our fingers and cluck our tongues, but brings it home, too.
Also, if you would like more information on the tsunami itself, including firsthand updates, you can check out this blog. I don't know who maintains it or how reliable their information is; I would be cautious to give money through it, but it is a chilling look at the scope of this disaster.
There are a number of quite reliable sources to which you can give and know that your money is serving those it is supposed to. (This list is not at all exhaustive, of course):
Unicef (Select your national committee from this home page and give through them.)
World Vision (This is a special page set up for victims of the tsunami.)
Oxfam (This is another page with information about emergency programs for people effected by the tsunami.)
Episcopal Relief and Development
* Peter Young helpfully points out that the aid America is sending, as a nation, has been upped to $35 mil. from $15 mil. For what it's worth, I would not be surprised to see that increased, perhaps significantly, as the needs become even clearer. More than that, many, many individuals like you and me will give to agencies like the four listed above and many more, once again showing the sort of generosity that Americans have been known for. The same certainly goes for the Britons, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders who regularly pass through Gower Street, as well. So why not give, if you haven't yet?
Ed. update (10:45pm EDT): in addition to the US, the UK has pledged £15mil for the first phase, the EU generally 30 mil. euros, and Canada C$33mil. (More information available here.)
Of course denial is a guilty luxury (and sometimes a luxury of the guilty) that, like much else, many can't afford. So far, around 77,000 are accounted dead with many more missing, with maybe more than 100,000 dead when all is said and done.
To put it in perspective, just south of 3,000 people died on 9/11.
If you want to help -- and who wouldn't? -- I've put some links at the bottom of the post. But first, two more links:
As so often is the case, Real Live Preacher says it well, this time comparing the money we have pledged to send in aid in response to the tidal wave disaster with the money we plan to spend on the (second) inauguration of President Bush. (FYI: $15mil compared with $30-40 mil.(*but see note below -ed.)) And as he is so good at doing, he isn't content to let us point our fingers and cluck our tongues, but brings it home, too.
Also, if you would like more information on the tsunami itself, including firsthand updates, you can check out this blog. I don't know who maintains it or how reliable their information is; I would be cautious to give money through it, but it is a chilling look at the scope of this disaster.
There are a number of quite reliable sources to which you can give and know that your money is serving those it is supposed to. (This list is not at all exhaustive, of course):
Unicef (Select your national committee from this home page and give through them.)
World Vision (This is a special page set up for victims of the tsunami.)
Oxfam (This is another page with information about emergency programs for people effected by the tsunami.)
Episcopal Relief and Development
* Peter Young helpfully points out that the aid America is sending, as a nation, has been upped to $35 mil. from $15 mil. For what it's worth, I would not be surprised to see that increased, perhaps significantly, as the needs become even clearer. More than that, many, many individuals like you and me will give to agencies like the four listed above and many more, once again showing the sort of generosity that Americans have been known for. The same certainly goes for the Britons, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders who regularly pass through Gower Street, as well. So why not give, if you haven't yet?
Ed. update (10:45pm EDT): in addition to the US, the UK has pledged £15mil for the first phase, the EU generally 30 mil. euros, and Canada C$33mil. (More information available here.)
posted by Jason at 12:51 AM
6 Comments:
I know it may seem like spliting hairs, but the US has just upped its aid to $35 Million. Secondly, the money on the inauguration is already spent.
Peter:
You're right, it does seem like splitting hairs. But the updated facts are good nonetheless. How might you help? JF
Donation to the Red Cross.
And while it does not help the tsumani victims, I've organized a blood drive with our church in Berwyn on Feb 12 to coincide with the beginning of lent. I'm trying to bring a service orientation to the congregation.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Peter:
Oops, sorry, Pete, I actually only meant it rhetorically. But thanks again for the update.
And blessings on your work in your congregation. JF
Addendum:
If people are looking to contribute more than just money (i.e. time and energy) David Weinberger has attracted some information about that on his blog. The specific link is http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/003518.html#comments and look in the comments section. -JF
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