Biggest earthquake in 40 years hits Southeast Asia

[DanS]

You think there won't be massive cuts to travel to that region for years to come, as well as lowered economic growth?

No. I expect the tourist areas to bounce back pretty quickly. This is a freak occurence (once in four or five generations). Personally, I wouldn't fear going there next week, if they could accomodate me. At a minimum, the Scandinavians have to go somewhere for the winter...

[Arrian]

Thanks, LotM. Now, to put a price tag on my sympathy...

Seriously, though, every little bit helps, right?

-Arrian

[The Emperor Fabulous]

Originally posted by alva

with 14 already confirmed dead primarily in Thailand

Well, on the bright side, the world has lost several pedophiles the last couple of days.

Is there any way we can keep douchebags like this and VJ off the forums?

[Chemical Ollie]

Originally posted by DanS


This isn't even close to true. US business shut down for much of a week. There have been reductions in travel for several years since. Extra security costs are required going forward. Add it up and be amazed.

So you don't think this will have any effect on travelling?

A few blocks of razed buildings and some jumbo jets were the only lost property in 9/11. Here you have a whole cities eradicated on several continents. Business shutting down was just because idiots stopped buying things. Stock value is made up of thin air, and it was lost because people like you over-reacted.

Terrorism is a pathetic threat if you compare it to anything else. How many people was killed by terrorism, globally, in the last ten years? 10-20 000? Does it really deserve the attention it is getting? Airport security is really over-done and annoying but will not stop the professional terrorists. Why would they use knifes next time, now that the moment of surprise is lost forever?

Natural disasters, starvation, deceases and wars are the real killers, and it's there the efforts should be spent. If Americans care about their security, how come they live in California that could sink into the Pacific any day?

[Chemical Ollie]

Originally posted by alva

with 14 already confirmed dead primarily in Thailand

Well, on the bright side, the world has lost several pedophiles the last couple of days.

Actually, the pedos are mostly in Pattaya, which is on the other coast.

[DanS]

Remember that I think comparing the two events is a fool's game. Apples and oranges. The only way in which they are similar is that people died unexpectedly in both instances and that both are expensive. We will gain no great insights by comparing and contrasting the two. Likewise, throwing the Iraq war into the mix as some have done in this thread doesn't illuminate anything at all. It's all part of a dumb parlour game.

[Chemical Ollie]

The debate started when I quoted an American who made the comparison. But yes, it is apples and oranges - 9/11 was a very minor trauma compared to this.

Anyway, I did not expect America to contribute at all, as very few Americans were among the victims. So every dollar is an extra bonus surprise.

[Chemical Ollie]

Originally posted by DanS
Likewise, throwing the Iraq war into the mix as some have done in this thread doesn't illuminate anything at all. It's all part of a dumb parlour game.

I haven't mentioned the Iraq war in this thread, but I think it makes perfect sense if you are debating where dollars should be spent and where they should not be spent. You can choose to spend your money on killing people who did not invite you into their country, or you can spend your dollars to help people who are in desperate need of help. It's your choice.

[Ming]

Originally posted by Chemical Ollie
Anyway, I did not expect America to contribute at all...

America gives out more in total dollars in Aid each year then any other country in the world... a pretty stupid troll on your part

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Chemical Ollie


I haven't mentioned the Iraq war in this thread, but I think it makes perfect sense if you are debating where dollars should be spent and where they should not be spent. You can choose to spend your money on killing people who did not invite you into their country,

Which would then lead to the question of whether most Iraqis did or did not want us to invade, questions about shiites vs sunnis, the upcoming elections, etc. All of which would detract from the discussion of the victims of the Tsunami, and would thus be threadjack of the most vile kind. A vegetarian could suggest that we can spend our money on meat, killing defenseless animals and poisoning our bodies, or giving to the victims of the Tsunamis. Ditto wrt to money spent on churches, video games, and whatever else your pet peeve is. All would be trollish threadjacks, all would be attempts to use this terrible tragedy to score political points on unrelated issues.

[Chemical Ollie]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


Which would then lead to the question of whether most Iraqis did or did not want us to invade, questions about shiites vs sunnis, the upcoming elections, etc. All of which would detract from the discussion of the victims of the Tsunami, and would thus be threadjack of the most vile kind. A vegetarian could suggest that we can spend our money on meat, killing defenseless animals and poisoning our bodies, or giving to the victims of the Tsunamis. Ditto wrt to money spent on churches, video games, and whatever else your pet peeve is. All would be trollish threadjacks, all would be attempts to use this terrible tragedy to score political points on unrelated issues.

I'm sure there will be no debate about whether the Tsunami victims would want your help. And there will be no debate on killing defenseless animals to feed them.

[DanS]

Again, this is just sophistry. I'm sure the money you spend on going to the movies or other entertainment would be better spent on disaster relief for these tsunami victims as well. Or Alexander Horse's SUV. Or India's military spending. You could go on an on.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Chemical Ollie


I'm sure there will be no debate about whether the Tsunami victims would want your help. And there will be no debate on killing defenseless animals to feed them.

i meant killing defenseless animals to feed YOURSELF, not the tsunami victims. Dont eat that steak, save the money and give it to the victims. Cause meat is murder, doncha know.

[Drake Tungsten]

Probably since Tsunami is a Japanese word?

Japanese words only count in the Pacific?

[Chemical Ollie]

Dont eat that steak, save the money and give it to the victims.

I will do both. I can afford it, because I did not spend 1000 times more on killing people who did't deserve it, while angering my friends in the process.

Good night