Killer Tsunami! Death toll now up to 150,000

[quote name='Admiral Ackbar']It's not like all I do is watch the news. But I will say that 60% of my TV viewing is C-span. I watch Washington Journal nearly daily. Book TV on the weekends. I call myself a news junky because compared to the average amaerican, I am a news junky. If I hadn't had gone into Engineering I would be a Journalist. I'm interested in public affairs, would like to become more politically active in a few years when I hit my thirties. I read all the news services pretty much.

I'm interested in this Tsunami because it is an unprecedented event. I just finished reading Krakatoa a month or two ago and that Tsunami killed 40,000. As I said, there have been other disasters in the last decade that have immense and even greater death tolls. Unfortunately, hardship and scrabble the likes of which I am lucky enough to never know, is common across the globe. Famine and pestilence is a fact of life. But this catastrophy is something unique. Something historic, and it's only natural to want to know what is happening.

My comments about the news coverage are not just about Fox but also MSNBC. The problem is this. For the past few years all the news services (Network and Cable) on TV have been cutting their foreign coverage to save money. They now use the wire services almost exclusively. Occasionally rushing spot journalists to a scene where they know something is happening well before hand.

But after this disaster, it's obvious that CNN is the only news service with the infrastructure around the globe to cover this disaster properly in the early hours. The coverage I've seen on Fox and MSNBC is literally video and stories that either CNN or a paper service has broken the day before.

Also I'm not saying it should be all Tsunami all the time. There is other news. For example the threat that the Filibuster will be weakened in the Senate. Or the recent ambushes in Iraq. But there's something wrong with a news service when they have a new age Guru advising what nuts to eat and how to avoid Alzheimers instead of covering how countries around the globe are organizing for the greatest disaster relief effort in the history of humanity!

I haven't actually watched the tv in the past 24 hours because I've been busy so things may have changed recently. And my comments are not just directed at Fox but also at MSNBC, which has lagged in its coverage. For national news you can argue it's even. For op-ed you could even argue that Fox does better on opinion coverage because that's the meat and potato of it's news service. But on international coverage I really think CNN is shining in getting the most information out to people.[/quote]

I've really seen no evidence of it. When I looked at CNN it was the same loop as the other channels and they broke for scheduled programming as usual since it was unlikely there would be any developments that merited immediate mention. MSNBC probably isn't long for this world, based on their dwindling viewership, so not too many people were left uninformed if they stuck there.

If Krakatoa occurred today the death toll would already be in the millions. The entire planet's human population then was only around 1.5 billion and many of the affected areas were barely inhabited then. Then there are all the secondary effects. Some of the more crazed environmentalists would be trying to find some way to bring the volcano before the ICC for violatating the Kyoto Treaty.
 
[quote name='lebowsky'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='David85']Awesome isn't a word that means "oh goody", I could say the awesome effects of the quake meaining the strength of the quake. Even terrific doesn't mean good, it means huge damage, and shit.

There are more meanings to the words than one.

And RichD1, I hope that if the East Coast shore is going to get hit with one, and you need help, that people will spit on you and go "it doesn't affect me" and walk away.[/quote]

I don't expect some shaq-fuing Sri Lankans to come on an internet message board and mourn my death if the east coast is hit. If there's a picture of me dead that can be turned funny, I fully expect it to be done. I know I'd do it.[/quote]
you are a shaq-fuing asshat. Man, what a douchebag.[/quote]

Because I don't share the same set of beliefs as you? Because we have different priorities? Look deep down inside yourself, do you really feel grief the same way you would if someone you knew died? Why aren't you here bitching about the genocide in Rwanda? How about the oppression in North Korea? AIDs problem in Africa? Food crisis in countries with military dictatorships? Oh, you're just being a pretentious ass, my bad.
 
While I can't condone the duck's lack of sympathy, I can at least respect the fact that he's honest. Seriously how many people here gave a fuck about what was going on in Sri Lanka prior to this Tsunami?
 
Come to think of it, when the duck's own backyard was getting blasted by airplanes on 9/11 do you think those Sri Lankans were crying over the senseless loss of American life? No, because they were probably cheering...
 
You know, this topic was mainly about the scope of this event and the fact that it requires more aid than any other natural diasater in known history. It does matter who is covering the story and how. This is about reflection on a tragedy. It doesn't matter if CNN, Fox, and NBC are reporting it differently. It changes nothing.

The whole thing about the deaths is simply to respect it. It doesn't matter what your personal beliefs are.

Because I don't share the same set of beliefs as you? Because we have different priorities? Look deep down inside yourself, do you really feel grief the same way you would if someone you knew died? Why aren't you here bitching about the genocide in Rwanda? How about the oppression in North Korea? AIDs problem in Africa? Food crisis in countries with military dictatorships? Oh, you're just being a pretentious ass, my bad.
Click to expand...

That's a specious argument. The AIDS epidemic was brought on by the actions of man. Food crises in dictatorships is brought on by the actions of man. There is someone that can be blamed or held accountable and eventually punished for those things. You also left out the oppressed people of Liberia, the massacres in Russia, Columbine, Paducah, Heaven's Gate Cult, Waco, Ruby Ridge, Haitian Refugees. You could use that argument for just about anything. The only problem is that the subject isn't about those things. The people in the tsunami were minding their own business when a force of nature came down on them. You can't put Earth in jail or bring it to trial. This is the kind of event that makes people question their beliefs, philosophies, and religions. It is similar to the hurricanes that pounded Florida or the tornadoes that tear through the country every year in the US. The main difference is that in the tsunami entire familes are gone. Not just the nuclear family but entire generations. Photos, documents, entire existences and any possible recorded history of the people are gone. Entire islands were wiped off the map. I think the thing most people have a problem with is that you said, "you don't care about those people". You have the right to say and feel whatever you want, but once you say something like that you may as well don your flame shield because your honest opinion will get an honest reaction.

Being honest isn't the be all and end all of argument. If it was then there should be no problem with people who honestly think he was an asshole for saying that and that should be repected as well. (I am not calling anyone anything, I am just making a point). Honesty goes hand in hand with tact.
 
The title of this thread could use a Edit. The death toll has doubled.... and THEN SOME! (over 117,000 deaths as of now)
 
[quote name='GuilewasNK']You know, this topic was mainly about the scope of this event and the fact that it requires more aid than any other natural diasater in known history. It does matter who is covering the story and how. This is about reflection on a tragedy. It doesn't matter if CNN, Fox, and NBC are reporting it differently. It changes nothing.

The whole thing about the deaths is simply to respect it. It doesn't matter what your personal beliefs are.

Because I don't share the same set of beliefs as you? Because we have different priorities? Look deep down inside yourself, do you really feel grief the same way you would if someone you knew died? Why aren't you here bitching about the genocide in Rwanda? How about the oppression in North Korea? AIDs problem in Africa? Food crisis in countries with military dictatorships? Oh, you're just being a pretentious ass, my bad.
Click to expand...

That's a specious argument. The AIDS epidemic was brought on by the actions of man. Food crises in dictatorships is brought on by the actions of man. There is someone that can be blamed or held accountable and eventually punished for those things. You also left out the oppressed people of Liberia, the massacres in Russia, Columbine, Paducah, Heaven's Gate Cult, Waco, Ruby Ridge, Haitian Refugees. You could use that argument for just about anything. The only problem is that the subject isn't about those things. The people in the tsunami were minding their own business when a force of nature came down on them. You can't put Earth in jail or bring it to trial. This is the kind of event that makes people question their beliefs, philosophies, and religions. It is similar to the hurricanes that pounded Florida or the tornadoes that tear through the country every year in the US. The main difference is that in the tsunami entire familes are gone. Not just the nuclear family but entire generations. Photos, documents, entire existences and any possible recorded history of the people are gone. Entire islands were wiped off the map. I think the thing most people have a problem with is that you said, "you don't care about those people". You have the right to say and feel whatever you want, but once you say something like that you may as well don your flame shield because your honest opinion will get an honest reaction.

Being honest isn't the be all and end all of argument. If it was then there should be no problem with people who honestly think he was an asshole for saying that and that should be repected as well. (I am not calling anyone anything, I am just making a point). Honesty goes hand in hand with tact.[/quote]

All of those people are victims, as are the tsunami victims, as well. The perpetrators of these "disasters" makes no difference, if you're going to feel bad for one, why not feel bad for others? Children born with aids have no control over that. People born into North Korea have no control over that. People struggling for food without access have no control over that. It's not fair to lessen their struggles in comparison to the tsunami victims'. (Granted, I'm not lessening them, because I think nothing of either.) But to feel remorse for only those victims of natural disasters only when the media makes a story of it and make no mention of others is, well, being pretentious. And that was the only point I was making.

And I stand by my comment--I care nothing for these people. I don't expect them to care for me, nor do I want them to. I'm not going to try and discredit people donating time or money to the relief, in fact, I respect them. But if you're not doing anything to help, then you have no right to attack my apathy towards these people. Its the risk of living near a coast, or on this planet for that matter. I take that risk and I will accept the consequences if the time comes.
 
I cannot believe there are so many compassionateness people here. You don’t need to show sympathy for them, but at least show them a bit of respect.
 
[quote name='ananag112']I cannot believe there are so many compassionateness people here. You don’t need to show sympathy for them, but at least show them a bit of respect.[/quote]

The word is callous. Show them respect for what? Dying? People die all the time.
 
[quote name='RichD1'][quote name='ananag112']I cannot believe there are so many compassionateness people here. You don’t need to show sympathy for them, but at least show them a bit of respect.[/quote]

The word is callous. Show them respect for what? Dying? People die all the time.[/quote]

Sorry about the spelling. I am very tired today. What I was trying to say was, if you don't care about them you don't need to, but just don't go out of your way to poke fun at these people dying.
 
[quote name='Devin']The title of this thread could use a Edit. The death toll has doubled.... and THEN SOME! (over 117,000 deaths as of now)[/quote]

Dammit, beat me to it.
 
I'm not making fun of them dying. Granted I made fun of a dead guy because he looked like a Malboro, but I would have made fun of him if he was living. It had nothing to do with him dying.
I'm also not making fun of them dying by not caring.
 
[quote name='RichD1'][quote name='David85']Awesome isn't a word that means "oh goody", I could say the awesome effects of the quake meaining the strength of the quake. Even terrific doesn't mean good, it means huge damage, and shit.

There are more meanings to the words than one.

And RichD1, I hope that if the East Coast shore is going to get hit with one, and you need help, that people will spit on you and go "it doesn't affect me" and walk away.[/quote]

I don't expect some shaq-fuing Sri Lankans to come on an internet message board and mourn my death if the east coast is hit. If there's a picture of me dead that can be turned funny, I fully expect it to be done. I know I'd do it.[/quote]


Can we laugh at your mother when she is lying face down in water? or your sister? or wife? Or Kids? Its clear that you don't care for others, and you claim to not want care or respect from others, but I really wonder what you would be like if tragedy befell you tomorrow. Perhaps you would be the same uncaring prick as today, or perhaps (and my guess probably) you would be lamenting on this board about the callous nature of others towards your plight.

From your posts in this thread, you are a repulsive human being.
 
"Geez, you're as clueless as the BBC sitcom characters in your sig."

No hold on, the land baron knows alot about Stalingrad, the Ardennes (sp) and that sitting on hands has long been looked upon as bad.
 
[quote name='Lootr2Core'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='David85']Awesome isn't a word that means "oh goody", I could say the awesome effects of the quake meaining the strength of the quake. Even terrific doesn't mean good, it means huge damage, and shit.

There are more meanings to the words than one.

And RichD1, I hope that if the East Coast shore is going to get hit with one, and you need help, that people will spit on you and go "it doesn't affect me" and walk away.[/quote]

I don't expect some shaq-fuing Sri Lankans to come on an internet message board and mourn my death if the east coast is hit. If there's a picture of me dead that can be turned funny, I fully expect it to be done. I know I'd do it.[/quote]


Can we laugh at your mother when she is lying face down in water? or your sister? or wife? Or Kids? Its clear that you don't care for others, and you claim to not want care or respect from others, but I really wonder what you would be like if tragedy befell you tomorrow. Perhaps you would be the same uncaring prick as today, or perhaps (and my guess probably) you would be lamenting on this board about the callous nature of others towards your plight.

From your posts in this thread, you are a repulsive human being.[/quote]

You know nothing about me.
My priorities are for me and those I know, so therefore yes, I would lament over my mother or sister or whatever. As such however, I would NEVER bring it to the boards and would NEVER expect any sympathy on the internet. I don't want someone my mother never knew lamenting her death for no apparent reason--it's totally useless and will accomplish nothing.

I have care and respect for others, and want the same in return....for/from those I know. I couldn't give 2 shits about other people.
 
[quote name='RichD1']

You know nothing about me.


I have care and respect for others, and want the same in return....for/from those I know. I couldn't give 2 shits about other people.[/quote]


Hence why I wrote, "from your posts in this thread". By your own admission you don't give a shit about others except those you know, that to me is repulsive.
 
OP needs to update.. death count is now at 135,000.

That's around 42x or so more than the amount of people killed in the World Trade Center attacks (assuming 3200 people died in the WTC attacks).
 
[quote name='Scorch']OP needs to update.. death count is now at 135,000.

That's around 42x or so more than the amount of people killed in the World Trade Center attacks (assuming 3200 people died in the WTC attacks).[/quote]

Around 2000 to 3000 Americans are still missing in the region. It's unfathomable to think there's an outside chance that the tsunami killed more Americans than the attacks of 9/11.
 
[quote name='kaw'][quote name='Scorch']OP needs to update.. death count is now at 135,000.

That's around 42x or so more than the amount of people killed in the World Trade Center attacks (assuming 3200 people died in the WTC attacks).[/quote]

Around 2000 to 3000 Americans are still missing in the region. It's unfathomable to think there's an outside chance that the tsunami killed more Americans than the attacks of 9/11.[/quote]

Just consider, the same technology that was stolen to perpetrate the 9/11 attacks is what makes it possible for hordes of Westerners to vacation in SEA resorts. The details coming out of both events are very much of the age in which we live. Likewise for the microcoverage by news outlets and the large amount of video provided from those caught in the midst of it. A few decades earlier and we'd still only have a vague understanding of what had happened at this point.
 
[quote name='kaw'][quote name='Scorch']OP needs to update.. death count is now at 135,000.

That's around 42x or so more than the amount of people killed in the World Trade Center attacks (assuming 3200 people died in the WTC attacks).[/quote]

Around 2000 to 3000 Americans are still missing in the region. It's unfathomable to think there's an outside chance that the tsunami killed more Americans than the attacks of 9/11.[/quote]

This might be misinterpreted...but at least it will piss off the Taliban.
 
[quote name='Greetard'][quote name='kaw'][quote name='Scorch']OP needs to update.. death count is now at 135,000.

That's around 42x or so more than the amount of people killed in the World Trade Center attacks (assuming 3200 people died in the WTC attacks).[/quote]

Around 2000 to 3000 Americans are still missing in the region. It's unfathomable to think there's an outside chance that the tsunami killed more Americans than the attacks of 9/11.[/quote]

This might be misinterpreted...but at least it will piss off the Taliban.[/quote]


....the taliban have nothing to do with 9/11
 
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