Comments on: “tri anni horribili” http://www.arugam.info/2007/12/26/tri-anni-horribili/ Sri Lanka’s hidden pearl Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:46:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 by: Sudu http://www.arugam.info/2007/12/26/tri-anni-horribili/#comment-72924 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:33:22 +0000 http://www.arugam.info/2007/12/26/tri-anni-horribili/#comment-72924 <em>This discussion is nothing new. Already 2 years ago there were doubts about the help. Here is an extract from the BBC web site, 2 years ago:</em> Asian tsunami: One year on Were you affected by the devastation? Nearly a quarter of a million people were killed by the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on 26 December last year. Record levels of aid were pledged in the aftermath of the disaster. However, a recent Oxfam report estimates that only 20% of the 1.8 million people made homeless have been given 'satisfactory permanent accommodation'. Did the tsunami affect you? Is the pace of reconstruction too slow? Can life ever return to normal? Send us your views and experiences. Published: Tuesday, 20 December, 2005, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK COMMENTS All comments in recommendation order Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 12:54 GMT 12:54 UK <strong>The aftermath of the Tsunami has sickened me. We donated nearly half a billion pounds yet virtually nothing has been done. I know the government of Sri Lanka embezzled much by slapping huge import tarriffs on aid. I presume much of the rest has gone the same way. In future my charity donations stay in the UK and go to the RSPCA, RNLI & guide dogs for the blind. At least that way I know I'm doing some rather than swelling the swiss bank accounts of 3rd world ministers.</strong> [Peter_Sym], Nottingham Recommended by 33 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 13:02 GMT 13:02 UK I am stunned at the lack of compassion of some of the comments on this topic. If you are too self absorbed to give to those less fortunate so be it. If the images and stories of the victims of disasters (both natural and man made) are not enough to stir your conscience into giving I pity you. BUT do not try to justify your attitudes shouting "corruption", or "we have our own problems ("So There"). Just how bad are our problems when those of us here are happily sat, sheltered and warm, tapping away on the internet? Torie Coughlan, London, United Kingdom Recommended by 31 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:12 GMT 12:12 UK <strong>why do we even bother?. Our Aid money is being blatently mis-used by those in control. These non Western countries are corrupt and undeserving of our Aid. What a waste of money!.</strong> [peterlondon], croydon, United Kingdom Recommended by 28 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK We should stop giving further money, until we have checked how previous donations have been spent. I suspect that a lot of the cash didn't end up where it should have. So There, South of England, United Kingdom Recommended by 26 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 11:47 GMT 11:47 UK <strong>We have contributed huge amounts of money, that is not being spent properly, there is massive corruption in some of the countries getting aid, the money is not helping the people who really need it the most. A token amount of money is being used to show something is being done, god knows what has happened to the rest of it, as it has been a year and 80% of those needing our help have got nothing. These societies dont seem to have the same way of thinking we have here in the west, The poor are being left to fend for themselves, at our expense.</strong> Mr Mister, UK, United Kingdom Recommended by 23 people Alert a Moderator Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 19:02 GMT 19:02 UK My 2 brothers and I experienced the brutal effects of the Tsunami first hand on Koh Phi Phi. Luckily we survived. I found them atop a hill after I swam from my beachfront bungalow. To this day I still remember the kindness of the Thai people, as they gave us food, water, and clothing to help us through the night. Their kindness was amazing. They had lost everything, their families, homes, so much. I wish I could thank each person individually. From the local villagers who gave us food, to the students at the airport who offered their cellphones to call home, I have never seen such compassion! Dave Frey, Toronto Recommended by 23 people Alert a Moderator Added: Friday, 23 December, 2005, 07:08 GMT 07:08 UK Anon Ymous <strong>whats with the personal attack?, what are you talking about?. hatred of Islam? whos attacking anyone?, you must be some kind of Islamist or something, please remember that this is europe and not the muslim east, if people come to live here they should become a part of society and not seek to undermine or change it, I believe in freedom of speech and will not bow down to people because of their Alien religous hook ups, what are these people doing here if they cant or wont fit in?.</strong> DOMONIC SMITH Recommended by 20 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 16:43 GMT 16:43 UK What is really sickening is that the most recommended post on this debate is from someone saying "dont give aid to these corrupt countries" There is a massive amount of work going on in all the affected countries. Perhaps all the bigots could find a nice small island where they could all live together and not be bothered by any nasty others LiberalLeft AndProud, United Kingdom Recommended by 16 people Alert a Moderator Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 14:00 GMT 14:00 UK <strong>Some people in the western countries seem to think that they are more caring than the people from 3rd world.</strong> <strong>Indians donated $100 million to the Indian govt in addition to the donations to the Charity organisations. Indian government sent 4 rescue ships to srilanka within 4 hours after the disaster occurred and sent help to Aceh within 24 hours.I've seen images of Indian Navy rescuing survivors within 2 hours after tsunami struck the southern coast of India, Which is remarkable for a 3rd world country.</strong> <strong>Nobody is forcing you to donate, so please stop whining.</strong> Indianoguy P, Memphis, United States Recommended by 15 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK <strong>A lot of whingeing going on here about aid agencies and corruption, but I bet these same posters are silent over their tax dollars being pumped into the miltary-industrial complex post 2001/11/9. The (lack of ) media coverage of the tsunami aftermath is a disgrace considering the magnitude of the disaster, as compared to the atrocity in New York. Sweden lost ten times more innocents in percentage population terms to the tsunami than the US did in New York. But the tsunami was in the "3rd world" so I suppose it's ok to forget it.</strong> Colin Campbell, Stockholm, Sweden Recommended by 15 people Alert a Moderator Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 13:55 GMT 13:55 UK I feel ashamed that many in my community think that this is Allahs punishment, and for this reason have no interest in providing any charity. They act chariatable in public, but actually contribute nothing. The poor in these regions are regarded as worthless by those in power and most foreign aid is diverted from them. I thank the genoristy of the western peoples, and only hope we dont have to always have to rely on the west in times of need. Saleem Ansari Recommended by 14 people Alert a Moderator Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 15:04 GMT 15:04 UK <strong>The world seems to respond to the latest disaster while forgetting past disaster victim needs. Foreign aid of $5.9 billion has been earmarked for Pakistan which asked for $5.2 billion for earthquake victims while tsunami victims are still waiting for reconstruction aid. Common sense dictates, the extra $700 million should be sent to Asian tsunami victims.</strong> arun khanna, Indianapolis, United States Recommended by 13 people Alert a Moderator Added: Tuesday, 27 December, 2005, 11:36 GMT 11:36 UK if you think those countries affected by the tsunami are corrupt,feel sorry twice.Politics and people are two different worlds.Don't judge people by its government. Alex Gache, Netherlands Recommended by 12 people Alert a Moderator Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:47 GMT 12:47 UK <strong>Interesting racial undertones from those begrudging aid. Again if you don't want to contribute, DONT!</strong> phil b, United Kingdom But we don't get a choice, because Gordon and Tony keep giving away our cash - even though we have our own problems. So There, South of England, United Kingdom Recommended by 12 people Alert a Moderator Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 09:04 GMT 09:04 UK <strong>I have got complete charity fatigue, I'm afraid. I have donated on so many occasions over the years to help starving children, AIDS sufferers, disaster victims etc etc and almost every time I have later heard that the money is not getting through to those who need it, but is making fat cats fatter or giving troops more arms or lining the pockets of corrupt local bigwigs. Is there any way to be sure donations reach their intended target? I'd love to know.</strong> Linda Lee, Chester, United Kingdom Recommended by 11 people This discussion is nothing new. Already 2 years ago there were doubts about the help.
Here is an extract from the BBC web site, 2 years ago:

Asian tsunami: One year on

Were you affected by the devastation?

Nearly a quarter of a million people were killed by the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on 26 December last year.

Record levels of aid were pledged in the aftermath of the disaster. However, a recent Oxfam report estimates that only 20% of the 1.8 million people made homeless have been given ’satisfactory permanent accommodation’.

Did the tsunami affect you? Is the pace of reconstruction too slow? Can life ever return to normal? Send us your views and experiences.

Published: Tuesday, 20 December, 2005, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK
COMMENTS

All comments in recommendation order

Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 12:54 GMT 12:54 UK

The aftermath of the Tsunami has sickened me. We donated nearly half a billion pounds yet virtually nothing has been done. I know the government of Sri Lanka embezzled much by slapping huge import tarriffs on aid. I presume much of the rest has gone the same way. In future my charity donations stay in the UK and go to the RSPCA, RNLI & guide dogs for the blind. At least that way I know I’m doing some rather than swelling the swiss bank accounts of 3rd world ministers.

[Peter_Sym], Nottingham

Recommended by 33 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 13:02 GMT 13:02 UK

I am stunned at the lack of compassion of some of the comments on this topic.

If you are too self absorbed to give to those less fortunate so be it.

If the images and stories of the victims of disasters (both natural and man made) are not enough to stir your conscience into giving I pity you.

BUT do not try to justify your attitudes shouting “corruption”, or “we have our own problems (”So There”).

Just how bad are our problems when those of us here are happily sat, sheltered and warm, tapping away on the internet?

Torie Coughlan, London, United Kingdom

Recommended by 31 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:12 GMT 12:12 UK

why do we even bother?. Our Aid money is being blatently mis-used by those in control. These non Western countries are corrupt and undeserving of our Aid. What a waste of money!.

[peterlondon], croydon, United Kingdom

Recommended by 28 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK

We should stop giving further money, until we have checked how previous donations have been spent.

I suspect that a lot of the cash didn’t end up where it should have.

So There, South of England, United Kingdom

Recommended by 26 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 11:47 GMT 11:47 UK

We have contributed huge amounts of money, that is not being spent properly, there is massive corruption in some of the countries getting aid, the money is not helping the people who really need it the most. A token amount of money is being used to show something is being done, god knows what has happened to the rest of it, as it has been a year and 80% of those needing our help have got nothing. These societies dont seem to have the same way of thinking we have here in the west, The poor are being left to fend for themselves, at our expense.

Mr Mister, UK, United Kingdom

Recommended by 23 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 19:02 GMT 19:02 UK

My 2 brothers and I experienced the brutal effects of the Tsunami first hand on Koh Phi Phi. Luckily we survived. I found them atop a hill after I swam from my beachfront bungalow. To this day I still remember the kindness of the Thai people, as they gave us food, water, and clothing to help us through the night. Their kindness was amazing. They had lost everything, their families, homes, so much. I wish I could thank each person individually. From the local villagers who gave us food, to the students at the airport who offered their cellphones to call home, I have never seen such compassion!

Dave Frey, Toronto

Recommended by 23 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Friday, 23 December, 2005, 07:08 GMT 07:08 UK

Anon Ymous

whats with the personal attack?, what are you talking about?. hatred of Islam? whos attacking anyone?, you must be some kind of Islamist or something, please remember that this is europe and not the muslim east, if people come to live here they should become a part of society and not seek to undermine or change it, I believe in freedom of speech and will not bow down to people because of their Alien religous hook ups, what are these people doing here if they cant or wont fit in?.

DOMONIC SMITH

Recommended by 20 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 16:43 GMT 16:43 UK

What is really sickening is that the most recommended post on this debate is from someone saying “dont give aid to these corrupt countries”

There is a massive amount of work going on in all the affected countries.

Perhaps all the bigots could find a nice small island where they could all live together and not be bothered by any nasty others

LiberalLeft AndProud, United Kingdom

Recommended by 16 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 14:00 GMT 14:00 UK

Some people in the western countries seem to think that they are more caring than the people from 3rd world.

Indians donated $100 million to the Indian govt in addition to the donations to the Charity organisations. Indian government sent 4 rescue ships to srilanka within 4 hours after the disaster occurred and sent help to Aceh within 24 hours.I’ve seen images of Indian Navy rescuing survivors within 2 hours after tsunami struck the southern coast of India, Which is remarkable for a 3rd world country.

Nobody is forcing you to donate, so please stop whining.

Indianoguy P, Memphis, United States

Recommended by 15 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK

A lot of whingeing going on here about aid agencies and corruption, but I bet these same posters are silent over their tax dollars being pumped into the miltary-industrial complex post 2001/11/9. The (lack of ) media coverage of the tsunami aftermath is a disgrace considering the magnitude of the disaster, as compared to the atrocity in New York. Sweden lost ten times more innocents in percentage population terms to the tsunami than the US did in New York. But the tsunami was in the “3rd world” so I suppose it’s ok to forget it.

Colin Campbell, Stockholm, Sweden

Recommended by 15 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 13:55 GMT 13:55 UK

I feel ashamed that many in my community think that this is Allahs punishment, and for this reason have no interest in providing any charity. They act chariatable in public, but actually contribute nothing. The poor in these regions are regarded as worthless by those in power and most foreign aid is diverted from them. I thank the genoristy of the western peoples, and only hope we dont have to always have to rely on the west in times of need.

Saleem Ansari

Recommended by 14 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Wednesday, 21 December, 2005, 15:04 GMT 15:04 UK

The world seems to respond to the latest disaster while forgetting past disaster victim needs. Foreign aid of $5.9 billion has been earmarked for Pakistan which asked for $5.2 billion for earthquake victims while tsunami victims are still waiting for reconstruction aid. Common sense dictates, the extra $700 million should be sent to Asian tsunami victims.

arun khanna, Indianapolis, United States

Recommended by 13 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Tuesday, 27 December, 2005, 11:36 GMT 11:36 UK

if you think those countries affected by the tsunami are corrupt,feel sorry twice.Politics and people are two different worlds.Don’t judge people by its government.

Alex Gache, Netherlands

Recommended by 12 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Thursday, 22 December, 2005, 12:47 GMT 12:47 UK

Interesting racial undertones from those begrudging aid. Again if you don’t want to contribute, DONT!

phil b, United Kingdom

But we don’t get a choice, because Gordon and Tony keep giving away our cash - even though we have our own problems.

So There, South of England, United Kingdom

Recommended by 12 people

Alert a Moderator

Added: Saturday, 24 December, 2005, 09:04 GMT 09:04 UK

I have got complete charity fatigue, I’m afraid. I have donated on so many occasions over the years to help starving children, AIDS sufferers, disaster victims etc etc and almost every time I have later heard that the money is not getting through to those who need it, but is making fat cats fatter or giving troops more arms or lining the pockets of corrupt local bigwigs. Is there any way to be sure donations reach their intended target? I’d love to know.

Linda Lee, Chester, United Kingdom

Recommended by 11 people

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