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I didn't think it'd be so soon before I'd be writing my next xanga entry given my tedency to procrastinate, but given the recent earthquakes in China, we really need to rally together again and help those in need. It's important to recognize that the first and foremost issue ought to be that of humanitarianism, which should far transcend any underlying political agenda out there.

 

As a way of background, sources have most recently estimated the death toll to be 20,000 in Sichuan province alone, and this doesn't even include the people that are missing or buried under the rubble. Granted, some might argue that it might not be the Chinese government's proclivity to ask for outside aid either, but the fact that they have issued a rare public appeal for relief, food, and equipment should give some type of indication of the severity of the conditions there. Feel free to read the WSJ for a recent update on things: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121083757999794937.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news

 

Fortunately, the Chinese government (as compared with the political institutions of several other nations) have made it easier for outsiders like us to help: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/15/content_8176508.htm

 

I sincerely hope you'll consider helping out the people that need it most. There are a variety of organizations that are assisting in the relief efforts, including the following:

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.html

China Consolate: http://www.nyconsulate.prchina.org/eng/xw/t434656.htm

Remember that your donations to help China are tax-deductible (again, why give your hard-earned money to the IRS when you can help save other people's lives?), and anything you give will add up. Your money goes a lot further in that side of the world than it does here. No donation is too small, either -- if you can forgo that $5 coffee at Starbucks today or the $10 ticket to the movies this weekend, you'll be able to help provide food and cotton blankets to families in China that no longer have a place to call home. And what could be better than that?

 

Cheers,

Eric