December 29, 2003
More on Earthquake
When 30,000 lives come to an end in a mere 30 second window, does anybody hear?
Here are some facts I concede to:
The U.S. administration should be applauded for putting aside pity issues and offer help for the Bam earthquake victims. I hope they do more.Enforcing sanctions in the midst of a colossal human tragedy is just asinine.
It is irrational to not accept humanitarian aid when it is most needed, even if it comes from an apartheid state.
Iranian government deserves much blame for the extent of damage and loss of life in this disaster.
It is great to see some countries donate millions in aid and disappointing to see others only make token contributions.
I have not asked a single Iranian for donation so far (if I run into you anywhere, be sure you'd be asked) who has refused to dig in his/her pockets or purse immediately.
Non-Iranians I have encountered have no idea help in form of donations and more are needed (thanks to the inept mass media). Please tell them.
We all need to learn first aid.
Earthquakes can not be stopped.
Buildings can be built to resist the destructive force of an earthquake to a great degree.
Structures can be built in ways to maximize the opportunity of occupants to survive, in the event of a collapse.
Governments can prepare better for the eventual disasters their people will face.
Bam's population; less than 200,000. Imagine when (not IF) Tehran is hit, with a population of 12 Million, plus.
We'll have plenty of time to discuss each of these topics and many more. For now, could you make a call to three friends, send an email to five, and make a little notice for your workplace's bulletin board or grocery store's community announcement wall to pass along Mercy Corps' information and ask for their help too?
I spoke to them earlier and they will gladly not add your name to a mailing list or sell/rent the information to others, if you only ask. Please do it now. Thanks!
UPDATE - Iran Quake Death Toll May Reach 50,000!!??!!
Posted by Pedram at December 29, 2003 11:44 PMI heard something today that US charity organizations need to be approved by the US Treasury Department in order to send funds to Iran. Those groups who already had approval have a $450,000 cap on what they can send annually. I think we need to make a concerted effort to pressure the US to approve new charities quickly and remove, or at the very least raise, the monetary cap. Certainly food, medicine, blankets, etc... are the immediate need but this is going to be a massive, long term rebuilding effort that will need continued international help.
My best wishes to all of you with family and friends caught up in this tragedy. You are in the thoughts and prayers of this family!
Posted by: Kristen at December 30, 2003 01:36 AMsanctions - enforcing them under ANY circumstances is asinine, as far as i can tell. the general populace living under sanction conditions are the ones who pay dearly. let's not forget, they (sanctions) are a military weapon that can cause as much devastation as a bomb.
Posted by: resident jason at December 30, 2003 08:15 AMHeh,I came by the site to see how many people would still find fault in the U.S. and how it reacted to the quake. I see Kristen's response never fails to disappoint. Bush Lied! Iranian's Died!
Posted by: gavin at December 30, 2003 12:07 PMOn a post that starts with applauding the U.S. government we all find what we want to find I suppose. God forbid anyone would have any criticism of a policy that makes little sense if any.
Posted by: NoBody at December 30, 2003 12:23 PMWhile I don't have much to go around myself, being a poor college student, I didn't really get anything for Christmas. I can think of no better time of year to be compassionate and help those in need so I donated what I could, (about $20). I probably never would have if I didn't read your site regularly Pedram. You are truely a great man to be championing a cause such as this and should feel good about yourself, you've convinced me at least! :)
Posted by: Chad at December 30, 2003 12:49 PMI also posted donation information on my website and several forums I read so hopefully I'll bring in some other donations too.
Posted by: Chad at December 30, 2003 12:55 PMChad,
You are right about Pedram. But give yourself credit for being able to see and appreciate what Pedram does.
Thank you for your donation my friend.
Posted by: Faramin at December 30, 2003 01:07 PMGavin,
I wasn't finding fault with the US. I was just stating the facts of the current US policy towards charity work in Iran. I believe the sanctions are otherwise needed. My main point was that as much as we need to donate $50 today, the rebuliding of houses for 100,000 people is also going to require a $50 donation 3 months from now. And the more charity organizations that can help the long term effort the better.