As we ushered in the New Year 2005, the images of 2004 are mostly of destruction and devastation. The continued unrest in Iraq, the unrelenting Al-Queda-led terrorist threats, the senseless killings at Beslan, Russia, and just a week ago, the worst natural disaster tragedy in modern history.
In retrospect, the Asian Quake and Tsunami catastrophe, which killed over 130,000 people and counting, should be seen on a positive note as some freak of nature sent down upon us by God as a wakeup call for mankind on the pointless need to destroy threaten and destroy one another. Isn't it enough that we are all living in a fragile world under the constant threat from the forces of nature?
What we have seen so far is that in the face of near annihilation caused by a nature destructive force, people from many nations regardless of race, religion and creed can come together and work as one to overcome destruction, grief, and suffering. Together, mankind work hand in hand to prevent any epidermic outbreak and further lost of innocent lives.
The Tsunami Tragedy had in effect put a stop to the decades long war in Sri Lanka between the government and the Tamil Tiger, wipe out mounting separatist conflicts in the Indonesian province of Aceh, and diffuse any rising religious tension in Southern Thailand. The disaster has in fact, brought us closer together.
As we try to make more sense out of this unprecedented tragedy, many may have blamed God for this unfortunate incident. But we only have ourselves to blame if we, the lucky ones who can celebrate the New Year with our loved ones in the comfort of our living room, did not do anything to help lessen, the plight of the Tsunami victims.
The least we can do is say a little prayer this New Year for the deaths, the dejected, the hungry, the injured, and the missing, or make some donations, no matter how small that may be.
In spite of everything, it is important that we share the view that this New Year brings a New Hope and hopefully, a New Begining to world peace, unity and stability. Together, we can (and must) bring about a positive change for mankind in 2005.
We at e-borneo.com extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis. The impact of this catastrophe is felt not just in the tsunami-affected nations but also around the globe. We are gratified that the world community is coming together to coordinate and assist those most desperately in need. We are sure many of you share our concerns for the fate of those still missing, the families of the victims, the homeless, the sick, and the complex humanitarian relief efforts that continues to unfold.
A very Blessed New Year to you and your family.
The e-borneo.com e-Team
e-borneo.com - Borneo Travel and Trip Advisor
http://www.e-borneo.com/
Copyright © 2005 e-borneo.com
1 comment:
We can only pray or donate if we can't physically be at those affected places. But life must go on. We cannot continue to feel sad or guilty. Our own country may have other pressing matters to resolve.
Jacob H.
South Africa
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