Earthquake in China
May 12, 2008 by chunzhu
So there’s a big earthquake that hit the northwestern part of Sichuan as well as a few other earthquakes around the country. There’s all this talk about how this isn’t a very good year for China with the Darfur stuff, terrorists in Xinjiang, Tibetan protests, disruption of the torch relay, intestinal disease, and now a bunch earthquake… ya know, disasters are a sign that it’s time for a change in dynasty and what-not.
But I don’t believe in symbols or portents. I think the reason why all this stuff is popping up is because everyone’s eyes are on China so everything gets reported instead of being glossed over. It’s like that one saying: “What’s the sound of one hand clapping.” Hmm… maybe not that one… umm… oh, “What sound does a falling tree make if no one is there to hear it?” Yeah, I think that’s the one.
Still, bad stuff is bad stuff whether people are paying attention or not. I wish nothing but the best to the people in affected areas and condolences to those who are suffering. Peace be with ya.
Why get defensive? Just deal with it. Solve the issues and move on and dont feel guilty if you got nothing to feel guilty about. Let Tibet be free, stop trying to rule if you cant rule. The Russians caved in. They also had the good and bad.
Hi Chunzhu,
I am here again, and I think I will come more often in the future. I feel so bad about the earthquake, because I am from Chengdu, Sichuan. My family are OK right now, but it’s said the home is in a mess and lots of stuff get broken, which is HORRIBLE. Plus, many people there are going to sleep on the street tonight, because no one would like to sleep in a 20 floors apartment during an earthquake… A lot of my friends they are going to schools there, and they have to sleep in the football filed tonight…
I hope everyone will be OK then.
(I am a student from China and studying in the US)
Peace,
Silu
hey..
im from burma.. my country just suffered a severe blow from cyclone nargis.
i understand how u feel.
I don’t think “all eyes on China” is the entire reason. 7.8 is not insignificant. Also, the media industry is also obsessed with natural disasters cyclones in Myanmar, midwest twisters, and now earthquake in China. Perhaps I should hide under a rock, or a giant concrete block. That would save me.
You left out the train wreck.
@ Thevan - I wasn’t talking about Free Tibet specifically and have no desire to talk about it in this post.
@ Silu - I wish the best of luck for your family… the reports have gotten much worse after I wrote the post…
@ Burmesegoldbull - Yes, a tragedy is a tragedy no matter what country they are from. I just fear what two large disasters at the same time will do to the amount of international aid available.
@ Sister - Yes, I made a huge mistake in underestimating the earthquake.
@ Resipsal - Yes, indeed I did. My apologies.
I guess my main concern is that buildings aren’t earthquake retrofit. I don’ t know, maybe the ones in the big cities are now. But I would hate to think about what would happen in a city like Beijing if there were an earthquake. I hope the buildings there were built properly.