Are we only helping Media approved Disasters?

In the last ten months the world has suffered a spate of disasters. The Tsunami on Boxing Day, Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma and the earthquake disaster in Pakistan and Kashmir. But while many people contributed to the Tsunami and to hurricane relief, the earthquake impacted more people, yet remains under funded. At this point some 83,000 are confirmed dead, millions have been left homeless and more will die as winter approaches and some areas have not received even the first wave of disaster relief. Although 70 times more people died in the earthquake than in Katrina, only 1/70th the amount of aid has been received.

Some have suggested that the tsunami received so much press because of it's holiday timing. Immediately after the disaster, vacationing tourists who had also been sunning themselves in the days prior were emailing pictures from their cell phones of the devastation and upon returning to Europe, telling stories of the loss of life and massive destruction. In response, the viewing public, home for the holidays, feeling bloated and guilty, quickly rang up to make donations.

In the case of Hurricane Katrina, response arrived as a result of the shock of seeing one of the most recognized cities in the most powerful country on earth decimated. And let's face it, the situation of New Orleans was championed by Anderson Cooper, who would not let us forget the people most impacted by the storm and ensuing flood.

But the earthquake doesn't have an Anderson Cooper. Those most affected by the carnage are in places so remote, it's doubtful television signals can get through, let alone reporters, should some be interested in trying.

These people are poor and Muslim, which doesn't exactly put them at the top of the West's popular causes list. And politics between Pakistan and India have not helped the situation. India has refused to open their borders for fear an influx of Pakistani Muslim extremists will use the opportunity to infiltrate India and inspire acts of terrorism. While that may be a valid concern, the more pressing issue should be easing the vast amount of human suffering.

I'm just a nobody from South Philly but to know what's going on and not act would be one of the most cold hearted and malicious acts of cowardice I could do, so I'm taking this space, usually reserved for discussing the trivial, fashionable and in the long run, inconsequential, to implore you to help in any way you can.
Network for Good (www.networkforgood.org) links a number of religious (of all denominations), and secular charities who are helping with the earthquake relief.

Please, ring in the holidays a bit early by donating to the charity of your choice and let the biggest Christmas gift you give this year, be life.