Aloofness to Pakistan's Floods

"The United Nations has characterized the destruction caused by the floods in Pakistan as greater than the damage from the 2004 Asian tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake combined. Yet nearly three weeks since the floods began, aid is trickling in slowly and reluctantly to the United Nations, NGOs, and the Pakistani government."

I visited Pakistan nearly 4 years ago to assist my mentor Walt Ratterman on a training. I loved every moment of the trip--from crossing the border via bus, to making new friends in Lahore, meeting old friend Islamabad, and getting to know Walt's colleagues and students.

...When the earthquake struck Pakistan, a couple of years before my visit, I was in India and made firm plans to "go help". Due to a family event, although I got a visa, I did not go then; and instead went later with Walt.

...Yet now, it has been 3 weeks and only now I am realizing the extent of the damage from the floods!! ...Only now am I doing the internet searches and contacting friends for un-biased information, from the field.

I feel like a hypocrite waiting so long to take stronger interest in the situation. Something about floods versus earthquake/tsunami that delayed my interest. I'd been following the situation-to-be in Afghanistan, but I became too busy this month for Pakistan.

I often argue for Islam when I hear biases against it. ...Realizing that others' biases against Muslims may have slowed aid for the flood victims ("Why Doesn't the World Care about Pakistanis"), I feel that I should especially be taking interest in the floods to see how we can help.

...I am still working on my thesis, hoping to get my sitar tuned tomorrow, planning my exercise regiment, seeing friends/family plan Labor Day breaks...all the while, an entire country is set back by decades.

Today's "Avatars"

Have you seen the movie Avatar? Do you have an Avatar story unfolding in your community?

Here is an example of an Avatar-like plot taking place in Kalahandi District, Orissa:
Vedanta's crusade on the sacred Nyamgiri Mountain

















Do forward me any such real-team Avatar stories. Collecting today's Avatar incidents, on a single web space, to share with others maybe a useful resource for us to understand how our power as a consumer relates to lives around the globe (and maybe neighbor), e.g. purchasing products that support Corporations who are the root of real-life Avatar incidents.

If you know of such a web space already existing, please forward!

Freedom and Courage

Aug 15--India's Independence Day. Two inspiring insights (click on the linked words)

1. Chhote Ustad 2010
Amongst the various TV shows on Indian tv, there is now an interesting music talent show that encourages India and Pakistan's young talent to team up. It reminds me of Friends Without Borders.

2. Neighbor's Bank Workers
"Ms Wu"has been courageously mobilizing Chinese bank workers to fight for their rights. ...Though the sad news is that Ms. Wu may now be detained for a while. Ms. Wu helps me feel the link between Freedom and Courage.

These two stories remind of the potential of and challenges to freedom in today's world.