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Quake toll could climb to 50,000

WILLIAM FOREMAN

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 9:19 AM EDT 15/05/08

Ten million directly affected by Monday's earthquake; official death toll nearly 20,000 ...Read the full article

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  1. Tim Cares from Canada writes: What I find interesting is that the Chinese government asked for money donations. Don't they have billions in the bank? We don't.
    If they asked for material aid, I could understand but asking for money seems petty.
  2. L U from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: So that would be like what? 700 people dying in Canada?

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Are you trying to say that your life is worth 100 lives in China? Milos, this is not a time to play math wits. One life is one life!
  3. tulip7 R from woodbridge, Canada writes: Tim Cares from Canada writes: What I find interesting is that the Chinese government asked for money donations. Don't they have billions in the bank? We don't.
    If they asked for material aid, I could understand but asking for money seems petty.
    --------------------------------------------
    Chinese government did NOT ASK FOR MONEY. What they say is help (including money and material) are welcome. You do not have to give money if you do not want.

    The estimate loss is at least 20 billion US$, good chance will be much more.

    Everybody in China donate money/blood, the blood reservoir in Beijing is full yesterday. If you want to show your care, do it. Otherwise do not bother.
  4. Michael Soft from Apple, Canada writes: 'Green Milos from Canada writes: So that would be like what? 700 people dying in Canada? '

    Milos, it depends on where in Canada. If a 7.9 quake happens in major cities like Toronto/Montreal, I doubt the casualty would only be 700. More like 7000 at the very least. And don't forget that China is 40 times more densely populated than Canada.

    Of course if it happens somewhere in Northwest Territory, the casualty might just be zero.
  5. Green Milos from Canada writes: tulip7 R from woodbridge, Canada writes: Everybody in China donate money/blood, the blood reservoir in Beijing is full yesterday. If you want to show your care, do it. Otherwise do not bother.

    ___________
    Yes, that famous Chinese 'volunteerism'.
  6. Tim Cares from Canada writes: One of the reasons the Chinese are producing junk for western consumers is because that is what we want from them - cheap disposable products.

    Years ago people were commenting on the increase in quality of Japanese products and the Japanese person said that the reason they were producing low cost/quality products in the 1950s and 1960s is because that is what they were asked to produce.
  7. Green Milos from Canada writes: Michael Soft from Apple, Canada writes: Milos, it depends on where in Canada. If a 7.9 quake happens in major cities like Toronto/Montreal, I doubt the casualty would only be 700. More like 7000 at the very least. And don't forget that China is 40 times more densely populated than Canada.

    _________
    I agree. However I was just stating that China has 43 times our population. A pinprick here versus a pinprick there.
  8. Michael Soft from Apple, Canada writes: '...Personally, I wouldn't set foot in China, let alone eat or put any thing in my body that originates from that axis of evil....'

    Mr. Bush Mini. Looks like anything nowadays can be a reason for boycott China, including earrthquake.
  9. Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: So that would be like what? 700 people dying in Canada?
    I agree. However I was just stating that China has 43 times our population.

    -----------
    Typical guys like you just can't do simple math. Do yourself a favor, go back to grade 3 or buy a made in China calculator in dollar store.
  10. tulip7 R from woodbridge, Canada writes: Tim Cares from Canada writes: I've got an idea. Why don't we gather up all the poison toothpaste, dog food, poisonous cough syrup and counterfeit pharmaceuticals that China has shipped to our shores over the course of the last decade and send it back to China as a 'care package'. I'm sure they can put it all to good use.

    ------------------------
    You complain about some Made in China stuff, I understand and you do have a good imagination and summary of that. But right now is not the time. They are dealing with 7.9 earthquake killing thousands of people.

    Still it is your choice where to buy the goods. Those cheap made in China stuff DO give some Canadian a life when they have no choice but go to Dollar store or Walmut.
  11. Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Censorship Fodder from Toronto, Canada writes: Personally, I wouldn't set foot in China, let alone eat or put any thing in my body that originates from that axis of evil. A sad lot indeed.

    -----
    Dump your computer first, then your high-speed Internet modem, router, your cell phone, ipod, LCD TV...
  12. tulip7 R from woodbridge, Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: Yes, that famous Chinese 'volunteerism'.-------------

    You see anything happen in China in a negative way.
  13. philip j. fry from Hamilton, Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Typical guys like you just can't do simple math. Do yourself a favor, go back to grade 3 or buy a made in China calculator in dollar store.


    I can't be bothered to do the math. And honestly, I don't care about this earthquake.

    ______

    Thankfully, most people aren't heartless a**holes like you.
  14. Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes:

    I can't be bothered to do the math. And honestly, I don't care about this earthquake.

    -----

    Then why the heck did you write comments here if you don't care? I feel sorry for you. You can't do simple math, and you don't have a logical mind either.
  15. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    A lot of posts in the associated story (Why China's Buildings Crumbled) suggested that collapsing is simply what schools do in an earthquake of magnitude 7.9.

    Well, that does not appear to be the case. School buildings can, when built properly, avoid total collapse in a magnitude 7.9 earthquake.

    If you want proof, just look at the photos of all the school buildings that were standing after the San Francisco quake of 1906. It was also a 7.9 on the Richter scale.

    Sure, the buildings were damaged (windows broken, some roof and upper floor collapsing), but the buildings did not completely collapse to the ground.

    If you want, you can see the photos online at the website called:

    'Photographs of the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire from the Charles Derleth Papers, 1868-1908, bulk 1906-1908'

    and select from the left column '18. Earthquake Effects; School Buildings'.

    This address may help getting there directly:

    http://tiny.cc/xzoB2

    The problem in China, as many reputable sources have noted, is that the builders fail to follow the building codes there (which are actually pretty good codes, it is reported).

    It would not be surprising if, in the 'judicial' aftermath, we see a lot of contractors there lined up and shot...
  16. Liberal Elitist from Windsor, Canada writes: Wow, didn't see that coming. So many anti-China activists here using an earth quake as an opportunity.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    Green Milos from Canada writes: So that would be like what? 700 people dying in Canada?

    -----------------------------------------

    Here is a math figure for you, top 2% of the chinese population equals entire Canada. You know how you were always annoyed by the smart chinese kid in your high school, he's not even the top 2%. There are far more intelligent chineses out there than you can imagine, so lets not play this game
  17. L U from Canada writes: I can't be bothered to do the math. And honestly, I don't care about this earthquake.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    No one is asking you to care. So please don't mess around with your comments on irrelavent anti-china topics when the topic is about death toll from a natural disaster, the one that you don't care. BTW, when tragedy happens to you one day, please do care about yourself.
  18. An Thornton from Canada writes: Censorship Fodder from Toronto, Canada writes: So who among us asked for the poison toothpaste, poison dog food, poison cough syrup and Cialis made with nothing but lead-based yellow traffic paint powder?

    All of us. When we buy cheap products at Walmart we are asking for shoddy products because we're buying from companies that ask the Chinese to mass produce products at a really cheap rate.

    It's all about supply and demand. When demand is high, products are supplied at a quick and easy rate, leaving the possiblity for poison and lead paint wide open.
  19. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Liberal Elitist from Windsor, Canada stunningly writes: 'you know how you were always annoyed by the smart chinese kid in your high school?'

    Hello?

    Does that comment mean it is somehow supposed to be okay when liberal elitists invoke their own pungent racism to combat what they perceive as other peoples' pungent racism?
  20. tulip7 R from woodbridge, Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes

    Oh, so the people here in Canada deserve poisonous toothpaste if they have no other option than Walmart or the Dollarstore??? How enlightening. Why don't you volunteer your blood for the earthquake victims. ALL of your blood..
    -----------------------
    You are a heartless mean person; do you even have blood in your body?

    Nobody deserve poisonous stuff, if you are talking about this in a different time, I share the same view as you guys.
  21. SN Dream from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes:
    Oh, so the people here in Canada deserve poisonous toothpaste if they have no other option than Walmart or the Dollarstore??? How enlightening. Why don't you volunteer your blood for the earthquake victims. ALL of your blood.
    ------------------------------------
    I suddenly understand what's all the silliness about grabbing the torch, if it's pass by me now, I might have the urge to grab it and shove it up urs

    Hey, interesting news, GM need to recall cars because they might burst into flame if you brakes too hard. Darn, too bad US are so close to us, otherwise I can make a totally heartless attack able it.
  22. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: China-bashers, can you all please stop for a week? And let the vanished lives rest in peace. Let's hope all the people still buried getting rescued ASAP. Let's hope all the injured and affected victims getting help, food, shelter in time.
  23. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes:
    =============>
    Your comment is very good. As many rule and regulation, the china has a good defintion because they can copy them from the western world. Unfortunately, the enforcement is not easy because there are no real knowledge by the people. You may said that why they not hire the skill people from the west. Do you think that they can do it in the last ten year. The wage gap in china and the western world is about 10 times difference.

    Anyway, people are always learned by mistake (it may be paid a big price). China will improve on this.
  24. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Please donate:

    Through our local Canada Red Cross:

    http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=27348&tid=001

    Through Hong Kong Red Cross：

    https://www.redcross.org.hk/donation/user_donation.asp

    (f.y.i. HK$1,000 = CAD$128; HK$500 = CAD$64; HK$100 = CAD$13)
  25. Student Of Ivey from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: Oh, so the people here in Canada deserve poisonous toothpaste if they have no other option than Walmart or the Dollarstore??? How enlightening. Why don't you volunteer your blood for the earthquake victims. ALL of your blood. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let’s talk about Blood here: In United States of America: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, looting, violence, and other criminal activity became serious problems. With most of the attention of the authorities focused on rescue efforts, the security in New Orleans degraded quickly. By August 30, looting had spread throughout the city, often in broad daylight and in the presence of police officers. 'The looting is out of control. The French Quarter has been attacked', City Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson said. 'We're using exhausted, scarce police to control looting when they should be used for search and rescue while we still have people on rooftops.' --- Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_Hurricane_Katrina_on_New_Orleans) In China: David Jones, an English teacher in the city of Chengdu, said residents were camping out on riverbanks, in parking lots and other open spaces despite 'terrible' weather. 'People are doing everything they can to stay outside,' he said. 'In a lot of cases, they can't return to their buildings.' He said survivors were lining up to donate blood and remained calm, though appeared 'extremely tired.' 'The people here have been really helpful to each other, making sure everybody has supplies,' he said. 'I haven't seen any price-gouging. The mood here has gone from shock, fear, to tiredness.'--- CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/13/china.quake/index.html#cnnSTCOther1) … Sorry, Green Milos, we are Chinese; we have different value of life.
  26. Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    The problem in China, as many reputable sources have noted, is that the builders fail to follow the building codes there (which are actually pretty good codes, it is reported).

    It would not be surprising if, in the 'judicial' aftermath, we see a lot of contractors there lined up and shot...

    ---------

    No doubt there are contractors cut corner of fail to follow the building codes. For sure, they will get charged, maybe death penalty. However, after I read some related news last couple of days, I found that the building codes there in the epicenter is only for magnitude 6.x earthquake. They got 7.9 this time.

    There are lots of news about collapsed schools because everybody cares about kids, plus it was school time when the quake happened. Lots of office or residential buildings collapsed as well. In the meantime, there are some school buildings still standing.
  27. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes:
    ==========>
    Do you get the contact from your relatives? I hear that the Japan's rescue team went there. It seems the situation became worse.
  28. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    'Student of Ivey' gets upset with a Canadian named 'Green Milos' and, in response to him, 'Student of Ivey' decides to bash and piss on Americans' response to an American event, after which he proudly proclaims: 'Sorry, Green Milos, we are Chinese, and we have a different value of life'.

    Well, to the contrary, Student of Ivey, it appears based on what you wrote that you are no longer Chinese.

    Indeed, you are no longer Chinese: Instead you have been assimilated by (and transformed into) a Canadian of a very specific kind: The non-sequitur America basher!
  29. david ding from Canada writes: The 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan was measured at 7.3 degrees--about one fifth of the scale of the current Chinese earthquate--destroyed 50,000 houses and buildings and killed more than 6400 people.

    The 1999 Taiwan earthquake--also measured at 7.3 degrees--destroyed over 85,000 houses and buildings, including several hundred schools, killing more than 2400 people, more than 11000 were severely wounded.

    These earthquakes were much smaller in scale than the current Chinese earthquake and yet caused massive damage to houses and buildings. I don't remember Western media asking questions about the poor quality of Japanese and Taiwanese buildings when the quakes occurred.
  30. Jason P from Canada writes: 'Green Milos writes:'... As a parent I have empathy for other parents. Especially if they have just lost a child. They are ruled by a government that hates them and tries to kill them off. As for China as a whole? Nope. This area of the world needs to be shaken and flushed out. And, that's what's happening.'

    Very interesting logic... You don't care about this earthquake yet you bother click on this article to make inane comments. You empathize with the individual Chinese that have lost their children, but think the Chinese nation oughta be wiped out as a whole. Should've worn a helmet when you played sports.

    Sadly for you, the Chinese are not defenseless like the aborignals, the majority of whom your ancestors successfully flushed out. You and your dimwitted ignorance are the next in line to the flushed by the evoluationary process.
  31. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Censorship Fodder writes that 'China is populated by people without a moral compass who would poison their neighbours to the West if they could make a quick buck in the process'.

    But Censorship Fodder, that is exactly what people in the West do to each other!

    Kentucky exports enough tobacco to Ontario every year to slaughter thousands of Canadians with lung cancer and, in similar kind, Ontario ships enough of its own grown tobacco and asbestos to other places in the West every year to kill thousands of folks there.

    Get with the program - poisoning neighbors is an enterprise for all countries, not just some!
  32. John John from Canada writes: Censorship Fodder from Toronto, Canada writes:

    I've got an idea. Why don't we gather up all the poison toothpaste, dog food, poisonous cough syrup and counterfeit pharmaceuticals that China has shipped to our shores over the course of the last decade and send it back to China as a 'care package'. I'm sure they can put it all to good use.
    =================>

    Never seen a poster like you! You don't deserve to be among our species!
  33. Sleep Country Canada from Canada writes: I'm surprised to see such cold-blooded beasts still existing here. You are such a shame to Canada that claims themselves as human and generous. The Chinese government is doing a great job this time and Chinese people are showing their love. Unfortunately you don't read Chinese and don't know how many touching stories happening there. It's a natural disaster and it may happen anywhere to anybody. It's pointless for those china-haters to grab every opportunity to attack China. This only shows your apathy and ignorance. You make me sick. Remember, China can solve its own problem. Nobody forces you to offer any help.
  34. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes:
    ==========>
    Do you get the contact from your relatives? I hear that the Japan's rescue team went there. It seems the situation became worse.

    Thanks for asking, P Cheng! Thank god all my relatives, friends, classmates and their families are all fine (with minor injuries to be the worst among them).
  35. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: TO ALL BLOODLESS, SENSELESS CHINA-BASHERS: 'Green Milos, Censorship Fodder, Tim Cares, Tyler Williams, Peter S'

    PLEASE, DO US A FAVOUR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS BY SHUTTING YOUR BIG MOUTHS UP.

    AND ALSO DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR TO SEE A SHRINK IN THE MEANTIME.
  36. Emmanuel Chan from Toronto, Canada writes: The international community should provide expertise, equipment and other logistics at a reduced price to the Chinese government. Material goods can also be sold to China at a reduced price as a gesture of goodwill. However, money donations to China should be discouraged and redirected to more needy areas. China has the largest foreign reserves in the world and they should first use those resources before asking for donations. They may need resources, but they certainly don't need donations.
  37. L Harder from Canada writes: This is a big tragedy. My sympathies to those who have family in the area and I hope for the best for you.
  38. Cosmo Spacely from Canada writes: Sleep Country Canada from Canada writes: Remember, China can solve its own problem.

    Apparently not, since they are appealing for aid....
  39. William Ross from Victoria BC, Canada writes: I think that a few of the above posters should be ashamed of themselves by the nature of what they posted bad taste would be about the nicest thing I can say.
  40. Traveling Canadian from Canada writes: TO ALL THE BLOODLESS, SENSELESS RACISTS: 'Green Milos, Censorship Fodder, Tim Cares, Tyler Williams, Peter S'

    You guys are sick, heartless and completely insane!

    Are you Canadians?!!!!!!

    May you find peace with yourself, or with your god if you believe in one.

    Canada, what's wrong with you? What's wrong with your people? Few years back, I didn't see this kind of ugliness exhibiting in our society.

    Canadians, put your hand on your heart and ask yourself - Are you kind human beings toward fellow human beings? Stop being racist for a moment, or simply just SHUT UP! Please!
  41. CK Cheung from Canada writes: It is very very disappointed to read this comment board postings,
    day after day there are China bashing people promoting hatred even at the expenses of disaster victims.

    I wonder if there are just a few posters they use different names to promote their hatred against China.

    Is the Globe and Mail going to do something about that.
    I appreciate freedom of speech. But what they promoting is beyond the boundary.
  42. Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: . . . ****** Where've you been, Jer?
  43. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Two confused-sounding fellows named 'Sleep Country from Canada' and 'Traveling Canadian' have weirdly marched forward to proclaim that I am a 'racist' and a 'senseless China basher' and am 'sick and heartless'.

    Hello?

    Seriously, Hello?

    Where on this board did I ONCE bash China or the Chinese people?

    I did no such thing.

    I wrote a straightforward commentary on school construction (10:23 am) that was met by two polite and interesting comments from folks (10:45 Mr. Cheng and 10:49).

    I subsequently pointed out (11:10) that America and Canada are both guilty of selling hazardous goods. That is hardly an anti-Chinese comment!

    And, finally, I criticized a fellow for invoking a stereotype of Chinese folks (10:32 am), which is hardly an anti-Chinese act (!), followed by my post that criticized a fellow for bashing a foreign country that had nothing to do with the person he was upset with (11:01 am).

    So, in summary, you two guys are wrongheaded and off base for telling me to shut up and for claiming I am a 'racist and sick and heartless China basher'. I am no such thing. Stop with your ridiculous demands of censorship already.

    Indeed, Mr. Cheng wrote this about my longest post: 'Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes, your comment is very good'!
  44. Global Citizen from Canada writes: TO ALL THE BLOODLESS, SENSELESS RACISTS, especially 'Censorship Fodder':

    I feel like using the worst language to condemn you, but I won't stoop that low.

    Your behaviour have totally discredited yourself and any cause on China bashing! You are a shame to Canada!

    If you have nothing good to say in this disaster, just shut your mouth.
  45. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Correction: The two post writers who wrongheadedly and ridiculously claimed my above posts were racist were Tony C from Richmond Hill and Traveling Canadian from Canada (Sleep Country did not make such a claim about my posts).
  46. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes:
    ===============>
    Tyler, I acknowledge your knowledge. But it is not a good place to show off your ego. The comment on Mr. York's articles had been closed and you know why. G&M know that it is not a good thing to discuss the building code when there are ten thousands people is still helpless. I hope that you should respect those people.
  47. LRob Hubbard from Canada writes: 'Censorship Fodder' is a fraud with an agenda, he's just trying to provoke a reaction, best just ignore him completely. I suspect it is one of the old standbys here playing a role.
  48. grover station from Hamilton, Canada writes: It is not right to kick someone who is down. To the negative posters here, you are obviously in a great deal of pain and fear. Remember that life is suffering. What matters is the courage to fight the darkness.
  49. Sleep Country Canada from Canada writes: Tyler Williams from seattle, I didn't name any specific poster on this board. I just feel sick of those who are obviously lack of heart of human being when people on the other side of the world are facing the big loss in front of the catastrophe. If you think I include you as one of those, I'm sorry.
  50. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: All these China basher shadenfreude regular pinheads do not understand what sadness from the loss of lives means to them until they themselves are run over by a car when they cross the streets or have one of their loved ones in their families suffer the same fate. But God knows: when it happens they will still blame China. Don't forget pinheads: there is such a thing called karma!
  51. Dawn from Minnesota from United States writes: I am very sad to hear of the tremendous loss of life and suffering in China. This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to all of the people living in the region struck by the earthquake.
  52. Ocean 13 from Toronto, Canada writes: Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Correction: The two post writers who wrongheadedly and ridiculously claimed my above posts were racist were Tony C from Richmond Hill and Traveling Canadian from Canada (Sleep Country did not make such a claim about my posts).

    ---------

    You are right. I don't understand why they call you racist.
  53. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Mr. Cheng:

    1. My comment about school construction (10:23) was made to correct the record using facts. Others had contaminated the discussion with incorrect and unsubstantiated claims. I provided there facts to correct the record.

    2. The commentary on articles such as this probably get closed by editors who get tired of dealing with the complaints of racism (and some of the posts on these sorts of boards absolutely are racist).

    3. If a newspaper is interested in affording deference to dead victims of a terrible event, the newspaper would offer only a condolence board with only a name-only sign-in list for condolences (no commentary). This newspaper does not offer that, it instead offers a discussion board, and so discussions happen.

    And to the contrary, I disagree with your comment that it does not 'respect the tens of thousands of helpless people' to be criticizing building practices. If anything, the widespread airing of any warranted criticisms will discomfort the folks in power who can make future changes, encouraging them to make the good changes. It is not good to be hush-hush when there are bad practices that hurt people.
  54. lynn R from Canada writes: A good article from GEOFFREY YORK: Why China's building crumbled! // Thank you! Everytime when I read / saw the news about school buildings collapsed, I can't hold my tears. Those government officers and constructors are heartless non-human beings. ////

    I do hope that agents from CCP read on this board! We support integration of China, we are against Tibet separation, we support Olympic, but it doesn't mean we support your corruption and harsh treatments on Chinese people (Including Tibeteans as they are part of Chinese people)!!! ///

    Those who are responsible for the construction of school buildings should all be sentensed to death 100 times!!!
  55. Dawn from Minnesota from United States writes: Joseph Cheng: There are readers who will write inappropriate posts in response to almost any G&M article. I think most people in the world are saddened by the tragic earthquake that occurred in China. Try to ignore the unpleasant comments in this forum.
  56. Shadow of the Bear from Canada writes: For on-the-ground information, see www.animalsasia.org and read Jill Robinson's blog about conditions and the rescue effort. The Animals Asia Foundation (Moon Bear Rescue Centre, Chengdu) has offered their medical team to the Red Cross, and is helping both people and animals in whatever way they can.

    The situation is tragic beyond belief. One major concern is that the dam will break. Another concern is that apparently many of the bear-bile farmers in the region have bolted, and left their bears to face possible starvation.
  57. lynn R from Canada writes: Dawn from Minnesota from United States : you are right! no point to argue with extremists.
  58. WILLY HATT from Canada writes: Good luck and God speed on the recovery effort , people who post hateful comments at a time like this are nothing but Nazi and KKK wannabee's.
  59. Jack L from Oakville, Canada writes: Censorship Fodder & Green Milos, you guys are very sick. This was very tragic incident and you guys has no sympathy. China did not ask for money from the West. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau already came up with over $100 million US to help out. You can shovel you 2 cents up your azz.
  60. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: lynn R from Canada writes:
    Those who are responsible for the construction of school buildings should all be sentensed to death 100 times!!!
    ==============>
    Don't worry about those. It will happen. Chinese always cares about the children first before them.
  61. Hans Ulster from From the Canadian Oilpatch, Canada writes: Yikes, the comments on this thread are just plain ridiculous. I am an ARDENT opponent of any and all communist governments, but this tragedy is just unbelievable. It is not as though everyday Chinese have a great deal of say in the type of government that lords over them. Similarly, everyday Chinese really don't have a lot of say in building practices.

    Quite frankly, I have a difficult time grasping the deaths of so many. I just hope that further casualties can be averted and those in need find help.
  62. B Lam from Canada writes: It seemed that the earthquake in China was good news to some. Shame.
  63. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Jack L from Oakville, Canada writes: Censorship Fodder & Green Milos, you guys are very sick. This was very tragic incident and you guys has no sympathy. China did not ask for money from the West. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau already came up with over $100 million US to help out. You can shovel you 2 cents up your azz.
    ==============>
    Even Philippene provide the help even though they can't afford.
  64. Monday Blue from Canada writes: Why there so much heartless saying for this disaster? Yes, Chinese government had do some wrongs. But is it the time for us to do the judgment?! It should be the time to save life and offer prayer from Human being to Human being. Isn’t every life is a equal? How you feel if it happens here?

    Like other disaster, Red Cross and other charities say please just send money because it is easier to allocate the resource from near by countries and you don&8217;t know what they need. This is the same case over here.

    Also, from what I read.. China now accepting all kind of help. Experts (people), money or material like bottle water. I can&8217;t really defend why they don&8217;t allow foreign aid at the beginning&8230; I do think the reasons can be because the airport is damage or different of language can cause problem.

    It just time to save life. If you ever lose someone in your life, you know it hurts. Please don&8217;t say anymore harsh word.
  65. LRob Hubbard from Canada writes: Jack L: Censorship Fodder is a fake, don't fall for the bait. There are more pressing problems at this time than to play psych games.
  66. B Lam from Canada writes: lynn R from Canada writes: A good article from GEOFFREY YORK:

    Good article from Geoffrey York? There is no such thing.
  67. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Ladies and gents: There are some posters here who just waste your time and energy to read or comment on their postings because they do not care about human sufferings as a result of this earthquake tragedy in China. These are China bashing shadenfreude regulars. One of these characters is Cosmo Spacely. This gent is a ridiculous China hater and his brain is in space somewhere as his 'name' signifies. Please do not waste your time and energy and refrain from reading or commenting on his postings.
  68. Sleepy Head from Canada writes: Censorship Fodder from Toronto, Canada writes: Judging by all the 'pigeon English', poor grammar and spelling on this thread by a certain demographic group, I believe it is high time that the federal government invokes stringent English language testing for people wanting to immigrate to our country.

    Nice try. Now let someone of a 'certain demographic group' correct your English. You spelled 'pidgin' wrong and didn't use the subjunctive mood correctly. Not only are you a racist redneck--you're also an idiot.
  69. Cosmo Spacely from Canada writes: Monday Blue from Canada writes: Yes, Chinese government had do some wrongs. But is it the time for us to do the judgment?!

    I would say this is the perfect time. A bully's house burning down while he is out beating up your neighbor, doesn't make him less of a bully.
  70. lynn R from Canada writes: Monday Blue from Canada , I agree with you. I have donated through Canada Red Cross two days ago. and I am ready to donate more. I also think the first priority now is to rescue as many as possible people!
  71. lynn R from Canada writes: B Lam from Canada, I think he wrote a good one this time as I can tell from his writing that his symphathy towards those kids. In addition, the quality of school buildings in China are highly questionable.
  72. Green Milos from Canada writes: Stephen Dedalus from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: . . . **** Where've you been, Jer?

    _____________
    :)
  73. Roger S from Canada writes: Will donate through Canadian Red Cross.
  74. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Sleepy Head from Canada: Censorship Fodder also could not distinguish the difference between the words 'immigrate'and 'emigrate'. The word 'emigrate' should have been used by him in the sentence '...to emigrate to our country'. You couldn't have worded it better in describing his character.
  75. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Mr. Tyler Williams, I did NOT call you or anyone a racist. I only named you among some others 'BLOODLESS, SENSELESS CHINA-BASHERS' since you were bashing China relentlessly here for an article named 'Quake toll could climb to 50,000'. Read my posts again carefully.

    Btw, why the hell is someone from Seattle bashing China here in Globe and Mail comments? What's your motive? Do you know they are tens of thousands people dying across the ocean?
  76. Liberal Elitist from Windsor, Canada writes: Green Milos, Cosmo Spacely, I can't believe you guys managed to survive have kids. Based on your intelligence, you should have become extinct centries ago. Scared that the poor chinese is taking over your 5 dollar jobs? Guess what, no body is buying poisonous toothpaste except for you two, as it is clearly evident.
  77. Maple Leaf from Canada writes: Thousands of people have died and millions of people are displaced from the natural disasters in Mynamar and China...

    But...all you people do is make racist remarks...and saying these people deserve it...

    Where are your values, morals, and respect for a human life?

    Perhaps...we also need to have a major disaster and have thousands of people die and millions of people affected....then, let's see what others from around the world say about us...let's see how we feel at then...especially, those who don't care about this earthquake and cyclone~

    Let's see if they still don't care~
  78. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Dawn from Minnesota: You are very kind and gracious. I am certain your sentiments are very much appreciated by all caring Canadians here regardless of which ethnic or racial origin. As human beings, we are all deeply concerned about the tragic loss of innocent lives resulting from this catastrophic event.
  79. j q from Canada, Canada writes: In our society, the price for the freedom we have is responsibility and accountability. As such, words either engender credibility or marginalization. Each of us are free to evaluate anyone's comments within this construct and those that contravene our sense of decency should be met with silence. As for the recent naturaly disaster, here is a list of others which have befallen China in the the last 500 years: 1556 Shaanxi Earthquake, approx. 830,00 dead 1887 The Yellow River flood, approx. 900,000 to 2,000,000 dead. 1911 Yangtze River flood, - approx: 100,000 deaths. 1920 Gansu Earthquake measuring 8.6 - approx. 200,000 dead. 1927 Nanshan City Earthquake measuring 7.9 - 200,000 dead. 1931 Changjiang River flood approx. 145,000 dead. 1932 Northwest Gansu Earthquake, approx. 70,000 dead. 1933 Changjiang River flood, approx. 140,000 people. 1938 Yellow River flood, approx. 500,000 dead 1976 Tangshan Earthquake measuring 8.3, approx. 255,000 dead (possibly as high as 655,000 dead as 90% of all buildings destroyed.) Note that accusatory arguments trotted out (ie. communism, manufactured products, & building codes), were not prevalent in many of these past natural catastrophes and the Chinese will do what they have always done, (with or without external assistance); bury their dead, ritually remember their loss annually, and endure. (Wo men hui chi ku) From bitter harvests springs new life.
  80. Tyler Williams from seattle, United States writes: Interesting.

    Hey Tony from Richmond Hill, contrary to your claim, I did not 'bash China relentlessly' on this board.

    I did bash America and Canada and the rest of the West for selling hazardous products (11:10 am post). And did you not notice that post of mine was written by me as a rebuttal to another writer who DID bash China?

    You seem to be picking the wrong target, Tony.

    Look, if you think that talking about building practices is inappropriate at this time, fine, you are welcome to express your opinion. But get off your high horse if you think you have some kind of right to censor the expression of others (telling them to shut up, claiming that they are psychiatrically ill)!

    I have every right to disagree with the notion that it does not respect the thousands of helpless people to be criticizing building practices. If anything, the widespread airing of any warranted criticisms will discomfort the folks in power who can make future changes, encouraging them to make the good changes. It is not good to be hush-hush when there are bad practices that hurt people.
  81. W L from Canada writes: Several recent major incidents in China which lead to death and suffering by many victims all had the ugly hand of local government officials in the matter. Slave labour in coal mines came with government certificate of performance, newly built schools made with substandard concrete and steel reinforcements that crumble in earthquake, etc. are all attributable to local government officials who either take bribes from greedy businessman or allow shoddy construction to pass inspections.

    The Chinese Communist Party is responsible for this. As the only party that is legally allowed to form the government and the only party that oversees the behavior of government officials, upper echelons of the CCP must be punished for allowing this to go on.

    I've no issue with dictatorship. It is an efficient form of government that is needed to bring China up to the 21st century. But corruption, bribery and incompetence within the ranks of government officials must not be tolerated. The CCP needs to immediately execute a good 60% of it government officials to clean up the government and help China.

    The crumbling schools in Sichuan is a showcase for the rampant corruptions that take place today. Until that is fixed, and until the government can run a clean operation with checks and balances built into every procedure and transparency throughout the decision making process, China will forever be relegated as a third-world country.

    One shudders to think how much money was lost due to bribery and corruption during construction of the Olympics venues.
  82. desiderio manzanal jr from laval, Canada writes: Yes china has about 1 trillion dollar in reserves. But its likely going to take a lot of money to fixed all this. Money isnt everything, the people will do the work for free. The donation allows some people to feel they are doing something during this disaster. In addition, there are still areas in china that need developement.

    Refusing offers of aid is a bit rude so i suspect they will accept out of politeness most. But seem the disaster is quite wide spread so likely any little things helps
  83. Steve Just Steve, That's All from Canada writes: Emmanuel Chan from Toronto, Canada writes: The international community should provide expertise, equipment and other logistics at a reduced price to the Chinese government. Material goods can also be sold to China at a reduced price as a gesture of goodwill. However, money donations to China should be discouraged and redirected to more needy areas. China has the largest foreign reserves in the world and they should first use those resources before asking for donations. They may need resources, but they certainly don't need donations.

    ==============================================

    You don't have to give money to the Chinese government.
    You can make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross for use in funding their relief effort.

    My heart goes out to all the people in China who are suffering as a result of this tragedy.
  84. Kwok Tam from Toronto, Canada writes: It is an immense natural disaster indeed. Many children have lost their parents. The best bet may be just donating through Canadian Red Cross. They e-mail you the tax receipts right away. There is no point to waste time on any biased comment.
  85. Joe Straw from Canada writes: W L from Canada writes: '... The CCP needs to immediately execute a good 60% of it government officials to clean up the government and help China....'

    W L: Wow! wou will be much worse, do you realize that? You believe massive killing is the solution to corruption? sigh!
  86. Joe Straw from Canada writes: I cann't believe why so many Canadian posters are so heartless! Regardless what you say and how you said it, it just came out...
  87. W L from Canada writes: Joe Straw from Canada writes: W L from Canada writes: '... The CCP needs to immediately execute a good 60% of it government officials to clean up the government and help China....'

    W L: Wow! wou will be much worse, do you realize that? You believe massive killing is the solution to corruption? sigh!

    =============================================

    Your choice of words is not correct. This is not 'massive killing' for no reason. This is simply application of the PRC law - which forbids graft, corruption and bribery. I'm simply asking the government to enforce its own laws.
  88. P cheng from ottawa, Canada writes: Joe Straw from Canada writes: W L from Canada writes: W L: Wow! wou will be much worse, do you realize that? You believe massive killing is the solution to corruption? sigh!
    ==========>
    Joe, you have a good heart. But, sometime, death penalty is required in some countries (specially in the third world countries). People are so poor that they don't mind to get 30 years jail to steal a million dollar. If they don't get caught, they are millionair. If they do, they have free meal for 30 years. What will be lose.

    That is why the automatically death sentense in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysis for drug trafficing.

    They will be improved when the living standard of general public is improved.
  89. Tony C from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Mr. Tyler Williams, my apologies for calling you a 'China-Basher'. I read every single post of yours here again carefully, you did NOT bash China. It's my mistake of perceiving your bashing (to other countries) as to China.

    I have families and friends back in Sichuan affected by this giant quake. I'm a very angry with the other guys I called out names above, hence made the mistake.

    But still I don't think this is the right time and place of bashing anyone or any country. Let the vanished people rest in peace and god speed the relief effort.
  90. W L from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: W L from Canada writes: Green Milos from Canada writes: I hope you'll get a cut from a splinter in the broom. And may the cut be infected by clostridia. Then, you can really appreciate the superiority of the Canadian health care system for blah blah etcetera something wheeze, choke bliss blass something or other whatnot.....

    _________
    I was kidding. I won't buy a broom from the dollar store. Maybe I'll just dump my ashtray out in their parking lot.

    ==============================================

    Then you are creating jobs for unionized Canadian workers who clean up your mess with made in China garbage bags (and helping the Chinese economy). The unionized workers pay taxes, which in turn, goes to fund health care. But the effect of that funding will be canceled out by you needing health care services frequently for treating smoking related sicknesses.

    Bottom line --> you are damaging Canada's health care system and helping China's garbage bag factories.

    CCP shills will be proud of you.
  91. j q from Canada, Canada writes: The internal questioning of past building practices inconsistent with national codes is a good sign. China's continuing evolution towards a more transparent society requires such discussion to ensure greater accountability at all levels, but especially at the local/regional level. If it takes a tragedy like the current earthquake to focus on minimizing corruption/graft and encouraging bureaucrats at all levels to do the right thing, then hopefully the unfortunate loss of life will not be in vain.

    China's long historical tradition of bureaucrats ingratiating themselves via their positions will not be vanquished overnight. Without a historical ethos predicated on the rule of law and 'checks and balances', limitations on local bureaucrats can only come from three sources; the local citizenry appealing to the Central Government; the CCP; or a moral conscience to do the right thing for all rather than just for one's own family or circle.

    Hopefully, recent experiments with town hall like meetings at the village level can provide a platform for augmenting accountability.
  92. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: I wonder if the over-