With the world still shaking from the terrible tsunamis and the havoc, death and destruction visited upon the Pacific rim, you would think the last thing people want to do is start blaming others for this problem. Well think again. Here in Australia, there are those who are already pointing fingers.
Yesterday, while watching bits and pieces of different news reports, I caught a piece on A Current Affair - Summer Edition (as if we don't know it is Summer here). Two of the pieces on this dreadful show were extremely subjective articles where 'people caught in the face of this disaster' were being interviewed as they walked through Sydney's international airport. One gentleman pointedly referenced the fact that 'the Howard government had done nothing, nothing for us'. So, what did you want the Howard government to do? Drop all supply and aide relief initiatives to go rescue some Aussies on holidays in various parts of Asia?
Then the anchorperson followed up with another story, where a journalist was pointing out the inadequacies in the 'tsunami early warning system'. Hindsight is so brilliant, isn't it? (Incidentally, there is no tsunami early warning system).
The last thing anyone living in Phuket, Aceh, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia or anywhere else hit by this dreadful disaster would be concerned about is who to blame. More elemental concerns, like the whereabouts of loved ones, fresh water and food, clothes, shelter and medical supplies would be foremost in their minds. It is a ridiculously sad indictment on society when the first thing people feel they need to do is find blame.
I'm no fan of John Howard or the Liberal Government. But I'm damn sure the first thing Johnny would have done is find out what was needed where and do his utmost to ensure it got sent. I'm also damned sure he wouldn't have been looking around, pointing fingers at people, asking 'Is this your fault?"
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