Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

DP, Renton, WA — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:55:16 GMT

So sad. God bless...

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

J.D. — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:57:34 GMT

May those who lost their lives rest in peace. The numbers of people killed in this and in the Myanmar tragedy are staggering.

Our prayers are with all those who have suffered these recent disasters. May God bless the survivors with the knowledge and presence of his grace, and with endurance and patience to recover from this terrible tragedy.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Margaret Miksch — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:59:16 GMT

I will be going to China for the Beijing Olympics, and Chengdu is one of the cities I'm going to as a side vacation during that time. My condolences to those who are suffering from the effects of the earthquake and those who have lost loved ones, and I'm praying for the rescue of those still trapped and for the safety of those still threatened by aftershocks and by the damage from the earthquake.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Eldon — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:22:39 GMT

And we complain about the price of gasoline!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

concerned, hillsboro,or — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:04:35 GMT

I feel for these people as they deal with the death of family and friends, loss of jobs and total devastation, but we still have our own natural disaster to deal with New Oreleans, instead of sending relief supplies overseas we need to be taking care of our own back yard, our own citizens are still displaced. I have no problem with helping where ever we can but we need to help our own first.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Pat K, Philly — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:22:18 GMT

I think this article is leaving a lot of us speechless. What horrors these people are going through. No wonder it is so quiet there. These people are in shock. The missing children would seem pretty much the worst of, I would think. Then the water problems, and on and on. Ya know, today, I was feeling for myself for some personal problems. But what I'm trying to teach myself to do is switch my mind over to the earthquake victims and the tornado victims and realize that my problems look pretty darn small compared to what is happening to these poor people. Makes me count my blessings. They have loss that is horrific. They are in my prayers. Those poor kids!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Laura Castillo, San Antonio, Texas — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:11:00 GMT

may God give all of ya'll the peace and faith to continue on after losing so many lives. God has all of those who passed on in a much better place and are now watching over all of ya'll. may God bless you.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Ashok kumar chennai,Tamilnadu, India — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:31:57 GMT

May Almighty give courage for the surviving souls to face the odds they are in. These tragidies are horrifying, but mankind is utterly helpless in preventing them. Prayers are true tools to mitigate the tragedy. Let us all pray for for them.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Stephen Evans, Deyang, Sichuan, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:37:45 GMT

As an American living in China, in a small city between Chengdu and Mianyang, I am able to witness this horror first hand. I have carried bodies and helped injured but the most sorrowful for me is talking to the confused and lost. I have talked to students, young children, who cannot contact their parents and parents who cannot locate their children. Being a new parent, who lost contact with my own wife and child for a good 7 hours last Monday, this weighs heavy. This mornng I talked with a friend who told me that his electronics company collapsed and most of the workers were killed. I learned that many of these workers were parents of students I had talked to, that could not locate their parents, at the school where I teach. It now becomes my burden to pass this information on. I truly find myself a grown man in tears. I worry about the future for my family but I feel for the future of those that have lost.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

jt, malaysia — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:21:08 GMT

It is during times like these that the overseas Chinese communities in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand etc. need organise a regional fund for supplying urgent items to help the Chinese recover. The Chinese being a resilient race that has gone through many adversities will get through this.

Perhaps it is would be a chance for those hypocrites who had been bashing China to do serious soul searchings and redeem themselves too by donating some of their 'China made' beddings in addition to their precious 'prayers'.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Michael Grassi, Jiamusi, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:28:03 GMT

God is speaking to us, is anyone listening? With an inordinate amount of global calamities occurring in sequence over the past few months it is time we as a species, as human beings, re-examine our priorities. The tears of Chinese parents grieving over a lost child are no less bitter than our own. We all are our brother's keeper. In times of great crisis mankind's most beautiful and true natures arise; compassion, empathy, generosity, bravery and selflessness. These qualities must be nurtured, sustained and practiced by all of us on a daily basis if we are to survive on this planet. Are we to help one another one day only to threaten each other with nuclear annihilation the next? Where is the sense in this? We must remain constant and true to our most noble qualities. We must come together as a global community and ease the sufferings of our neighbors. All life is precious, God bless the people of this world who now suffer. We must embrace and celebrate our cultural and ethnic diversity. We must prepare for the future. The Universe is vast beyond imaginings, many surprises await us.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

LG north jersey, NJ — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:37:39 GMT

Some people's comments really boggle my mind... how can u say that concerned from hillsboro, or? It really shows how selfish and ignorant some people are. Do you understand how big of an area this earthquake covered? Not saying that New orleans doesnt compare but the immediate horrors of New orleans is over with. But China's horrors only have begun with the recovery of thousands of bodies in the coming days and weeks. America is a wealthy country and with that wealth must come generosity. It really saddens me with people can think like you do at a time when our fellow men needs help.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Liu Hong China — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:38:13 GMT

It is the greatest disaster in decades for China, and even for the world.
The least we can do is to pray for them, both victims and the research and resuce team.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

thomas, Deyang Sichuan, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:41:58 GMT

I'm living in the middle of it, in Deyang about 40mls from Mianzhu and 50 mls from Dujiangyan. the city center in my town is ok but I'm told that there are more than 6000 dead and 22000 injured in the county. chinese army units are doing a great job. And you know what, in contrast to New Orleans they don't carry weapons . There is no shooting!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

E. Lee, Torrance, California — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:40:00 GMT

As we can see vividly, when natural diaster strikes, it does not matter what nationality we belong and what color our skin is.
I was in tear as I viewed the videos and pictures posted on this site. Those of us who are resting comfortably at home can surely appreciate how lucky we are, and to the force of nature, we are just one people in this littel earth. We have every reason to help each other.
May God bless the victims' soul and the surviors!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Didi , Las Vegas, Nv — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:19:16 GMT

it is so sad, the sad part is the parents, in China, they only have one child. so, today, I want all of you whom can read this comment, thankful we alive and love each other, parent, partner, kids....

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

the SASS Man — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:30:40 GMT

What is amazing to me, is that in a country like China, an earthquake measuring 7.9 causes tens of thousands of deaths! It's so needless! In Oakland, California, an earthquake measuring 8.2 cost a total of 280 lives, and that was only because one freeway collapsed, and a tenament complex was constructed on soft, spongy artificial land.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Nguyen, SFO, CA — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:31:26 GMT

so sad for many families. the problem is typical in develope country and corrupted communist offcials. They do things carelessly to save cost and benefit from it. The builders must be prosecuted for this crime. The recovery is going to take many years and the people will be haunted by this for many many years.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

lili — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:56:05 GMT

this is my home hope they as quick as possible get resuced

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Shuchen Tian, Xi'an, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:50:00 GMT

As a victim whose hometown is right in Sichuan, I'm luckily survived. I sincerely give my thanks to those who left their concerns and compassion for Chinese people above. Thank you. I believe through our persistent efforts, our hometown will be rebuilt soon. I can feel that the friendship between Chinese people and you is strengthened and will last forever!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

malaysia — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:12:03 GMT

pray to God for His comfort, healing, provision, love
and care for the people in china who suffer from the earthquake. Hope that they can find hope in Christ Jesus. I will continue to pray until God turn their
dissapointment into his appointment. They will be
heal and bless in Jesus's name. Jeanette from malaysia.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

scarlett,chengdu,china — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:18:31 GMT

in the disaster,we suffered much.we lost our brethrens.hearing every new about this earthquake,we feel so sad.my mom told me those things and can't help to cry.yesterday there was a heaven,but today there is a hell.blessing !

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Barbara,F Bronx New York — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:32:57 GMT

God Bless to all. My prayers are with all of China.

Safe passage to heaven to all. God will take take care of them forever in his arms.

Thoughts & Prayers.
Barbara,Bx NY

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Thi Jackson, Newport News, Va — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:06:43 GMT

I sit here and cry while reading the story and updates, My heart goes out to the families, I find myself hugging my kids more since the Myanmar tragedy too. Makes me count all my blessings twice.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Cee — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:19:31 GMT

The Chinese are a strong people. Like after the early 70's earthquake, the were in shock. Then through tears and heart-ache, they put themselves out in their streets and removed the crumbled buildings and streets,worked hard in spite of the losses they had to endure. They worked for years removing and rebuilting. If the people had not done most of the work, it just would not have been done. The money that was donated to help China, came in small amounts. This was because of their politics, not others.Now it is a much different goverment.They will accept help and tell it out to the world about what happened. Nonetheless, through determination and self reliance, these people once did and will again build their hearts up and cities.
May all the Souls lost in this Tragedy, find Happiness in the Heavens.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Melissa, Cape Coral, Fl — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:23:13 GMT

My heart goes out to all the people who have lost loved ones in this terrible disaster. Being a mother, my eyes welled up with tears looking at all the photo's of grieving parents who had lost a child.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

BSR Mississauga — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:01:51 GMT

heart goes out to all specialy to little kids who go thru so much of pain every time something like this happens.
May god give internal peace to people suffering

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

zhenglin china sichuan — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:05:40 GMT

come on! china....fighting!cichuan

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Shui Shui, Shanghai, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:46:11 GMT

Though all my relatives living in sichuan were unhurt, I sitll could not bear to watch the scenes on TV,such as lines of bodies of students were wraped with white cloth, lying on the playground in school, etc.. It was reported that even the well trained military men could not afford the sight of death during the rescue, and cried when they were out of the site. Unfortunately many passage to the epicenter towns were still blocked. Thanks to all people that cared and hope those who lost their loved ones would move on. Also peace and harmony for the passed aways.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jane Nuse, West Burke, VT — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:49:15 GMT

As a mother of three adopted Asian children I certainly feel a strong link with the people of China. My heart is broken thinking of the tragedy, loss and pain the people are going through. I am ready to contribute what help I can in some small way. May the world unite around these people and the people of Burma now. Please put aside political rhetoric and come together with a human heart.
Jane, USA

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

NAZRENE - DURBAN - SOUTH AFRICA - DURBAN — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:49:17 GMT

GOD BLESS AND BE WITH ALL WHOM HAVE LOST LOVED ONES THROUGH THIS MAJOR TRADEGY. IT IS TRULY SAD AND NO AMOUNT OF EXPRESSION OR WORDS CAN SHOW HOW THESE PEOPLE REALLY FEEL.GOD BE WID URL....

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jenna Dodson, Detroit, Michigan — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:10:20 GMT

I feel almost silly thinking about things I endure daily, money problems, gas prices, co-workers, lazy husband, but after watching this story and the tsunami I truly have more appreciation for all of it. I have my life to be thankful for. May God bless to all in a time of pain and confusion. I hope all of us sitting in our cozy chairs at a computer feel love today and not take for granted any part of it. On a side note, Bring our troops home or redeploy over to China to help a country that wants and needs us there. Let's stop fighting a war that will never be won.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Sherri Wolf — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:12:50 GMT

I can't remember when a disaster has touched me more. The photographs of the people hurts me deeply and I pray they can get through this. I hope they know in times like this. We don't see them as another country we see them as other human beings, and we feel their sorrow.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Kyle, Hengyang, Hunan, China` — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:21:43 GMT

I believe that in a disaster like this, we should come together to give support to the Chinese people. If you are not able to give direct support, you should help with your wallet. If you can't give money, then you should help in spirit, by keeping them in your thoughts, pray to whichever god you believe in, and give them encouragement. We are all brothers and sisters, so we should not view this as China's problem alone. This is a disaster for all of us. Pain and suffereing have no borders, so neither should we.
What we should not do is sit comfortably in our home and make stupid comments about why it happened, such as blaming it on the "communists" or try to make it a political issue. Also, I am not sure what the "the SASS man" was trying to say, by comparing this disaster to Oakland, but he should understand that China is a much different country. Stop blaming people and start helping others.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Ken P, Guangzhou, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:39:22 GMT

What a terrible disaster! The pic above makes my heart rip and go out to all people who lost their lives and loved ones specially to poor kids which is the sadest part. It makes me count my blessings twice and hug my loved ones again and again...
Cinese people can stand up again this time after going through ordeal of heavy snow and will stand up more firmy and solid after series of disaster.
May Buddha extend peace and strength to all who are sufferd in this tragedy.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jon — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:42:31 GMT

Prayers to those who are in pain, suffering, loosing or lost their families. Kids, women, men, all.

I was in the Kansai earthquake in Japan, lived it, helped the aftermath as a foreigner in a foreign land, I know how it feels to get shook out of bed at 5am and wake up to see your world changed. Lost a few friends myself.

Governments need to help each other so the comments about that are not really needed. I dont see how some countries send millions of dollars when their own economy sucks, but thats their job, not ours.

Someone mentioned well an earthquake in CA only killed a few hundred, kind of dumb comment, look at how many people live in one block in China compared to CA. A much denser nation will have more casualties.

Keep looking people find more people in the rubble during the golden hours, prey it doesnt rain and keep finding people.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Michael, Las Vegas NV — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:42:48 GMT

Grab your kids and hug them. Call your family and enjoy them. You never know when a tragedy will remove them from your lives. Count your blessings and praise God for all you have been given.
My prayers go out to all affected by the recent tragedies that they may find peace in this time of suffering. Im going to go hug my kids now. God bless.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

JF, honolulu — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:48:17 GMT

Someone please tell me...if there is God...why this tragedy should happen?

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

wen shimei Jiangsu China — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:53:20 GMT

thanks all for your blessing and pray.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jeannette, Chantilly, VA — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:25:57 GMT

If we all remember the Bible prophecies in Matthew's gospel, this things would not surprise us. However, it's so sad see people suffering. Our prayers accompany all those who lost a beloved one or are in critical condition now.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

maurice — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Natural disasters whatever the magnitude are tragic. Man made or induced disasters are yet more tragic. The differing responses by the Burmese and Chinese governments is telling. It is encouraging to see that China has begun to allow some outside help (Japan, Taiwan) and allowing fairly open news coverage. Thus the patriarcal image is extended not only to victims of the disaster but to the world stage. Hopefully the empathy will extend to those other unfortunates of recent natural and man made catastrophies. This should enhance support for a change in attitudes towards the preventable sufferings we currently tolerate.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

XW, NY, NY — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:30:56 GMT

After 32 years of research, we still can not predict an earthquake as large as this one, despite all the strange behavior of animals, thousands of frogs crossing street, this is not something you see everyday. 32 years ago, we have excuse,what will be the excuse now? Think about all the students in the classrooms, in China, the competition in school is very intense, especially for a province with such a dense population, they must study very hard for their future, I can't continue...

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Greg Hoo, pinecrest fl — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:37:27 GMT

do we in the US really need to complain so much? witness this sad event and then look at your own lives. See the good and the blessings of life, they are sometimes not ideal and fragile yet invaluable.

god bless those poor children and I hope they are able to find many more surviviors who may be reunited with their loved ones.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

XY — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:58:44 GMT

Donot blame Chinese government, XW!! Yes, the competition is intense at Chinese high school, so what?!! Is this related to earthquake? Please figure out what you can do for your OWN HOMECOUNTRY,not just saying why the earthquake can not be predicted!!! That's your home country, your home people, your home land, your mother!!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

tom woodward — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:10:26 GMT

This tragic earthquake should make all people re-focus
on how lucky they/we really are!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jason, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:14:38 GMT

So what happened to those nations bragging about humanitarian relief in Darfur and Tiebet during the Olympic torch relay? I don't see any one of them providing any disater aid to China so far. I thought they CARED.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Mike Kupec Spring Hill. Florida — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:17:02 GMT

One of your people sent you a message, where is God, God is everywhere in our hearts, don't shut him out of your life, God is merciful. I pray for all the victims who have lost thier lives, for those injured, for the families mourning the loss of thier loved ones.especially the innocent children who died at thier schools. May GOD bless all the workers who are digging in the rubble for bodies. Thier is a GOD, only if we only let him into our lives. GOD bless China.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Marcia Gerber, Moline, IL — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:19:19 GMT

I am saddened and feel so bad for these families. I can only imagine the grief and sorrow of losing anyone in such a horrible disaster. My heart breaks every time I see pictures of these children and know many others have died, too. Pictures show the power and destruction of this earthquake and the huge job ahead for the rescuers. God bless everyone and bless those who lost their lives.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Ts, Milwaukee WI — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:33:13 GMT

Each day, I check the news, it seems it will be never-ending, all the work it will take to unbury this mess. My thoughts to out to all those that lost family, friends, and to a country that will need all the help it can get. I agree with what that one guy said though, maybe we all need to re-evaluate our priorities......this is quite a few MASS disasters in a short period of time.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

cris — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:43:52 GMT

To the guy who mentioned oakland earth quake in previous post.

Oakland Earthquake was magnitude 6.9, which is actually 1/10 of the intensity of this one. CA hasn't have a major earthquake in ~150 years,

Also, Sichuan is one of the most crowded provinces in China, it has ~90Million people. Most of them are not rich, many buildings are built before the building code went into effect.

Its really useless to making needless point here, China is a big country with 1.5B people, you need to get a grip of the magnitude of the whole situation.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

zahid,Pakistan — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:52:14 GMT

God bless all those who lost their loved ones or lives.All my prayers are with you. since we have been through this disaster not too long ago,i can still feel the pain of loss.there is a long road ahead of recovery in front of us but few wound would never heal,i'm a witness to that..

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

AZ,Lahore,Pakistan — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:59:10 GMT

God be with you in this tough times,and heal your pains.i couldn't stop crying after seeing all the tragic pictures.there will be alot of children who will never have the comfort of their mother's touch again,alot of parents who will never have the pleasure of holding their beloved kids again.As a parent,as a human, my heart cries cries....

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

AK, South Carolina — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:59:16 GMT

My thoughts and prayers are with the Chinese people. I am overwhelmed with sorrow for those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. I have visited China when my sister was there for awhile and enjoyed my visit tremendously. China is a very fascinating place. I will continue to keep China in my thoughts and prayer.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Frank , Toronto, Canada — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:48:14 GMT

May God comfort Thee, Oh China, in this your moment of excrutiating pain and tragedy. I just feel numb with pain and sorrow, watching your moment of sorrow; terribly epitomized in the face of the girl in the fourth slide of the pictures of the quake on Msn.com. I have never seen anything like that. I couldn't help but weep with her. Being father to three kids myself, just thinking that any of those trapped 1000 kids in Juyuan, could have been mine (and in a way, they are mine, too. Isn't that being part of a global family is all about?) sends tears down my face. I am very interested in Chinese people and culture, having a lot of Chinese friends, and I emphatize deeply with them on a level I can't even describe, and was wondering, if it was all right with the community( and politicians) to organize a vigil for the dead this Friday night in Toronto, and perhaps all over, in solidarity with China thru their moment of pain, as they did in India. If they were, or are still preparing to host the world in their country for games of joy, the least we could do, is hold them up in their moment of pain.
I don't think this is the time to talk about building codes or lack thereof; as some are doing now. The fact, is a tragedy faces the Human Race. How we are able to help ourselves in times like these, is more telling of our maturity as a race than our technological advancements, I believe. I feel for the lonely man, woman or child, perhaps pinned under a rubble somewhere, wondering if he is going to be found or rescued in time.
I must also congratulate Premier Wen for the speed and openness he has demonstrated during this disaster. God bless you, Sir. The actions of a leader during crises do speak volumes. Contrast this with other leaders who pipe when their citizenry undergo similar tragedies. I don't know much about him, but China couldn't ask for a better leader under the circumstances.
The lady who said in an earlier comment that we shouldn't be surprised by all these natural disaster if we read the book of Matthew is very right, but it still doesn't make the pain any less bearable when these things happen. Finally, to all my Chinese friends, keep courage, keep courage! Weeping may endure in the night, but JOY comes in the morning!!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Erewhile, Beijing, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:17:30 GMT

First, thanks for the kind comments from all of you. It's nice to know there're foreigners with us after the recent political bullsh*t.It's sad but I think the troops and rescue workers can't find many survivers from now on.
XW: I agree with you. In fact if you go to youku.com you will find an video which shows they actually did predict an earthquake would come back in 1976(Or here's an article: http://news.sohu.com/s2006/tangshandizhen4/ ). Over 7000 houses collapsed in Qinglong city near Tangshan and yet only 1 person was killed, campared with a quarter million in Tangshan because officials at Qinglong took precaution to warn the citizens. Unfornately the way to predict earthquakes used by old experts were ridiculed 'unscientific' and consequently abandoned. Did the new experts detect signs of an earthquake this time? Or the government officials choose to ignore their warns? What about the inforcement of structure safty code? I don't know. Surely someone is to be blamed. But now it's not the right time. We(people in China)really need to be calm and united and do everything we can to help those in need. I don't hope the current government can learn a lesson though.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Erewhile, Beijing, China — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:20:45 GMT

"I don't hope the current government can learn a lesson though."
What the hell did I just say!!! Sorry typing mistake.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Margie, Kansas City, Missouri — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:27:22 GMT

Last week I was actually worried about getting my
lawn mowed, paying bills...how senseless it all seems when we witness this devastation in China and Burma...the world. These images from the news haunt me and my heart wants to find a way to help. For now, all I know what to do is pray for these people and the loved ones that are gone. God bless you all.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Mike Dawkins — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:32:59 GMT

May the spirit of GOD dwells with those who have lost loved ones. I can not tell you how fortunate we are as Americans, and we complain about everything. We should begin to do some serious outreach to those who are in a state of disaster, and share our resources to hel those in need.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Siming, Vancouver, BC — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:44:07 GMT

Chengdu is my home. At this time of the year, streets and alleys of the city are always filled with the fragrance of jasmine flowers. Dujiangyan is a small beautiful and peaceful town blessed with an ancient irrigation system that has brought prosperity to the region. People in Sichuan are diligent because of large population and scarce of land. They not only survive in this mountainous area, but enjoy and love life. It is heartbreaking to see such a beautiful place destroyed by earthquake and people dying and suffering. It is agonizing to see so many children perished. I pray for them and a stronger China to survive and move on. We shall overcome!

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Michael Beaverton, OR — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:53:06 GMT

In times of tradegies like these, we are all brothers and sisters. My thoughts dwell on the great pain and sorrow that the people of China feel now with their many losses.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Gaetano Brugellis, New york — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:54:14 GMT

I think the Chinese government is to be held accountable for the disaster in Burma, since they are the main supporter for those miserable selfish people that run that poor country. That's where the US should have gotten involved in kicking those selfish military rulers out and restore democracy and get out quick. From a former US MArines Vietnam Veteran

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Rachel Long, Chambersburg, Pa — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:13:22 GMT

My heart breaks with the pain I have felt this morning as I saw the news and read the articles for the first time. Away at college I had no idea any of this was going on in China, and I am truly sorry for my ignorance. But if I could say one thing, it is simply this: God is the God of the brokenhearted, and he offers hope in the face of disaster. If we know his Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we can set our sights on the the restoration we will experince in heaven, while at the same time knowing he longs to comfort us here on earth, in the midst of pain, suffering, heartache, confusion, anger, ect. Nothing is too difficult for God and nothing takes him by surpise. As someone already said in an earlier blog, " These tragidies are horrifying, but mankind is utterly helpless in preventing them. Prayers are true tools to mitigate the tragedy." While man cannot prevent tragedy, we can take hope in a God who is able to heal in the face of it, and we can pray. While I know I do not fully know the pain being felt today, I am deeply praying for China to not only be restored, but to know the comfort and hope only God can give. If nothing else, please know that bad things happen not because there is no God and not because he does not care, but because there is wrong in this world. Only with God can this wrong can be overcome, both in this world and in the life to come...do not give up hope. And lastly, what can we do to help China in a tangible way, as a way of putting our prayers and concerns into action?

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

John Fabi — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:01:35 GMT

China is in my prayers. May God help them and watch over those who lost loved ones and comfort them in their pain and sorrow.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

me — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:04:29 GMT

I've been impressed by the Chinese response and openness. Hopefully, this openness will last, and something beneficial will come from this tragedy.

Even better, if the leadership of China wakes up tomorrow, and in the light of their own losses, sees the ongoing problems in Sudan and Myanmar and decides to use their considerable influence with those countries to end it, instead of protecting their regimes making these situations worse/happen.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Wendy, Victoria BC — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:31:51 GMT

We ache for you. Words will not express the feelings inside as we see the pictures and news from China. We, as we think of our children must feel some of the hurt of those parents who lost a child or a child who has lost their parents. God Bless and keep you safe now. Our prayers are with you and your dearly departed.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

ju lee Kansas City USA — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:28:59 GMT

This side of heaven our bodies and our earth is not perfect. Things will go wrong. God is there in the midst to help us endure the pain of this life. And his arms are open for when we pass into the next life where are bodies are perfect.
Their are kindred spirits around the world that see your tears and cry with you. Your lives will be changed forever. May God's mercy and faithfulness be made apparent to all of you.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Rachel, Saint Louis — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:20:53 GMT

I agree with XW that it is very upsetting to see Tangshan tragedy happened 32 years ago repeated itself in Sichuan and buried thousands of innocent people alive, especially the little kids. If help can reach them soon enough, I believe most of the lives can be saved. The REAL TRAGEDY is we did not learn the history lessons to fight against the disaster despite we are certain someday it is going to hit us again. People are forgetful after the news coverage fades out. We need keep pushing the government and society to improve the prediction and quick response plan. Though we can tell the Chinese government tried their best to reach out the disaster area, the result can be a lot better if international community can coordinate more efficiently. Each country has their best experts to fight the earthquake. For a disaster with this scale, everyone who can and willing to help should be able to take action within the first hour. So many people wish to help and could not find a way except sitting there watch the sad news. That mean we are lack of a better plan and organization. Also any clue that can lead to the prediction of a major disaster should not be ignored. The animal reaction is one of them. What we need is a central system that can help us collect and broadcast the information worldwide. Does any weather station consider including the earthquake/cyclone forecasts in the regular weather forecast? Why not? It is so sad to read the news but it is very comforting to see so many people show their care and kindness. My heart goes out to all the people who surfer from this great tragedy and I wish their suffering can be a constant reminder that we have to be prepared and help each other and make the world sustainable to the future disaster.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Patricia Marseglia — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:31:43 GMT

I am so so sorry and sad about the situation that China is facing.

We just have to TRUST JESUS. JESUS does all things well.

GOD is our provider. Without HIM we can do nothing. Asking JESUS
to meet all their needs in Christ JESUS. He is a miracle worker and our
Blessed HOPE.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Lu Jianchun, Jiangsu Province China — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:02:57 GMT

Thank you all for your concern and kindly and timely help encouragement.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

IBARAKI KEN JAPAN — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:23:01 GMT

GOD BLESS TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF CHINA,SO SAD WHO IS TO BLAME ?ONLY GOD KNOWS .FOR THOSE WHO SURVIVED DO NOT LOOSE YOUR HOPE THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO COME.MAY THOSE WHO LOST THERE LIVES MAY REST IN PEACE.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Harold Cooper, Sierra Vista, Arizona — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:36:53 GMT

I am sadly speechless. I'll pray for all concerned

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Carl Teng Yiwu China — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:10:21 GMT

I am very pleased there are so many people care about chinese and their happiness.Thank you,
These days the TV and internet is full of the broadcast about the earthquake,when seeing these,my eyes are always filled with tears.As a man,i really want to go to Sichuan and take part in the rescue work,but we know the traffic is so bad in that place,what i can do is donate some money and clothese for the poor people.And in the future,do some realistic things for people there,such as travelling there.Bless all of you.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Carl Teng Yiwu China — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:12:56 GMT

i can imagine the sadness of losing their own parents, wife or children ,relatives,teacher,student,classmates........

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Jeo,Beijing,China — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:29:05 GMT

Thanks for eveyone who offer ur help or sympacy to China.Actually this time every Chinese feel extremely sad because lots of the victims are children.When we looking at the pictures,the parents who lost children,we feel heartbreak.But Chinese will get through it...
Thanks again for those who donate for China
Japan 5million usd
Norway 4million usd
Saudi Arabia 50million usd and material worth 10 million
Spain 10million usd
Russia plenty of material
Belgium 6million usd
UK material worth 15million usd
Greek 2million usd

Korea material worth 1millionusd
Vietnam 0.2million usd,bunch material and keep going
Italy a feild hospital
Poland 0.1million usd
Germany 5million usd

USA 0.5million usd
Mozambique 6 grand usd
France material worth 2.5million usd

and many keep going...

THANK YOU............

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

American, Texas, USA — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:45:30 GMT

"The SASS Man" needs to get your fact straight! You posted message saying how amazing that a 7.8 earth quick in China could killed tens of thousands people while a 8.2 earth quick in Okland CA only killed about 200 people. That is wrong.

I just checked the website of US Geological Survey which has a list of all earth quicks above 6.0. The oldest earth quick on the record is in year 1556.

According to that list, the worst quick hit California since last century is the 1906 San Francisco quick measured 7.8 and 3000 (3 thousands) people was killed. This quick probably is also the worst quick ever hit mainland America, because all other quicks either happened in much old time or very remote area (such as Alaska), thus, casualty presumably much lower. There was no records on the 8.2 "Okland quick" that you mentioned.

I travel to California very often. California's roads and buildings (particularly residential buildings) are extremely old and shabby. I don't think they can withstand any quick above 7.0. Only time will tell.

The bottom line: the Chinese government is doing extremely good job in rescuing and recovering the victims. I can not imaging any other government on earth can match that kind of efforts! 130,000 rescue troops were mobilized in few days! Hundreds of helicopters were deployed! When the roads are destroyed and heavy rain prevented air aid, the Chinese troop marched to the epicenter on feet! Wait to see what your government will do when a big diaster happen to you, though I wish that will never happen.

What I am impressed is that the #2 man in China (a country of 1.3 billion people), Premier Wen Jiabao who flew in just two hours after the quick was directing rescue workers and comforting victims WITHOUT being swamped by platoon of security service! Like those you always see on TV with American leaders. Even the governor of TX goes to places with a huge security entourage. Can you imagine dozens of Suburbans or whatever other large SUVs following the Chinese Premier around in the quick zone?

God bless.

Firecrackers launched for safe passage of quake dead

Tughral Mirza, Mississauga, Ont. Canada — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:28:17 GMT

May God Almighty quickly heal the pain and sufferings of the victims,and their relatives and give them special mercy that they need. Ameen