Disaster in China shows new openness

To the editor:
    It’s now 3 a.m., May 13th, and I am watching incredible pictures of the earthquake which hit almost twelve hours ago. The death toll will surely rise as the sun rises later today. I did not feel the effects of the quake but the U.S. Consulate did. All of those men and women are OK, just shaken. Currently our Ambassadorial staff is working closely with the Chinese to help in any way possible.     I am planning my lessons for Wednesday and will be working with my students here to help. Particularly troubling are the reports of schools collapsing with students inside. I hope that most make it out with nothing more than bruises. In reality their prospects are grim. This quake hit when students were in their mid-afternoon classes.
    Please be assured that the authorities are doing their utmost to deal with the immediate crisis. Having covered hurricanes, blizzards, tanker fires, and large scale auto accidents, the first information from the scene is pure chaos. Everyone wants to know if their loved ones are safe. China has made great strides forward and the heavy equipment necessary for this event is being mobilized for the effort. In the blizzards that hit earlier this year, the amount of manpower and generosity of the government is impressive. As with many such similar situations it is not always perfect. Your average everyday Chinese person is a warm-hearted, giving, person and as soon as he can see how best to help in this crisis he will proudly step forward and meet the challenge.
    I have written many news stories on other disasters over the years. The County is twelve time zones away. The best and most effective means you can use to help is cash. The good people at the Red Cross are set up for just such an event. This is going to be a massive event. The cost of sending goods here is prohibitive for most charities. Cash is very easy to direct to the appropriate needs. In the earthquake region one dollar will go a long way.
    China is a proud nation. We Americans hold no license on pride. Nor, do we hold the rights to courage and, you will witness stories of courage and selfless heroism; as the men, women, and children struggle to deal with yet another disaster. At this time their troubles are ours. We have always stood ready and willing to help in disasters around the world. This is what makes the Nation a beacon in a seemingly endless night of misery. It is times such as these when simple acts of kindness go far in bridging divides. Keep both nations and their people in your thoughts.
May 15th update
    Thanks for all the phone calls to Mom. Also thanks to the gang at the paper who I suspect have fielded just as many phone calls) She appreciated the kind thoughts sent my way. Here in Shanghai the reality of the damage in Sichuan is sinking in. The province of Sichuan is located in the west of China on the Tibet border. Think of the State of Maine compared to the state of California and you will have some idea of how far away I am from the quake center.
    This city is doing everything it can to help. Already six of the city’s hospitals have sent emergency teams to the region and more are preparing to go. I live near one of the Ambulance centers of the city: Thirty of their units are headed west. City leaders have pledged millions of RMB to aid the people in the region. Private industry and individuals are doing their part as well. The blood collection agencies are awaiting word from the scene as to how much blood is needed and are asking people to be patient so that they can deliver the right types as needed. And even my students are getting involved.
    This semester I am having them do one-act plays for their final exams. We plan to have a presentation of these plays in front of the other students and take donations. This will be done next month. Too often after the immediate event time passes and people move on to other things. For my students its a chance to connect with their fellow students in the region and show their support.
    What is remarkable to this newshound is the openness of the country to the disaster reporting. I am seeing coverage as I would expect it back in the States. Wall-to-wall and a variety of angles. Yes, there are issues that are passed over but the very fact that the people and the world is seeing this speaks volumes about how important it is for the leaders to show that they do care. Premier Wen of China has been personally going to various sites and trying to reassure people trapped and survivors that the national government will be there for them. In his face you see the anguish and determination that marks this change in the focus of the government.
    The word from the top down: Do what is necessary! That is all that any community asks of its leadership.