http://news.yahoo.com/super-typhoon-bopha-hit-philippines-230007528.html - http://news.yahoo.com/super-typhoon-bopha-hit-philippines-230007528.html
First, my heart goes out to the people and families of those in the Philippines and relatives and friends throughout the world. This is a sad reminder of the power of nature to create great destruction and loss of life. This should be a reminder to us all unnatural or natural, the reality and possibility of such things in the U.S. and other scenarios which could cause such carnage.
The media, while always minus a degree of compassion, are overboard in their use of the term BITS (Bodies in the Streets). So I wish to convey my personal sadness over the human misery of this event. I would now move on to something which also effects the United States and others of those who buy and sell to this country- the economy.
From when I could first read, I remember turning over toys and seeing the writing "Made in the Philippines". It is uncertain how much damage was done still, but as the facts are gathered and bodies are counted, it will be a hard hit to the U.S.
http://voices.yahoo.com/what-impact-hurricanes-economy-28108.html - http://voices.yahoo.com/what-impact-hurricanes-economy-28108.html
Like scenes out of a horrific sci-fi movie, bodies spread everywhere,
cars lodged in trees and on top of houses, crying and mass mania are
only a few characteristics of a hurricane's aftermath. According to
the National Hurricane Center five of the top ten costliest hurricanes
ever to strike the United States has struck within the past three years.
Hurricanes Charley, Ivan, Frances, Jeanne, Katrina, and Wilma all have
left their mark and an expensive one at that. The combination of
the first four alone is $45 billion including Katrina and Wilma would
probably double or triple that figure. With this sudden surge of deadly
and costly weather, it's a wonder people haven't left and gone to live
overseas. Florida, Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina are the most
prone to hurricanes, with 264 hurricanes from 1851-2004, these states
have learned a valuable lesson in hurricane preparedness. Like moths to a
fire hurricanes are significantly attracted to them, but what does it
mean for the economy of these states? What about the economy of the
entire country, no wait the entire world! Comment: So one of the more powerful reminders of this event is it could and has happened in the U.S. The response time from FEMA and actual assisting of the victims in hurricane Katrina will be compared to response time of America, who at the moment are having trouble even getting ships over there before most who can die, will die.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina
Terry Ebbert blamed the inadequate response on the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Emergency_Management_Agency - Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA). "This is not a FEMA operation. I haven't seen a single FEMA
guy", he said. "FEMA has been here three days, yet there is no command
and control. We can send massive amounts of aid to tsunami victims, but
we can't bail out the city of New Orleans." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina#cite_note-natldisgrace-11 - [11]
In the early morning of September 2 mayor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Nagin - Ray Nagin
expressed his frustration at what he claimed were insufficient
reinforcements provided by the President and federal authorities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina#cite_note-12 - [12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina#cite_note-13 - [13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_government_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina#cite_note-13 - - Since this is an executive and federal operation, and will be another blow to the already wavering U.S. economy, what will the outcome be to our economy in the U.S.? American society can expect a good increase in the price of heating oil,
which experts say could rise as high as 31% during winters in the
northern states if the current trend continues, and a dramatic increase
in the insurance department could send some running for the mountains.
Amid the warm sunsets set across blue ocean horizons is it really worth
staying in these predisposed hurricane states, is it really worth the
cost?
Conclusion: Any comment on this would be appreciated. Perhaps just some raw numbers on how much of our economy is dependent on the Philippines, as well as the number of people in the U.S. who are from this country or have friends or family there. Most of all, now is a chance for .gov and President Obama to shine or not. Can we fulfill our promises to an allied country in desperate need?
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Medclinician - not if but when - original
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