Phuket Tsunami Photo Gallery by hellmut issels at pbase.com

Phuket Tsunami

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Wendy K. Dayne		01-Feb-2013 14:51
I guess you were at the right place at the right time... I just saw a movie about this tsunami.. It's called The Impossible.. Anyway, thanks for sharing these photos..

Rob Craftsman		30-Jul-2012 20:54
My deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this tragedy. The photos do an excellent job of capturing the events.

air ambulance		20-Jun-2012 20:47
impressive

Mauricio P.		20-Nov-2010 21:20
Wow on this pictures you can really see natures power. Incredible. So glad not to be there. http://www.tutorialespro.com

reverse123		08-Jan-2010 18:10
Reverse123

reverse123		08-Jan-2010 17:58
http://www.reverse123.com

clevon		09-Dec-2009 19:22
The UWI Seismic Research Centre would like to purchase a few of your images, would it be possible to get some more information. The link to the site to buy images does not seem to be working very well. Would greatly appreciate if you could contact us at this address info@uwiseismic.com Thanks.

Guest		08-Dec-2007 20:35
Very powerful and moving.

Guest		17-Apr-2007 04:32
Very well captured images, I think I might have seen some of them on the media. Great photo reportage of the events that will be on our memory for many, many years. Well done for being on the wrong place at the right time and well done for sharing such a powerful story with us! On a side note the europe vs america comment war in these pages is ridiculous, it only shows the narrow minds at loose in this world, this was an international catastrophy and it was an humanitarian disaster of a scale never before seen, people died regardless of sex, religion, nationality or even color of their skin. Some comments on these pages are just pathetic!

Guest		16-Apr-2007 06:03
pwerful images

Tim van Woensel		20-Dec-2006 09:47
I've never seen photos of this disaster. It's shocking what nature can do.

Guest		23-Sep-2006 07:24
That's a lot of water

Guest		24-Jun-2006 18:30
what a tragedy!! horrible scenarios!! moments of terror! hopefully we learn something about this type of storms through pictures. alfredomvd

Guest		15-May-2006 08:42
I dont speak english so good Erich Mangl. Hope you can understand this... I said beautiful because they were well done and shows perfectly how terrible that Txunami was... Sorry if my english was wrong

EMangl		03-May-2006 07:50
nacho lopez calls them "beautiful pics" ? how full of shit must someone be to say that and advertise for his site like that

Guest		18-Apr-2006 09:26
I will link them from my site if you let me it so people can know about this terrible Tsunami... Best regards...

Guest		18-Apr-2006 09:24
Beautiful pics... Best regards from Spain http://www.photoshop-designs.com/foro http://www.photoshop-designs.net

Guest		27-Apr-2005 01:06
Mr. Hellmut Issels, My name is Katie Nishimura and I am a layout designer for The Journal of the Harvard Hippocratic Society. The Hippocratic Society is a small, student-run organization and our journal is distributed to the undergraduate body free of charge. For our spring issue, we are covering medicine and healthcare in the wake of the tsunami that struck South East Asia in December. We would like to use some of your photos in our journal. Please let me know if we have your permission to print your photos by sending an email to my gmail account at knishimura@gmail.com. Thank you, Katie Nishimura, Design Chair Board Member Harvard Hippocratic Society

Guest		04-Apr-2005 19:24
Thanks for sharing such powerful images - Sarf

Guest		02-Mar-2005 20:46
Hi Hellmut, I have put a permanent link your great site on my tsunami Archive. I am hoping you will do same for me as the comment section on here is inactive lately? Kindest Regards Peter Z Australia

Guest		22-Jan-2005 17:40
Judging by the multiple comments bellow there really IS "one in every crowd"! Great Photos Hellmut, I'm glad you are ok. Did you know there is a huge tsunami related photo site at www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder ? Thanks again Hellmut.

Guest		22-Jan-2005 13:14
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you!http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		22-Jan-2005 13:14
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you!http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		22-Jan-2005 10:35
if photographers working for these greedy photomerchants that charge hundreds of $$$ for one picture the people they are photographing in the tsunami affected areas should get at least half. or the people who own the property should get half. or the people who own the cars etc should get half. if not yes they are being exploited and it should be stopped along with the companies doing this. it is terrible what these photo distributors are doing and yes i will be organising protests in the United States. www.gettyimages.com is one of the main vultures leading the way in exploiting these poor people all for the sake of the all mighty dollar charging hundreds of U.S $$$ for one pic! SHAME ON THEM. . Patricia Gillmeister Washington DC

M & M		21-Jan-2005 20:56
The pictures are very cool, but it is very sad and we feel for the people that have lost friends and/or loved ones in the tsunami. It is AMAZING to us how people could have survived through the tsunami, since they didn't have any place to hide, especially since the water went everywhere. It is sad though that sooo many people lost their lives in this natural disaster and I believe that people should do whatever they can to help the unfortunate ones that went through this disaster because if you think about it, if this had happened to us, then there would be a ton of people helping us to get back on our feet after this had happened to us.

Guest		20-Jan-2005 17:31
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Peter		20-Jan-2005 06:32
Bitte, Hellmut can I use your photos in my archive? POLLYFODDER www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder

Grant		19-Jan-2005 13:17
Yeah, what the does the Tsunami have to do with the war in Iraq?? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		19-Jan-2005 08:55
They is time to take the future of our planet main. some go all to work for ecology.move you quickly!

Guest		19-Jan-2005 08:50
To move you quickly to put an end A the war of the USA in Iraq it is the moment . children, women and innocent men suffer. move you! http://www.endthewar.org

Guest		19-Jan-2005 07:49
jst like to say i dnt know what this world is coming to.....9 small earth quakes have hit NZ within a period of 9 Hours...scary huh.

Grant		18-Jan-2005 18:40
Sibel, Try emailing him.. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Sibel Hakyemez		18-Jan-2005 17:20
Hi! I want to use your pictures on my site. Can I use? Sibel HAKYEMEZ http://www.egitim.gen.tr .

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:26
http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FJ15Ak02.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:24
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/tour/OnTheGround/churchblast.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:22
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/tour/OnTheGround/ChurchBlast2.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:22
http://www.lornatychostup.com/main/indexphotoiraq.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:21
http://www.transnational.org/photoseries/iraq/photo_iraq_index.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:20
http://www.chimerafilms.co.uk/children6.html

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:19
http://www.savewarchildren.org/

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:19
http://www.documentaryphotographs.com/iraq00.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.endthewar.org/default-new.htm

Guest		18-Jan-2005 13:18
http://www.casinohype.com/post-tsunami.html

Guest		17-Jan-2005 17:39
There are true idiots in this world and the belowmentioned comments prove it!

Jerry Quinn		17-Jan-2005 16:10
Jerry Quinn lives in Boston. He's 52 years old and owns a bar and restaurant. Last Monday, as he does most days, he settled down to lunch and the newspaper. "All of a sudden, I see this article in the paper and it was in regard to somebody who needed funds for a transplant," Quinn said. "It stated in there that he would pretty much be in a wheelchair in a year if he didn't get some help. It started to make me think. I said I'd really like to help this guy." The guy in question is Franklin Piedra. He is 33 years old. He arrived in New York from Ecuador 10 years ago and has been suffering from chronic kidney failure almost ever since. When he got sick, the restaurant where he worked let him go. Since then, he has shined shoes for a living on Wall Street. Piedra is a viable candidate for an organ transplant, and his mother wants to give him a kidney. But he has no health insurance — that's a problem familiar to millions of Americans — and a transplant would cost $100,000. Piedra wrote to the government asking for help. They didn't even write back. He contacted the Ecuadorean Consulate in New York. Basically, he said, they suggested he go back to Ecuador and die. Jerry Quinn had another idea. "I'm not a very wealthy guy," Quinn said. "I'm comfortably off. I got this thing in my life — you can only use one car, you can only use one kitchen, you can only use one bathroom, you can only eat so much and drink so much, so that's my theory in life. What more do we need?" Helping a Stranger Quinn has been saving for a new place to live. He was about to put a major down-payment on a two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Boston — with a river view and all. But then he had another thought. "When I woke, it was on my mind again.The first thing that came to mind was the condominium downtown," he said. "You know what? I think I can do without the water views and use that money to help this gentlemen Franklin." Quinn called the reporter at the New York Post who had written the story. "She asked me how much I want to donate. And I think she was figuring maybe a hundred dollars or a thousand dollars because people were very good, they got a lot of response, " he said. "And I turned around and said to her, 'I'd like to do the whole thing.' She said, 'Are you serious?' and I said, 'Yeah, I'd like to do the whole thing.'" Pretty soon Quinn was in New York to meet Piedra. He'd already sent the money. "He came into the room and I felt a little funny," Quinn recalled. "I was just a little bit nervous, and he put his arms around me and he hugged me. And he said to me, 'You are wonderful. You are an angel.' And I said, 'Thank you.' I could feel the shivers running down my back." Piedra can sum up Quinn's role very succinctly: "He is the best person in my life." From One Immigrant to Another Paying for the transplant was a gift from one immigrant to another. Quinn grew up on his father's farm near Galway in the west of Ireland. "It's hard work," he recalled. "Your father will have you milking and cleaning out from under the cows. When you're younger you love it, when you're older you want to get away from it." As a young man, Quinn came to America on a vacation and, like a lot of the Irish, he simply stayed. He became a bartender. He did pretty well and finally got his own place, which serves Asian food and Irish beer

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:50
http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/property/viewarticle.aspx?id=170244

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:49
http://www.pinesolutions.com.au/products/index.html

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:46
http://www.ideesmaison.com/

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:45
http://www.mr-bricolage.fr/fichesTheme.asp?cat=Ma%E7onnerie&type=magazine

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:29
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=khaolak-beaches.htm

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:29
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=khaolak-beaches.htm

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:28
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/

Guest		17-Jan-2005 15:27
que d'eau que d'eau ! pour quelques photos

Guest		17-Jan-2005 03:58
Contact World Vision in Phuket if you wish to help the efforts there. They have a temporary office(POLLYFODDER)

G-Power		16-Jan-2005 15:38
Hi there, may I know how to start and what should I do in my first day to Phuket? Cos, I'm planning to help in Khao Lak. I'm a HK girl (student) who wants to spend time on giving hands on people in need there. But, just don't know where to contact. Should anyone could tell me? or, should I just go directly to Khao Lak and contact the local helping team for detail? PS:Planning going there at the beginning of Feb. Thanks so much.

Guest		16-Jan-2005 07:32
time has come for us to re-group, take all this boundaries no religion, no black or white everyone is ONE. lets all pray not only to thoise who died but to all of us called humans. jo aspiras doha qatar

Guest		15-Jan-2005 21:39
To realist, I never "accused" you of being Western. I was responding to another poster, and adding my opinion of Western Society. However, I doubt that you understand the meaning of the phrase, "don't believe in". Athiests don't believe in a God, any god, they don't specifically not believe in one God. If your argument were valid, then all of us would be athiest against the Greek pantheon of gods, and this idea is patently absurd. Thais- my name, this post was not written by multiple folk from Thailand.

Guest		15-Jan-2005 15:21
news http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1444106,00.html http://www.thaitsunami.com/wps/portal

Guest		15-Jan-2005 13:55
http://www.phuket-photos.com/frameme.php?page=phuket-tidal-wave.htm

Guest		15-Jan-2005 13:51
stop please

CatholicFireman		15-Jan-2005 12:16
Get ready loved ones, become a prepared people. Be wise to the signs of the times and do not permit Love to become overshadowed by the obstinence of our pride. Love everybody, hate nobody. These "events" (the awful tsunami, Florida getting hit by hurricanes 4 separate times almost simultaneously, an all time record number of tornadoes hitting the US) are not the end to such activities. They simply foreshadow the beginnning of such activities. All 4 corners of the globe are going to be impacted by events of a similar magnitude. As these events occur, few will be able to deny the unusual specifity and abruptness of those activities. It is NOT the end, nevertheless, these events will be global in nature. There is only one thing that might mitigate the circumstances of these events. Love. Nothing else would suffice. Nothing else could .... Peace.

The Realist		15-Jan-2005 10:53
Due to the suprising activeness of the forum, I have decided to clear any misunderstandings. And for the benefit of the ocean engineer, who loves complete English, I shall be grammatically correct this time. First, I am not Christian. Perhaps because of my observations that even atheists have have a god not to believe in, some forum goers, who themselves seem to have prejudices and are sick of compassionate conservatives at home, have reacted strongly. It is because of my position as a freethinker that I have the freedom to state what I see as they are, without too much of a fixed stance that many people, religious and non-religious have- on religion. Two, I am not someone from The US or Europe, in response to the thais' message. I am from Asia. I still mantain that these societies, with or without their ancestral knowledge, would not have been able to cope with the disaster, because this disaster occurs once in a thousand years. Who traditional or otherwise, without science, would be have been able to comprehend and get early warning of this disaster? So what nonsense is it that tribal people were saved? Many are feared dead. As for the animals, they are "in tune" with the Earth, just as dogs can detect drugs. Are we lamenting our differences? Three, I have a question. Christians in general think that non-believers wouldn't come to such a good end. This, with the spirit of giving, I find paradoxical, to the point whwere I wonder if some Christians actually give out of symphathy, the spirit of looking down, the way some Westerns wish to "preserve societies" which have been faltering and which failure manifest themselves in modern terms such as 'corruption' and 'poverty'. These societies have been failing them, and again.

Guest		15-Jan-2005 04:17
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too!http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

WRJ		14-Jan-2005 22:07
First of all, those pictures were awesome (in the sense that I am in awe when I look at how etremely powerful nature can be. Thanks for sharing those) and second of all I am a Christian, BUT I would like to say to those people who are condemning the Indonesians for not being Christians "How dare you put yourself in the place of God." ONLY God may say who is saved and who is not, I leave that up to Him. What I WANT to do as a Christian is show to everyone the love that He has shown for me, period. I also want to say that I am nowhere near perfect, and neither is the next person, Christian or not. Now as far as why this tsunami occured, I have no idea other than two plates sliding across one another causing one to go upward as the other goes downward. That's what happened, no other reason. The only lesson that should be learned from this is that life can vanish in a split second so be sure that you are always true to yourself and let whoever you love know that you love them. And one more thing. For the argument of "If there really is a God, why did He allow this to happen," I would like to leave you all with a simple thought. Think of the person that you absolutely love the most, maybe a spouse, child, parent, whoever. Now think of the things that you have done for them, times you have suffered because of them, and then compare that to everyone else you know. I think that the ones you love the most are the ones for whom you have "suffered" the most. Okay, that really doesn't tie in to the argument, but it does set the premise of my point which is, if God did not allow us to be hurt in any way, we would not be able to show love for anyone. I sincerely hope that this struck you all the way I meant for it to. Thanks for letting me share my thoughts and God bless you all as well as the victims of the tsunami!

Lynne		14-Jan-2005 21:17
Are there any known fotos of the waters receding prior to the first thrust of the tsunami? Such an image would be at least as impressive as the wave itself.

L.B. Florida		14-Jan-2005 14:53
I want to first apologize for the people that spout off from their self erected podeums about God, the Bible, Jesus, critiing these societies, bombs under the ocean ect. These are NOT people who study the word of God and follow the example (Jesus) he sent to lead us. They are lost people. Jesus would not criticize or make fun of or point fingers. He would be there to help and pray. A "true" christian heart would never say such foolish things and it is these people that are not really followers of the word of God that cause so much anguish for the true believers. Followers of Christ are people who pray for the survivors, pray for the rescue people, pray for the nurses and doctors and pray for the countries all over the world to show forth their caring by offering help in any way they can. People who misconstrue the true word of God cause others to refrain from knowing the God that made them. A true christian would only want to encourage - not discourage. So with this I send my deepest sympathies for all the people who have lost friends and loved ones. The children who died are already in God's loving arms. The adults that died will be judged by their maker and the living need us, our help & support and most of all our prayers. With half the teachers dead and half the students dead and children at risk from sex monsters we need more people involved in a positive way and not in a negative way. Quit laying blame and pitch in and help. These are ALL God's children and he is looking at us right now to see what we are going to do about this horrific situation...because it is our reactions to these desparate situations that determine what kind of heart we have. God Bless all those of all natinalities and religions that have donated and/or helped in some other way. Obviously every little bit helps.

Guest		14-Jan-2005 14:40
To the Ocean Engineer, What u say is also true, but I was referring to the natural disasters in general. For Eg. people staying at the foot hills of active volcanoes, earth quake prone areas et all. Also the education part is extremely vital and I feel that in India if this education was given, then may be a lot of lives would have been saved. Even the tribes in Andaman understood the sea from their forefathers, but alas the "Educated" of today did not.

Hasan Aliyev		14-Jan-2005 12:07
I want to congrulate pbase.com. It is great galley! Hasan Aliyev http://love.azeri.net .

sammy		14-Jan-2005 11:06
Pitty goes to those who have unkind breath, to give filthy opinion about nature disorder as if they could never be future victims. Whatever education mankind has His knowledge is limited to brandy size of the brains. We lose life to terrorist a phenomenol triggered by mankind yet those inform about goddam it don't warm. God's terror 100% blameless to mankind. The world should now wittness God's mighty in this disaster. How far can you run away if the trigger if it was global targeting, can we have place to fly. 'Farewell thee that lost life and wish well thee who survived. Nature has to take it's own course all the time. Mankind is a benefactor of global homeage and sometime we have to pay back the hostee. sorry to say

Guest		14-Jan-2005 09:23
nice photos is not what i ment, the site is put together nice at www.tsunamipix.com

Guest		14-Jan-2005 07:41
i found a site that has a nice collection of tsunami images. it it www.tsunamipix.com

thais		14-Jan-2005 07:09
To: the religious nut Half Made Societies? How dare you? These cultures were old long, long before Western Society, Great Eater of the World, even could be spawned from the colonial expansionists which were just a twinkle in the eye of the Ancient Greeks. My advice: Read more, speak less. Opinions are like bottoms, every ass has one. And they are just as useful. My heart goes out to all, the death toll is horrid, and only getting worse. Rebuilding? Of course! That is humanity, we will perch on the precipice, taunt nature, nay, implore her to come at us. We are intrepid. Not always sensible, but such is the definition of intrepid. Great shots! Great Scott! Makes me shudder, both with respect for the pictographers as well as for the survivors. We cannot know joy unless we have sorrow. For both defines the other. And I agree that our mortality is sorrow enough, still, there are those who will take this for granted. Not me. Every breath is precious. I wish you all peace, and long life. Thais

Nikheel		14-Jan-2005 06:49
it's really heartbreaking and truthful pictures, u have had, really My sympathy r which those who lost their near & dear in this tragedy, Yr photos help us to understand tsunami better,Kudos to u....well done...

Guest		14-Jan-2005 05:34
Beautiful pictures. A breathtaking illustration of the power behind the ocean and nature’s will. I have donated in what ways I can; best wishes to the survivors and to those who lost everything in the disaster. If I could be there to help out, I would. I also liked...no, loved Michelle’s post. Having studied the ocean for many years (Scripps Institute of Oceanography graduate student), I don’t understand how people can be so willfully ignorant. There’s basic knowledge everyone should know: plate tectonics, natural history, basic biology and the physical sciences that describe the way the world works. The bible is absolutely no substitute for this. Victemofpeace: While your idea is noble, no nation would consider “abandoning” coastlines simply because of the random chance they might get struck by a tsunami. I can’t blame them one bit. There are many things that cause tsunamis: earthquakes (vertical shear along transform faults), landslides, even meteors. There was a large tsunami in 1998 that killed over 2100 people in Papua New Guinea--a tsunami that was caused by an underwater landslide. Such things only happen once every few decades, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it, except to educate and warn. Theoretically, Los Angeles, San Diego, and god only knows how many other major cities located in (and outside) the Ring of Fire are at risk. Even a minor earthquake could trigger a major marine landslide that could cause a tsunami of massive proportions. The most you can do is warn and educate people. Teach them about why these things happen, so that when/if it ever does happen, they will know to clear the shore and get to high ground. Knowing the physics (even just the basics) of why it happens would give people enough to know what to expect when the "big one" hits. These waves take time to travel (about 700 miles an hour in deep water), and had a warning system been in place, thousands could have been saved. Other than that, there’s probably not a whole lot that can be done. To The Realist: Your writing is so bad I can barely understand what you’re saying. How could you call someone that is so well traveled and well learned ignorant while YOU sound like a raving fool? Plates in the earth’s crust ARE the reason this happened. Get an education. “Even atheists have to have a God not to believe in.” That’s quite possibly the stupidest, most fallacious argument I’ve ever heard. ~Hx

no-gods here		13-Jan-2005 23:39
To the "Realists".... Destruction by natural forces are something that we either had or will have experience with. The sad part of your tirade is that you show not to value the real loss of the region. You rather use it as your orange crate to preach. There will always be disasters of this magnitude considering how fluid the grounds below us actually are. All of us, including you, the "Realist", are subject to the same vagaries of natural forces. No gods involved, imagined or believed. Our job is to assist our fellow human beings in the straits that they find themselves now. Keep your preaching to yourself.

CAV		13-Jan-2005 23:15
Great Stuff. For Jay's Information the man photographed in these pictures survived!!

Grant		13-Jan-2005 19:47
Thanks for the link Don't forget to make a donation, even $1 dollar will make a difference if millions donate. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

The Realist		13-Jan-2005 13:44
i believe that everyone has to b\elieve in god.. or not to even atheists have to have a God/gods NOT to believe in michelle dont be an idiot u are the type of righteous bunch who go i am so smart all u religious people are stupid and have no common sense... u dont know two hoots about anything yay, the plates in the earth's crust... GENIUS! the govts are corrupted, but no one should simplify the causes they are many and complex one of the main reasons 4 the devastataion is the popular term half made. tsunamis crashed onto half made societies who lost their old knowledge of the sea, and learnt nothing new, they had nothing at all to protct themselves.

Guest		13-Jan-2005 12:02
To the Guest, Exactly thats the point. After the place has been developed to such an extent then a major catastrophe is evident and more lives are at stake. Why should the Govt. even consider of rebuilding in the same place, when they know its going to happen again. Even LA is in such a danger, but I think the Govt. is turning a blind eye to it or they're only developing more "better Structured" buildings.

Guest		13-Jan-2005 11:51
this is to victim if that was the case the whole of New Zealand would be uninhabitable. The whole of New Zealand is on a fault line that could move at any time. Where talking about moving over 4 million people if that was the case.

Guest		13-Jan-2005 11:40
I fully agree with Michele's comment. I think the main fault lies in the Government who after identifying the fault lines in each area, allow people to stay in those areas. I think they should be made as "High Risk Zones" and should not be allowed to make habitable. Instead they should develop newer areas.

Michele		13-Jan-2005 04:52
Hellmut: After viewing and injesting the pictures and posts, I am utterly appalled as to how stupid people can be (especially JC) to blame "God" on this catastrophe. Doesn't anyone understand (with the exception of a few) how tectonic plates work? How can you blame this disaster on religion or what nationality you are? Having three citizenship's and having lived in several countries, I have come to realize that people who like to blame "God" on any misgivings in their life are a bunch of fools. I have traveled extensively throughout Asia and snorkled at Patong beach. It's tragic that this has happened and the only thing we can learn from this is that a warning system should have been put in place years ago when the technology was formed. Hawaii (along with other seismic centers scattered throughout the world) recorded the earthquake hours before the tsunami hit and was well aware of the impact but didn't have the resources to notify these foreign countries. Thousands of lives would have been saved had the governments of these countries had a universal notification system. If you want to put a "blame" on someone/something, blame the political corruption of these local governments. A note to JC: I want to reiterate what was so eloquently posted. I truly think you should put your bible sideways and sit on it, you religious freak!

Guest		13-Jan-2005 04:46
Hellmut Incredilbe photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too!http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

Guest		13-Jan-2005 01:10
o By the way my email is now on my name so that you can email me in response to me using the photos

Guest		13-Jan-2005 01:03
Excellent pictures Hellmut! I was wondering if i could maybe use some pictures for my website,where i will be putting a couple of pages completely dedicated to tsunami/eartquake help links ,etc.

brian		12-Jan-2005 23:17
Hello Hellmut, I'm interested in obtaining permission to use one or two of your images to illustrate an article. Please drop me an email and I can send you the details. Thanks.

Wm. D. Davis		12-Jan-2005 19:01
Thank you kindly for the photos. Although I am not American (I am a Canadian, from Ontario) I am absolutely disgusted with some of the negative comments about Americans. There are "good and bad apples in every barrel" -- Canada included -- but I can tell you that most Americans are absolutely wonderful people. You may have different points of view as relate to the political life of the United States (as do I) but that doesn't mean all Americans are of that nature. As a Canadian, I am proud to be their neighbour. May God bless all mankind.

justina		12-Jan-2005 16:52
i think this is very troubled and horriblr to see the men in the water and the dead i think that these pictures should not be seen especially if any children see they would feel quite troubled if they saw it i think

Guest		12-Jan-2005 03:48
Hellmut I love the photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too!http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT! Hellmut, can you please put a link of this site on top of your page with the others? Thank you

Brian		11-Jan-2005 01:50
I saw the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" and wondered if and possibly when this could ever happen. Two weeks later I was stunned to hear that it had happened. I would like to thank all those people involved in sharing these pictures to the world. It has made me feel closer, infact VERY close to ALL those affected by the unbelievable magnitude of this disaster. My prayers and thoughts are with all those who have lost Family, friends, property and or the town/city they lived in. This is a time for man to unite and stand together to help the people of all the countries that have been devistated by this Tsunami and earthquake. As an Australian I am proud of the generosity of our country towards the victims of the Asian Tsunami. It is overwhelming to see other countries donating so much as well.

Guest		10-Jan-2005 19:44
I wonder when we can see the extent of damage caused by a tsunami, how can people be so sadistic by saying "amazing" pictures. Least they could say they are heart rending pics.

Grant		10-Jan-2005 13:15
Yahoo! release a new AP video that I haven't seen yet. I think it is pretty new. Some good footgage, amazing amount of debri/trash. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050110/ap_on_re_as/tsunami_video Takes a little bit to load, but once it does, it will play fine. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		10-Jan-2005 12:58
Hellmut please dont erase the messages relationg to pollyfodders page on photoduck. He has a massive tsunami archive and has albums in their of people looking for love ones missing in Thailand etc and he is helping them and hosting their albums FREE OF CHARGE. He is not associated with photoduck in any way, he is just a subscriber doing his darndest to help. His site ishttp://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0

Guest		10-Jan-2005 08:37
Hellmut I love the photos! There is another gallery with many thousands of tsunami photographs here too!http://www.photoduck.com/photos.aspx?gid=932&pxo=0 CHECK IT OUT!

Ingocha Meetei		10-Jan-2005 07:33
I am so intersted in your page which are very important for me to knoe the hazards and impact on the human sattlement. I think people should come with such works to provide the massage of Tsunami amd earthquake.

Guest		10-Jan-2005 05:41
Oops, i've put two img link in my previous reply. Sorry.

Guest		10-Jan-2005 05:40
I found this cool images :

Guest		10-Jan-2005 04:59
I saw your images in Time magazine today. Congratulations.

Ms. Rini		10-Jan-2005 04:26
Our prayers are with the families of the victims. Regards, Rini http://www.torontolegalhelp.com

Mr. A		10-Jan-2005 04:22
Your story is truly inspirational. Very brave pictures!! Regards from Toronto, Canada Mr. A. www.torontolegalhelp.com

Debbie		10-Jan-2005 03:39
Truly amazing photos, WHAT KIND OF CAMERA WAS USED. Thank you for sharing these with the world. I hope we never know from such horror.

Guest		10-Jan-2005 01:37
Those are some incredible photos.... and I am even more impressed that you had 13 million hits to your 27 pictures. (not to mention the camera you used is incredible).

Grant		09-Jan-2005 23:00
Jen, Thanks for sharing the personal story, glad to hear you were safe. I can't imagine how crazy it must have been. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Dave (Leeds)		09-Jan-2005 14:48
Excellent photos Helmut. These have helped to show the World the true face of what disaster brings. Has anyone else noticed that there has been a sudden increase in peace negotiations throughout many war torn regions. If any good comes out of the visualisation of this disaster, it will be that the majority of people realise what matters, and of the preciousness of life.

Jen		09-Jan-2005 04:08
We arrived in Phuket at the Sheraton that morning, my husband and friends had gone for a swim, our friends knocked on our door to inform me that my husband (Brian) had gone for a walk along the beach and they couldn't find him after the first wave. Not knowing a second wave was coming we all ran onto the beach to look for him. We could see him in the distance walking back to the hotel, as we were all reunited the local people were telling us a second wave was coming the five of us ran to a ceiment type of gazebo and climbed up we all hung on to each other and the structure till the Tsumani passed, then we all ran back to the Hotel all safe. Unfortunatly not for all. It was a day we will all remember.

Victoria		08-Jan-2005 22:48
I spent two months living in Koh Phi Phi last year, which is a neighbouring island that has been also badly affected. Somehow knowing some of the areas hit so well has made it all the much more real for me. I can't get my head around the amount of grief and suffering people must be going through. My heart, wishes and prayers go out to them all. Peoples negative comments at times like these are disgusting, those people, although entitled to their own opinion, are plain sick. God forbid anything as destructive and devastating happens to their loved ones or homes.

ANTICHRIST		08-Jan-2005 22:21
for all u know someone could have set a bomb off in the ocean to cause this. maybe god. so many crying but yet we still choose to have superbowls and watch american idol....it's ok .....have you ever seen Mexico. how poor the people are. were is the aid there. it's not your fault......things will change once the new currency kicks in. i accepted christ and now i am immortal. he gave me life and now i don't need him. one world one religion ...it's almost time......your money can't change anything. my money can.

Sandrinha06		08-Jan-2005 16:51
Ces images sont spectaculaires ! Après les flammes du 11 Sept. on revit l'horreur avec les flots. Que les survivants soient courageux et continuent à vivre.

Herb		08-Jan-2005 15:47
it may interest readers to know that the man in the wave not only survived, but has been identified as Yai Kaytmunnee, a waiter from a restaurant on the beach. A link telling more about what happened to him ishttp://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11891959%255E28477,00.html I would like to add, as an American, that I am deeply shamed by the hateful, selfish, and judgmental comments of many of these purported "Christians" and others from the States. Although I am not religious, the Bible clearly states that in the "last days" there will be many who call themselves followers of Christ but who actually are servants of Satan. These folks should look at the mote in their own eyes before they speak of the beam in the eyes of others. Carmen was right on to say they also show cowardice. Many of us (Americans) including myself have given as much as we can afford to tsunami relief, and we are profoundly grieved at the suffering of the poor victims. Herb

Paul Stallman		08-Jan-2005 04:55
I'm also shocked at the disregard for human suffering shown in some of these posts. To my everlasting sorrow, I lost my beloved 14 year old son to a drowning accident Aug. 2nd. Only those who have lost a child understand the pain I feel. As much as I grieve, I look at the situation here and realize that there are people who have lost more than I. I am humbled, and my heart truly goes out to those who have lost and continue to suffer.

Carmen		08-Jan-2005 03:21
Thank you for sharing these. I did a doubletake when I opened my Newsweek today -- I recognized the vantage point immediately. I don't understand the disregard for human suffering that I see in the posts below; you might consider changing your setting so only PBase users can post. Free speech is important, but commenting under aliases isn't free speech; it's cowardice.

michelle		08-Jan-2005 02:18
That is so disrespectfull those poor children and parents have you no feelings I know they felt bad on Sept 11th!!!!!! Everybody should have a heart it could have been someone you know!!! Your mother, father, sister, brother, child, children, neighbor, co -worker, teacher, or cousin.......

For Geoff		08-Jan-2005 00:37
(and others offended by the anti-American "slander") - you guys must've missed the part where post after post proclaimed the devastation in Asia "god's punishment for non-christians".

Cruz		07-Jan-2005 18:07
These pictures are devasting to see the tsunami step-by-step.

Clayton Esterson		07-Jan-2005 17:56
Congratulations on getting your picture published in Newsweek!

Britney White		07-Jan-2005 17:38
Good pictures. Thanks! Britney White http://www.efriend.tk .

wesley		07-Jan-2005 15:34
THANKS FOR THE PICTURES, IT IS TRULY THE ONLY WAY WE CAN KNOW HOW DEVASTATING OF A TRAGEDY THIS IS, AND BE MOTIVATED TO HELP. AS FAR AS THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS. THERE ARE NO NATIONS WHERE THE ENTIRE POPULATION IN GENERAL IS BAD OR HAS NO COMPASSION. MY SELF AS AN AMERICAN, I KNOW WE ARE AT WAR WITH IRAQ; BUT THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE THERE. THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE IN EVERY NATION. THOSE THAT GET ENJOYMENT OUT OF SUCH NEGATIVE COMMENTS AND PICTURES, I AGREE IT IS THERE CHOICE, EVENTHOUGH I DO NOT AGREE WITH IT. JUST REMEMBER, THOSE ARE THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE LIMITED IN QUALITY OF FRIENDS AND QUALITY OF INTELLIGENCE. IF THEY WANT TO ROAM WITH THE ROACHES-JUST IGNORE THEM. SOMEDAY THEY WILL BE CRUSHED JUST LIKE THE ROACHES THEY ARE- IF BY NOTHING ELSE BUT GOD. GOOD LUCK GUYS IN YOUR USELESS CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR POSTERITY AND SOCIETY-YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED. SOCIETY HAS NO USE FOR YOU-DO WHAT YOU WANT BUT YOU WILL BE IGNORED BY THE MAJORITY OF SOCIETY AND ONLY ADMIRED BY OTHER ROACHES. CONGRADULATIONS IN SHOWING YOUR INTELLIGENCE-HOPE YOU NEVER HAVE KIDS.

The Realist		07-Jan-2005 15:30
Little Horus, are u sure ur a 12 year old? U may be pretty smart for your age, if u actually know what Horus is. And a 12 year old usually Has to make some punk comment. I wish u a happy birthday. Of course you may have read some comments in the forum of your local papers that the tsunami is nothing compared to the number of people who die of malaria or cholera or measles every day in Africa or Asia. This is true. Yet in this single disaster, the donations have sometimes far outweighed the donations ever made for these same aid organisations upon different programs like that for starvation and whatnot. And the show and glamour- do they call it altruism?- related to the donations are to me a no-no. Of course they are all a good thing. But the selective donations show to me that the people who donate may have actually donated for the show. NOT their show, but the show the media has given. For attention and ratings, the media makes stuff seem more serious than it already is as with other problems. and ppl do believe it, just like some ppl beleive that the world's worst ever disaster was 911- no offence to the victims, but my point here is equality- and ppl think that the action-drama-comedy of bush anti-terrorism is more effective than the simple yet successful use of the police

mark n martin		07-Jan-2005 14:58
i hope everybody on this trajic occasion will be able to rebuild their lives

mark n martin		07-Jan-2005 14:56
we havemade £462 for thetsunami

Guest		07-Jan-2005 14:46
There is also a photogallery here at: www.photoduck.com/pollyfodder with thousands of photos of the tsunami aftermath.

TwistedFate		07-Jan-2005 14:05
It is definitely shocking to see such devastation. I was in the Philippines at the time so I was not harmed. Yet the fear and pain the victims felt was something my heart couldn't bear. Many people are left homeless and kids like me are left parentless. But before we weep, we have to realize how lucky everyone else is to be alive, us included. And yet we should still be sensitive to the feelings of the survivors of this tragedy, who have witnessed this first hand and nearly met their demise. Simply pray and help them, pledge a donation. And in case you were wondering how old I am, I'm turning 12 tomorrow. Please think about this.......

ashley		07-Jan-2005 12:45
its preety upseting.........

Etekup		07-Jan-2005 09:55
It is a sad day when such a disaster hits, and even made more sad by inhuman humans that use such an event for their own fun although I would not call it such. Please don't use such a horrific event for your own enjoyment. There are many people who have lost loved ones, children who are now homeless, and parents who are now childless. Give them the respect that they deserve and respect those of us who are grieving for friends that we never met. My heart and blessings goes out to all of those affected by this tragic event. God Bless you all.

Hasan Aliyev		07-Jan-2005 09:13
I want to thank to Hellmut too! This pictures are great! Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net

Steve Cavanah		06-Jan-2005 23:58
Dear Hellmut, Thank you for sharing these photos with us. You are one brave photographer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if we can help, in any way. Thanks, Steve

Nils		06-Jan-2005 22:04
Vanitas vanitatum et omnia vanitas.

Mark McBrearty		06-Jan-2005 21:49
Just got back from the laguna beach resort at the end of Nov. We are so lucky, we are thinking so much of those affected by this awful disaster. The person who calls him or herself housecarp should have died in that disaster. You are the most selfish and evil little prat Ive ever came across. Sleep well mr sicko.... Can anyone tell me how this area was affected.

HouseCarp		06-Jan-2005 20:07
For all of you that are so offended... I am interested in your computer technology, I would like to know more about a computer that will search out and open web pages with "obscene" photos with out any extental/internal intervention. Yes, I'm being a smart #%@... if you don't want to look turn it don't go there. Take responsiblity for yourself and yourself alone and let the rest of us do the same. I don't like boxing, I think it's barbaric... so I don't watch it! But I do respect others enough not to let my beliefs effect them... to each his own... live and let live. Don't tell me how to live my life and I'll do the same for you, you bunch of bleeding heart pinheads!

Caroline		06-Jan-2005 19:55
Thanks for taking your time post all the pics on the web. You have grabed a moment of history. You must have experienced a lot of things and had a lot of thoughts after the giant waves hit the land. Best wishes to you and all those involved. I am glad I made my donations a week ago. Thanks.

Guest		06-Jan-2005 19:48
Tsunami space photos animation:http://cheap-hosting-domain.com/tsunami-life.php

Belle		06-Jan-2005 19:01
Terrible to see such destruction..it's a wonder that ANYONE survived. My heart goes out to those poor people. Hopefully none of us will ever know what it's like to suffer such a loss. Belle, Indiana

amber		06-Jan-2005 17:46
Wow ow scary it must have been for these poor people! So scary! That is all i have to say besides my prayers go out to the people

Sandy		06-Jan-2005 15:28
As a young American my heart goes out to all the victims of this natural disaster. I feel compelled to share my views...no matter what nationality, religious background or political views people have we are all the same. We should all try a little harder to get along before we distroy our world.

Grant		06-Jan-2005 14:50
Yes, I agree, the anti-American comments are uncalled for and just plain ignorant. Hopefully the spread of disease will be controlled quickly. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		06-Jan-2005 13:42
good pics its very sad!

Geoff		06-Jan-2005 13:27
I came to this website to commiserate, and instead found (the usual) anti-American slander. What a nice way to take advantage of people's pain to promote your agenda of hate. Delete the posts by that sick ignoramus, as well as the anti-American stuff, please.

rvoice		06-Jan-2005 13:03
so do you think its funny my parents are missing leaving me and my 10 yr old brother? no didnt think so, pls stop being insensitive

guest 2		06-Jan-2005 12:18
I feel so much for all these poeple.I hope and pray they find ther love ones so they know one way or another if they are ok or put them to rest properly to help there healing proses.It is so hard to believe something like this can happen.I am so sorry it has.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time need.

Guest		06-Jan-2005 10:12
shame about the sick comments - but then what would you expect from Yanks ?

3tribes		06-Jan-2005 07:15
Has anyone here heard that US government detonated a bomb in the Indian ocean?

Guest		05-Jan-2005 20:35
Memorandum To: The World From: God Subject: Tsunami I didn't have anything to do with this one - honest. Signed, God

Guest		05-Jan-2005 20:31
Missing people search here: http://www.TsunamiThailand.com Thank you.

Guest		05-Jan-2005 19:50
anyway, poor composition!

Carolyn Dunbar		05-Jan-2005 19:19
Mr. Issels, we publish a monthly newsletter for operating room nurses. There are 1-2 photos we'd like permission to use. URGENT timing - we're on deadline. Can you reply about what we would need to do to use your copyrighted photos? Looking forward to your reply, Carolyn Dunbar AORN News Manager Association of periOperative Registered Nurses cdunbar@aorn.org

Guest		05-Jan-2005 18:58
Gidday Lads!! I like your information centre although I'm in school right now unfortunatly I can't go any where else but your website but you know it's better then work!!!!

okie		05-Jan-2005 17:45
wow,uh how u get theese pics? Uhm , I feel so abd for these people there...

peace		05-Jan-2005 16:23
Am I getting to you nommy, seems you are getting a little pissed, why is that? is it being a failure as a troll, not getting your shock funny factor upsetting you. You have a problem my friend, trust me it is a mental one, maybe you have already had some treatment for it? Have I touched a nerve there? Is there a history if mental illness in your family, I am sorry if there is, truly I am. So if I am a nameless faceless person and what I think is not important then how can you enjoy the reaction of others who you don't know, gee nommy, we have to add stupidity to your list of failings. Hardly the scandalous guy you want to be are you, those types of guys don’t throw tantrums screaming they don’t caring what people think about them. Really have to run now nommy, you know this really isn’t working for you, you need a new hobby, bye

Hasan Aliyev		05-Jan-2005 15:55
how many people live in phuket? Icland is big or not? Hasan Aliyev http://love.azeri.net

Steve		05-Jan-2005 15:52
Hellmut. Can you track the IP of this Republican (adolescant I presume). I think these obscenities are a genuine case for arrest. Please check his IP, check him out on www.samspade.org, pass the details and the screenshots to his IP, and make an initial enquiry with your local law enforcement?

Sue Nommy		05-Jan-2005 15:07
Gee Peace, you really have me nailed. (NOT) I don't give a rat's ass what you think. You can think I'm a hater, you can think I'm a troll, you can think whatever you want, you don't know me. I am not ashamed, I'm having fun. That's it! There's nothing to read into it, nothing to psycho-analyze. Sure what I'm doing is completely insensitive and unfeeling, I know that. It's completely out of place, and therein lies the shock value, the funny factor. Feel whatever you want to about me, I truly couldn't care less what some nameless faceless person on the internet thinks about me.

The Realist		05-Jan-2005 14:23
Hassan, Phuket is not a city. It is an island off the coast of southern thailand to the west. it is connected to the mainland though by a bridge... patong is the coastal city and tourist belt of Phuket. it was quite badly hit. U noe when u see the pictures of phuket being smashed and the disgusting remains of the once pretty resorts... thats what they really are, however superficially pleasing to the senses when every wall was covered by the tiles and every piece of human junk covers another this is what tourism has brought it dosent matter where it is europe the US, when overly commercialised, every place becomes like this under the cover of pleasing ochre walls that might have historical significance or whatever Sue Nommy is a smart guy but a long term psycho his posting history is very very scandalous

peace		05-Jan-2005 14:14
Only having fun, so you want to tell us you are not a hater? Why does that worry you that people who read what you have done will think you are a hater? I think what you are really saying is you are now ashamed of you have done. You did not get the reaction you wanted did you, no shock, no outrage, just someone trying to reason why ‘you’ have the need to do this. I know about trolls and about ‘not feeding them’ and I know the reaction they want, and now the reaction you have given us is one of shame. You are not even much of a troll are you. Sad figure you must be, take care, I mean that.

Mona Lott		05-Jan-2005 13:36
Peace... I'm not hurt. I do this to get a reaction...guess what, I got one. I'm only having fun, and you have helped. Thank you. I don't post my name and email address for the same reason you don't, I don't want to be mail bombed or spammed into infinity. Take care!!

peace		05-Jan-2005 13:03
what is the matter mona the truth hurts, being told what you really are, being shown compassion and not hate, that makes you want to spew more hate out doesn't it. Committed no crime, then post your name, your email, your address, of course you wont because you know you are a physical coward. I wont be commenting again, I have no need, we both know what you are and you are and you are the one who has to live with it. Your hate represses you and it makes you afraid. It must be hard to be you, living with cowardice and hate. I hope you find peace one day, hate is a dead end street so be smart and turn around

Hasan Aliyev		05-Jan-2005 13:03
Where is the phuket! Is it a city? Sibel Hakyemez http://www.egitim.gen.tr

Grant		05-Jan-2005 13:00
Yes, I hope these gross images below are removed. Some people really have no class. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Hasan Aliyev		05-Jan-2005 12:40
Who take this pictures. What is his name? Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net

Mona Lott		05-Jan-2005 12:40
Hey peace...so what if they track down my IP address, I have commited no crime. What you see as obscene, I see as art. Don't be such a playa hater. You sound awfully repressed, I think you need my good ole " HOT BEEF INJECTION" You may even need some hard anal. It may hurt a bit, but when all is said and done, I will feel better. Email me sometime. Love Ya!!!

Peace		05-Jan-2005 12:40
please note my reference is to the images (hopefully removed quickly by pbase before viewed by many people) posted in comments on this gallery

peace		05-Jan-2005 12:35
To the person who posted these obscene images. You want to shock you want to feel important, well I will tell you the truth all you have done is show that you are a coward and weak and that you are obviously a hurt and damaged person. I don’t feel anger or shock at what you have done, only pity for you and whatever abuse you have suffered to have to do this. In the end your comments, your hate, is meaningless, love and the human spirit are what will shine out of this terrible event. People will remember that and not you I am afraid. You do not have the courage to put your name to what you have done, so you know it is wrong, and that makes you afraid. I hope pbase use their tracking software to identify you via your ISP and when that happens I think you will be the one feeling remorse.

Paunsak T.		05-Jan-2005 11:53
I am one of the staff of Laguna Phuket, The photos on this gallery is one of our 5 hotels in the area. Very lucky, none of our guest is injure. Right now our hotel is operate as usual. Thank for spent your holiday in our hotel.

trolls and losers		05-Jan-2005 07:56
Unfortunately the Internet has produced a type of individual who takes a perverse pleasure in leaving sick or unpleasant comments designed to shock or upset other users. The Internet community calls these individuals trolls; I think it is more appropriate to think of them as losers. They have without doubt low self-esteem about themselves and certain aspects of their life. The best advice is to ignore them, as if you think about it, their comments are meaningless to any given situation. Also they might like to think on the fact that their anonyminity is not assured, the person who sent hoax emails telling relatives their loved ones were dead was tracked and is now in jail awaiting sentence. He will certainly go to prison. Peace.

Guest		05-Jan-2005 07:04
all, life is short and we have to make the best of it, we enjoy what nature has to offer, have we thank them? go back to the book its the truth. we all are gonna go back to where we belong and we have to be prepared at all times. jo aspiras

Guest		05-Jan-2005 07:00
dear all, don't you think its time to re-group and think of something spiritual? people might have made so many fuck-ups that nature became so fucking angry that all this shits are happening in the world. lets all turn our head and look back to how we were brought up and to serve GOD to pray and listen to the teaching and apply it. this mught sound rather speritual, but ill tell you what who would you call in these time of desaster? jasm aspiras

OneLove,NZ		05-Jan-2005 04:53
For all the children whose lives were taken away from this tragedy may they all rest in peace. Also to the many thousands upon thousands who have since departed from this cruel and devastating disaster, where I reflect upon these probable signs that the world is in suffering? May this be a lesson to all to Love one another and may PEACE prevail upon us humans so we can all live in Happiness n Harmony with one another. In times of sad and grieving moments it tends to bring people closer, so in all hope may the world be one happy family. Like uncle Bob said "ONE LOVE".

Guest		05-Jan-2005 00:32
Greenhouse gasses causing earthquakes? What planet are YOU living on? Imbecilic agendas do not belong on these pages.

Pete, UK		04-Jan-2005 23:42
I'm so glad that poor lad survived. But I am sure he will carry the trauma of this event for the rest of his life. Please ignore the imbecile comments by some sick people. Anyone with any experience of these kind of blogs, is aware that they are unavoidable without the input of some sick individuals. The thing about this disaster is that it has not differentiated between religion, colour or race. It has killed Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus en masse. It has killed Asians, Europeans and Americans in large numbers. And it has made me feel so small and insignificent in the scope of the Planet. And although this was a natural disaster that was created by no-one, the next big one could be triggered by the effects of greenhouse emissions. We should all work together to avoid this, and drop petty comments about dislike of Nationals, whether they be Americans, the French or whatever. And unless we start putting the ecology of the Planet ahead of our own personal economic growth, the economic growth will become insignificent.

uwe		04-Jan-2005 23:11
great pics. you must have nerves to take these in such a moment. i wonder what would have happened if not people like you made their pictures and videos to show us the devastating power. for the most of us it would be a far, far away catastrophy. thanks a lot for sharing. btw: i'm a bit disappointed about what some people wrote here: anti-americanism, atheism, and so on. this is not the right place and time to discuss such things.

Camille		04-Jan-2005 21:57
My heart as an American goes out to all the people that have survied and all the ones that have lost family memebers. For once let us just be human beings instead of fighting. I also believe that this people need all the help we can offer them, whether it be by prayer, giving money, or personally just thinking about the losses these people have suffered and the emotional trama that these people will go through. On a side note the pictures did really help me graps the amount of lives lost and devestation that was caused by it, thank you for doing this.

Ed		04-Jan-2005 20:24
There will always be those who feel that photographers who document tragedy are unethical and wrong. The flip side is that these photos help me visualize the tragedy and help me feel more compassionate toward the victims. They move me to want to take action and give, not turn away in complacency. Thanks for posting.

Hasan Aliyev		04-Jan-2005 18:54
Hi! I sthis man died or not? VA7U0479.JPG Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net .

RD		04-Jan-2005 18:49
Great! Right place (to survive), right time (to take pics)

SvD		04-Jan-2005 17:57
Your photo is in an Swedish newspaper - Svenska Dagbladet on the page: http://www.svd.se/dynamiskt/utrikes/did_8818884.asp It has been on the first page too... the picture address:

American guest		04-Jan-2005 17:54
I can't beleive how much some of you hate Americans that you would post such terrible things during such a tragedy. All that has done so should be very ashamed. I don't know why you hate us so much, but it looks like to me you could put all of your hatred aside for just a moment and maybe do something that maybe would help these poor people. I just can't beleive I really have no words to explain my dissapointment.

Hasan Aliyev		04-Jan-2005 17:38
Thanks you all! Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net

SWAT		04-Jan-2005 13:43
There are a sad sorry bunch of individuals who flock to tradgedy to boost there own sad begotten lives by irritating and causing dispair for those who come to aid others. Be warned do not post your email addresses on these forums YOU WIL BE SPAMMED. Our company is taking leagal action as several email addresses of our employees have been spoofed too. Be warned.

Grant		04-Jan-2005 13:03
Yes, I also have seen these pictures on a few sites. People like the very good quality! Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		04-Jan-2005 09:59
Mr Guest, i am a freethinker, yet after some thought, i do agree with your comments on god... an atheist must have a god not to believe in

Please.		04-Jan-2005 04:06
Guest, that is the most ridiculous logic I've seen... since about halfway down the page, anyway.

HotDuckZ		04-Jan-2005 02:32
Does you sent your photo to Thai newspaper? Your photo is on that newspaper http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O3211363/O3211363.html

Guest		04-Jan-2005 02:07
well... even an atheist requires a God with which not to believe

Please.		04-Jan-2005 01:32
Reading this reaffirms my atheism. Why is it that religious fanatics turn EVERYTHING into proof of their god? Are you so insecure in your faith that you need to point to nature's slaughter of women, children, and fisherman as evidence of your deity? So what were the Florida hurricanes? God's wrath against rednecks?

Please.		04-Jan-2005 01:31
Reading this reaffirms my atheism. Why is it that religious fanatics turn EVERYTHING into proof of their god? Are you so insecure in your faith that you need to point to nature's slaughter of women, children, and fishermen as evidence of your deity? So what were the Florida hurricanes? God's wrath against rednecks?

guest		04-Jan-2005 00:30
this is a bad thing i dont like it why does this have to happen ?

guest		04-Jan-2005 00:29
this is a bad thing i dont like it why does this have to happen

Gord in Barrie		03-Jan-2005 21:28
An article yesterday in the Toronto Star (www.thestar.com) indicated that they found the body of the man in picture "VA7U0478.JPG" 1 kilometre away from the shoreline.

Pasaulio valdovas		03-Jan-2005 19:43
alert('Linas atsipraso, kad jam teko nulauzti sita puslapi, bet toks jau gyvenimas luzeriai. Sutraukos tarnausit man ateity');

Guest		03-Jan-2005 18:59
See new space tsunami images:http://cheap-hosting-domain.com/tsunami.php

Guest		03-Jan-2005 13:12
Interesting collection of tsunami related photos with links to large images,http://chamorrobible.org/gpw/gpw-20050103.htm

Guest		03-Jan-2005 12:58
The after shocks may not be aftershocks. They are working right up the fault line and may indicate another hugh quake or volcanic eruption developing in the region. Read about Krakatoa. The parallels are unsettling. Two dormant volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar islands have now erupted. Another volcano, Toba (currently dormant), is close to the 9.0 epicenter. Toba is the most dangerous volcano in the area should it again become active. The seismic activity being reported as aftershocks are really peaks in continuous high frequency backgound seismic activity. This area is noted for its paroxysmal phreatomagmatic eruptions (violent eruptions caused when water meets magma). It could be months before we understand the complete story.

Grant		03-Jan-2005 12:44
That is a good video, wave does't look that big until it gets close. That is probably why it did so much damage, people didn't think it was that dangerous. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Guest		03-Jan-2005 10:49
well post the video then...the waves were not that big, the problem is that they were the pre-cursor to a wall of water which followed the initial wave face..and just kept on coming. If I remember there was a tidal wave in alaska that measured 560 metres... David

Guest		03-Jan-2005 10:43
http://politiken.dk/media/wvx/3537.WVX <<< That was not the ultimate video of the tidal wave. There have been bigger, much bigger. It was a good example of how it collected force as it crashed down on the beach, but this was probably just the initial swell and a precursor of what was to come. This whole event is just an example of what is to come in the future. The world is not sustainable and not even God while pull your hinds out of the next major event!

Guest		03-Jan-2005 10:25
Truely amazing photos. http://www.e-accom.com try here for the ultmate video of the wave taken by an amateur.. http://politiken.dk/media/wvx/3537.WVX

Ron		03-Jan-2005 10:17
These photos were featured on the front page of the Thai-language Dailynews today:http://2bangkok.com/quakes01.shtml#03

Stu		03-Jan-2005 09:09
Good job on the shots, Hellmut! The emotion that comes in the midst of a disaster usually defeats the shooter's ability to capture the moment and he/she loses the opportunity, because it only happens once. These good photos have motivated tens of thousands of people to help financially from around the world. Without good photojournalistic work, who knows how worse it could have been. Images motivate. Hellmut, maybe you can capitalize on your great photos by selling to the media and then returning a large portion to benefit the needy.

Raj		03-Jan-2005 08:42
Its really horrible to see the pics and pls whoever see this kindly help the sufferers a little u can. Because they are totally helpless now. And no words to tell how much they will be hurted due to this. So atleast we can help them to make them feel good. I had contributed my part already to them.. Pls do the same quickly... Thanx.. Raj

Joe		03-Jan-2005 07:41
Fernando, OK, enough fun and games. Now get back to cutting my lawn.

Guest		03-Jan-2005 07:22
The Pics are nice, but the loss of lives are terrible. I hope this does not reoccur in any part of the world.

Hurt too		03-Jan-2005 07:05
Come to me all you that are heavy laden, I will give you rest. Seek me with your whole heart. Ask in your doubt, I will answer. I am seen in those who love and not judge. Be careful those of you who speak in my name. Has the Lord said, the misuse of scripture was the hypocrisy of the pharisees. Beware their leaven. It rains on the just and unjust alike. This world is in a fallen state (choice of mankind) and suffers until I return. Be assured that my love is extended. Be comforted that I have created mankind with the ability to show kindness and mercy. Blessed are the merciful, they will obtain mercy. Give to the poor, for you are giving to me when you do. I love you all. Jesus

Fernando		02-Jan-2005 23:18
Please excuse my poor english, but i want to say that all the guys that wrote offensive comments should think a little about all the people who right now is suffering and looking for relatives or friends. As one person said: donate money for these people instead of wrtite stupid comments.

Fernando		02-Jan-2005 23:18
Please excuse my poor english, but i want to say that all the guys that wrote offensive comments should think a little about all the people who right now is suffering and looking for relatives or friends. As one person said: donate money for these people instead of wrtite stupid comments.

ugaitz13		02-Jan-2005 16:05
thank you for put the web adress,i help other people from spain with that adress

gwen		02-Jan-2005 16:00
bless all

Guest		02-Jan-2005 15:41
Search missing people here: http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Grant		02-Jan-2005 15:21
You can find many more pictures by doing a little bit of searching on google. Also check the major news outlets. (CNN, Foxnews, MSNBC, they have a lot of slideshows) Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Hasan Aliyev		02-Jan-2005 13:47
Where Can I find another pictures Hasan Aliyev http://www.azeri.net

Marion		02-Jan-2005 09:12
Truly amazing photos...and at such hires. Incredible. I keep thinking I'm seeing stills from an upcoming disaster movie...but its real. Thats the hardest thing to absorb. Marion

me		02-Jan-2005 06:55
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Joe		02-Jan-2005 06:47
Someone wrote in a bathroom stall "For a good time email Tom at thomas.mcdaries@us.ngrid.com"

Tom McDaries		02-Jan-2005 06:35
Shakespear wrote in King Lear: " We are to the gods like flies to wanton boys".

david		02-Jan-2005 06:22
may god bless yall and keep yall safe for now on iam from the alabama so i cant say i know how it feels to have my stuff destroyed all i can say is pick your chin up and be cheerful and rebuild

Coenraad		02-Jan-2005 05:30
you stupid wankers people died, pay some respect. Jesus was a character who lived 2000 years ago an represented a way of life.

Ted Levin		02-Jan-2005 05:29
Thank you for sharing these photos on pbase. I'm glad that you are ok and I feel that whatever god one prays to, that the people will do the work that they have to to save as many people as possible. It wasn't god that did this terrible act, it was nature. Our world comes together in times of crisis we should also come together to make peace.

Guest		02-Jan-2005 04:23
When death comes not even Jesus will save it depends on what time gods want us to be back.

Guest		02-Jan-2005 02:01
Ujio u are wrong. Did u read the sun? A girl, due to modern day teaching of geography, alerted the beach authorities and got every one, perhaps saving a few hundred lives.

Randy		02-Jan-2005 01:06
Well done. An imprtant account of natures power. Also, a very revealing look at the shallow nature of some humans (the logs). Insensitivity will be the downfall of us all, and Mr. guest, apologies do not suffice to make amends for your callous comments. It does not surprise me that you have litte to give, monetarily or emotionally. No doubt you live in a kind of poverty of the soul that most of us happily will never know. Carry in you idiot, allow those who care to DO something, while you yammer on for shock value. Prayers. Rf

L Schroeder		02-Jan-2005 00:50
To whomever posted these images, thank you for sharing your experience of mother nature's savage force in action. My husband and I would have been somewhere around Phuket this Christmas if we could have afforded it (it's been a lean year) -- as we love Southeast Asia cultures and peoples and spend as much time in the region as we can. We remain devastated at the loss of life and livelihood. The moral here for us is to never complain about what we don't have (or where we can't go) but to actively (consciously) and thankfully enjoy our life and family TODAY because we never know what the next hour/day will bring. Be thankful for what ever you have. Our thoughts are with the survivors.

Vernon Thiede		02-Jan-2005 00:40
Acts 17:26-28 "26and (A)He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having (B)determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, (C)though He is not far from each one of us; 28for (D)in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children." Hence he has determined the times and the places for each person to live in the hope that we each would seek and find Him! That's about all their is to it. As for sin itself the Bible tells us "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory og God" Eventually each one of us will be called to account. Eventually we will all pass away by either God's design (due to our sinful state), or earlier through our own folly!

Guest		02-Jan-2005 00:35
TSUNAMI in THAILAND - Search missing person here http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Vernon Thiede		02-Jan-2005 00:32
Genesis 6-8 "Noah's Flood" was certainly more devestating and was according to God's own purpose. Who knows what His purpose might be in this one but the scale of this recent event is miniscule compared to the Genesis Flood when all men excpet for Noah his three sons and their wives were all who were saved through the Biblical Flood.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 23:44
* That should be "REALLY" and not "REALY", sorry about that.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 23:42
I would like to apologize for the comments I made yesterday, I feel REALY bad because of them. Of course I wasn't serious. With my bad case of depression, I can become very mean (and an asshole) when something happens to me (and I hate beeing like that), so I am really and honestly sorry if I offended anyone :( And no, I don't like seeing disasters, wars or people dying. And about if it was from God, inside of my heart I think it's possible, but then again I am pretty sure it would have been on New York and/or Washington (aka Babylon IMO). I also donated, but only $20 because that's the only amount I could afford, unfortunately. Oh, and by the way, if I could trade my life with anyone that died during that disaster - or any other disaster, war, whatever - I would in a heartbeat...

John Smith		01-Jan-2005 22:56
I have never had cause to ever write in a forum but I feel entirely driven this evening. Having been investigating this disaster further on the internet as opposed to watching the same loop of film on various news netwroks, I feel completely shocked at what I have read. Having spent a month in Thailand earlier in 2004 I have felt personally devastated by the damage and destruction which has bull dozed this country and those surrounding it. My partner hard a heart problem whilst there and I have never experienced such kindness, help and consideration from all those we came into contact with for which we are eternally grateful. We live in a fragile world where we need to look after our neighbours irrespective of creed, colour or religion. I am astyounded that in a world of such technological advancement and education that such opinions could exist as those I have read. We are all fortunate enough to be sat at our computers warm, fed, watered and suffering from the excesses of Christmas. Could I ask you all to be thankful for the ability to visually understand this disaster but reserve such horrendous small minded opinions to yourselves. Can you spare a thought for the hugh percentage of small children who have lost their lives, parents or both in this tradgedy. These children do not know religion or colour but are innocent victims of a natural disaster. Whilst both religion and science can be debated into eternity this is neither the time or the place.

kelly		01-Jan-2005 22:44
terrible. such an unfortunate event for the women and children. Hopefully, Indonesian criminals are gone. http://www.huaren.org/focus/

Hubert		01-Jan-2005 22:43
The fotos are great. They make you think about, what you would do in such a moment. I think most of us would lose nerves and try to run away. The postings should be reprinted in a study book for a psychatric class.

Virginia		01-Jan-2005 22:11
I can't believe how self-centered you sound. all of you. read your comments. do you not realize, that this is a disaster. thousands of people are dead or are dying. people are asking questions, and you feel you have the right to answer. Are you God? fuck no. Are you Bush? yet again no. Only a couple of you are actually there. So why the hell are there people giving opinions when nobody asked for it? I didn't see anybody ask if this was God's punishment. Even if it was- its not for you to judge. I don't care what you're religion may be. To those that wish this awful disaster upon themselves. you're fucking insane. you have no idea what these people are going through. being seperated from your own children, watching them get pulled into the ocean. watching the only family you know disappear in front of you. can you even imagine? i know i can't. Maybe you want to blame this on somebody. i don't care. but if you look around you, what kind of house do you live in? is your family still living? then you are better of than 70% of the people in India right now. Thats realistic. Stop blaming, and start praying or wishing or whatever the hell you wanna do, that these people are able to rebuild their lives, as you would do if yours was torn down. As to the sick mother fucking bastard who said that god was giving us a high five. woo fucking-whoo. i'm sure hes making a mental note to high five your sorry ass to hell.

Wordsmith		01-Jan-2005 21:12
I'm sure Helmut would delete the offensive posts...if he had the time. I thank him for his effort to get this important information out anyway. You go, H. W

ALARM_CLOCK		01-Jan-2005 21:05
mmm.....the most smartest comment of all this bullshit would be: From: Ohio(OH@USA.org) Date: 01-Jan-2005 09:49 Thanks for sharing your images with us. alarm clock

ALARM_CLOCK		01-Jan-2005 21:05
mmm.....the most smartest comment of all this bullshit would be: From: Ohio(OH@USA.org) Date: 01-Jan-2005 09:49 Thanks for sharing your images with us. alarm clock

Mark		01-Jan-2005 20:27
Dear Friend, Though we never had a chance to meet, I thank you for your aid and prayers indeed, We were made victims, against our will, Before nature’s wrath, our blood ran chill! Family and friends long to find, What they have lost or left behind, Only tears and sorrow flood the lands, Where joyful people once laughed and sang! Now all nations must unite, For plagues will surface, thus we must fight, It’s the least we could do for another, Instead of pretending that we actually bother! Victim.

Dan		01-Jan-2005 20:17
This disaster is as shocking and saddening as the twin towers attack, and any one who thinks its amusing to make sickening remarks are showing that they posses low IQ’s. Also to comment about Saddam in regards to this incident is just mind blowing, were you people taught geography at school?

Mike Dekker		01-Jan-2005 19:06
Hellmut, The right thing for you to do is to delete these posts. Anytime people can post anonymously, cowards and the weak surface.

Marianne		01-Jan-2005 18:31
Is there anything that those of us who don't have money to contribute can do to help, like help search through lists of survivors to help connect families together? JacCrt@aol.com

Chas in Dayton OH		01-Jan-2005 17:54
Astounding. I would like to read an interview of your experiences. Re. art/life, I had just finished reading Crichton's new "State of Fear", scary coincidence, and prerequisite reading for any who wish to make comments on environmental issues or movements. I find the postings here almost as creepy as the photos, enjoyable for the same reason I guess. Finally, your amazing photography inspires me to make the 1DsMkII my next camaera. Congratulations on your survival, and thanks for generously creating this page for us. --Chas

Guest		01-Jan-2005 17:42
These pictures seem to be a simple capture of part of the great tragedy that is the Asian Tsunami. It doesn't have anything to do with politics, culture, hatred or any of the whining I have seen on this site. Some of you out there are bitter and full of hate for other countries or cultures. All your incessant whining and finger-pointing won't make this better or worse. Sometimes you have to stop and examine yourself and ask yourself what you are all about. For those of you who have lived such a terrible life that you dedicate feelings of hatred and ill wishes toward innocent people you've never even met- shame on you and God bless you regardless of which God you serve. It doesn't matter if those that died were prostitutes, cross dressers, she-males, or whatever other kind of slur has been used - the only thing that matters is that a human that was born to this world either died, lost a loved one or lost everything. Imagine how this would feel if it happened to you. All this trashtalking about politics and no one realized that bad politics come from bad people - like the lot you who sit around and criticize but don't move a finger to make a positive change in the world. All you do is log onto websites and spill the rubbish that is your insides onto innocent websites. Once again - shame on you. God Bless every single person affected by this and ANY other disaster - INCLUDING 9/11. Any loss of life is tragic - to normal people. Go with Peace. - Mel

Dara Hudson		01-Jan-2005 17:30
Sir....what you have captured in pictures...has left me with no words to descibe. You have caught the images of sheer horror....I will hold them in my heart till the day I die...my blessings to every soul.....

Guest		01-Jan-2005 17:03
Thank you for sharing these images. In these troubled times we tend to forget that we are a common species sharing this living, growing planet. It is a shame that it takes this kind of human tragedy to bring us all together. I wish I could do more than just send a little money and positive thoughts to those that are suffering. My heart is with you all! Best wishes for a New Year for all that read this! Terry

Guest		01-Jan-2005 16:12
This is the Sheraton Laguna hotel (Bangtao Beach, the attack is much more less than Kamala & Patong Beach) , bec there is a lake around the hotel to decreasing the weaves and make it silence. I was stay at the 4th floor of the hotel. God bless and good luck for those unfound people.

Ruby		01-Jan-2005 15:29
I cannot belive the amount of people making a joke of these pictures. Whoever wrote that thing about saddam huissan. Looking at these photos makes me feel ill. Too everyone out there suffering i wish i could be there helping you through your pain and loss. And to all you jerks who find this a joke.....rot in hell.

BillyD		01-Jan-2005 14:46
thank you for sharing these. i think the band "TOOL" says it best: "I have a suggestion to keep you all occupied - learn to swim..." the last time this many people died was WWII - 250,000 or so. More died here than in Hiroshima. If you've never been to the beach and been thrown around like a rag doll by a 3 foot wave with an incredible undertow (also the name of "TOOL"s debut album) - you cannott imagine what happened. the water didn't just rise up and people drowned - a roaring wave hit the shoreline 35 feet high, 300mph, and took everything with it. when people got hit with the wave, and took that first gasp of air - that was the end. the force of the wave probably broke their necks and spines instantly. they gasped - filled the lungs up with water, and drowned. if they were lucky enough to live through that, the wave then smashed them into something else, crushing them. try to imagine being under water and getting hit by a bus. that is what i imagine it was like. we can have all the technology in the world - even advance a little as humans - and nothing changes about nature. This will happen again, and there is nothing we can do to stop it. yes, it is the end of the world. for those who died. we, will keep on living.

Daniela Ramos		01-Jan-2005 14:43
Eu acredito que tudo na vida tem um propósito...mas qual seria a explicação para essa tragédia? Foi algo extremamente triste o que aconteceu no sul da Ásia. Até hoje vejo estarrecida os comentários e as imagens deste terror. Sinto muito por todas as pessoas vítimadas neste fatídico dia. É tão triste, tão desesperador ver pais carregando no colo seus filhos...mortos... Estou aqui para deixar meu lamento, e principalmente, meu apoio para todas as pessoas envolvidas. Tenham muita fé em Deus! TRUST IN GOD. HOPE IN YOUR HEARTS. Daniela Ramos Rodrigues, from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.

Ujio		01-Jan-2005 14:30
A graphic display of a tragic modern day disaster caused by an ancient enemy - nature. Yes - I say a MODERN DAY disaster - because we have lost the ways and teachings of our forefathers - becoming too dependent upon technology and victims to complacency. 20 generations ago, this disaster would not have occurred - people would have headed for high ground an hour before the tsunami hit landfall - they would have seen the warning signs taught to them by their fathers and grandfathers, handed down for many generations. Remember the man in Papua/New Guniea in 2000 who lived in a beach-side hut, but gathered up his family and climbed to the clifftop an hour before that devastating tsumani hit? He tried to warn his fellow villagers of the warning signs his grandfather had taught him - but they ignored him....to their peril. Fathers - teach your children what your father taught you. Grandfathers - teach your grandchildren what your grandfather taught you. By ignoring our past we compromise our future and place our children at great risk.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 13:38
When you all wake up, there is no god or all powerfull being, its nature who caused all this Most of the religeons in the world have been passed down through the years and all distorted Word of mouth is distorted over a week, how much does it get distoted over 1000's of years All religeons have caused more wars than anything else, no matter WHAT you believe in, be you christian,muslim,hindu,jew,buddhist,pagan,(and any others you can think of) YOU show me a religeon that hasnt got blood on its hands, they are all based on someone's interpretation of them at the time So you can ring bells, pray, pray to the 'great spirit, god, allah,buddha, vishnu'or who ever you believe in make all the sacrifices you want, there's no one there, we are just the product of evalution Its not how you die thats important, its how you lived that counts

Guest		01-Jan-2005 13:19
what hotel were they taken from?

Guest		01-Jan-2005 13:17
Thank you, Mr. Issels, for your images from this horrific event. These pictures bring to my heart some small understanding of this tragedy, and tears to my eyes.

An Indian		01-Jan-2005 12:37
I was quite literally shocked to see some of the mails on this forum. Let me just say that when 9/11 occurred Hindus, Buddhists etc across all of Asia prayed for the affected communities in their hour of grief. This is a region with more than 6000 years of recorded history. We have scriptures which dwelve far deeper into the universal mystery than any other on earth. But at the core they all proclaim that the more one understands god the lesser one comprehends His ways. If there was a vindictive god He would have flushed the evangelists and other religious fundamentalists down the drain a long time back as the planet would be a much better place without them. Let us just concentrate on doing all that is Humanely possible to help the victims and try to see how the effect of such a event can be minimized in the future.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 12:35
To GUEST you seem to be a GEORGE W BUSH fan answer this my did you vote for a man (if you actually did) who was to much of a cow**d to fight on the front line for his own country (cushy job guarding some base in the middle of the states i believe) but is quite willing to send other peoples sons and daughters to their deaths. America should make it a condition that if you would not put your life on the line for the country if serving in the armed forces then you cant be president. Hope to hear from you soon you tosser.

Spenc98		01-Jan-2005 12:09
The pictures of the dead in the Asian Tsunami/earthquake have already brought about an unprecented gvivng of funds, unknown in the world unknown in the world before. It doesn't matter whether God caused it, or westerners building ports, whatever that means and it really has no relevance to Muslims. What does matter is that the pictures portray far more suffering for millions of people that remain alive, some of which will die from diseases caused by the mixing of fresh water and sewerage. They need our help just as much as we would need their help if something happened to us on this scale. The difference is that we as westerners, have a lot more to give and if we needed their help, just how much could they give; a lot less than we can no doubt. Are you all as safe as the 150,000 that died, thought they were. Anything can happen at any time. What will you all be saying when the sea levels rise in the future and we and our children have to move inland, the same place as millions more will head to if a disater similar to the Asian Tsunami/Earthquake. Agricultural land will disappear, food will become short and the choice of where to go will be vastly reduced. These people need our help, not our fingers of blame. Just one quick point. Tsunamis and earthquakes have been happening long before the arrival of man but nevertheless, we should think hard about what we are doing to our planet.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 11:55
Hi all it really is sad that a lot of people have used this page to put across religous or politcal beliefs think about what has happened here and to the people who lost their lives get your head out of your butt and think yourself lucky.

Ohio		01-Jan-2005 09:49
Thanks for sharing your images with us.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 09:38
the reason why this forum is so full of sickening bullshit is because there is nothing else to say everthing is sounding same did u read the previous pages of comments? its the repeat ppl giving pity ppl talking god ppl thinking being so fucking smart they say no god exists u all can go fuck urselfs maybe u should close down this forum whoever the moderator is pathetic ppl are posting here and making joke of something that happened trying to explain their guilt and pretending they donate everything they got the way the victims lost everthing they had we are all as self serving as each other everyone better raise the bar of their morals if they want to come to a good end

the realist		01-Jan-2005 09:24
2525 dont be an idiot. can u say that u are the good warden of the earth? And god is not love, dont be such a self serving idiot. god is not man, man the only creature that has love. and i dont find that very noble or anything

Aussie		01-Jan-2005 09:17
In an unfortunate situation arose awe-inspiring photos and frankly I have no wish to be in that situation to capture them. Unfortunately I find it pathetic that this site has turned into a political and childish discussion forum on who should live and who should die; furthermore who is responsible is a ridiculous debate. Wake up all those who never went to school, in a nut shell we are ALL living on an ever changing and sometimes unstable planet as these images prove. So be thankful if your families were not victims as many nationalities were lost. And ask yourself, “is you country immune from a similar disaster”.

guest2525		01-Jan-2005 08:35
What I find TOTALLY amusing reading comments God did it. God is Love. It is MOTHER NATURE taking her revenge because mankind is not a good warden of the earth. Why we can't admit the fact, WE created it? Why we pass responsibility to someone? We must be held accountable for our actions. Remember when you drink water from a paper cup you've wasted a tree. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with the bible. Its Mother Nature's way of washing a portion of the face of the earth. Take the garbage out and take some lives too on her path. If people don't build their home close to coastal lines, very FEW will die. Also POPULATION EXPLOSION! You never think of that huh? God do NOT have to punish humans, we're pretty good in punishing ourselves without help. Greed is our biggest punisher. Not all people that perish in Tsunami are Muslims nor all those countries are Muslims, Thailanders are Buddhist. Are children born in a muslim country deserve to die in that Tsunami? 60% of the dead are children. Never wish ill to anyone regardless of beliefs, race and custom - that ill wish may come back to you and you'll bite your elbow. Pray instead those that survived may gather what's left of their life and rebuild it. Especially the children that had witness that tragedy, it will be a traumatic experience for them and grownups that have seen the death of their loveones but there's nothing they can do to save the person. Consider yourself LUCKY your country was not hit by Tsunami or you'll be singing a different tune.

alarm_clock		01-Jan-2005 08:10
HELLO R U PPLZ GONE INSANE?!?!?!?! this disaster can obviously be scientificly approved, and some stupid idiot is saying sumthing about god punishing us.....i'm not saying god doesnt exist, but i am saying to shut the hell up and try and help the pplz in need of help, not just sitting around a computer debating wether god did it or not....WAKE UP, no one wanted 40K of pplz dead, STOP BLAMING IT ON THE MUSLIMS, and shut up.... thank you....have a nice day : - ) alarm clock

md		01-Jan-2005 07:15
Pleeeeeeeease Heeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are some of the non-profit organizations accepting donations to help those hit by the tsunami. World Vision Salvation Army American Red Cross You will find more, click on links below. Every little bit helps if we all chip in. http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/31/debt-tsunami041230.html

Jesus H. Christ		01-Jan-2005 06:53
For all of you God freaks, let me break it down to you what happened. One of the Earth's tectonic plates slipped under another creating a large dispacement of water which raced away from the epicenter creating what is known on Earth as a 'tsunami.' Once the tsunami reached shorlines, it lost velocity, but gained power as in entered more shallow waters, displacing even more water. What resulted was an unusually powerful set of waves that crashed upon the shoreline of several countries, destroying everything in their path. Throughout history, this has happened every so often. But only recently due to increasing populations living close to shoreline has it become such a large threat to human life. It is not because "God" is angry or is "punishing" a certain segment of the population somehow, but rather a freak set of circumstances set into motion by the ever shifting planet on which you live. This should not be a time for debate, but rather a time for sympathy and understanding. The losses that the people in this region are facing are beyond comprehension for most of us. Let us put aside are diffrences and find a way to help. That is the most loving thing we can do. - Jesus H. Christ '05

MD		01-Jan-2005 05:43
A fool said in his heart, “There Is No God.” Yet we are all fragile creatures. And whether it is by a tragic way of tsunami, an earthquake, a drunk driver, or old age, one day we will stand before God to give an account of our lives. Two greatest commandments given by Christ 1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart! 2) Love your neighbor as yourself! Please pray for those who have suffered and help in any way you can.

guest		01-Jan-2005 05:28
Hey realist, I am not prejudiced :) after 911, given the chance I would wipe every single muslim off the face of the planet if I could! Talk about a bunch of idiots!!

The realist		01-Jan-2005 04:24
At every stage in world history dickhead christians are thinking that THEIR days are so important that the end of the world happens during their time. Sorry, self centered buttheads, the world is not going to end. Maybe its christianity's days that are numbered.

Lynn		01-Jan-2005 04:13
I agree with "Guest", everything that is happening in this world is all foretold in the Bible. Even in the book of Matthew, Jesus foretold the signs of the beginning of the "last days". Any one out there who's interested -- pick up your bible and read Matt 24:3-14.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 04:10
let me tell you why the death toll was so high it was so high because of u westerners in the 18th century colonials set up ports and populated cities along the coasts of the rest of the world so when tsunamis come so many are killed dont blame god for this disaster, because he dosnt exist blame urself

Guest		01-Jan-2005 04:02
Sola, read the Book of Revelation.

guy smiley		01-Jan-2005 03:50
What about that 40 days 40 nights (or whatever) of rain thingy which noah had to build the arc for? I'm sure thousands of good people (and animals) were killed in that too

Sola		01-Jan-2005 03:38
Actually that has been the problem with people who have misinterrpreted God's word the Bible. God does not do evil things. You're a little mixed up, the person who said that God did this because there are people of certain religions. That is totally false. There were all kinds of people who died from the tsuanami, even good God-fearing people, so no it was NOT from God. Too bad people want to blame our Creator who loves people and would not kill even people who are good, along with bad. This was a very very sad unforseen occurance. Very sad. The ones to blame are humans who have been ruining the earth. All the pollution and chemicals have put nature at an imbalance and thus natural disasters are on the rise, along with many other problems. So stop blaming the One who gave us life, and start helping the survivors. Comfort them if you're near, and help them materially if you can.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 03:12
mrs kathy p. In what way are they good? They are grosse. dont be a sadist. do u honestly think that this picture is going to increase donations from anyone, especially americans?

christmas tsunami		01-Jan-2005 02:57
http://www.ogrish.com/archives/tsunami_image_aftermath_image_of_beach_Dec_29_2004.html

christmas tsunami		01-Jan-2005 02:54
Here:

Darren		01-Jan-2005 02:49
Great photos. I have found one on the net which shoes the shorline in Sri Lanka after the waves have gone back out to sea. Amongst the debris (wood, beds, all sorts) in this picture, covering about 100 square feet, there must be 200 bodies. This is the most shocking thing I have ever seen. God bless every soul taken from us this horible christmas!

Kathy P.		01-Jan-2005 02:40
Those are really good pictures.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 02:35
ppl relate catastrophe to religion because the bible relates catastrophe to religion. BURN ALL BIBLES!

Rock		01-Jan-2005 02:20
Ce n'était pas une punition ou un don de Dieu. Qu'auraient fait ces gens pour mériter un pareil chatiment. Je ne crois pas à toutes ces bondieuseries qui disent que nous devons expier pour des crimes quelconques. C'est ridicule. Il n'y a pas de raison pour laquelle ces gens ont péri. Ce que je déplore, c'est que des instruments qui pourraient servir à secourir les survivants servent toujours à la destruction dans un pays proche. C'est vraiment inacceptable de dépenser autant d'argent pour la guerre et d'être aussi pingre pour aider les survivants d'un cataclysme.

Apocalypse Now		01-Jan-2005 02:18
Check this out: http://www.ogrish.com/archives/tsunami_photos_more_tsunami_victim_images_Dec_30_2004.html

Guest		01-Jan-2005 02:14
anyone read the prophecy book the bible code? says that in 40 yrs time a series of earthquakes and tsunamis will strike the eastern US and it will be quite catastrophic. u noe in fact what used to be grand canyon was actually an inland sea long time ago americans, dont celebrate ur security so soon, the sea might return i dont knoe how to express symphathy for tsunami victims without sounding banal i hav alredy done that now is the time to donate real stuff money

Gootch		01-Jan-2005 02:09
Ppl talk about god.....there is not god. Ppl talk about love....something humans invented to define their instinctive need for pro-creation. Ppl talk about a message....the only message I see here is "stay away from the beach" Great pictures of a, sadly, very costly natural disaster. Tragically, human lives were lost, animals were lost. Ppl will suffer the consequences of this event for many years. Why can't you ppl just accept that instead of attacking each other with pathetic retoric. Oh wait, I know, IT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE ALL FUCKING STUPID. this message is edited by Beelzebub, I am coming for you.

servant		01-Jan-2005 01:27
To those who suffer, and to those whose lives were ended so catastrophically, you have my heartfelt compassion, my sympathy, and my respect. They are small things to give, and little else do I have to offer. May this new year be more kind to you than the last. To those who make small of this event, who joke and laugh at the pain of others, remember that this too shall pass. And perhaps when next Death knocks, he knocks at your door. And when the world abandons you, mocks your passing and revels in the pointlessness of your life, remember that you first abandoned it. And to the rest of us, who have little choice but to watch or maybe to donate from our own pockets and veins to a greater cause, sieze this moment at the edge of a new year to be with those you love as well as those you watch. This world is a fickle thing, and the tide of life goes out as fast as it comes in. To all of you, my blessing goes out. It is paltry, and not of such a scope as any god's, but it is what a human can manage.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 01:21
In the past 4 years, the USA has given more than ALL other countries combined. You hate to remind people of that but considering the lack of respect given to the US and Bush, you need to. People need to SEE more than they want to.

Arianne		01-Jan-2005 00:33
I don't think this is a reward or a punishment from God. By the way, I'm Catholic. I believe that when people die, they go to a much better place than this Earth; they go to heaven with God when they will never be unhappy for any reason whatsoever. Also I believe that when a person dies, no matter how young or old they were, or how peaceful or how tragic they died, that means that they finished their mission on Earth. I guess God saw how miserable how these people were because of how poor they were, and welcomed them to Heaven, where they would be much better. This does not mean I am happy with what happened, however. I send my prayers to all those who lost loved ones in this tragic and devastating tsunami. Also my prayers for those who cannot find their loved ones and who do not know yeat if they have passed away.

bec		01-Jan-2005 00:29
How on earth can people relate catastrophies to religion, when will the world grow up. Mother nature has had enough of mankind and is now rebelling, as for photos of dead bodies how macarbe are you! What about adopting a survivor! Can the world grasp what has happened and help not whinge.

Liv		31-Dec-2004 22:53
For all those who don't care: How can you wish death on another person? Have you no heart? Put yourself in their shoes. What do you see? What do you feel? How now, will you go about life? By the help of complete strangers. How would you react if you were in their situation, and no one cared? As you drown, the person you stretch your hand out to for help just stares at you, as if to say, "You are just a person. One life among so many others. Die, I will not help you." You my friend, would not make it. The absolute lack of love people have towards each other would be your death. Your attitude of 'I don't care' shows in great detail, this lack of love. You are human. You are just like everyone else. The poorest of people have more value to the world than people who are as selfish as you. Shame be upon those who do not care to help their fellow man

lathyrus odoratus		31-Dec-2004 22:51
This is for those who think that this tsunami is a message from god. Did it ever occur to you that the message may be about how countries should co-opertate more with each other rather than argue and fight. Or is making the point that the monitoring systems in place all around the Pacific to warn of seismic events is needed worldwide and we have been ignoring that fact for far to long. Remember that the death toll, although horrific, is 125,000 last I heard. That is the population of La Dat in Vietnam or Nelson in New Zealand. If this was a sign of God's vengence I am sure that in this over populated part of the world, the death toll would be many many times higher.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 22:49
Thanks for sharing these dramatic images Helmut. Our prayers go out to all those affected by this disaster.

lathyrus odoratus		31-Dec-2004 22:49
This is for those who think that this tsunami is a message from god. Did it ever occur to you that the message may be about how countries should co-opertate more with each other rather than argue and fight. Or is making the point that the monitoring systems in place all around the Pacific to warn of seismic events is needed worldwide and we have been ignoring that fact for far to long. Remember that the death toll, although horrific, is 125,000 last I heard. That is the population of La Dat in Vietnam or Nelson in New Zealand. If this was a sign of God's vengence I am sure that in this over populated part of the world, the death toll would be many many times higher.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 22:42
Karma? Karma just sent a Tsunami to a few countries! Check out this picture (look at the man's T-Shirt) and then let's talk about Karma:http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/details_pop.aspx?iid=51896117&cdi=0

chris		31-Dec-2004 21:57
Why is it that the morons who have no sypathy for the victims of this terrible disaster ahev so much to say, but do not put their email addresses down. Karma will catch you one day.

American guest		31-Dec-2004 21:36
It used to be that such disasters were attributed to the wrath of God. Today, in an odd inversion that some enjoy to think of as progress, these tragedies are offered as evidence of no God. Sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but we're not going to be able to prove or disprove God's existence. This question is part of the human condition, and there is no way to peek at the answer before your time's up! We will be wrestling with this question forever, and there will NEVER be proof that God does or does not exist. So whatever you believe, try to realize that your belief is likely grounded in faith that not everyone shares. (It might seem like I'm picking on orthodox believers, but you atheists aren't off scot-free either, since no one can possibly prove God doesn't exisit you base your stance on faith as well) Sorry for the diversion, I just wated to make that clarification after reading so many obnoxious comments from the evangelicals and irreligious alike.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 21:16
@ Snuffles: You're right, I am stupid (and so are those who believe what I'm saying and the people in charge of the countries). But I am especially realist! Sooner or later, this will be the end with all those wars, tragedies, disasters, etc.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 21:06
Guest: I am George W Bush and I approve this message!

XRS		31-Dec-2004 21:05
Dear Mr. Bush, These are your supporters. You're proud of this?

Tony		31-Dec-2004 20:40
To Guest, I just viewed a science program that predicts a Mega tsunami wiping out 20 miles of America's East Coast. This is no fantasy, just science. Bur it is impossible to predict when this will happen, now, in 10 years, in 40, in 100 ? Look for las palmas and landslide. If this really happens no doubt someone will start attacking Russia or China with Nukes, thinking they started a war. This will also mean the destruction of Europe. So you see, it only takes a few stupid assholes to start a war and again helas they have the nukes. The region now hurted by this natural disaster is not to blame, nor are the people, I have a lot of respect for their courage and the efforts they made and still make to help the victims. Their own and the many visitors. I will help them as well as i can. Now and in the future. I hope the sane people that read these notes will do the same. For all I wish you a better year then 2004. Tony

Snuffles		31-Dec-2004 20:33
So, basically, you're stupid. Gotcha.

apple		31-Dec-2004 20:27
I have no religion at all ,i am a very happy man ,I have heard a lot of drivle in my 50 years but some of the comments i've just read have made me reply to anything like this for the 1st time ,so ALL those who died where bad because your forgiving &loving god is right ,so why was not all the criminals in the world of all religions all on holiday in at lease one of those regions where life was to be taken from the bad people ,and I would like to know if there were any of the worlds religions not counted amoung the dead if there was then you poor people who cannot opparate from day to day with out you crutch or as you call it CHURCH had better join straight away as we all have disasters in all our parts of this one and only planet ,thanking you THE APPLE (earthling)

Guest		31-Dec-2004 20:19
@ Jagerbomb: Why should I apologize? And for your information, no, I've never been outside of North America and haven't contributed to the world population and never plan to do either. In fact, I couldn't care less if there was a Tsunami or new war everyday (great entertainment, love to see the bombs falling live!). That's why I am so glad President Bush was re-elected; with him I know there WILL be more wars and who knows, he might even make my dreams come true and start a nuclear war with Russia/China/North Korea (the REAL axis of evil), then the end would be near, really really near. I am all for the genocide of all humans (yes, ALL).

Richard		31-Dec-2004 20:11
Here are several videos of the Tsunami at different areas: http://jlgolson.blogspot.com/2004/12/tsunami-video.html

Gabriel Podbio� POLAND		31-Dec-2004 19:54
POLAND POLAND POLAND POLAND POLAND POLAND POLAND

Tim		31-Dec-2004 19:42
I thank the photographer for posting these photos, its not something we want to see, but something we have to see. It is part of coping with the tragedy. I look at the loss of life as being terrible, I am very proud however to be part of a country who is able to contribute so much to the relief effort. I personally have started a donation drive within my company, and the owner of the company has agreed to match my donations.... I certainly hope that I am not alone in this endeavor to provide any assistance that I possibly can. If one thing good comes out of this situation, it is that this will bring the whole world together despite our differences in politics, race, religion, anything, we all just want to help.

AhItsyou		31-Dec-2004 19:42
I am completely in favor of giving to help, but where will we all be when the news fades and billions (yes billions!!) of other people untouched by tsunamis and uncovered by the current news continue to live in misery and with hunger and disease in many countries of the world. Give and give freely, weep with the victims, make heartfelt comments, but have no illusion: we give in part to alleviate our own pain, not just theirs. And after we go on with our lives next week, billions will still be living without hope.

disgusted human		31-Dec-2004 19:41
I am thoroughly disgusted with the lack of sympathy shown by a great number of people in this post that feel those people were being punished for their religious beliefs or for their race. It is quite obvious what is wrong with the world today and why their are so many horrible crimes done towards other people due to the cold hearted and cruelness that people have. The people that post all these unkind and cruel remarks are the only ones that deserve to be punished by such a horrible way. I would never wish anyone harm, but it seems as there are many in this post that do not value the human life of others and in essence do not deserve their own life that they have been given. I am not a greatly religious person, and I feel as if religion somewhat divides and causes much conflict and war between societies. Religion and race should never be reason to hate or wish harm on others. It would be great if people could just accept others beliefs without judging those who have different beliefs, and if those same people could understand that their own beliefs are just that....they are only beliefs and in no way should be construed as a mark of superiorness above others. I wish to give my greatest sympathy to those who have lost their lives or loved ones in this disaster and hope that those dealing with the affects of this disaster understand that their are many who do care about human life and the struggles that we all most go through in our journey through life.

Jagerbomb		31-Dec-2004 19:38
Well guest, you schlep. You've kicked the hornet's nest, but now you fear the keyboard. We're waiting for your apology as are the victims who have passed over.

Gabriel Podbio� POLAND		31-Dec-2004 19:33
POLSKA JEST Z WAMI!!! CIERPIMY RAZEM Z TAJLANDI¥, SRI LANK¥ I INDIAMI!!! DODAJEMY WAM Z CALEGO SERCA SIL I WIARY! NIE PODDAWAJCIE SIE! WALCZCIE! TRZEBA ZYC!

Wordsmith		31-Dec-2004 19:31
To whomever politicizes this tragedy: You should be ashamed. This isn't a political event; it's a natural disaster. I sent 100 dollars to the Red Cross and, no, I'm not rich. Those folks are hurting, they need our help, and one more thing: politics be damned! W :(

Jagerbomb		31-Dec-2004 19:29
Dear cynical guest, you're a worthless putz. You've obviously never been abroad, but you likely have contributed your inbred seed to the world population.

SC		31-Dec-2004 19:28
The overwhelming amount of utter ignorance exhibited by many of the mindless pinheads who have posted here is truly sad. My heart aches over the massive loss of life due to this horrendous tragedy, and my thoughts are with the countless hundreds of thousands who have lost so much.

Don J.		31-Dec-2004 19:23
Sean, You obviously have mental problems.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 19:02
What is 200,000 humans? Who cares about 200,000 humans? I sure don't!

Sean		31-Dec-2004 18:56
to the photographer: thank you for posting this photographic record of this terrible natural disaster. it should serve to remind that on any given day... to the rest of the sane world: i'm from america, and i can see that the religious nut jobs are coming out of the wood work. we aren't all like that in this country. some of us genuininely care. to the fundamentalist religious whackos: "Love thy neighbor as thyself" shame on you. however, i can see clearly why you'd think god (the Trinity or whatever you call your three-headed god) was doing something like this... after all he was quite blood thirsty in the old testament (see judges 11 for the Trinity's accepting of a HUMAN SACRIFICE) in short: please... take your religious drivel somewhere else... preach ALL of the bible or NONE of it. have a nice godless day =)

Brad		31-Dec-2004 18:33
Please don't pay attention to the morons from the United States that write such worthless dribble. I am from the State of Idaho in the U.S. and I can attest that 99.9% of the US people are in shock with the rest of the world and want to do whatever we can to help. The only reason they write this offensive stuff is to get your attention to see how pathetic theri lives are. We don't pay any attention to them here and you shouldn't either.

SamtheAmerican		31-Dec-2004 18:28
Jaybee the whole world doesn't hate America, only losers like you do. No green card for you, pal!

George Bush		31-Dec-2004 18:27
I'm seriously thinking, I'm gonna send my army right to Asia, I'm gonna make the war to THE SEA.

JayBee		31-Dec-2004 18:17
If i read the disgusting comments from fanatic american christians, i don´t really wonder any more why the whole world hates America. I´m German - and it´s very sad to watch the country that gave us democracy is slowly decending into a fanatic autocracy.

Pim		31-Dec-2004 17:43
Terrible but wonderful pictures - what kind of a camera do you use? Soon new year (only 5 hour left of 2004)- but there are so many thoughts of what has happend due to the earth quake and the tsunamis in Asia. We are all so taken by the fact that there are so huge forces - and we people are so small. Love to you all from Swedish girl.

Rosster		31-Dec-2004 17:42
I agree with the last post. i am disgusted by some of the posts here. however, the pictues are incredible, thank you for sharing them. i pray for the families of those lost in this tragedy.

Disgusted Italian		31-Dec-2004 17:33
I am speechless - much more about these tasteless comments and quarrels than the destruction itself. I did not know that there are so many mean and stupid people out there. I hope the webmaster will cancel these nasty postings; it is a pity, the gallery is very well done and the pictures are impressive.

American		31-Dec-2004 16:34
It is nice to see how big and bold people are through email... Don't even acknowledge these type of people. They get their jollies out of boiling other's blood. Just ignore them and they will crawl back under the rock they came from. They are sad and lonely people that did not learn "normal" social skills as children... probably neglected by parents and peers. I feel sorry for "Hugh". 1 John 2:15-17

chantal		31-Dec-2004 15:57
WE SURRENDER!!!!

Andrew M		31-Dec-2004 15:54
- - Hellmut, Your photos bring the scenes to our doorstep. It's great to see the world coming together on this one. On another note; This is your Gallery and your Guestbook. You paid for it. Delete the childish (easy to pick out) and off-topic posts (anything with religion or 9/11). Its not blocking freedom of speech, its cleaning up a huge mess. - -

chantal		31-Dec-2004 15:48
Pensons à tous ces pauvres gens en ce jour de liesse pour la plupart d'entre nous. Et rejetons les imbéciles qui ne savent que dire HA HA à la gloire de Saddam Hussein. Leur réaction reflète bien leurs idées nauséabondes.

guest		31-Dec-2004 15:47
Any true Christian wouldn't sit there in judgment and would instead be involved in some effort to help these poor souls in their time of need. Sometimes, I'm ashamed to be a human being.

NRW		31-Dec-2004 15:34
Regardless of your faith, what good is it if it is not for the purpose of the God your faith claims you to follow? If God preferred a particular race of people above the world, why did he bother making all the others? Yah (LORD in English) has no preference to the flesh but it is the soul he loves. He used one particular bloodline to bring his word to the world, but this was not meant so they could become selfish and place themselves above another man (God loves all souls the same, he just hates what some do and become). We are to teach the truth, then let them choose, we are not to judge or force his word. The intent of a persons heart does indeed determine the innocents of that persons soul. People live threw millions of different lives and points of destinations. Lessons learned change the way ones heart may go. All people must believe without a shadow of a doubt that witch they claim they believe, otherwise it is worthless. If you can not commit to it with the conscience you carry, you should not believe it, it does you no good. I don't wish to bring anyone to the Lord because it is by their choice they should be lead. If a person has a heart that don't believe in God, that is their choice. Once they are told the truth the choices are up to them. God doesn't want forced of fake love. It doesn't matter if I say the disaster was a chastisement from God or not. Most people don't care, or they use emotions of self to blame God or hate God by it and this accomplishes nothing but bitterness. Mother Earth is in a cycle. This cycle is written and unchangeable. All thing do suit a purpose, and that purpose will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of the Lord's will. If by this people wish to claim this disaster was of God, so be it; all thing are of God and the true God works in a natural way. If you want to remove decease PH balance your body, if a person maintains a PH balance of 6.8 funguses witch create things like cancer can not developed (research it). If you want to cure confusion feed the people truth, truth of all things. If you want a powerful country give it to the people and they will die to protect it.

Chad Reams		31-Dec-2004 15:26
Sorry for the bad grammar. These pictures are show in true detail. It is amazing when you look at the before and after pictures. When I look at these pictures I start to understand the mass destruction.

Laruelle		31-Dec-2004 15:12
We Surrender!!

Chad Reams		31-Dec-2004 15:11
These pictures are show true detail. It is amazing when you look at the before and after pictures. When I look at these pictures I start to understand the mass distruction. Good Bless You All.

Laruelle		31-Dec-2004 15:08
que dire ..que dire devant de telles images

Dan Chusid		31-Dec-2004 15:00
If you'd like to help, here are some organizations helping the victims of this disaster: ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org

Guest		31-Dec-2004 14:23
To: raffles, who worte at 31-Dec-2004 11:13 I am a what I guess is called a "devout" Christian...(I'm German), but I would never say anything like my way ... Raffles, you wouldn't say it of course, you'd just do it. Isn't that you Germans who killed SIX MILLION inocent Jews, and milliions of Slavs, French, etc. That's way more than all tsunamis in the history of mankind ever killed. George Bush

Guest		31-Dec-2004 14:21
OZSURFER... Read the top of the page!! The man did survive. Spend a bit more time reading, and bit less surfing. Mmmmmkay!!

Guest		31-Dec-2004 14:21
OZSURFER... Read the top of the page!! The man did survive. Spend a bit more time redaing, and bit less surfing. Mmmmmkay!!

ozsurfer		31-Dec-2004 14:15
The picture of the young man caught in the water wave has really impacted on me. I do not want to enter any debate but congratulate the photogapher for the courage to take this picture and post it. It is images like this that will indirectly heighten public awareness, encourage more generous assistance and over time cause us to remember the misfortune of those in tragedies like this. Did this young man survive? who will ever know?

guest		31-Dec-2004 14:07
hugh jass what about the hurricanes in the states,how do you factor that in with your good guys v bad guys scenario. dont you understand that your view on life is exactly why we as a planet are still so backward.gods 'high fiveing' you! do yourself a favour and read a little more.

thaigirl		31-Dec-2004 14:03
dear all i'm thai i'm so sorry for wat happened in TH. i don't have any comments to say coz we r all know well wat we supposed to say ...... god bless who thinks good!!!!!

guest		31-Dec-2004 13:58
hugh jass you are an ass.a very sick,ignorant ass. you've obviously never really thought much....about anything. i value life in general,i dont lose my shit and philosophy when i come across disasters and pledge my undying energy to the cause.but you,i'm finding it hard to imagine what your worth on this planet is. when you cant have any compassion for anything outside your own skin,i think you're fucked. may someone take pity on you,you fool.

Hugh Jass		31-Dec-2004 13:44
Hey Dutch-Boy, I'm not American, and this has NOTHING to do with 9/11. eat my ass with a spoon. Click Me/

DisgustedDutch		31-Dec-2004 13:39
Those worthless people who find it funny to post nasty, racist, nationalist or otherwise insane comments here deserve to lose their loved ones (provided they have any) in a similar gruesome manner! Shame on the sad little American boys who think it's fun to post crap like this. Seems some Americans have learned absolutely nothing from what happened in their own country on 9/11...

Hugh Jass		31-Dec-2004 13:34
Unlike many people here, I don't think this was a punishment, I think it is a reward. Look, we got rid of some of the poorest, most worthless "humans" on the planet. I think this is God's way of giving us a "high-five" Like, "You guys are doing great, keep up the good work." We need to keep up what we're doing, and maybe he'll reward us even more, maybe send a meteor to destroy France, or maybe Africa will be swallowed up by the ocean. Damn, this is great. THANKS GOD IF YOU'RE LISTENING!!!

Guest		31-Dec-2004 13:22
For those who think its punishment from God, think about it again. God has a heart for the unsaved, He would want to save as many as possible before the second coming. So it is not the case He wants to wipe out the people as a form of punishment. But exactly why He allowed this catastrophe to happen, like I said, its not for our finite minds to know. Lets all just pray for peace and salvation to all. And pray that His all mighty Grace will allow us to pull through these trying times.

Warunee		31-Dec-2004 13:21
I am sad to see these pictures, even if I have seen in the news thru TV and newspaper , this is so suck. My 5 students are dead and I pray to all to get well very soon.

Dixie Recked		31-Dec-2004 13:18
Isaac... YOU... ARE A MEATHEAD!

Isaac		31-Dec-2004 13:11
Dear all, Lets stop bickering and have the peace in our hearts and pray for the people affected by this disaster. I'm a christian and I know for sure that God is in charge of all things. But we are not to second guess him or question his actions. God is blameless, so to the christians that blame God for this, stop. God's actions are not for us to fanthom too, so for those who are saying this is a punishment, stop. But this is a wake up call for all, these are things that make you think twice about denying the existing of an Almighty God. For christians, we know, we have read about it in the Bible. For the rest, take this as an opportunity to find out more and think about the what you want in life. Its humbling to all, and I can only thank God that Singapore, the place where I stay has been shown mercy.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 13:02
People really care what those Christian assholes think about this tragedy? You should never listent to pelople who voted for Bush or watch Fox News.

Swarnava Roy Choudhury		31-Dec-2004 13:01
Technological advancements may have benefited us in many ways, but we have not been able to overcome nature. We can only imagine the magnitude of the natural force. May the Departed Souls rest in Peace.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 12:55
Are you people for real??? About 10% of the posts on this forum make sense, the rest of you are just a bunch of ignorant, religious fanatics who are bent on blaming a "God" for this catastrophe. The fact of the matter is, it was a natural disaster, that no-one caused and that no-one could have prevented. It was not a cleansing, or a punishment against any one religion. And as for the people making jokes about it, you are sick and obviously have no regard for human life. I bet your tune would change soon enough, if you knew somebody that was killed or was missing. If you people are an example of what the world is like... then we have no hope at all. Perhaps the tsunami should have hit your town.

wille		31-Dec-2004 12:38
Are u guys kiddin me? Fuckin stupid discussing if this is a punishment for Muslims and etc. How low life ignorant can u be? Over 100 000 people died, who gives a shit what they believe in. The ignorance in your comments make me sick. But, I also give handjobs to homless men :)

Wake_Up		31-Dec-2004 12:33
This disaster seems to me one more proof there is no god and if we want the world to be a better place we have to do it ourselves together.

Luis Rocha		31-Dec-2004 12:04
With such comments like "the 9/11 was greater than this tragedy" (who's comparing?), or that "1 american means 10000 of those "dirty indians", no wonder people hate americans. I don't hate americans, but I hate ignorants, racists and people that think that their better than the "dirty indians". Abou t the subject that this is a work of God. I say that this is a work of men, as everything. Diseases are work of men, wars are work of men, everything is work of men. Weather is work of men. Why would God kill 120 or 130 thousand of his beings? Just to say to us that he can kill us in one second whenever he wants? I don't think so. Those who say that this was God punishing the muslims, I say that everybody needs punishment, not just muslims. Look at what Bush is doing throughout the world and you'll see that everybody is guilty. We are God, don't forget that.

manoj patel		31-Dec-2004 11:46
oh.... my lovely planet earth i know its a sin that you have done in south east asia but its nothing more at all you still have to face GLOBAL WARMING threat which would be more more..... wrost than it..... so my lovely planet earth be ready & beware for it..... because MAN AT WORK.

tina		31-Dec-2004 11:39
here at this point we need to understand that the nature can be a mother and a devil as well. when we are not taking care of nature then why should it care for us. So instead of wasting money on war, politics and nucleur plants we should do something to save us from such kind of natural catastroph. I strongly feel that we can do a lot if we use our resource properly and in the right direction.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 11:13
I am a what I guess is called a "devout" Christian in English (I'm German), but I would never say anything like my way of life is the only one leading to happiness. Whenever a catastrophe occurs there's always somebody who says it's a punishment of (their) God (like, AIDS is a punishment for gay people, the war in Iraq is Christianity versus Islam etc.). Now from a Christian point of view this is the biggest sin: accusing somebody else of wrongdoing and saying God administered justice. It is not for us to judge about other people's spiritual state, because it equals unforgiveness - and unforgiveness means that God can't forgive you because you haven't forgiven all human beings (including yourself). In fact it is worse than murder, because murder can be forgiven. All religions, all nations, all people regardless of their lifestyles and beliefs have to work together if mankind wants to survive this century, let alone improving on our current disastrous state, morally and economically. So instead of accusing each other (and God) we should be tolerant, loving and looking forward to a challenge that is certainly bigger than whatever a single person can figure out. Peace, Armin

E.A.C.		31-Dec-2004 11:12
A lot of people died, a lot of suffered, a lot of people survived, and a lot of people just do what they do everyday. Lets make this event a reminder that people's strife are pretty much irrelevant in comparison of what mother nature and God can do. Okay? Don't fight no more. Don't fight on 'warning system' not being installed. (want a good warning system? have a pet. the warning system they suggest is a worthless complex mess and the warning will probably arrived too late anyway, that's why it was never installed in the first place). Don't fight on government 'not warning people'. (most people tend to ignore warnings even if they already warned continously. just look at the vast ocean got, how and why do you think it got there in the first place?) Don't fight on 'independence'. Don't fight on 'pollution'. Don't fight on government being 'unfair'. Don't fight on saying 'religions' are stupid. (because everyone has a religion, even atheist) Don't fight on just because you think you're right. And so on. Okay folks, now how many are you willing to take a vacation in Jakarta? Considering that this event has teached us that Jakarta is the safest place from a tsunami.

Sum Dum Gai		31-Dec-2004 11:07
wat you crazy guy say. not funne. many peepul ded. me so sorry for dis. you crazy you go hell. fuk you.

Eugene Carmichel		31-Dec-2004 11:03
Once More: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/afy.html/

Eugene Carmichel		31-Dec-2004 11:01
Let me try that again:

Eugene Carmichel		31-Dec-2004 10:55
Here is a website that has some additional information on this tragedy, espescially for those looking for lost ones. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/afy.html

ron		31-Dec-2004 10:53
for the people who think god enjoys striking muslims.. just consider the hurricanes in the bible belt in america not too long ago ;)

kristian		31-Dec-2004 10:37
By the way Harry Bunz aka 'Sad Act' your on the wrong website son, do urself a favour and get out a bit more....tit!

Dhruv		31-Dec-2004 10:33
To the Guest who wrote the comment on this page regarding MUSLIM countries being hit on the day after Christmas - You are a DELUDED FANATIC and an example of how ignorant the people of your nation are. You have no concept of God, no religion, you are foolish and you are the type of person that makes this world weak. You talk shit.

Kristian		31-Dec-2004 10:33
What has happened is simply an unimaginable tragedy made that much worse occuring at such a special time of year. All religions and faiths have been afected so why people start rambling on about the disaster being a punishment from God is a complete joke. Its simply nature's punishment. It's Sceience. Mother Nature is not going to allow us to live here and pollute her Earth 'rent free' forever!!! One of the most upsetting things with this human disaster is that such a high percentage of the lives lost could have been avoided. The Thai goverment WERE given a warning, they decided to NOT to act on it as it might upset tourism!!Well there goes most of the coutries tourism anyway. Some of the goverments in this area are so poorly run its a farce, this is the last thing these people from all over S.E asia need. But in times of hardship human nature will pull through. I personally feel for All those who have lost family and friends over recent days, Be strong as their memory will never die.

long john		31-Dec-2004 10:07
I don’t understand it. Reach and poor, west and east people, faithful all religious and atheist, decent people and harlot, ... . Everybody was flushed at the some time in the Paradise on the world.

danny		31-Dec-2004 10:06
all u people who said realy bad things about the stuff that’s happened u r fucked in the head…. i knew two people who have been killed over there and one is still missing and u dont know how it feals...........

Guest		31-Dec-2004 09:53
Fact of matter, pple died. By quoting verses out of context, you may be doing a diservice to your God instead. This website, I believe, is for those of us not in Phuket to understand the situation. To be able to help those in need. It is not fair to the host of this website by turning this into a religius debate. We are fortunate to be alive, well, comfortable in front of a computer, looking at these pictures. Please do not miss the point of this website. Thank you for the pictures.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 09:32
this is no religious debate it is a bunch of losers who keep tying the forum down to religion and christianity even though it is slowly veering away from it because of religion, some americans have lost common sense they are becoming devils

Guest		31-Dec-2004 09:08
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that people are bringing religion into this. It is clearly an act of nature, with a scientific explanation. The whole world has been touched by this tragedy, and people from all over the world and from all kinds of religions have been effected. I think all the religious fanatics should spend less time reading the bible and more time studying science. Or perhaps focus their efforts on helping the people that suffering. This is a time for all people to unite and focus on a common cause. It is not a time to get into a pathetic religious debate.

msian		31-Dec-2004 08:59
Earthquakes and tsunamis are the act of nature, it is Gods way of telling us mortals that nothing is permenent in life. Don't bring religion into this, Malaysia is a Muslim country and so is Indonesia. If you say this is a sign towards the muslims then how come India and Sri Langka who are majority Hindus affected so badly? How come Thailand who are mainly Bhuddists so badly hit? How come 1600 Swedes vacationing are missing not to mention the amount of Caucasions in Phuket, Maldives and Penang losing their lives?? This is natures way of being....

Guest		31-Dec-2004 08:47
do not be angry of any god, do not sell your energy on this but put your energy out to all the victims, all mankind, all fless and blood. If you would like to pray pray for all those families who lost there love ones, pray for better, for shelter, food and water.If millions pray for thast instead of being angry, maybe, maybe there will be light.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 08:40
I am Sorry for my anger miss Crystal,hope there will be a lot of you there, logic kind a brain that sees things as it is, not as they are!! My anger is for those who says that more than 100.000 people dies because they are damned for their beliefs. Just because you're not strikes by disasters it doesn't mean that you're right in every way of your life. I just hope they all Rest In Peace....in my paradigm, God Just Invite them...

Guest		31-Dec-2004 08:36
obviously mathew was referring to the guy some call President Shrub(bless hee-im). He coveted the presidency and used christians, and GOD's name to get the Christian vote. "Judge not lest ye' be judged" means you and I, if truly christ-like, can't put a judgement on any group of people NO MATTER if they use the word GOD, ALLAH, or GREAT SPIRIT, Buddah... Would Jesus, or any prophet have wished disaster on any being? Listen to your heart, and turn off Fox news! - Pray for peace of mind and heart- for all hewomans around this mother Earth. That, my heart tells me, is Jesus' message to us all.

Vernon Hensley		31-Dec-2004 08:25
I have a great sorrow for the devistated families, communities, and countries that are now facing the harshness of recovering from this tsunami. I am sending what I can through organizations I believe will do good with the donation. Do not blame, pray. God will come when he is ready and not until.

Crystal		31-Dec-2004 08:18
This is not a sign of the apocalypse nor is it the largest earthquake people have have ever suffered. Both Indonesia and Alaska have sustained more powerful quakes in recent decades/century. The larger scale loss of life is because of the geographical location in the midst of heavily populated and pre-industrialized societies. It is a tragedy that requires a united front by all and yet some would have this used for religious scare tactics. The Bible will not target Muslims...Islam is founded on the biblical beliefs including Jesus as Messiah. They simply believe that the prophet Mohammad and the Koran are progressive extensions of the Bible. Your anger is with the Islamic extremists and I assure you they are not located in the Tsunami region. By the way, I am a Baptist, white, 34 year old, American woman. Crystal

guest		31-Dec-2004 08:13
For those who says God do this to Damn MOSLEMS, you're all wrong! Your God is fake!!

Guest		31-Dec-2004 07:17
What kind of a nut is the guy who said God did this to these poor, unfortunate people?! Doesn't this person know that probably thousands of Christians died in this tragedy?!!

Laurie		31-Dec-2004 07:15
Re the previous comment, ascribing to God the blame for such events, based on the words of Matthew 24: please note that in those words Jesus merely described the conditions that would prevail during the "last days." He in no way suggested that God would deliberately bring about such conditions. In fact, as James 1:13b ("For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone") and 1st John 4:8 ("God is love") make clear, God is no more responsible for such tragedies than is a TV weatherman for creating the weather s/he forecasts. Yes, events such as this should serve as markers that we are living in the "last days" - but note that the warnings given by the Bible are provided to us all, so that each of us can assess ourselves individually in light of its standards. There is no Biblical support for the assertion that God is targeting Muslims, and in fact, such an assertion is unreasonable. Thank you for the pictures.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 06:40
To those who say that God didn't do it, sorry but it's my feeling that you're wrong. It's no coincidence that MUSLIM countries were hit the day after CHRISTMAS. Things will get worse soon... Signs of the End of the Age - Matthew 24 (3)As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (4)Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. (5)For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’ and will deceive many. (6)You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. (7)Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8)All these are the beginning of birth pains. (9)“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (10)At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (11)and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (12)Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (13)but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (14)And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Prainluda		31-Dec-2004 06:32
Heartless.... People look at his pictures in origional mode and look at some of the faces you can see in the water. Honestly its a sad world that you have a person whos taking pictures of people dying. Even if you tried as best as you could to help that would be more appreciated then taking pictures. Some photographers are born without hearts and its sad. Theres enough things in the world to take pictures of. Do you not understand that peoples LIVES were on the line. How you would feel if you were about to die and someone that could save you just looks at you and takes pictures. Honestly people check your heads.

United Aid		31-Dec-2004 05:59
If you are looking for missing person please search our database with photos and list by country: http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Jose Antonio Santos		31-Dec-2004 05:53
Impressiona-me muito a força da natureza e espanta-me o desrespeito que alguns humanos têm pelas leis naturais. Por exemplo a desflorestação e as suas consequências, tão ou mais destruidoras do que este tsunami, no entanto quase invisível.

Zazu		31-Dec-2004 05:29
over 110,000 dead and people are making jokes. unbelievable. thx for the photos. i hope people contrubute somehow. great editorial in the 31 Dec. Sydney Morning Herald about the tragedy. it puts the situation in perspective. cheers to a better new year for all-

Joe		31-Dec-2004 05:21
To: Miriyam Gevirtz I agree there is a conspiracy in the Western Press. In fact, several papers have reported that in fact there was not a Tsunami and that it is actually a soccer riot that occured. Others say that one-million atomic bombs actually were detonated near Sumatra. I think it has to do with that guy, Ken Jennings, who won all of the money on Jeopardy. Ever since that happened there have been some pecuilar things occuring in the world. I'll keep you posted. Joe

Guest		31-Dec-2004 05:02
Hello-I'm unable to read the type in blue on a black background; but, I wonder if you could use your considerable reach and photographic skills to post for all those looking for loved ones the pictures that have been taken of the dead. We see many videos of the waves and the people mourning but we cannot get a close up of the dead and I understand this is deliberate in the Western press. Thank you, Miriyam Gevirtz Santa Rosa, CA MGevirtz@cs.com

Guest		31-Dec-2004 03:51
joe, u dont waste ur time. it dosent matter. u noe sometimes i hear ppl talking abt men from the future, and they say that no one from the future has come into our history yet. Who knows? maybe jesus is such an explorer especially the crucifix part, meteors raining down... sounds like some alien advanced technology to me maybe the present is just an experiment for ppl in the future hah! sounds like the forgotten

Joe		31-Dec-2004 03:37
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (See Note 1) We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article. I. Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Section. 2. Clause 1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. Clause 2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. Clause 3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (See Note 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. Clause 4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. Clause 5: The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. Section. 3. Clause 1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, (See Note 3) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. Clause 2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. (See Note 4) Clause 3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. Clause 6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Clause 7: Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Section. 4. Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. Clause 2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Note 5) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day. Section. 5. Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. Section. 6. Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, beprivileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. Clause 2: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. Section. 7. Clause 1: All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. Clause 2: Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. Clause 3: Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. Section. 8. Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; Clause 2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; Clause 3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; Clause 4: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; Clause 5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; Clause 6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; Clause 7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads; Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries; Clause 9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; Clause 10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; Clause 12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; Clause 13: To provide and maintain a Navy; Clause 14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; Clause 17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, byCession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Section. 9. Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person. Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Note 7) Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Section. 10. Clause 1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. Clause 2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress. Clause 3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. Article. II. Section. 1. Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows Clause 2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. Clause 3: The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Note 8) Clause 4: The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Clause 6: In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Note 9) the Same shall devolve on the VicePresident, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Clause 7: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Clause 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Section. 2. Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. Clause 2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session. Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article. III. Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Section. 2. Clause 1: The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State; (See Note 10)--between Citizens of different States, --between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. Clause 2: In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. Clause 3: The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Section. 3. Clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. Article. IV. Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. Section. 2. Clause 1: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Clause 2: A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. (See Note 11) Section. 3. Clause 1: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. Article. V. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. Article. VI. Clause 1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. Clause 3: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Article. VII. The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names, GO WASHINGTON--Presidt. and deputy from Virginia [Signed also by the deputies of twelve States.] Delaware Geo: Read Gunning Bedford jun John Dickinson Richard Bassett Jaco: Broom Maryland James MCHenry Dan of ST ThoS. Jenifer DanL Carroll. Virginia John Blair-- James Madison Jr. North Carolina WM Blount RichD. Dobbs Spaight. Hu Williamson South Carolina J. Rutledge Charles 1ACotesworth Pinckney Charles Pinckney Pierce Butler. Georgia William Few Abr Baldwin New Hampshire John Langdon Nicholas Gilman Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham Rufus King Connecticut WM. SamL. Johnson Roger Sherman New York Alexander Hamilton New Jersey Wil: Livingston David Brearley. WM. Paterson. Jona: Dayton Pennsylvania B Franklin Thomas Mifflin RobT Morris Geo. Clymer ThoS. FitzSimons Jared Ingersoll James Wilson. Gouv Morris Attest William Jackson Secretary NOTES Note 1: This text of the Constitution follows the engrossed copy signed by Gen. Washington and the deputies from 12 States. The small superior figures preceding the paragraphs designate Clauses, and were not in the original and have no reference to footnotes. The Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and was subsequently ratified by the several States, on the following dates: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788. Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788. The Constitution was subsequently ratified by Virginia, June 25, 1788; New York, July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and Vermont, January 10, 1791. In May 1785, a committee of Congress made a report recommending an alteration in the Articles of Confederation, but no action was taken on it, and it was left to the State Legislatures to proceed in the matter. In January 1786, the Legislature of Virginia passed a resolution providing for the appointment of five commissioners, who, or any three of them, should meet such commissioners as might be appointed in the other States of the Union, at a time and place to be agreed upon, to take into consideration the trade of the United States; to consider how far a uniform system in their commercial regulations may be necessary to their common interest and their permanent harmony; and to report to the several States such an act, relative to this great object, as, when ratified by them, will enable the United States in Congress effectually to provide for the same. The Virginia commissioners, after some correspondence, fixed the first Monday in September as the time, and the city of Annapolis as the place for the meeting, but only four other States were represented, viz: Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; the commissioners appointed by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island failed to attend. Under the circumstances of so partial a representation, the commissioners present agreed upon a report, (drawn by Mr. Hamilton, of New York,) expressing their unanimous conviction that it might essentially tend to advance the interests of the Union if the States by which they were respectively delegated would concur, and use their endeavors to procure the concurrence of the other States, in the appointment of commissioners to meet at Philadelphia on the Second Monday of May following, to take into consideration the situation of the United States; to devise such further provisions as should appear to them necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress assembled as, when agreed to by them and afterwards confirmed by the Legislatures of every State, would effectually provide for the same. Congress, on the 21st of February, 1787, adopted a resolution in favor of a convention, and the Legislatures of those States which had not already done so (with the exception of Rhode Island) promptly appointed delegates. On the 25th of May, seven States having convened, George Washington, of Virginia, was unanimously elected President, and the consideration of the proposed constitution was commenced. On the 17th of September, 1787, the Constitution as engrossed and agreed upon was signed by all the members present, except Mr. Gerry of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Mason and Randolph, of Virginia. The president of the convention transmitted it to Congress, with a resolution stating how the proposed Federal Government should be put in operation, and an explanatory letter. Congress, on the 28th of September, 1787, directed the Constitution so framed, with the resolutions and letter concerning the same, to "be transmitted to the several Legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention." On the 4th of March, 1789, the day which had been fixed for commencing the operations of Government under the new Constitution, it had been ratified by the conventions chosen in each State to consider it, as follows: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788; Virginia, June 25, 1788; and New York, July 26, 1788. The President informed Congress, on the 28th of January, 1790, that North Carolina had ratified the Constitution November 21, 1789; and he informed Congress on the 1st of June, 1790, that Rhode Island had ratified the Constitution May 29, 1790. Vermont, in convention, ratified the Constitution January 10, 1791, and was, by an act of Congress approved February 18, 1791, "received and admitted into this Union as a new and entire member of the United States." Note 2: The part of this Clause relating to the mode of apportionment of representatives among the several States has been affected by Section 2 of amendment XIV, and as to taxes on incomes without apportionment by amendment XVI. Note 3: This Clause has been affected by Clause 1 of amendment XVII. Note 4: This Clause has been affected by Clause 2 of amendment XVIII. Note 5: This Clause has been affected by amendment XX. Note 6: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXVII. Note 7: This Clause has been affected by amendment XVI. Note 8: This Clause has been superseded by amendment XII. Note 9: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXV. Note 10: This Clause has been affected by amendment XI. Note 11: This Clause has been affected by amendment XIII. Note 12: The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States (and two others, one of which failed of ratification and the other which later became the 27th amendment) were proposed to the legislatures of the several States by the First Congress on September 25, 1789. The first ten amendments were ratified by the following States, and the notifications of ratification by the Governors thereof were successively communicated by the President to Congress: New Jersey, November 20, 1789; Maryland, December 19, 1789; North Carolina, December 22, 1789; South Carolina, January 19, 1790; New Hampshire, January 25, 1790; Delaware, January 28, 1790; New York, February 24, 1790; Pennsylvania, March 10, 1790; Rhode Island, June 7, 1790; Vermont, November 3, 1791; and Virginia, December 15, 1791. Ratification was completed on December 15, 1791. The amendments were subsequently ratified by the legislatures of Massachusetts, March 2, 1939; Georgia, March 18, 1939; and Connecticut, April 19, 1939. Note 13: Only the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th articles of amendment had numbers assigned to them at the time of ratification. Note 14: This sentence has been superseded by section 3 of amendment XX. Note 15: See amendment XIX and section 1 of amendment XXVI. Note 16: Repealed by section 1 of amendment XXI.

wizzie		31-Dec-2004 03:30
For the unenlightened. Sorry to see all of the destruction. Very sad. But my comment is about the error with respect to Jesus' birth. Jesus was NOT born on Dec 25th. Dec. 25th was the Pagan Holiday Saturnalia, celebrated in Babylon. This holiday/mindset was introduced into the Roman Catholic church circa 300 AD by: C., Flavius Valerius Constantinus. He was born at Naissus, now Nisch in Servia [Nis, Serbia --Ed.], the son of a Roman officer, Constantius, who later became Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. Prior to that the "church" did not do anything at all on Dec 25th nor did the "church" regard Jesus' birth on that day. Scripture is very clear that we DO NOT KNOW exacly when Jesus was born. For many, many more reasons than I wish to elaborate here, it is very UNLIKELY that Jesus was born on that day. regards...

Guest		31-Dec-2004 03:29
guest, u will be the first to die

Guest		31-Dec-2004 03:26
Repent! The end of the world is near! On the New Year , when the clock strike midnight, the Moon will hit the Earth and all sinners will perish!! Remember midnight in the $$$$$ tiem zone.

Gleison Caetano		31-Dec-2004 02:56
Olá, sou do BRASIL e estamos horrorizados com o que aconteceu. Gostaríamos de alguma forma ajudar...gleisonc@yahoo.com.br

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:53
sue nommy show urself . u wrote this

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:52
if there was such thing as god, wed all be in haell by now

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:49
Have you realized that the tsunami struck the day after Jesus' birth and hit the largest muslim coumtry (Indonesia), the largest Hindu country (India) and the largest 100% buddist country (Thailand). Don't you think it is the sign of our Lord? Incidentally, it was not Americans who one WW2, but Russians. By the time US entered the war Russians were already in Prussia. George Bush

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:48
Mr Joe, your argument is laudable. If not 4 Europeans, americans wont even exist. if not 4 the arabs, there would b no such thing as maths and no sciences can be carried out properly. if not 4 the egyptians, chinese, thre would be no paper or gunpowder, and u americans would be blasted dead by the europeans.

joe		31-Dec-2004 02:47
what happened?

Joe		31-Dec-2004 02:44
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (See Note 1) We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article. I. Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Section. 2. Clause 1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. Clause 2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. Clause 3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (See Note 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. Clause 4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. Clause 5: The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. Section. 3. Clause 1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, (See Note 3) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. Clause 2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. (See Note 4) Clause 3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. Clause 6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Clause 7: Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Section. 4. Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. Clause 2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Note 5) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day. Section. 5. Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. Section. 6. Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, beprivileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. Clause 2: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. Section. 7. Clause 1: All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. Clause 2: Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. Clause 3: Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. Section. 8. Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; Clause 2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; Clause 3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; Clause 4: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; Clause 5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; Clause 6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; Clause 7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads; Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries; Clause 9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; Clause 10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; Clause 12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; Clause 13: To provide and maintain a Navy; Clause 14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; Clause 17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, byCession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Section. 9. Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person. Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Note 7) Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Section. 10. Clause 1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. Clause 2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress. Clause 3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. Article. II. Section. 1. Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows Clause 2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. Clause 3: The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Note 8) Clause 4: The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Clause 6: In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Note 9) the Same shall devolve on the VicePresident, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Clause 7: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Clause 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Section. 2. Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. Clause 2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session. Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article. III. Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Section. 2. Clause 1: The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State; (See Note 10)--between Citizens of different States, --between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. Clause 2: In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. Clause 3: The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Section. 3. Clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. Article. IV. Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. Section. 2. Clause 1: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Clause 2: A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. (See Note 11) Section. 3. Clause 1: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. Article. V. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. Article. VI. Clause 1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. Clause 3: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Article. VII. The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names, GO WASHINGTON--Presidt. and deputy from Virginia [Signed also by the deputies of twelve States.] Delaware Geo: Read Gunning Bedford jun John Dickinson Richard Bassett Jaco: Broom Maryland James MCHenry Dan of ST ThoS. Jenifer DanL Carroll. Virginia John Blair-- James Madison Jr. North Carolina WM Blount RichD. Dobbs Spaight. Hu Williamson South Carolina J. Rutledge Charles 1ACotesworth Pinckney Charles Pinckney Pierce Butler. Georgia William Few Abr Baldwin New Hampshire John Langdon Nicholas Gilman Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham Rufus King Connecticut WM. SamL. Johnson Roger Sherman New York Alexander Hamilton New Jersey Wil: Livingston David Brearley. WM. Paterson. Jona: Dayton Pennsylvania B Franklin Thomas Mifflin RobT Morris Geo. Clymer ThoS. FitzSimons Jared Ingersoll James Wilson. Gouv Morris Attest William Jackson Secretary NOTES Note 1: This text of the Constitution follows the engrossed copy signed by Gen. Washington and the deputies from 12 States. The small superior figures preceding the paragraphs designate Clauses, and were not in the original and have no reference to footnotes. The Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and was subsequently ratified by the several States, on the following dates: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788. Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788. The Constitution was subsequently ratified by Virginia, June 25, 1788; New York, July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and Vermont, January 10, 1791. In May 1785, a committee of Congress made a report recommending an alteration in the Articles of Confederation, but no action was taken on it, and it was left to the State Legislatures to proceed in the matter. In January 1786, the Legislature of Virginia passed a resolution providing for the appointment of five commissioners, who, or any three of them, should meet such commissioners as might be appointed in the other States of the Union, at a time and place to be agreed upon, to take into consideration the trade of the United States; to consider how far a uniform system in their commercial regulations may be necessary to their common interest and their permanent harmony; and to report to the several States such an act, relative to this great object, as, when ratified by them, will enable the United States in Congress effectually to provide for the same. The Virginia commissioners, after some correspondence, fixed the first Monday in September as the time, and the city of Annapolis as the place for the meeting, but only four other States were represented, viz: Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; the commissioners appointed by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island failed to attend. Under the circumstances of so partial a representation, the commissioners present agreed upon a report, (drawn by Mr. Hamilton, of New York,) expressing their unanimous conviction that it might essentially tend to advance the interests of the Union if the States by which they were respectively delegated would concur, and use their endeavors to procure the concurrence of the other States, in the appointment of commissioners to meet at Philadelphia on the Second Monday of May following, to take into consideration the situation of the United States; to devise such further provisions as should appear to them necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress assembled as, when agreed to by them and afterwards confirmed by the Legislatures of every State, would effectually provide for the same. Congress, on the 21st of February, 1787, adopted a resolution in favor of a convention, and the Legislatures of those States which had not already done so (with the exception of Rhode Island) promptly appointed delegates. On the 25th of May, seven States having convened, George Washington, of Virginia, was unanimously elected President, and the consideration of the proposed constitution was commenced. On the 17th of September, 1787, the Constitution as engrossed and agreed upon was signed by all the members present, except Mr. Gerry of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Mason and Randolph, of Virginia. The president of the convention transmitted it to Congress, with a resolution stating how the proposed Federal Government should be put in operation, and an explanatory letter. Congress, on the 28th of September, 1787, directed the Constitution so framed, with the resolutions and letter concerning the same, to "be transmitted to the several Legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention." On the 4th of March, 1789, the day which had been fixed for commencing the operations of Government under the new Constitution, it had been ratified by the conventions chosen in each State to consider it, as follows: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788; Virginia, June 25, 1788; and New York, July 26, 1788. The President informed Congress, on the 28th of January, 1790, that North Carolina had ratified the Constitution November 21, 1789; and he informed Congress on the 1st of June, 1790, that Rhode Island had ratified the Constitution May 29, 1790. Vermont, in convention, ratified the Constitution January 10, 1791, and was, by an act of Congress approved February 18, 1791, "received and admitted into this Union as a new and entire member of the United States." Note 2: The part of this Clause relating to the mode of apportionment of representatives among the several States has been affected by Section 2 of amendment XIV, and as to taxes on incomes without apportionment by amendment XVI. Note 3: This Clause has been affected by Clause 1 of amendment XVII. Note 4: This Clause has been affected by Clause 2 of amendment XVIII. Note 5: This Clause has been affected by amendment XX. Note 6: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXVII. Note 7: This Clause has been affected by amendment XVI. Note 8: This Clause has been superseded by amendment XII. Note 9: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXV. Note 10: This Clause has been affected by amendment XI. Note 11: This Clause has been affected by amendment XIII. Note 12: The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States (and two others, one of which failed of ratification and the other which later became the 27th amendment) were proposed to the legislatures of the several States by the First Congress on September 25, 1789. The first ten amendments were ratified by the following States, and the notifications of ratification by the Governors thereof were successively communicated by the President to Congress: New Jersey, November 20, 1789; Maryland, December 19, 1789; North Carolina, December 22, 1789; South Carolina, January 19, 1790; New Hampshire, January 25, 1790; Delaware, January 28, 1790; New York, February 24, 1790; Pennsylvania, March 10, 1790; Rhode Island, June 7, 1790; Vermont, November 3, 1791; and Virginia, December 15, 1791. Ratification was completed on December 15, 1791. The amendments were subsequently ratified by the legislatures of Massachusetts, March 2, 1939; Georgia, March 18, 1939; and Connecticut, April 19, 1939. Note 13: Only the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th articles of amendment had numbers assigned to them at the time of ratification. Note 14: This sentence has been superseded by section 3 of amendment XX. Note 15: See amendment XIX and section 1 of amendment XXVI. Note 16: Repealed by section 1 of amendment XXI.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:43
Mr Ross, i am afraid that the usa is well into its decline. Yes, Brits should feel uneasy about their relationship with america. Compassionate consevatism is the only enemy to liberalism, and it has poisoned the minds of nearly everyone. The two sides have been poisoned , and there is no way out. compassionate conservatism is not the counter to an incresingly alienated american society, it is a facilitator. The rest of the world will now look to europe as an exporter of the west. Sue Nommy is clearly not a female bitch he is a male bastard. He may be mental, and he had made himself the moderator of this site by shifting the content of this forum away from the source. He embodies many contradictions, he is a lot of the things he hates, and i am not suprised if he contributes to this site in more names than 1.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:43
Mr Ross, i am afraid that the usa is well into its decline. Yes, Brits should feel uneasy about their relationship with america. Compassionate consevatism is the only enemy to liberalism, and it has poisoned the minds of nearly everyone. The two sides have been poisoned , and there is no way out. compassionate conservatism is not the counter to an incresingly alienated american society, it is a facilitator. The rest of the world will now look to europe as an exporter of the west. Sue Nommy is clearly not a female bitch he is a male bastard. He may be mental, and he had made himself the moderator of this site by shifting the content of this forum away from the source. He embodies many contradictions, he is a lot of the things he hates, and i am not suprised if he contributes to this site in more names than 1.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 02:42
Mr Ross, i am afraid that the usa is well into its decline. Yes, Brits should feel uneasy about their relationship with america. Compassionate consevatism is the only enemy to liberalism, and it has poisoned the minds of nearly everyone. The two sides have been poisoned , and there is no way out. compassionate conservatism is not the counter to an incresingly alienated american society, it is a facilitator. The rest of the world will now look to europe as an exporter of the west. Sue Nommy is clearly not a female bitch he is a male bastard. He may be mental, and he had made himself the moderator of this site by shifting the content of this forum away from the source. He embodies many contradictions, he is a lot of the things he hates, and i am not suprised if he contributes to this site in more names than 1.

Joe		31-Dec-2004 02:42
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (See Note 1) We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Article. I. Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. Section. 2. Clause 1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature. Clause 2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. Clause 3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (See Note 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three. Clause 4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies. Clause 5: The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. Section. 3. Clause 1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, (See Note 3) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. Clause 2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. (See Note 4) Clause 3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. Clause 6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. Clause 7: Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Section. 4. Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. Clause 2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Note 5) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day. Section. 5. Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. Section. 6. Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, beprivileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. Clause 2: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office. Section. 7. Clause 1: All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills. Clause 2: Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law. Clause 3: Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. Section. 8. Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; Clause 2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States; Clause 3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; Clause 4: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; Clause 5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures; Clause 6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; Clause 7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads; Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries; Clause 9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; Clause 10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; Clause 12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; Clause 13: To provide and maintain a Navy; Clause 14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress; Clause 17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, byCession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. Section. 9. Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person. Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed. Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Note 7) Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Section. 10. Clause 1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. Clause 2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress. Clause 3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. Article. II. Section. 1. Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows Clause 2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. Clause 3: The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Note 8) Clause 4: The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. Clause 6: In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Note 9) the Same shall devolve on the VicePresident, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Clause 7: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Clause 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Section. 2. Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. Clause 2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session. Section. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States. Section. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Article. III. Section. 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. Section. 2. Clause 1: The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State; (See Note 10)--between Citizens of different States, --between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects. Clause 2: In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. Clause 3: The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed. Section. 3. Clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. Article. IV. Section. 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof. Section. 2. Clause 1: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Clause 2: A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. (See Note 11) Section. 3. Clause 1: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. Section. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. Article. V. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. Article. VI. Clause 1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. Clause 3: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Article. VII. The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names, GO WASHINGTON--Presidt. and deputy from Virginia [Signed also by the deputies of twelve States.] Delaware Geo: Read Gunning Bedford jun John Dickinson Richard Bassett Jaco: Broom Maryland James MCHenry Dan of ST ThoS. Jenifer DanL Carroll. Virginia John Blair-- James Madison Jr. North Carolina WM Blount RichD. Dobbs Spaight. Hu Williamson South Carolina J. Rutledge Charles 1ACotesworth Pinckney Charles Pinckney Pierce Butler. Georgia William Few Abr Baldwin New Hampshire John Langdon Nicholas Gilman Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham Rufus King Connecticut WM. SamL. Johnson Roger Sherman New York Alexander Hamilton New Jersey Wil: Livingston David Brearley. WM. Paterson. Jona: Dayton Pennsylvania B Franklin Thomas Mifflin RobT Morris Geo. Clymer ThoS. FitzSimons Jared Ingersoll James Wilson. Gouv Morris Attest William Jackson Secretary NOTES Note 1: This text of the Constitution follows the engrossed copy signed by Gen. Washington and the deputies from 12 States. The small superior figures preceding the paragraphs designate Clauses, and were not in the original and have no reference to footnotes. The Constitution was adopted by a convention of the States on September 17, 1787, and was subsequently ratified by the several States, on the following dates: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788. Ratification was completed on June 21, 1788. The Constitution was subsequently ratified by Virginia, June 25, 1788; New York, July 26, 1788; North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790; and Vermont, January 10, 1791. In May 1785, a committee of Congress made a report recommending an alteration in the Articles of Confederation, but no action was taken on it, and it was left to the State Legislatures to proceed in the matter. In January 1786, the Legislature of Virginia passed a resolution providing for the appointment of five commissioners, who, or any three of them, should meet such commissioners as might be appointed in the other States of the Union, at a time and place to be agreed upon, to take into consideration the trade of the United States; to consider how far a uniform system in their commercial regulations may be necessary to their common interest and their permanent harmony; and to report to the several States such an act, relative to this great object, as, when ratified by them, will enable the United States in Congress effectually to provide for the same. The Virginia commissioners, after some correspondence, fixed the first Monday in September as the time, and the city of Annapolis as the place for the meeting, but only four other States were represented, viz: Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; the commissioners appointed by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island failed to attend. Under the circumstances of so partial a representation, the commissioners present agreed upon a report, (drawn by Mr. Hamilton, of New York,) expressing their unanimous conviction that it might essentially tend to advance the interests of the Union if the States by which they were respectively delegated would concur, and use their endeavors to procure the concurrence of the other States, in the appointment of commissioners to meet at Philadelphia on the Second Monday of May following, to take into consideration the situation of the United States; to devise such further provisions as should appear to them necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose to the United States in Congress assembled as, when agreed to by them and afterwards confirmed by the Legislatures of every State, would effectually provide for the same. Congress, on the 21st of February, 1787, adopted a resolution in favor of a convention, and the Legislatures of those States which had not already done so (with the exception of Rhode Island) promptly appointed delegates. On the 25th of May, seven States having convened, George Washington, of Virginia, was unanimously elected President, and the consideration of the proposed constitution was commenced. On the 17th of September, 1787, the Constitution as engrossed and agreed upon was signed by all the members present, except Mr. Gerry of Massachusetts, and Messrs. Mason and Randolph, of Virginia. The president of the convention transmitted it to Congress, with a resolution stating how the proposed Federal Government should be put in operation, and an explanatory letter. Congress, on the 28th of September, 1787, directed the Constitution so framed, with the resolutions and letter concerning the same, to "be transmitted to the several Legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention." On the 4th of March, 1789, the day which had been fixed for commencing the operations of Government under the new Constitution, it had been ratified by the conventions chosen in each State to consider it, as follows: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12, 1787; New Jersey, December 18, 1787; Georgia, January 2, 1788; Connecticut, January 9, 1788; Massachusetts, February 6, 1788; Maryland, April 28, 1788; South Carolina, May 23, 1788; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788; Virginia, June 25, 1788; and New York, July 26, 1788. The President informed Congress, on the 28th of January, 1790, that North Carolina had ratified the Constitution November 21, 1789; and he informed Congress on the 1st of June, 1790, that Rhode Island had ratified the Constitution May 29, 1790. Vermont, in convention, ratified the Constitution January 10, 1791, and was, by an act of Congress approved February 18, 1791, "received and admitted into this Union as a new and entire member of the United States." Note 2: The part of this Clause relating to the mode of apportionment of representatives among the several States has been affected by Section 2 of amendment XIV, and as to taxes on incomes without apportionment by amendment XVI. Note 3: This Clause has been affected by Clause 1 of amendment XVII. Note 4: This Clause has been affected by Clause 2 of amendment XVIII. Note 5: This Clause has been affected by amendment XX. Note 6: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXVII. Note 7: This Clause has been affected by amendment XVI. Note 8: This Clause has been superseded by amendment XII. Note 9: This Clause has been affected by amendment XXV. Note 10: This Clause has been affected by amendment XI. Note 11: This Clause has been affected by amendment XIII. Note 12: The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States (and two others, one of which failed of ratification and the other which later became the 27th amendment) were proposed to the legislatures of the several States by the First Congress on September 25, 1789. The first ten amendments were ratified by the following States, and the notifications of ratification by the Governors thereof were successively communicated by the President to Congress: New Jersey, November 20, 1789; Maryland, December 19, 1789; North Carolina, December 22, 1789; South Carolina, January 19, 1790; New Hampshire, January 25, 1790; Delaware, January 28, 1790; New York, February 24, 1790; Pennsylvania, March 10, 1790; Rhode Island, June 7, 1790; Vermont, November 3, 1791; and Virginia, December 15, 1791. Ratification was completed on December 15, 1791. The amendments were subsequently ratified by the legislatures of Massachusetts, March 2, 1939; Georgia, March 18, 1939; and Connecticut, April 19, 1939. Note 13: Only the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th articles of amendment had numbers assigned to them at the time of ratification. Note 14: This sentence has been superseded by section 3 of amendment XX. Note 15: See amendment XIX and section 1 of amendment XXVI. Note 16: Repealed by section 1 of amendment XXI.

Joe		31-Dec-2004 02:37
I find it ironic that Europeans are posting negative comments about Americans when their continent would still be run by Nazis and they would be imprisoned slave laborers if it weren't for the United States. For that matter the majority of the world's population would be dead since the majority of medical break-throughs have come from the United States. Many were by immigrants from other parts of the world who were given an opportunity in this great country. The way we are bashed around by people around the world makes it very clear why many on this board seem unsympathetic. What if someone shot a gun at your family, would you loan them money so they can buy more bullets and take a few more shots? I think not.

Joe		31-Dec-2004 02:36
I find it ironic that Europeans are posting negative comments about Americans when their continent would still be run by Nazis and they would be imprisoned slave laborers if it weren't for the United States. For that matter the majority of the world's population would be dead since the majority of medical break-throughs have come from the United States. Many were by immigrants from other parts of the world who were given an opportunity in this great country. The way we are bashed around by people around the world makes it very clear why many on this board seem unsympathetic. What if someone shot a gun at your family, would you loan them money so they can buy more bullets and take a few more shots? I think not.

GMan		31-Dec-2004 02:26
No one is as stupid as Big Mo seems to be. How rediculous can one be to say what that moron has said? I'm American. But who cares what's my nationality. Anyone saying something so stupid is stupid, regardless of nationality. And for Rabin, calm down and don't put one person's stupidity as the tag for all people of a certain nationality or country. If we all did that, then we would put Muslims as a whole as responsible for something like 9/11, and in NO WAY is that true! But your response to Big Mo is one that seems to take that to be the logical conclusion. Please think about what you say. Again, Mo is a moron.

Andy		31-Dec-2004 00:17
Just love the comments made by the raving religious loon... Rather entertaining. Reminds me of this muslim student society at my old university. Their Web site had a list of all the accomplishments made by Muslims, in terms of science, etc... some quite laudable, actually. But the funniest thing was that there wasn't a single contribution listed that had occured in the past, oh, THREE HUNDRED years. How far they fall... now reduced to gaping in wonder at some building left standing, then making the usual tired, empty threats at Americans. Pathetic, really. Of course, our resident genius doesn't know that it'll probably be American foreign aid money that feeds the poor folks who lived in those destroyed buildings and prayed in that mosque (if still alive). Wonder what he thinks of Allah making America the world superpower? Hmmmmm. Somebody should find a photo of only a brothel left standing somewhere and e-mail it to this retard.

IanM		31-Dec-2004 00:12
all you religious people should go to the middle east and fight and kill each other off untill you are all gone and then I will come there and get the oil and drive around and shit. oh and smim on some of the beaches after you are all GONE. Please do this soon so the human race can advance. Free yourselfs and denounce all religion. We don't need this crutch go get though life anymore. Freaks!! (our numbers are growing fast)

Guest		30-Dec-2004 23:45
The reason the Mosque is standing had nothing to do with Allah and everything to do with the vanity of religions. The churches and mosques and synagogues and other temples are often the last building standing because that's where all the money and effort went in to building strong safe structures, usually on higher ground. If the money and effort had instead been spent on decent housing then perhaps thousands who are now dead would be alive.

Rafe		30-Dec-2004 23:45
If God exists then he did this and he is one proper cunt

Guest		30-Dec-2004 23:31
There are idiots of every persuasion, nationality and religion. Looking around on the internet shows that all the time. Be willing to see that we are all in this together and at one time or another will need each other. We needs to find ways we can help the people in this area who are in such need right now. Do something. As for political or religeous agendas...who cares

GABRIEL PODBIO�		30-Dec-2004 23:16
GOOD BLESS EVERBODY THAT is LIVING THAT TRAGEDY !!!! Jestem Polakiem. W oliczu takiej okrutnej i nieludzkiej tragedii, ³¹czê siê w bólu i cierpieniu z narodem Sri Lanki, z wszystkimi, którzy zginêli w wodach oceanu, których ju¿ nie ma i nie bêdzie. Moge tylko wyraziæ mój ból i wspó³czucie. Ka¿dy kto ucierpia³ i prze¿y³ te tragediê niech wie, ¿e Polacy i POLAND s¹ z nimi...

Your Moms Box		30-Dec-2004 23:04
Allah... hahah. That's the funniest thing I've ever heard.

Rabin		30-Dec-2004 22:52
I read some of the comments and I was bewildered by the mentality of you guys. I cant understand the attitude of some Yanks who think the world owes them a favour. Trust me, your turn will come and you will all perish like any other creature. He who laughs, laughs last. I guess everybody had seen the sheer devastation of Aceh, have you not? There is one thing that made me shiver when I looked at the pictures on the TV and in the Press: ONE Building stood proud among all the devastation: A MOSQUE.....There is only one God "ALLAH" and his prophet Mohammed. The picture speaks for itself. The time will come and you will all account for your bad deeds....The end is nigh!! May all those who perished in the Tsunami lay in Peace and May Allah bless them! Kind Regards.

Rabin		30-Dec-2004 22:51
I read some of the comments and I was bewildered by the mentality of you guys. I cant understand the attitude of some Yanks who think the world owes them a favour. Trust me, your turn will come and you will all perish like any other creature. He who laughs, laughs last. I guess everybody had seen the sheer devastation of Aceh, have you not? There is one thing that made me shiver when I looked at the pictures on the TV and in the Press: ONE Building stood proud among all the devastation: A MOSQUE.....There is only one God "ALLAH" and his prophet Mohammed. The picture speaks for itself. The time will come and you will all account for your bad deeds....The end is nigh!! May all those who perished in the Tsunami lay in Peace and May Allah bless them! Kind Regards.

Rabin		30-Dec-2004 22:50
I read some of the comments and I was bewildered by the mentality of you guys. I cant understand the attitude of some Yanks who think the world owes them a favour. Trust me, your turn will come and you will all perish like any other creature. He who laughs, laughs last. I guess everybody had seen the sheer devastation of Aceh, have you not? There is one thing that made me shiver when I looked at the pictures on the TV and in the Press: ONE Building stood proud among all the devastation: A MOSQUE.....There is only one God "ALLAH" and his prophet Mohammed. The picture speaks for itself. The time will come and you will all account for your bad deeds....The end is nigh!! May all those who perished in the Tsunami lay in Peace and May Allah bless them! Kind Regards.

Rabin		30-Dec-2004 22:49
I read some of the comments and I was bewildered by the mentality of you guys. I cant understand the attitude of some Yanks who think the world owes them a favour. Trust me, your turn will come and you will all perish like any other creature. He who laughs, laughs last. I guess everybody had seen the sheer devastation of Aceh, have you not? There is one thing that made me shiver when I looked at the pictures on the TV and in the Press: ONE Building stood proud among all the devastation: A MOSQUE.....There is only one God "ALLAH" and his prophet Mohammed. The picture speaks for itself. The time will come and you will all account for your bad deeds....The end is nigh!! May all those who perished in the Tsunami lay in Peace and May Allah bless them! Kind Regards.

Brandy		30-Dec-2004 22:46
This is a message to all you assholes like "Big Mo". I reside in Canada, but have a dual citizenship to the USA. People like you make me ashamed to even mention that to any of my fellow Canadian's. First off, could you imagine watching your mother, father, your OWN CHILDREN being whisked off into the sea? Truly try to imagine that (if you have that much comprehension), and if you can honestly say it wouldn't affect you deeper than anything ever could, you are obviously a cold and evil person. I wouldn't call myself a racist, as being born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, I went to school with just as many in minority groups as Canadian born people, and know the tension (which is often motivated by racial gangs) that constantly lingers, and even the incidents that happen (shootings, stabbings) that most likely wouldn't if these people hadn't brought their ways of life to our homeland, and I will admit, I can be prejudgist towards some other cultures, but never ever ever would I or could I say that I have even an ounce of happiness inside that this happened to them. A portion of our world has fallen to pieces! A portion of our human race has been destroyed! How can you be proud of this? That is so cold and shallow. How could you sleep at night? I am born and raised Catholic, and I am not talking one bit about my beliefs or religion, I am talking about having a heart, a soul, feelings. Just imagine your everything being ripped from your finger tips for all eternity, when you want to say that anyone deserved to die, no matter what the relation situation is between your mighty fucking country and theirs.

Rabin		30-Dec-2004 22:46
I read some of the comments and I was bewildered by the mentality of you guys. I cant understand the attitude of some Yanks whon think the world owes then a favour. Trust me, your turn will come and yu will all perish. He who laughs, laughs last. I guess everybody had seen the sheer devastation of Aceh, have you not? There is one thing that made me shiver when I looked at the pictures on the TV and in the Press: ONE Building stood proud among all the devastation: A MOSQUE.....There is only one God "ALLAH" and his prophet Mohammed. The picture speaks for itself. The time will come and you will all account for your bad deeds....The end is nigh!! May all those who perished in the Tsunami lay in Peace and May Allah bless them! Kind Regards.

Andrew		30-Dec-2004 22:09
My wife and I stayed at this hotel for our honeymoon two months ago - Helmut, your photos are amazingly moving capturing the chaos, speed and awesome magnitude of this tragedy. Thank you for giving us a clearer understanding of what and how 'it' happened from a reference point we know personally. The hotel's website advises that no tourists or staff were killed as it the laguna area was 'protected by a headland'. The hotewl is apparently operating almost all of it's rooms and putting up travellers from other hotels. I hope that the elephants - Ning Nong and Yum Yum, who are too sweet for words survived unscathed.

Ross		30-Dec-2004 21:38
Sue, It's a shame you weren't killed in this. If you're worth 10000 asians then you alone could have died for their sake and saved 10000 people who deserve to live on this earth. I'm from the UK and am ashamed at your ignorant comments; It's people like you that make us Brits uneasy about our relationship with the US. Thankfully, your views are your own and you DO NOT speak for America!

Guest		30-Dec-2004 21:27
Brent Don't hate me because I believe in something different than you. I don't hate you because you don't believe in what I believe. Yes I maybe I'm a "Baby Christian" and No I haven't experience anyone keeping me around to feel superior. Thats not what it is all about. My experience has been totally different. I am sorry that you have experienced that but because you have been around that doesn't mean all Christians are like that. It sounds you are stereotyping all Christians. Melissa (10 month)

Kiteman		30-Dec-2004 21:25
The photographer did not create the moment, he captures it so we can react to it. I think this maxim is the essence to a photographers code of behaviour. Once this principle is present nothing should stop the photographer to take sides or make a gesture of human solidarity if he feels this can be done as any other human would do in the same situation

Human		30-Dec-2004 21:00
To All... Jesus said, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world." When a 100,000 people die in a catastrophe like this we are reminded afresh that death looms over us all.I take comfort in the bible and even though I don't understand it all, I have found that it helps me make since of the world and the things I do that are not right and finally comfort in the face of hatred and death.I don't share this to make myself above anyone.This faith in Jesus has helped me a lot.If you are happy and don't need any help that is fine.Please don't let people who play church or talk about God or Jesus and then throw around hatred and make excuses for unkind behaviour detour you from looking into things for yourself.I will continue to love my neighbor, whether they believe the same as me or not.I will continue to admit my mistakes and imperfections as they come up.I will also continue to share, with love, what I believe to be the truth.I am not your judge and I hope the best for you and all of yours, as well as continue to pray for those who have survived this catastrophe of Biblical proportions.

Human		30-Dec-2004 21:00
To All... Jesus said, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world." When a 100,000 people die in a catastrophe like this we are reminded afresh that death looms over us all.I take comfort in the bible and even though I don't understand it all, I have found that it helps me make since of the world and the things I do that are not right and finally comfort in the face of hatred and death.I don't share this to make myself above anyone.This faith in Jesus has helped me a lot.If you are happy and don't need any help that is fine.Please don't let people who play church or talk about God or Jesus and then throw around hatred and make excuses for unkind behaviour detour you from looking into things for yourself.I will continue to love my neighbor, whether they believe the same as me or not.I will continue to admit my mistakes and imperfections as they come up.I will also continue to share, with love, what I believe to be the truth.I am not your judge and I hope the best for you and all of yours, as well as continue to pray for those who have survived this catastrophe of Biblical proportions.

TK		30-Dec-2004 20:50
It saddens me that in a time of such termoil all people can due is bicker and be rude to each other.

Brent		30-Dec-2004 20:41
Helmut: Great scary shots. Everyone else: Superb posts. Isn't it wonderful that we're all connected and can argue? So, it seems like Christians in the US have gotten a lot meaner, quite a bit dorkier and an order of magnitude more weird than when I was a kid in the 70's. If I were your God (and I might be) I'd be sitting up on my throne, Jesus sitting on my right or left - or doing pilates - whatever the hell he wanted, in complete astonishment with earplugs in so I couldn't hear your hideous "joyful music". It's embarrasing in the extreme. And are you all trying to out-pray each other? A lot of Christian people I know backbite about the piousity of others in the flock (flock?-o-kay!). They seem to think that other people can't pray as good as they can. What is up with that? Like something as intensely personal and sacred as praying should be graded? And they ALL make fun of "Baby Christians" - the recently converted, so mssrs. 10-month Christian - I can basically guarantee that people in your FLOCK! who have logged more hours as a Christian than you - love to have you around so they can feel superior. Nice, huh? Have you come across this? Yeah, didn't think so. Now if it seems like I'm singling you good people out from all the other scary extremists in the world, it's because I am, so shut up. You are giving a good man a bad name. In fact, I am going to speak for Jesus on this one: Stop it, you weird freaky masochists! Stop masturbating about religion. Oh and on that note: Catholics - you should really allow priests to marry, or dork other (willing!) people. It's not a sin in my humble opinion - unless of course you make it one. This is one case where I can definitely tell you that your church leaders are "preying" wrong. Fucking bastards. AND YOU ALLOW IT! You all let it happen. All of you. Would you let your pope, or Mel Gibson get fucked in the ass against his will? I wouldn't - but what do I know? I'm a heathen. I have a son though. Don't look for us at mass. And don't tell me about all the good things the catholic church does, I'm aware of it. Not good enough, people. Like pissing in a lake to raise the water level. The churches enrich themselves. They get their fix first and the masses second, if at all. These institutions, for any good they do are still cash vampires. That much has stayed the same throughout the years. This is why they demand blind faith and threaten you with eternal damnation. Easy money, lots o' power. You're a bunch of suckers (ok, "lanie" excluded) and the psychological effects of the modern-day Christianity I see is manifesting itself in some very disturbing (but predictable) ways. You think that people like me are going to hell - fine, whatever. I disagr-wait! OH MY GOD! NOOOOO!!!! THE DEVIL! HE'S HERE TO TAKE ME DOWN TO HELL! IT BURNS AAAAHHHHH!!!! Just kidding! The structure of belief that I see so many Christians adhering to does not appear at all to be put in place by an omnipotent prescence, but rather an insecure little white man with the charisma of a two-bit politician. Your hymns have changed. Now, it's all about giving yourself completely to God. The words are up on a screen. Is this your experience? I've seen it. Do you sing over and over again about the complete surrender of your entire life - your very being to God? Does this in any way worry you? Would you perhaps consider the possibility of exploitation, as a direct result of such repetitive behavior, by your fellow man? No? Well, then that's where you belong - down on your knees. Good day.

Al		30-Dec-2004 20:29
hellmut this is my last post. I'm just sorry that you had to witness the ignorance in people. I'm no better. Let them speak their peace. The 1st amendment allows it. As long as they are not yelling fire in a crowded theater or Tsunami in quake free zone right? Anyway, the pictures are very sharp images and should get you recognition from the news papers and magazines and if anyone has a problem with that let's not forget to include the pulizter prize winners from Time and LIFE magazines that photographed disasters when they happened. Let's not forget to condemn them with the rest. Best wishes for you hellmut because I know that you mean well and I'm done wasting my energy with the ignorance on this forum.(nothing against you hellmut, mind you.

no concern of yours!		30-Dec-2004 20:20
Well, i thought i would put my two cents in as well. Look, Nature's wrath has been here for a long time but now there pissed off and it seems to me if you think about it there's alot of evil in the world ( this has nothing to do w god) just is and the places that are real bad get things like this to happen. Concept of also (elimination process) when there are to many over populated places with bad people shit like this happens. It happen in new york (bad Place) it happen in japan (overpopulated ) and it will happen again we fucked up our own earth with polution and stuff and we are likley killing ourselves. But in situations like this i feel everything happens for a reason!!!!!!! To many motherfuckers in the world and we had to eliminate some of the overpopulated countries!!!!!!!look how you people are being rude to each other in this forum! does'nt that say something right there!! You guys can't even be civil over this! Cracking dumb jokes and saying stupid comments and being mean.

no concern of yours!		30-Dec-2004 20:20
Well, i thought i would put my two cents in as well. Look, Nature's wrath has been here for a long time but now there pissed off and it seems to me if you think about it there's alot of evil in the world ( this has nothing to do w god) just is and the places that are real bad get things like this to happen. Concept of also (elimination process) when there are to many over populated places with bad people shit like this happens. It happen in new york (bad Place) it happen in japan (overpopulated ) and it will happen again we fucked up our own earth with polution and stuff and we are likley killing ourselves. But in situations like this i feel everything happens for a reason!!!!!!! To many motherfuckers in the world and we had to eliminate some of the overpopulated countries!!!!!!!look how you people are being rude to each other in this forum! does'nt that say something right there!! You guys can't even be civil over this! Cracking dumb jokes and saying stupid comments and being mean.

no concern of yours!		30-Dec-2004 20:18
Well, i thought i would put my two cents in as well. Look, Nature's wrath has been here for a long time but now there pissed off and it seems to me if you think about it there's alot of evil in the world ( this has nothing to do w god) just is and the places that are real bad get things like this to happen. Concept of also (elimination process) when there are to many over populated places with bad people shit like this happens. It happen in new york (bad Place) it happen in japan (overpopulated ) and it will happen again we fucked up our own earth with polution and stuff and we are likley killing ourselves. But in situations like this i feel everything happens for a reason!!!!!!! To many motherfuckers in the world and we had to eliminate some of the overpopulated countries!!!!!!!

no concern of yours!		30-Dec-2004 20:16
Well, i thought i would put my two cents in as well. Look, Nature's wrath has been here for a long time but now there pissed off and it seems to me if you think about it there's alot of evil in the world ( this has nothing to do w god) just is and the places that are real bad get things like this to happen. Concept of also (elimination process) when there are to many over populated places with bad people shit like this happens. It happen in new york (bad Place) it happen in japan (overpopulated ) and it will happen again we fucked up our own earth with polution and stuff and we are likley killing ourselves. But in situations like this i feel everything happens for a reason!!!!!!! To many motherfuckers in the world and we had to eliminate some of the overpopulated countries!!!!!!!

no concern of yours!		30-Dec-2004 20:16
Well, i thought i would put my two cents in as well. Look, Nature's wrath has been here for a long time but now there pissed off and it seems to me if you think about it there's alot of evil in the world ( this has nothing to do w god) just is and the places that are real bad get things like this to happen. Concept of also (elimination process) when there are to many over populated places with bad people shit like this happens. It happen in new york (bad Place) it happen in japan (overpopulated ) and it will happen again we fucked up our own earth with polution and stuff and we are likley killing ourselves. But in situations like this i feel everything happens for a reason!!!!!!! To many motherfuckers in the world and we had to eliminate some of the overpopulated countries!!!!!!!

Al		30-Dec-2004 20:02
Just for the record, I did not post that last statment that has my name and e-mail on it. So as much as we don't like each other sue nommy,I would not stoop so low as to say something like that to you. As for the Einstein who wrote it and used my name, you must have a fascination about hands in your ass and shaved srotums. It sounds like you are a man of experience. The receiver that is.

Big Mo		30-Dec-2004 19:34
This is very fun to watch, because i love seeing stupid shitheads like these just standing there and lookin at the damn tsunami coming to them, anyways that shit iss madd funny cuz it shows that people are stupid as hell

American		30-Dec-2004 19:33
whoa, please don't let some idiot tarnish the good nature of Americans as a whole. The beauty, and as you see trouble too, of our country is that everyone is always free to say whatever they want. Unfortunately too, some people are stupid.

Caroline Jager		30-Dec-2004 19:27
I think it is very good to show the world all these pictures. Many people know the island and want to know what happened there, because on the news they don't show a hole lot. But also people who have a hard time imagining what the disaster really did to the island, this is the way to show those people. I thank you for puting these pictures on the internet, and reminding us how big this problem is.

Caroline Jager		30-Dec-2004 19:27
I think it is very good to show the world all these pictures. Many people know the island and want to know what happened there, because on the news they don't show a hole lot. But also people who have a hard time imagining what the disaster really did to the island, this is the way to show those people. I thank you for puting these pictures on the internet, and reminding us how big this problem is.

jim		30-Dec-2004 19:24
Here is the type of compassion you see from Americans on freerepublic.com... "Don't let your hearts bleed too much. These are the same islimeopigs that jumped for joy when our towers were attacked. These are the same people who praised allah when the hostages were beheaded, who chant with glee every time an American is killed. If the tsunami hit our coast they would be thanking allah for killing Americans. And now we are sending aid an comfort to people who want to see us dead." 22 posted on 12/30/2004 1:29:25 PM EST by ghitma (MeClaudius) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1311017/posts?page=22#22

Kathy		30-Dec-2004 19:24
Well first I'd like to comment on these amazing pictures! It's all too real what has happened and so sad, but I'd also like to say that God would not cause such a thing that it is a natural disaster and actually the Bible says that the ruler of this world is Satan. And that is evident in how bad the world is. And there is no religion in that statement, I didn't mention any religion, I mentioned the most popular book in the world read by billions. And I'm not going to argue these points, they are fact, I wanted to post them here because of the other harsh comments that I've read here. Anyway, wow what pictures!!

Concerned (again)		30-Dec-2004 18:51
Ugh. Keep your religion out of this. Not everyone believes that Jesus is "The Way," so get over it. What you religious fanatics should be doing right now is praying to your god(s) to help the people affected by this, NOT preaching to a bunch of strangers on the internet about Jesus' love. If I were religious, I don't think I'd be preaching about Jesus' love right now. Why? Because according to you, God and Jesus rule all, thus ruling the oceans. Would someone so great as God cause all of this? Thoughts to ponder. Keep your thoughts on the issue at hand, folks.

Ian M		30-Dec-2004 18:48
isn't the internet great! I love this shit. coments from everyone. Oh isn't it hatred that I should go to hell for doing nothing but not believing? The reason for all the god stuff is that this was a natural happening. Can't blame Bush on this one. arn't digital canmeras great! with out all this tech we would have to read about it and suffer someone elses opinion of it all and not be able to voice are own. Sounds like some people are in need of porn here. Go to freedailyporn.com for that. It is not on the subject.

anonymous		30-Dec-2004 18:43
Funny, all these questions about God and why does he do that, and why does he do this, and I dont believe in him but why does he do this and that, and let bad things happen to good people. Like some christian is going to have the opportunity to write down in a paragraph what took them an entire book to even partially acknowledge. At the same time there are people claiming to be oiling themselves up for a little fun and looking for their pet when in reality that is probably the cleanest thought that came into their head this week. You have become a product of your own God, yeah, even you have your own God, its the thing you worship every day. Do you have a name for your God. Oh, and I love the one about people create their own Gods. That is exactly correct, at a tremendous rate. Now which one did you choose. Oh the one that lets you do whatever you want, and remain perverse, which by the way seems to be a healthy alternative to, well I cant think right now. Wait a minute, newsflash, there are lots of people who just lost their lives, and your blaming it on a God that you dont even believe in. Meanwhile the people who do are praying. Hey guess what, I love you man. I really do. I will just bet that you are now contemplating a wonderful perverted comeback. The power of the mind is amazing. But really, no matter how you feel, I love you. And I hope and will continue to pray to a God that you do not yet realize, that the pain and discomfort of those who have lost loved ones will be comforted in their hour of need and that you will find a purpose other than well, you know. This is the awesome part, the part where someone will chime in because their blood is boiling from what they just read. Thats called conviction my friend. And right now, it is your enemy.

Jim Morganthal		30-Dec-2004 18:33
To all the posters here that make fun of a tragic situation: Perhaps if your family members and friends were the ones injured or being buried, you'd think twice about what you're doing. Instead of leaving meaningless babble here, go contribute something to society and let others get on with their grieving and recovery. This is a site dedicated to photography and you're only showing your stupidity by writing meaningless and negative messages here. Grow up, get a life and go do something positive!

I. Benson		30-Dec-2004 18:31
It is good to see the photos on here.I have read some of the comments too. Some of the comments are not only quite unecessary but unbelievably insensitive. Why would anyone in their right mind want to speak in ignorance or point accusing fingers at someone else for not helping out in Asia? There is no need for the aethist to argue about GOD's existence. We all have a choice in this life to decide or acknowledge that He does exist and there is a heaven and hell. Jesus is Lord and as someone on this site rightly said, is The Way. The wise will know that they did not create themselves, neither do they sleep and arise in the morning on their own. Man has not evolved from monkey, reptile, or any other animal. There is only one way each man will have confirmation that God exists......on your departure from earth. Be rest assured that those who have refused to accept that He has made a Way for them to enter heaven will not be given a second chance over there. That decision is to be made here while you are on earth. What has been predicted to happen will happen.God will remain God whether you ignore Him or not. Those who refuse to accept have their own 'god'and will find out on their day. No need to convince them. Besides, the Word of God categorically states that God Himself created some people for the day of distruction. They cannot see reason no matter how much God's people attempt to convince them. Everyone on earth will hear the message of hope and salvation before they die. Those who died before the birth of JESUS the only SAVIOUR will be judged on their good work. Others will hear the word before they depart. Believe it or not. Meanwhile, does anyone know if any of the little ones, now orphaned in this disaster can be fostered or adopted by good people who'd love to show them love. With all the news emerging from day to day about this disaster we thank God for saving so many people and we continue to pray that people can be found alive and reunited with their families. We pray for the survivors and pray that aid will reach them soon. God will bless those who have volunteered to help out. Those of us who are at home watching? God bless and protect us too as we decide how to make a difference and bless others.

whodat77		30-Dec-2004 18:24
Yes God is all knowing but, he did not create other religions. Man did. God did not make us as robots to just do what he wanted. He made man with free-will. Why, because he loves us and when a free-willed man chooses to serve God on his own it gives God glory. As for your 3 scenarios. I understand where you are going with these but, your idea of asking for forgivness is not biblical. The only way for the Christian who committed all those crimes to be redeemed (and go to heaven) is to REPENT. Repent does not mean say "Im sorry", it is not mumbling a prayer. Repent in the bible comes from the greek word metanoia which means a changing of the mind (turning from). So yes, if the Christian who sinned REPENTED of his sins then he will be forgiven. Same with your scenario of the "good" man who never accepted Christ, the bible says "ALL have sinned and fallen short.." The word ALL means ALL so the "good" man you talked about still has sins that will keep him from heaven. Im not here saying that Only Christians in my denomination are going to heaven! Im not God but, all I know is God is after the hearts of man. There are many verses in the bible which refer to the little people on the desert islands who dont speak a known language and never heard of the "gospel" of Jesus Christ etc. and yes the Bible covers them too. It says that even the trees and the earth are proof that God exsists so they are to worship God as God. I think that the important thing you mentioned in your comment was your scenario about the christian who commits the crimes and murder because it is important that you fully understand the concept of Repentance. This will probably be my last post so thanks for the reply. Also thanks to Hellmut for the incredible photos.

Anonymous		30-Dec-2004 18:22
For those of you still arguing over religion and such (in between the terribly off-color comments that are supposed to be funny), remember that it is God and his gospel that is perfect, not us. We are far from it. We are given full free-agency of our lives and any "problems" we find with his plan are only of our own doing.

Concerned		30-Dec-2004 18:21
Jesus effin' Christ! You guys really need to quit with all the preaching and comment-bashing, and focus on the issue at hand. The tsunamis killed over 100,000 people, and all you can do is bitch about how religiously incorrect someone's internet post is? This sickens me. My heart goes out to those in need right now because of the tsunamis. I'll do what I can to help, and the rest of you should too. Now is not a time for hatred.

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 18:19
Pete Burke... You're cute, ever been with a man? Any pics of you in a dress? Can I give you an enema?

Guest		30-Dec-2004 18:10
Incredible photos, you must have feared for your life. Glad that you are safe. I donated to the Red Cross yesterday and will continue to do so as often as needed. - Pete Burke, Brooklyn, NY

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 18:08
Melissa... If you just found God 10 months ago, what did you do before that? Were you a prostitute? I bet you were a prostitute. If you ever get back in the biz, please email me. Do you have any nude pics anywhere? Will you take a dump on my chest??

Ian M		30-Dec-2004 18:03
all you religious people should go to the middle east and fight and kill each other off untill you are all gone and then I will come there and get the oil and drive around and shit.

Al		30-Dec-2004 18:02
Sue, if only you were a man, I think we could have a future together. You could help me shave my scrotum, and teach me how to take two hands in my ass (I can only get 1-1/2 in there now), and dress me up in pretty things. I could be like your bitch and you could pimp me. I would give blow jobs to men at truck stops for cash to buy you nice things. I'd even take anal from Niggers and Spics for you, and other kinds of "dirty" people. Damn, I'm so horny now, where the hell is the dog when I need him.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 17:52
Quark, I do read books other than the bible. I am not the only one who needs a crowbar. Just to let you know I did not believe in God until about 10 months ago. I believed in science and facts. I had many questions to. Once I opened my mind to God amazing things started to happen in my life. I posted my comment on this board not to push my beliefs onto you or anyone else. I posted what I did to put a little what if into your life. Do what you want with it. You seem to miss the whole meaning behind my message anyhow. Melissa

Al		30-Dec-2004 17:44
Hey Sue Nommy, who are you to judge me? You don't know me. It seems to me that you have alot of hatred and contempt in your heart. But I don't hate you, I pity you because you are a sorry excuse for a human being and that saddens me and you sicken me 10 fold. How do you know I didn't do anything to contribute or help. You're just another one of those"my shit don't smell know-it-alls" who needs to pull their head out of there ass, wake up and face reality. You don't know what's inside me so stop making assumptions about someone you know nothing about. I'm no better a person than you are. can you honestly say the same about yourself? Whether you think so or not My heart goes out to all the victims of this disaster .and their families and I wish there was something I could do other than a monetary donation but I am not an entity with supernatural powers and I am not mother nature. So forgive me for not being perfect if you can forgive that is.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 17:43
whodat77, Your Christian God is all knowing, yes? So He/she knows the past/present/future, right? Why would God create other religions then? If God knows the future he/she can certainly stop disaters like this? 3 scenerios: What happens to the person who is a Christian that commits crimes / murders then asks for forgiveness? Do they get to go to heaven? What happens to the non-believer who is a good person throughout their entire life. Does he/she go to 'hell'? What happens to the person in Tibet who has never even heard of the Christian God...God created that person so they wouldn't even know their own 'creator'? Doesn't make sense. Also, what happens to them; to "heaven or hell"? -

Ian M		30-Dec-2004 17:42
what a bunch of bible thumping idiots. I am with Harry Bunz on this one.

Quark		30-Dec-2004 17:38
Dear American Friends ... this is not about you. Dear Religious Zealots ... god doesn't exist - you create him/her in your mind to feel better about your life (well if this one is crap - hopefully the next one will be better) .. sort of like all those freaky virgins the terrorists are being promised ... see a parallel in there somewhere? Dear Melissa77 ... read another book besides the bible ... take a crowbar and open your mind ... Dear whodat77 ... JC raised from the dead "it is a fact in Roman history" - go get an education and take some history classes (focus in on ancient history to the dark ages - you might be surprised by what you learn) ... Dear Anonymous ... simple answers for simple minds ... I bet you're glad the whole question of why you are here is so easily explained and wrapped up .. whew another thing off your list that you never have to think about again ... Dear Harry .. you nasty .... Dear Tsunami Survivors ... we are trying to put our money where our mouth is .. let's hope we don't exploit you too much in the process ... Dear Sue ... you really nasty ... keep up the good work!

Michael Moore		30-Dec-2004 17:35
* g o a t s e x * g o a t s e x * g o a t s e x * g g o / / o a\| \| \| \| a t\| `. \| \| : t s` \| \| \| \| s e \| / / \ --__ \ : e x / _--~~ ~--__\| \| x * _-~ ~-_ \| * g _ _.--------.______\| \| g o ______// _ ___ _ (_(__> \| o a . C ___) ______ (_(____> \| / a t / \| C ____)/ (_____> \|_/ t s / /\| C_____) \| (___> / s e \| ( _C_____)______/ // _/ / e x \| \|__ \_________// (__/ \| x * \| ____) `---- --' \| * G \| _ ___ /_ _/ \| g o \| / \| \| \| o a \| \| / \| a t \| / / \| \| \|t s \| / / __/___/ \| \|s e \| / / \| \| \| \|e x \| \| \| \| \| \|x * g o a t s e x * g o a t s e x * g o a t e x *

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 17:25
Melissa... I am 52 and naked. I am covered in oil. Would you like to watch via web cam or do some phone chat while I spank to for you??

Andrew		30-Dec-2004 17:24
Hellmut, thank you for sharing these pictures. The tsunami was an immense tragety only made worse, as some of the comments above show, by the fact we cannot even unite as mankind in the face of such tragety; unbelieveably sad. Glad you are safe and pray that time will help heal the trauma of what you saw. Andrew

whodat77		30-Dec-2004 17:21
I noramlly dont comment on websites but, after reading the other comments about God I decided to add my comment also. I read several comments of people saying that God does not exsist, let me tell you my friend that God does exsist. During times of great calamity and destruction He is always mentioned. Look around you, look in the news. It is not hard to see... Volcanos, earth quakes, wars, political unrest, famines, etc. Many of these events are written in the Bible (Im not some Prophesy expert or anything) but, I know that the bible says that these events will only increase in frequency as the time draws nearer for the return of Jesus Christ. The earth is groaning... events are taking place in the middle East and in other parts of the world at a rapid pace. As for the earth quakes (tsunami)... ...more are coming. Lastly when I read a comment about Christians trying to prove they are right etc. I only thought of the facts. What is the difference between Budda, Mohammed, Vigin Mary, Confusious, Ghandi, and Jesus? They are all in some religious way or another worshipped but, Jesus Christ is the only one who was raised from the dead. Look it up it is even a fact in Roman history. Everyone elses bones are still in their graves.

anonymous		30-Dec-2004 17:19
I love seeing comments such as there is no God. And how could anyone believe there is only one way. Because everyone knows even when they are making those comments that deep down inside they know there has to be a reason why we are here. Right now someone reading this has already stopped because the simple fact of the matter is we love our sin more than we love a God we havent even researched. Someone who has read this far is thinking, wait a minute I have researched and I believe there is no God. Might I add with mental fingers crossed. It is our responsibility to find out why we feel that way even when we deny we are created. Even when mathematically we cannot explain evolution. Even when we know that if we were not accountable to a higher power, we would be relying on our own understanding, morality, and the way we were raised. Thats the beauty of it. If you are willing to try and understand why you exist, and why you love, and why you hate, and why we kill, and why we torture, and why we have that never ending feeling of incompleteness. Then you have the resources available to make a logical conclusion. I personally am not going to take that risk. And lets just say that I live my life the way Jesus intended and I die and I come back as a dog. I hope I have at least one memory of a life lived to its fullest. I am here for a reason. Now persecute, or decide, or deny, but at least think. Sincerley

Guest		30-Dec-2004 17:18
Dear Harry, No I am not easy. How old are you becasue you sound very immature?

Ian M		30-Dec-2004 17:01
great photos. very sad happening. I do find humor in all the religious people praying for help from a god that just tryed to kill them. free yourself and denounce all religion. Bad things happen and good people help out. The world is to small to be fighting over gods and such. anyhow thanks for the pictures I will help the victoms if I can.

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 17:01
Melissa77... You sound pretty hot. Do you have any pics that I can see? Nude ones would be good too. You sound easy, are you? Do you sleep with guys you meet online? Where are you located, and how old are you? Do you like anal sex and fisting? Because that's pretty much a definate for me. I think I might love you. Well maybe not love, but you're getting me hard.

Ian M		30-Dec-2004 16:59
great photos. very sad happening. I do find humor in all the religious people praying for help from a god that just tryed to kill them. free yourself and denounce all religion. Bad things happen and good people help out. The world is to small to be fighting over gods and such. anyhow thanks for the pictures I will help the victoms if I can.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:53
We created "gods". This is because the human race didn't know how to explain the unexplainable. We created 'science'. Now we have the foundation and intelligence to try to explain the unexplainable. Let's say there is a Christian God, what makes this the end all be all 'religion'? The only reason the Bible is so wide spread is through force of hand. I don't hate 'religions' I dislike people trying to tell me or others that "This is the way" when in fact they are only narrowing your mind. If we all helped each other equally the world would be a much better place. It's all that we have and know of, make the best of it.

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 16:52
I believe this was caused by aliens trying to soften us up for an attack. I for one wish to pledge my support for our new alien overlords.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:36
This tradgedy saddens me. Some of the comments on this gallery also saddens me. For those how do not believe in God, why does it bother you so much that we believe in God? Why is there so much hate? God does not punish. Our nonjudging God has love, compassion, grace, and forgiveness. All the things we should have for each other here on this earth. There is tradgedy everyday around the world. Big or small it is all a part of life. Maybe we should look at this as an eye openner that we all need to pull together as a family. Love and Help each other the best way each of us can. This is only a temporary place. It is up to us how we want to live it. Life is to short to many people take it for granted. Death is not suppose to be such a horrible event. If you do believe in God, you know you will be going to a wonderful place after this life. We all have a purpose in this life, WE have to figure what that purpose is. So please open your hearts to each other and God. Stop judging and blaming God. He does not do that to us. Melissa

S		30-Dec-2004 16:32
Guest... I am NOT sending viruses. There are numerous viruses that spoof email addresses. I may be many things, but I do NOT send viruses. I advise you to look somewhere else. Besides, this is just an invented address, it's not even really Hillary Clintons.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:15
mailto:HClinton@sen.us.gov<---- WARNING: This person is sending virus's to the email address's on this forum. I recieved one.

VIP		30-Dec-2004 16:13
My posting is more important than yours!

tony		30-Dec-2004 16:11
This is the first time I have posted anything on a forum. To the victims and there families I send my deepest regrets. Due to the things I have read here, I have been compelled to respond. There are some Americans that are not happy with the actions of our government. The exploitation of 9/11 is a good example. When I read about people trying to invest in companies that produce bottled water to cash in on this disaster, it demonstrates to me that no matter what nation, religion or philosophy one subscribes to, one is still a human being. Some good, some bad, people are the same everywhere. In my experience, mostly bad. I'm no angel myself, but I don't believe in celebrating Christmas because I try to help people every day, not just a couple weeks out of the year. I don't know much about Muslims or the doctrines, but I'm sure I would agree with some of them. Christians have a good book to build morals and values, but few apply themselves the way Jesus did. After reading these posts I see that even though Americans are viewed as spoiled rotten children, we are no worse than any other nation. People are people where ever they are. Wisdom has left this planet. To those that try to capitlalize on other's misfortune, watch what you say and to whom. If I hear you, I will humiliate you so bad, you will never recover. The white man stole America from my people, now he seeks to take the world. This will happen because there is not enough people with the courage to try to stop it.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:10
Dot Kahm, The US is a country that should keep its nose out somethings: eg: Canadian Health system and using the "Patriot Act" (some silly law that over steps privacy) as an excuse to access it. 3000 People (9/11) is a lot and no one who got killed on that day deserves it. However, the US Government and Military then displaced 100's of thousands in Afghanistan and Iraq. Justified? Hardly. The US is not as clean as you make it out to be. Ready your own History, its just as nasty. Eg: The Balangiga Massacrehttp://www.bibingka.com/phg/balangiga/default.htm

Dot Kahm		30-Dec-2004 15:40
Peter... You my friend are an ASS. While I agree with the first part of your statement, this is all explained by science, the second part shows YOUR ingnorance. While 9/11 is not the be all end all of events, it too was tragic. In the grand scheme of things, there are bigger disasters, and greater loss of life, but it was still horrible. But it definately was NOT the fault, direct or indirect of the US. No foreign policy, no matter how you may disagree with it, ever justifies the murder of 3000 innocent people. You may not agree with the US, but no one has the right to murder 3000 people. I never tried to bring up 9/11 in connection with this, and in fact most of the posts that compare this to 9/11 were made by Europeans or Asians complaining about how the US isn't doing enough and that type of nonsense. I am proud of being American, and I have that right, you may be proud of your nationality, and that is your right. Don't denigrate my patriotism to boost your own. A good example of this is mothers. I think my mom is the best one in the world, but I expect that you feel yours is too. Neither one of us is wrong. Get your head out of your ass, and look beyond your borders, national borders and thought borders. Don't just buy into all the rhetoric you hear about the US, its not all true. Try and get to know some of us, who knows, you just may come to like a few of us, then again, maybe you won't. Either way, it doesn't matter to me.

Ray		30-Dec-2004 15:20
It's interesting - to me, anyway - to note that you can see human tragedy at any point on this webpage. In the pictures, and in the print. People get so offended at the ordinary nature of humans, and the format of an internet message board only magnifies it. There will always be Bible (or Koran, or whatever) thumpers, religion-thumpers, I should say, and attitude-thumpers, and nation-thumpers, and prejudice-thumpers, and a general helping of those who say "I know what I'm talking about and you (lesser than me) don't know shit." And there will always be people more than willing to speak up who have the dignity and grace and patience and understanding of two-year-olds with a bad case of diaper rash. The fact that so many posters choose to ignore the tragedy of the pictures is also human nature, like it or not. Face it - little children starve to death every single day somewhere on this planet, generally due to some form of human neglect. Today, yesterday, pick a day. Pick a day in the future - any day. Little children will starve to death on THAT day. If humanity chose to define that fact as unacceptable, it could be attended to. Could have been attended to at almost any point in our recent history, for that matter. But it wasn't, and it won't be. It isn't general human nature, or it would have happened already. We are not a species that pulls together to solve general human problems, despite what we'd all LIKE to think. What IS general human nature is to fuss and fight and demean each other, and presuppose that one's own position or worldview is, of course, the correct one. So, to help out humanity in my own small way, I offer this fill-in-the-blank format to speed up postings. Insert your favorite word, phrase, slang, or derogatory comment in the proper spots: "Well, I never! I am offended by the (...) comments of (...). What an (...) The honest truth of the matter is that (...) is THE ONE AND ONLY WAY to (...), which just so happens to be MY way. If (...) weren't such a (..., ..., ..., ...), with an I.Q. aspiring to that of a trained monkey, (...) would be forced to see the truth. And the rest of you, by the way, are a bunch of (...)." There you go. Cut and paste, and fill in the blanks. Much easier.

thom		30-Dec-2004 15:18
Hi everyone I read a few posts, tried to understand them. I'm a french looser, I hardly know american habits or culture. The mysterious word "god" often occures in these spots. I just don't get what it means. What is it ? Who is he (she) ? What is "praying" ? Does it make you feel better ?

Angelo		30-Dec-2004 15:10
(The original) Twelve Stars is right. And too bad that someone now sends fake sick comments in Twelve Stars name! Twelve Languages Speaking European PS. Rot Op!

Peter		30-Dec-2004 15:02
Hello all, I am not normally a frequent visitor to forums of this kind, but now that I do read one I feel a strong urge to comment on a couple of things. The discussion on this page is strongly dominated by religion, which surprises me greatly. Natural disasters strike at random, and can (usually) be explained by natural science. There is absolutely nothing supernatural about earthquakes or tsunamis, and I really do pity all of you who think otherwise. Religious beliefs can influence people in many positive ways (particularly people whose level of understanding does not suffice to embrace more rational models for explaining why and how events occur, and people who cannot motivate themselves to do good things for other reasons than religious ones), and I urge everyone who believes in a divine entity of some kind to channel those positive forces to try to help the innocent victims of the disaster in Asia. However, attempting to use your god (who/whatever it may be) to explain the events which have occurred is damn right insulting (both to the god and to you fellow humans). So please don't. Moreover, I see frequent references to the World Trade Center attacks which occurred on 11 september 2001 on this page. Other than the fact that innocent people died who should not have had to die, these events do not, as far as I can tell, have anything whatsoever in common. In general, the american tendency to always draw parallells to "9/11" in every situation is a little naïve if you ask me; if you widen your perspective a little (maybe look outside your borders for a change) you will find that "9/11" is not as significant as you make it out to be. Two interesting things can, however, be noted: 1. The attack was indirectly caused by the foreign policies of the United States. 2. Like most dictatorships around the world have done in similar situations, the US has done its very best to exploit the tragic WTC attack to achieve its own goals. I really had not expected such a scientifically advanced country to act in such a nefarious way! Let's only hope the Tsunami disasters are not successfully put to malicious use by anyone (some people have already tried on this page!) and that we can do our best to avoid disasters like the one in Asia in the future. /Peter

Businessman		30-Dec-2004 14:59
I agree wholeheartedly twelve sarts: Let's clean up the internet. Let's do away with all this childish stuff! We need a civilised internet dedicated to profits. Money! That's the thing! We could make so much money instead of wasting all that bandwith on chieldish nonsense! @Mona Lott: That's not the kind of business i had in mind, too risky, also tourism is down for this season anyway. I was more thinking along the lines of investing in importeurs of mineral water. I think clean water will be scarce now, a good time to raise prices and really reap some profit.

Twelve Stars		30-Dec-2004 14:35
As a typical euro-trash piece of filth I can't read or spell. I spell SUE, as seu even though it is correctly spelled out several times in the posts preceeding mine. I don't shower and smell like the animals that I sleep with. I am also guilty of occassional cannabalism.

thom		30-Dec-2004 14:15
Hi everyone I read a few posts, tried to understand them. I'm a french looser, I hardly know american habits or culture. The mysterious word "god" often occures in these spots. I just don't get what it means. What is it ? Who is he (she) ? What is "praying" ? Does it make you feel better ?

Twelve Stars		30-Dec-2004 14:05
I can't believe this. A few days ago I commented these picture, as so many did with respect and sadness. Now I see that everybody is fighting over some obscure 'Seu' comment, which indeed is pretty sick to read. People like 'Seu' (probably a kid) still can send mails to the whole world, without revealing any real identification. If we want a freedom of speach society, lets think about a code of honour. * * * This also gives to reflect about the very medium of internet, which can only become a true 'civilised' medium, if used be 'civilised' and 'adult' people. Don't you agree? Lets clean it up! The Twelve Stars of the European Flag

Sue Nommy		30-Dec-2004 13:38
Gee Al...how touching. that's pretty easy to say considering it never can/will happen. What have you done to help? Nothing?!?!? That's pretty much what I thought. You sicken me!

Grant		30-Dec-2004 13:20
Remember everyone, tihs is the Internet, you are going to get bullshit everywhere you go. Just ignore the posts. All the responses just fuel the fire. Glad to hear the man in the pics was pulled out. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Al		30-Dec-2004 13:04
I know I let some steam out before but I have to make it clear. I am no better than any of you as a human being or better than any of the victims of the tsunamis or better than the the terrorists that caused 911 and no better than what you would consider the lowest of the low. If I could have just one wish, I would gladly lay my life down if I knew it would bring back all the victims of this disaster and all the other disasters of the world and all the victims of war and crime. I always find my self asking god or an entity of higher intelligence( I don't want to offend anyone), take me and spare these people I would take their place in a heartbeat. Thats the way I am. You can insult me and pass me off as crazy. It doesn't matter to me. I don't like to see people suffer.

Mr Smith		30-Dec-2004 12:45
I am not much of an internet user, but today I decided to have a flick for any helpful sights on the recent tsunami disaster as my 16 year old sister-in-law is half Sri Lankan. She has many family and friends over there. Only 7 months ago she visited the town of Gall (maybe miss spelt-sorry) to spread her late fathers ashes with her relatives. I must say how disgusted I am with quite a few of the stupid bigotted comments. Religion, colour, third-world, 9/11 etc., has absolutely nothing to do with the unfolding events of recent. You all (bigots only) sit at your computers in your comfy chairs thousands of miles away and feel compelled to slag everyone off because they don't have the same beliefs as yourself. Get a grip, there is no one to blame! The world is full of so much hate and all some of you can do is spread it. I am not religous, but I do sometimes wish to thank someone that so much pain and hurt has never touched me. Over the last few days I have seen so many families ripped apart by what has happened that it's brought tears to my eyes. Can you imagine what it's like for a kid of 9 years old to have his family snatched from him and then for them to have fend for themselves in a land that's just been wiped off the map. So next time you want to say, "we're better than you", why don't you look in the mirror when saying it and keep your mindless opinions to yourself.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 12:20
"You know I've had enough of this bullshit. i'm going to leave and rape some kids like i do all the time. I may even fuck a pig or dog today just to feel better" didn't post this either ...this is my last post ...fucking assholes i wish in future natural disasters you're family and friends will turn up dead and then you can think back about your posts here .... i just had word from thailand that 2 of the 3 people i'm looking for are ok ...now i still have to find 1 ....

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 12:08
"I am going blind from playing with myself too much. I keep shitting myself, because my sphincter has lost muscle control from being stretched WAY beyond it's natural limits. To top everything off, I'm finding my grandparents very attractive and I'm thinking about raping them. " I did not post that and I won't post anything else, so every post with my name is a kind demonstration aof a hopeless dickhead in action. Bye.

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 12:05
I am going blind from playing with myself too much. I keep shitting myself, because my sphincter has lost muscle control from being stretched WAY beyond it's natural limits. To top everything off, I'm finding my grandparents very attractive and I'm thinking about raping them.

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 11:56
How many sick bastards trying to have their 1 minute spotlight! People like sue and other hopeless dickheads trying to get attention on themselves and revealing a lot about their otherwise miserable life...and those trying to put it in a economical and/or political point of view? A tsunami disaster is a good occasion to speak about money and politics and hide themselves what even rocks know about US administration and whatsoever... This is too much. Bye. PS: these photos are a great source to let people understand (at least in a small part) what really happened.

Mona Lott		30-Dec-2004 11:54
I think we need to unite and replenish the supply of Asian whores and hookers that were lost to this tragedy. Businessman, this might be a good area of investment. The few remaining sex trade providers will be able to elevate prices until replacement whores can be brought in.

Businessman		30-Dec-2004 11:37
Hi, since the forum is shot to hell anyway: Does anyone here know how to play the stock market on this? I mean, ok, the major impact already happened, but i think there's still a lot of opportunities. Also, like someone already suggested there should be lots of cheap properties to buy now.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:30
You know I've had enough of this bullshit. i'm going to leave and rape some kids like i do all the time. I may even fuck a pig or dog today just to feel better.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:26
I did not post this : Sue...after reading your posts agaion, and actually stopping to do something I rarely do...think; I now believe you are right on target. It is one thing for me to preach here and not actually DO anything, but at least you donate a good prtion of your hard earned money to help alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. You continue to do that if it makes you feel better, and I'll continue up here on my soap box. I am also sorry for calling you uneducated, because unlike me, you use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, and are obviously more educated and intelligent than I am. but i think every person that reads this realizes that some people just want some attention even if the world is in the state it is currently in ... am i right Sue ? hahahahaha i honestly feel sorry for you ....got you most feel lonely as the dutch would put it : STAKKER !

Sue Nommy		30-Dec-2004 11:20
Alex... I give money to people I don't know because they need it, it is the right thing to do, and it is within my means to do so. I hate people I don't know, because unfortunately I do know them, and others like them. I do not consider myself part of this "Internet Culture" I came here merely seeking out pictures of this tragedy. Other than at trade oriented technical sites, I never post on forums or blogs or anything like that. The sheer pompousity and ignorance compelled me to goof on the posters. Was it the most mature, ethical, or caring things I've ever done...hell no. But as I said, instead of sitting doing nothing but posting, I actually did something to HELP the people hurt by this tragedy, unlike more than 90% of the "caring" people here. In the grand scheme of things who did more, people posting there feelings and concerns, but not helping, or me writing obviously fake goof posts, but helping out with a rather large donation to help alleviate suffering?? Hmmmm I wonder. I also must say, unlike most, your post seems rather thought out, intelligent, and non-accusatory. You probably don't fit in the generalization I made, and I apologoze for heaping you in there with mouth breathers. Also, as an aside to others that posted in response to me...I'm not black, and I'm not female. Sue Nommy (as mentioned before) is a Pseudonym (sue-doe-nim to help most of you) that means it is a "fake" name. Mmmmkay.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 11:17
I think sandor has the perfect attitude towards this whoile issue, but these are just crap talk and there is no need to apologise. Are u Indian? Anyway, everyone chips in and does their part in aiding the victims of this disaster where i live and there is no need to feel proud of it, and much less need to display it as a buttress for an argument.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 11:10
I live in the region and i am sure that everything is safe the places not hit by tsunami is safe 4 travelling and i would not hesitate to go there myself. in fact it is safer, now that a rare ND has happened in the area. Personally, i would think that the regions can rebuild better resorts now that the old ones are down

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:09
Sue...after reading your posts agaion, and actually stopping to do something I rarely do...think; I now believe you are right on target. It is one thing for me to preach here and not actually DO anything, but at least you donate a good prtion of your hard earned money to help alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. You continue to do that if it makes you feel better, and I'll continue up here on my soap box. I am also sorry for calling you uneducated, because unlike me, you use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, and are obviously more educated and intelligent than I am.

sam		30-Dec-2004 11:04
I am from the UK,I have seen some of these pictures in one of our national Papers, in particular VA7U0479.JPG this poor guy was later found dead on a beach later that day, I am going away in 8 days to Hong Kong, Bali (where i am getting married) then onto Thailand, we were going to cancel our trip but was talked out of it by a friend who lives in Bangkok, we are now taking extra clothes and supplies with us and will be offering our help when we get to Thailand, without pics like these we would all be none the wiser and just be getting on with our lives without a care in the world, some news coverage and pictures in the press really wrenched at my heart and i am only to willing to help where i can, to all concerned keep up the great work. and to all you numb skulls blaming each others religion or god, this was nature rearing its ugly head, it happens and all we can do is learn from it and help when we are needed. Thanks for listening / reading

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:00
" quote the sue bitch again : I posted some obvious fake comments yesterday, and you brain dead dipshits turned it into everything from "Well this is why everyone hates America" Why the fuck would you make fake posts on a topic like this ? and yes everybody hates america because of people like you ...but you just donate away and buy of your fricking guilt trip ..take another Mcburger you black pompous uneducated .....neverfucking mind the rest .... btw i'm not a believer in any sorts and don't understand some of these god and jezus post ....seems like those people don't know the history of what they call christianity

au naturale		30-Dec-2004 10:57
your pics certainly capture the drama that unfolded before our eyes,however may I point out that this was a natural phenomenon, these events have been going on,on this planet since time immemorial. Millions (maybe a bit out there) of years ago most conitents were as one , something cataclysmic happend to seperate these continents and different land masses appeared. Is Mother Earth deciding it's time for another change? My heart goes out to those who are suffering through this natural Disaster.

hellmut issels		30-Dec-2004 10:52
On Jan.6 there will be a CHARITY NIGHT in SINGAPORE at the INDOCHINE RESTAURANT FORBIDDEN CITY at Clarke Quay. For details please seehttp://www.indochine.com.sg/eflyer/atv/ or contact Camilla Hall by email at:c.hall@portelet.com

Guest		30-Dec-2004 10:50
The destructive power of these walls of water are almost beyond comprehension. The pictures leave you speechless. Its even hard to have a decent conversation because the words are so few and inadequate. Someone made a comment about the Free Republic, well there's a post over at that site (assuming its freerepublic.com that was referred to) with the title "Chilling Photo of a Past Day: Alone -- Man Faces a Tsunami in Hilo, Hawaii on April 1946"http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1309506/posts that at last count had 3600+ views. Not too many comments, but i'm guessing that this world catastrophe pretty much overshadows where people stand politically, religiously, and spiritually. Since water (H2O) is in the majority and the land we build our homes and cities and villages and farms on is in the minority, all of us, as these pictures vividly show, are vulnerable. Thanx for posting the pictures.

Tony Persson		30-Dec-2004 10:48
I am now staying in Phuket I did not have the power to read all the peoples words, but I do think that the things most of the people say in this place is pure bullshit. I am here and I dont know if I have yet understod what happened?!?! Friends and family phone me up frequently and want me to come home to Sweden, but I work here and want to stay. I do not belive in God and I think the people who do is STUPID. Talk about Satan and Christ, That is for me funny, how can someone be so stupid to think that one guy is sitting in heaven and deciding whats gonna happen on earth? God Good, Satan Bad....Right? This is bad what has happened and I think all the people in the world have the same value, why cant everyone just get along and realize that we live on the same planet together? I hope that everyone get a better year next year! Take care....

Alex		30-Dec-2004 10:42
"Goof" post it is then: Sue, why would you give money to people you don't know and hate people you don't know? While I'm at it, have you got anything better to do than be a de factor member of an internet culture you pretend to hate? You're an average ripple on the internet at best, but without you we'd all be below the surf.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:39
hi shermaine chong im from singapore too my sister is studying in CHIJ st nicks although obvious my name is fake

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:34
hey sue nommy, u black nihilist! are u black? To hell with tat, no wonder africa is such apoor continent, filled with ppl like u! and are u so flippant? then why u so attracted to this board, comin back agn n agn like some giggolo?

Dom		30-Dec-2004 10:29
> God/etc/muslims/911 guys, you cant compare this to anything.. I wont take a philosophical stand here [god/religion/revelations/etc] (however anyone who says something as stupid as "kill all muslims" deserves to be ignored. don't let em get to you, I am saddened to say I share this USA with these misguided 'patriots'). whatever,drop it, that doesnt belong on this forum anyway. go read some plato, then come back and see me. anyway these are the first decent pictures I've seen on the net, nice work, though it must seem hollow to have to have taken pictures of such a tragic event. its necessary to have these photos to show others firsthand what kind of proportions we're talking about for this, so don't feel guilty about that. also depending on your host, you might want to mirror these up somewhere in case the site gets slashdotted (or worse). I'd suggest Coral http://www.scs.cs.nyu.edu/coral/), which is this free webcache thing, so your gallery's coral mirror would be this: http://www.pbase.com.nyud.net:8090/issels/phuket_tsunami&page=all -Dom

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:28
I do not have a religion, so i am insulted by whoever who talks god. Are u saying tat u need god to luv others? Shame on u! Anyway, i do believe that some lives are more important than others, like ppl in developed countries more important. Looking at it LOGICALLY, "God" intended 4 us not to acknowledge him, go abt our daily lives, and carry out their calling. Thats what made the wuld advance thru 6k yrs towards modernism. whichever religion that adapts itself to modern ideas-liberalism, kerry is my god" will triumph! why did the Christians fail in the crusades? because the Muslims were more interested in the advancement of science, while the christian fundamentalists were pretty stupid, maybe hoping 4 divine intervention. Looks like america is losing its wealth to the wuld bcause of the conservatives and evangelicals and BUSH- a hitler in his own untyrannical way. he could actually curb freedom of americans with their support! Sounds like hitler or mao! U idiots noe who mao is? the tsunami is unfortunate. if the countries were richer, they could have that system to cut casualties. It is a random disaster made catastrophic by a lack of money and modernisation. but still, it is very bad, so everuone donate now!

Sue Nommy		30-Dec-2004 10:12
You People are amazing. The sheer idiocy shown here is amazing. I followed some links to this site, to see some first hand photos. I saw a few posts and started reading them. The "Internet Culture" has to be the biggest bastion of idiots, fools, and asshats that I have ever seen. You have the hand-wringing, whining crowd..."Oh my this is so terrible, I pray for everyone hurt by this" You have the religious zealot crowd..."This was obviously sent by God" You have the self righteous pompous religion hating crowd..."There is obviously no god, and anyone who believes in god or religion is stupid." You have the pony tail and granola, tree hugging liberal crowd..."If only rich countries would have helped more, this could have been avoided, but there are only poor countries here, so the West doesn't care, boo hoo hoo." I mean come on people. I have such utter disdain and hatred for all of you posting here. I posted some obvious fake comments yesterday, and you brain dead dipshits turned it into everything from "Well this is why everyone hates America" to "This person is obviously from Free Republic, and and evil conservative" Guess what assholes, I don't look down on the people that died, and I'm not a member of the vast right wing conspiracy, or a member of Free Rebublic. I donated $1500.00 to the Red Cross relief efforts, what have you dick weeds done? Nothing, you post and you post and you post, and preach about bullshit. I've got some advice for you bung holes, get a job, move out of your parents basements, and for Crissakes, throw your Apple out a friggin window and get a real computer. I despise and loathe all of you, and all that you "stand" for. Except for those posting "goof" posts, because you obviously get it, same as I do. You can all kiss my Black Ass.

Anon		30-Dec-2004 10:04
Remarkable pictures. VA7U0465.JPG in particular is extraordinary. Not just in its timing, but in its composition. I take my hat off to you for putting these up on a publicly accessible website rather than selling them instantly.

Franz		30-Dec-2004 10:02
Hi Hellmut. I am all day down cause of the victims of the tsunami. Can´t immagine this catastrophic outcome. Your pics are partly very emotional so that they could be used for local media. Can you send me your e-Mail-Address? Best wishes, hope you are allive and healthy. Franz

geologist		30-Dec-2004 09:42
First of all i deeply feel sorry for all the dead people and all who lost everything they had. This is a real tragedy, beacause some of the people could have been saved if there would have been a seismic warning system like in the Pacific region! The big difference is, the indian ocean region has "only" poor countries sourrounding whereas the pacific region hostes Japan and the USA. For this catastrophe there is no one to blame! It is pure and simple geodynamics and it happened befeore and it will happen in the future. Everybody who don't believe me please take a look in a Geology texbook and you will understand. For the future i hope now that the people of the world understand that the most valuable good they have is their life and everybody should enjoy it. I hope that the different affected countries with their different religions and points of view do understand this simple fact and try to work together to fight poverty and take precautions for future catastrophes. From the rest of the world i hope they will help as goog as they can and will use all their facilties to warn the countries in the future. There is e.g. a network of seismic sensors all over the world, but they were installed to controll the nucelar tests and because some the important countries did not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty - CTBT the data are secret and can NOT be used. This has to be changed! I hope we will have a more peacefull and less catastrophic 2005!

Matt777		30-Dec-2004 09:29
Oh and Joe.... God has absolutely nothing to do with Catholic priests or anything Catholic. That is a guarantee. There is one mediator between God and man and it is Jesus Christ. Not a man, not a pope- who is the most blasphemous man on earth for claiming to be equal to God and claiming to be able to forgive sin. This is why they worship Mary (Satan's best disguise) because they have no connection to Jesus. The Catholic Church's recently revealed sins of abuse are timed perfectly by God to show the world what is truly at the heart of this church. it is clearly not Jesus or his father, the creator of all. It is written that in the end times people will succumb to the false doctrines of demons who forbid certain foods and forbid marriage. It is also written that it is better to marry than to burn with passion. The Catholic church forbids marriage and we have seen that thier men of sin do burn with passion.

Matt777		30-Dec-2004 09:14
Wow you guys! Everyone is really going at it here! I found this site due to a link that was posted on a discussion forum in a thread about this disaster. I'm in the northwest part of the U.S. and have been watching all the coverage of this terrible event. Very sad images coming back showing what you all are going through. I hope everyone says a prayer for the victims and that they can find strength to get through this somehow. I guess I'm posting because there is some weird talk going on here about religion and Christianity. The first and most important commandment is to love God and your fellow man with all your strength- to treat others as you would want them to treat you. "Be under obligation to no one - the only obligation is to love one another. Whoever has done this has obeyed the law. The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else' - all these, and any other besides, are summed up in the one command, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'. If you love someone you will never do him wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law" - Romans 13:8-12 No matter what people who CLAIM to be Christians do or say the fact reamins that God is a God of love and there is no such thing as third world people being lesser than anyone else. In the Bible they are referred to as the Gentiles just as billions of other people in the world are who are not part of ancient Israel. Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ is available to both "the Jew and the Gentiles". Anyone who is racist or judgemental and treats someone worse than they would want to be treated is not acting as part of the body of Christ. For example, murdering innocent civilians in an unjust war or insulting people here, from the safety of your home. The question was asked, "Why did Jesus not prevent this Tsunami?" There are many natural disasters that happen all around the world (especially earthquakes, like in Turkey and elsewhere) that take a lot of lives. The earth has a mind of its own. Also, the Bible clearly states that in the ends times there will be major increases in wars, rumors of wars, natural disaster, famine, and pestilence. These are signs of the end times. Humans have had 6 thousand years to acknowledge God as creator- to acknowledge the ten commandments and to start loving everyone equally to bring about world peace. The time has elapsed and the signs are clear that the tribulation is approaching because man does not care about God. The book of Revelation says that "four horsemen" will be realeased who will cause wars, famine, pestilence, death from natural disasters etc. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus and try to pass his love along to others then you will be protected from the tribulation... however I don't know that this is necessarily the tribulation- this is probably just the time that is leading to it, which began with World War I. Anyone who acknowledges that there is a God has to also acknowledge that when your life on earth ends it is not the end of your spiritual life. If someone is not acting out of love they are not acting as a Christian. I guess that's it.

Makes u think		30-Dec-2004 09:13
now first of all i want to say that i am not a religious person, however given the circumstances i feel the need to pray tonight before i go to sleep...now for just one moment can we all take a break from our ego-maniacal purposes, and our ingorance and not compare this tragedy to others...this is the worst tragedy in the recorded history of mankind, this has literally changed the size of the earth as well as the earths rotation and geographic location of some of these islands, take a moment to ponder the magnitude of this event...the earthquake in 1989 was an 8.0 on the richter scale...this was a 9.0, that makes the quake of december 26th, 1000 times as powerfull...as powerfull as 1 million atomic bombs detonated at once under water...so for mercys sake lets at least respect it.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 08:55
To Chris ( another Idiot ) "If god were really capable of doing something like this, then he would be better off wiping out the muslims. " What the hell do you think indonesia is ...a christen nation ? Loser, first know what you are talking about then make a comment ....i hope you loose your job and then die of hunger

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 08:52
To the person that wrote this : I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention You are a fricking idiot ! you'r kind of people are the ONLY reason why terrorist exist with your narrowminded point of view , I bet you voted for bush didn't you , come on admit it ! ...How do you get the f*** idea to compare this to 9/11 .... " valuable as Americans " " 3rd world people " you do NOT deserve to live ! I'm still looking for some people in those countries ! I've you would happen to appear to be dying I WILL NOT DO CPR on you !

chris		30-Dec-2004 08:50
If god were really capable of doing something like this, then he would be better off wiping out the muslims.

Missing Person Search		30-Dec-2004 08:43
United Aid has open a free service for relatives and friends looking for missing person in Phuket area. http://www.UnitedAid.org/ http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Human		30-Dec-2004 08:29
Gary Ray...thank you for the link.I greatly appreciate that.I couldn't imagine what it must be like to have actually been where this different footage has been taken. Thank you again, Human

Human		30-Dec-2004 08:21
Yes, I am a Jesus Freek.Yes...that is the correct spelling. In my dialogue I never put anyone down and I never put any religions down.I wrote earlier about how I believe Jesus loves you all and that I don't think that I am above anybody.I think God could have stopped this from happening and He didn't.I don't find myself wise enough to debate Him.Most of you are probably wiser and could give Him some advice when you find time in your schedule.I am really thankful for the blessings that I have in my reasonably happy life and find His grace and love comforting...especially in times of trouble.If me sharing this in a non hateful and non self righteous manner disturbs you....too bad.I live in a country where I have this freedom.If the ten commandments bother you, well maybe you should move to Iraq, Iran, Russia or some place where you could get a break from my ignorance. Do you believe that religion should be taught in public schools? In the U.S. it is! Most people don't know which one. Don't worry though....it's not the ten commandments or anything associated with the Bible. Most people at this point all of the sudden aren't concerned any more. Yeah...I think through Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God. I stick with the winners and Jesus won victory over death.A lot of people are dead, are dieing, have lost loved ones, have lost limbs, etc.I think Jesus can comfort all of these people beyond what I can do for them. I am only a human who can never attain perfection of the ten commandments in action and mind both, at all times.Anyone who has told a little "white" lie all the way up to murdering someone and you realize you are poor in spirit(flawed, imperfect)..don't look to me for redemption...Jesus is "thee" man. Hey Joe...or joe@iammyowngod.com , in love and with compassion....you are the guy being swept away by the water in those two photos.I hope you make it man...just put your arm out and Jesus will pull you onto the balcony!!!I was that guy too! I hope for God's will in your lives. I am poor in spirit and a citizen of heaven....not earth.

Buxtehude		30-Dec-2004 08:16
With nearly 100,000 souls rec'd home, it is our desire that you, the reader, should seek for the goodness in each other, and seek for peace within yourselves. To do any other wise is to deny the gift of this planetary experience which has been granted you for your growth and betterment. Those that claim to follow in the tradition of The People of the Way can find nowhere justification for their fear-mongering and hatred disguised in self-righteous posturing. They are the most disappointing, in that they commit the greatest sin, hypocracy. In so doing, they deny me with every breath they take. They live not by The Golden Rule, nor are they Children of the Light. Truly, the whores & 'filth' of the world are better than these, for they do not lie to themselves. I see all.

Buxtehude		30-Dec-2004 08:11
With nearly 100,000 souls rec'd home, it is our desire that you, the reader, should seek for the goodness in each other, and seek for peace within yourselves. To do any other wise is to deny the gift of this planetary experience which has been granted you for your growth and betterment. Those that claim to follow in the tradition of The People of the Way can find nowhere justification for their fear-mongering and hatred disguised in self-righteous posturing. They are the most disappointing, in that they commit the greatest sin, hypocracy. In so doing, they deny me with every breath they take. They live not by The Golden Rule, nor are they Children of the Light. Truly, the whores & 'filth' of the world are better than these, for they do not lie to themselves. I see all.

Greg		30-Dec-2004 08:08
It is really disappointing that so many people would argue so fiercly with each other, and hurl electronic insults across the web while almost 100,000 people are dead or dying. I think that everyone needs to take a step away from their keyboards for a moment and reflect on what is important. Once we've all finished reflecting we need to keep our immature, ranting thoughts to ourselves. Please don't forget that this is a photo gallery... not a debate on whether religion is the cause of, or solution to our problems, nor a debate on which religion is the right religion. ************* 8 months ago I woke up in a bed that doesn't exist anymore; inside a bamboo hut that has now been washed into the sea; on a beautiful secluded beach on Ko Lanta (a smaller island in Thailand that faces the direction this tsunami came from). I know that that same bed had at least one person in it, and quite possibly two on the morning of Dec 26th, and that those people are most likely dead. If they are not...they are lucky. Plain and simple. I don't care what the fanatics who post here say...I'm just happy to be alive, and I'm happy that I get to see my girlfriend again tomorrow. You should be too. So stop it!!! Please. *****Greg*********** p.s. I do think that Helmut's photos are quite spectacular. Isn't that the point of posting comments on a photo gallery?

Gary Ray		30-Dec-2004 07:58
To Human and all those looking for tsunami disaster downloadable video. The best site I have found is URL (http://waxy.org ) * phuket.wmv (11MB) - shot from inside a restaurant, waves engulf older couple clinging to railing before flooding entire room * patong_beach.wmv (10MB) - rooftop view of two huge waves battering buildings along shore, then flooding of city streets * sri_lanka.wmv (7MB) - upper balcony view of hotel swimming pool area getting flooded as observers run away; woman asks "how high will it go?" before retreating * koh_lanta_thailand.avi (11MB) - shot on beach level; watch as first wave grows and crashes, before cameraman's frantic retreat away from shore * penang_beach.wmv (1MB) - shot from wall above beach, three men are caught in battering waves * sri_lanka_resort.wmv (6MB) - upper level hotel balcony; restaurant, pools, and deck flooded as people cling to trees; two men narrate what they see Good Luck - G. Ray

han		30-Dec-2004 07:58
it's an awful thing to have happened and i'm really thankful that mr hellmut issels uploaded his pictures within an hour. thanx man. to any who might be interested to find out more, pls visithttp://www.channelnewsasia.com/ it's a news station based in singapore with a focus on news from an asian perspective so it should be very helpful. i am really thankful that, despite being so close to the epicentre, we at singapore are spared by sheer geography, being sheltered by the mountains of sumatra and penisular malaysia. i will pray for all who are lost and missing as well as the families, relatives and friends of those who have lost their loved ones to the raging torrents of water. although it appears that hope is diminishing for those still missing, i'll pray that as many return safe as is possible. lastly, to the families of hundreds of singaporeans still missing in phuket, don't be too sad should it turn out the worse. condolences.

to beckie		30-Dec-2004 07:51
Beckie, do you find strength in God? Yes, off course you do! Find your strength in your inner self, this way you will rely on Natural forces, not superficial once.

Chuck		30-Dec-2004 07:37
A lot of nuts out there but that creep Becky takes the cake !

Guest		30-Dec-2004 07:31
omg- this is the most incredible and disturbing series of photographs i think i've ever seen... my thoughts are with everybody over there. -oh and you know what i think is just as bad as self-righteousness and stupidity? ... the inability to shut up, especially when you don't know what you're talking about... ignore this comment and all below

Tito		30-Dec-2004 07:29
Incredible pictures, you have done a service to us all, however, the talk about G-d having something to do with creating a natural disaster is so pathetic it probably shouldn't even be commented on, but that is the way of the religious right who have kidnapped the process, and this is coming from a conservative.

BS		30-Dec-2004 06:59
We all know that the world is about 90% idiots and anyone who can possibly make fun of this situation is either just looking for a rise, is about 10, or is really a dickhead. Don't get so caught up in some dipshits dumb ass thoughts. This situation is horrifying, I have friends there, I know that most people aren't as stupid as the asses posting here.....

Eve		30-Dec-2004 06:45
Eh ? wot da 'ell goin on now ? people in my country been fuc*ed up,and thing gone shit.But some of lunatic come to this page and post crap thing on here.. for god sake ! ps...Im goin down to south for help people who still alive and I will tell them that I will never live them ! Peaceeeeeeeeeee

Guest		30-Dec-2004 06:29
live and let other live

Christina		30-Dec-2004 06:15
If anyone will give it will be those of faith. Even those of other faiths because giving is a common goal in most all religions. Thank the Lord for that. That said : There is only one religion that is right. Why would God have needed to send Jesus to die and come back for our sins(by the way even non-Christians knew of Jesus) if we more than one religion was right. IT is about time you people Respected our religion as well. The constitution gave us freedom for religion NOT FROM religion. I feel very sorry for you and those who are like you that do not believe in anything except for their "right" to cuss, drink, have endless sexual encounters with others, and murder babies inside the womb. But I do pray for you because unlike you I still love you because the Lord made you and loves you. Sincerely, Christina

Guest		30-Dec-2004 06:14
BECKIE THIS IS NOT THE FORUM TO DISCUSS THIS STUFF YOU MORON...Yep....now I am being dis-respectful

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 06:07
To: Guest First of all, I am not ramming anything down anybodys throat. And you want to talk about respect? I have not posted anything disrespectful about anything or anybody elses beliefs. But YOU sound a little disrespectful, and then to claim to be a Christian?

Davo		30-Dec-2004 06:04
My heart goes out to all the families effected by this disaster and all the people who have died. Please do not feed the trolls who post here and it would be great if this guestbook could actually be closed.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 05:55
Thankyou for your voice of reason Richard. This comment is a most welcome break from the "wanker" zealots that are using this forum to ram their religious beliefs down everybodys throat. To everybody who is posting Christian non-sense in this forum....there are many religions in this world...respect them. Personally speaking as a Christian YOUR EVALNGELISM MAKES ME SICK.

J.L.M.A.		30-Dec-2004 05:53
The photos are amazing. It is so difficult to believe that this could happen in such a short period of time with no warning, and take the lives of over 100,000. It certainly confirms the fact that we should never take anything in this life for granted, for it could all be gone tomorrow. I agree with Richn. God did not make this happen. It was a consequence of natural events taking place in the tectonic plates. This shifting takes place quite a bit unbeknowst to the inhabitants of the earth as shifting does not always cause as severe an event which would be noticeable to us. All of us should be as generous as we can be in giving to the organizations which will be doing relief work in this area.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 05:50
Beckie, two words for you.... Fairy Tale

Joe		30-Dec-2004 05:46
To: Me Again Your message earlier: "why can't this happen to France... constantly? " Absolutely the funniest thing I've ever read. Nice work my friend.

telford elliott		30-Dec-2004 05:45
My people believed that when the world was getting over populated a plague or a war would break out. This is nothing more than a natural occurance and this will not be the last. Im just sorry for all the death and destruction. Those photos you took Helmut i sent on to friends and family,as i said i would. They were appreciated because they know u never get the real story on tv news........thanx again Helmut............Telford

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:39
I do have a life!! And a blessed one it is. I thank God every day for all things. I am not some self righteous religious freak. I am far from perfect and need to ask God to help guide me and lead me every day. I am a 39 year old wife and mother of 2 children, and I have cried many tears for those people who lost thier lives in this disaster, and for those who are left behind grieving for their loved ones. I am very saddened by anyone who chooses to ignore the facts written in the Bible. It is all true and it absolutely is not a Fairy Tale!!!

Richnbear		30-Dec-2004 05:36
what the heck has god got to do with the photos, did he take them ? if not why all the talk about some sort of christian god, perhapes we should tell all the muslim, hindu, budist, and all the other regional religions that the christian God was responcible, thjat way the wave can return and we can all go fly planes into buildings knowing that GOD is on our side. while the people of the region suffer, you wankers are on about GOD, do get real. Richard

Shermaine Chong hui yan		30-Dec-2004 05:29
hi just want to send my condolences t those that are dead from the stupid disastrous tsunami..

Jim Knapp		30-Dec-2004 05:26
Most of you are missing the point. America is the largest Christian nation in the world and that is the way the founding fathers intended it to be. Put God back in the schools and put Jesus in your hearts and wake up before it is to late. The tsunami was not an act of God but it is an opportunity to show we Americans have what it takes to be compassionate with our work, money and time and show that our hearts are in the right place. Will we? In the main I doubt it. If we don't we will surely miss the opportunity of a lifetime to show France, Germany and Russia where our priorities are as well as all the Islamic nations of the world. We cannot do enough but will we even try? This is an opportunity of immense proportions to show we are Christians by our love. That means taking the time and effort to help in any way we can with relief and also to take back the country from the psuedo Christians that we see on Christmas and Easter and then they disappear. Jesus will be asking "Where were you when I was in the hospital, prison, starving, hungry and lost?" What is you answer going to be. Watching the TV and shedding crocodile tears. This is our wake up call.

Shermaine Chong hui yan		30-Dec-2004 05:26
hi everybody..just want to make friends with you guys...i am from singapore..erm..from CHIJ st nicholas girls school..just wanna say that i am very pissed off with those pictures..fuck them..

to beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:23
Beckie, get a life!

Saru		30-Dec-2004 05:18
It's so sad this has happened. My sincere condolences to all those bereaved families. To the people who are victims of this tragedy "May their souls rest in peace". Whether we term it as Act of God / Natures fury, at the end of it we've about 1,00,000 lost lives. This certainly isnt good and at the most we can learn a lesson how to deal with such disasters (ofcourse at the cost of those 1lakh lives). It is apt that we global citizens pray for the lost souls and contribute to our mite to help the victims. PEACE TO ALL.

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:17
Alot of you people are on here blaming God for this disaster. I do not believe anyone should blame God for anything bad that happens. Take a good hard look at this world we live in. We as human beings are disobedient to the Lords word, and we will see many more disasters before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Just open up the Bible and go to Matthew 24. This is just the beginning of the worlds sorrows. Every prophecy in the Bible will come true, and this is exactly what is taking place right now. Just think about it, all kinds of out of the ordinary natural disasters have been happening accross the world. Nations at war with one another, the decline of decent morals, famine and disease. If anyone who reads this, does not know Jesus Christ in a personal way, I pray that you soon will. Those people who were swept away into the waters on that terrible day, had no idea that would be thier last day possible to turn their lives over to the Lord. Please don't wait another day, because you may not be given the chance. May God be with you all!!

me again		30-Dec-2004 05:17
why can't this happen to France... constantly?

steve-o		30-Dec-2004 05:15
Ah puhleeze... the religious psychos and the political psychos are running away with their idealistic bullsh*t. It was a bunch of big waves... it can happen anywhere, anytime. Maybe it's nature's way of clearing out some of this overpopulated rock we call Earth. Don't bother giving to charity- you know why? Because the money doesn't get to those who need it. Do you know how much the execs at Unicef and Red Cross make? I've seen UN "disaster relief" and what I saw was UN flunkies selling the supplies, including the vehicles in which the food and water was to be delivered. Just be glad you aren't dead and live your life. And for all you religious freaks- how can you be so clueless? It's a friggin FAIRY TALE.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 05:11
OK slightly off topic, but where do you put your $8000 (not counting the lens), 16 megapixel, Canon EOS-1Ds Mk II when you want to go for a swim?

dude in tahialnd		30-Dec-2004 05:07
What does God has to do with all this? Do you think God=Nature? Or do you think Nature is God? Nothing of a kind! All is a product of uncertainty principal and this devastation could’ve happened any where in the universe and does happen all the time, I’m sure. How about the death of Dinosaurs? Was that God’s or Nature’s deed, I wonder? Boy, were they pissed at either during what was happening then! Or were they pre-historic men angry during the ice age? If they were, who did they blame? One thing’s for certain, they didn’t need freezer trucks to keep their bodies intact before they decomposed so the forensic scientist could identify them and send them home…

seets		30-Dec-2004 05:06
I fell all lives are equal..... no prefix (be it "american,indian,indonesian,french or british) makes a difference to teh word LIFE... innocent people have lost their LIVES..... thats what counts at the end of the day!

Seets		30-Dec-2004 04:59
Hi, Under developed countries such as those which have been affected by the Tsunami Tragedy did help the 911 victimes in ways that they were capable of. As far as 911 is concerned, U.S was quite capable of handling the tragedy on its own in terms of financial needs and requirements..... AT the end of the day it doesnt matter whether the tragedy was caused by an INTENTIONAL terrorist attack or an UNINTENTIONAL act of nature's fury...... what matters is that innocent lives have been lost.... children have been turned orphans.. families have become homeless....and we could have been one of them...

Tim		30-Dec-2004 04:52
Is nothing sacred to you people? Especially those of you who try to lay claim to being Christian? Is this what you call Christian? To use this appalling tragedy as just another forum for tasteless jokes about public figures whose politics you happen to dislike... oh fugetaboutit. You're all so convinced of your righteousness you would never understand me anyway...

Johnny		30-Dec-2004 04:49
Al, you raise a great point. It's hard to separate tragedy from politics but there is not a lot of sympathy from me for Indonesia. They are a haven for terrorists and many of you will remember the Bali bombings that killed over a hundred foreigners.

Christine		30-Dec-2004 04:46
Great pics Ridiculous forum discussions Joe is correct on all points ... And people - you gotta drop this "God" thing - it's killing us all ... God is a figmentation of your imagination.

Al		30-Dec-2004 04:37
I don't claim to be better than anyone else. But alot of people here are talking like they know it all, and have the answers for everything. Well tell your egos to shut up and realize that this disaster was an act of nature just running it's course at the wrong place and time. Believe me, I don't mind helping out by sending a donation but it's funny when 911 happened(and I live in nyc), I didn't see any of these nations that we are helping digging into their pockets to help us. I'll even bet alot of these people were cheering when the towers collapsed. Yeah I know you can't compare the numbers as far as deaths go but 911 was an act of terrorism. and thats over 3000 murders comitted in an instant. That aside, I just love the ones out there that need a reason to blame God for every disaster. God does not interfere with free will and that includes in my opinion, Nature. If God was to interfere with free will, we would all be living in a world wide Utopia right now in perfect harmony with no hatred, predjudice, cruelty, pain, suffering, etc. You know-it-alls out there need a big wake up call so pull your heads out of your cracks and face reality.

Reese		30-Dec-2004 04:18
The earthquake and tsunami were not acts of God. They were acts of nature. That is unless God is merely a euphemism for nature. If that's the case, then they were acts of God. Since there isn't a uniformly accepted definition for God, it can only lead to some people being misled by bringing up the term with respect to this discussion.

Scarlett		30-Dec-2004 03:59
sits, stunned, looking at posts Most of these posts are constantly about what God IS and IS NOT doing and what he should and shouldn't be doing. Why are you wasting time worrying about that? God is God, he knows what he's doing, I wot. But what are you doing, worrying about him? Start doing something yourself. You can pray your heart out but come on, you've got two hands, two feet, and a brain. Go and use them.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:57
Rich Adams, You are 100% correct and I am glad you have come in here and pretty much summed up what everyone else was trying to say. What I am doing right now is that slow clap they do in movies when one guy starts clapping slowly and then others start to join in and then the entire audience is clapping vigorously. So far, nobody else has joined in but keep the faith brother...keep the faith. Your friend, Pablo Escobar

Rich Adams		30-Dec-2004 03:46
Geez. After reading through the majority of these posts, there are indeed quite a few misguided souls in this world! I'm saddened by this tragedy no more and no less than I would by any other of this name. People died... some who might have deserved it if you feel that you are in a place to judge, but more likly they died not deserving it. To speculate upon God's perspective is not only pointless, but likely insulting to the core of religion. Acceptance, Tolerance, and Compassion are the fundamentals of nearly any religion. Let's all embrace this and be less judging about other people and other situations. People died, and as humans we are naturally saddened. The learning from this event is both personal and deferred. Each one of us will take from this event what we will, and far be it from another to attempt to pollute this process with thier own personal agenda. My thoughts and prayers and good will go out to everyone and anyone touched by this tragedy. Thank you Hellmut for providing these images to allow us each to connect on a more personal level to the details of what occurred.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:13
Frank, frank, frank. My I call you Mr. Furter? I'm curious at what point did you check out and leave your mind to the big J.C. No silly, not Javier Chavez your gardener, I'm talking about Jesus Christ...aka. Mel Gibson...aka son of God....aka Bubba. Jesus completely let these people down. Not since the goal keeper for Liverpool has any entity on this planet done a worst job covering the goal. J.C. was on point and he let ...oh...I don't know....a ga-billion gallons of water flood have the coastal region of Asia. J.C. is not as reliable as he used to be and I sincerely question is committment to being the holy spirit. Anyone who still waves at his flag has serious issues in my book. Also, on a less scale, where was J.C. when all of the Catholic preists were molesting small children who would later go on to solid careers such as: alcoholics, child molesters themselves, suicidal hopeless people, and delivery drivers for Pizza Shack? Next to George Bush, J.C. is the biggest disapointment of the century. Seal it. Zip it. Dial 1-800-NOT-HOME for more information on how J.C. has abandoned his gullible followers. Let there be Joe.

Eli Finkelstein		30-Dec-2004 03:09
Thanks for sharing these photos!

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:05
Have any of you people been to Thailand? Although it is a country with much beautiful it is also considered one of the ashtrays of Asia. The amount of prostitution, transmission of AIDS, and illegal drug trafficing is staggering. I know a lot of religious people are here and the bible would state that this GODs way of cleaning the planet. I also know there are a lot of non-religous people here and they would say that the survival of the fittest is in full operational mode on the planet. Frankly, I think most people are overhwhelmed by this because they can picture themselves on vacation, lying on a beach, and getting taken out by a Tsunami. Finally, how come all the sudden attention and outpouring of emotions for this tragedy when 20 times the number of people that died in Asia die every year in Africa due to AIDS? It is no less significant, it simply doesn't get the media attention 24/7 by CNN and MSNBC. Let's fact it, we are a media society and love a good story. Scoreboard: Jesus 86,000 People of Asia 0

Frank		30-Dec-2004 02:59
Awful, sad pictures. People being swept away. People dying. Horrible. A few brief comments on some posts here: Emma - "some people need to get their priorities right". Yes we do ..... Yes we do. "the whole point that this disaster was a result of science" Maybe "science" was the result, but what was the cause Emma" And why has God not chosen to intercede? Let us not forget who is the only one who can stop diasasters like this from happening in the first place. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. But often we are deaf to His callings and blind to His presence. And that is where the problems with humanity and the world begins ... Jesus is the Creator of everything. Therefore, He is the sole author of "science" Emma. That automatically makes Him the only person we can go to when this fallen world has gone out of kilter. But He will not force us to do that. That we have to do of our own free will. He's waiting Emma ........ Sebastian - "ask yourself if the Pope or Jesus are doing enough" Wrong question my friend. Instead, ask yourself if you're doing enough, or if anything you did in your own spiritual life has helped to bring on these disasters. That's the right question. "Why isn't the Pope excommuniting all the members of the US administration" First off, the act of "excommunication" only applies to Catholics. To all the members of Congress who are not Catholic, they would not be bound by any of the Pope's decisions. "Jesus would have to take just one minute out of his busy schedule to Pull JPII aside and say I think it is time to excommunicate Bush". As I stated above, the Holy Father only has spiritual authority over Catholics. Pres. Bush is not Catholic. Even if he was, "excommunication" is the worst that the Pope could do to him (or any other catholic). And "excommunication" means that the catholic is no longer allowed to receive the Sacramants of the Church . As a human being, the person has their free will to leave the Church and reject Her authority. "Doesn't he have a direct line to Jesus?" Yes he does. Christ gave him that special relationship when He gave only to Peter, our first Pope - "The Keys of the Kingdom". "Would it be a miricle if the Pope received just a little but of instruction form Jesus?" Yes it would be a miracle, and it happens every time when the Pope teaches us on Faith and Morals. This is a miracle that every pope recieves continuously. Guest - "it's DIVERSE, not DIVERS, you jack***" Cute, really cute. That's an example of a soul speaking w/o charity. Someone quotes from a book that a billion people call Holy, and you go and ridicule his spelling. Uh huh. Jesus is waiting for you too my brother ...... Terri - I admire your faith and conviction. I myself am a Christian of the Roman Catholic Church. But in times like these, where catastrophe has struck tens of thousands of people, we have to be a little careful about how we exteriorize our gift of faith. I believe that you are quite sincere in your desire to help others realize that we have received Justification by Christ's dying on the Cross for us. But there are times to act, and there are times to preach/instruct. Given the IMMEDIATE need of those tsunami survivors whose lives still remain in peril, right now has become the time for allowing our Christianity to speak through our actions. And as you well know, these actions are made through Prayer & Sacrifice & Giving. The people in Asia are in immediate and desperate need of our help. Now is the time that Christ is especially looking at His flock (as well as ALL His earthly people) to see how they will act/react. May God have Mercy on our souls ........

Terri		30-Dec-2004 02:55
Awesome pictures. It's almost enough to make you wonder what person in their right mind would stand around shooting pictures under those conditions!

amherst		30-Dec-2004 02:27
Please please please do NOT contribute to humanitarian organizations for this disaster. Huh? Pick an organization that you feel confident of -- Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Relief Services, Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee, Catholic Medical Mission Board are among the most reliable -- and give EVERY MONTH. One problem (I speak from a little experience) is that aid poors in today, but three months from now when just as many people are homeless, sick and starving the world has moved on to the next crisis. Best thing would be to let this inspire you to research and pick out one or two international relief groups, and set a consistent goal for yourself (whether it's only 5 bucks or 50 bucks a month, whatever you can afford), and make it your monthly, regular, ongoing, lifelong commitment personally. Maybe organize a little study group in your parish or church congregation or school (teachers -- great current events project to pick an organization and follow it through its magazine and mailings)to raise a check every month. DON'T send "stuff" -- as nice as it feels, its mnot as helpful as cash (these big outfits get massive donations of drugs, for instance, from drug companies, and don't need your bottle of Tylenol), but DO send cash -- they get the food and drugs donated, but not the money to transport it to the disaster site, and YOU can provide that transportation money. Also, make it a POLITICAL ISSUE. Two years from now (does anybody have a memory left), when your local congressman/congresswoman is running for re-electuion, and stops by your ROtary Club lunch, or your Garden Club contest, and takes a few questions, let somebody else ask about Social Security. YOU ask, what have you done to help the dying in Darfur? What's your position on debt relief for Sri Lanka after the tsunami? Will you support a bill for an expanded Peace Corps presence in Indonesia? etc.

White American		30-Dec-2004 02:21
I don't know exactly why it is not completely clear to everyone, but the types of comments made by "Sue" are specifically designed to make you angry at the "Sue" stereotype. The person who wrote that message most likely believes the exact opposite of what was written, and probably HATES white, christian Americans - and so designed the posting to make you also HATE white, christian Americans. Therefore, getting mad at "Sue" and those she designed to undermine (the white, christian American stereotype) is just being gullible. Please don't be gullible and respond to that kind of posting, it makes you sound very un-intelligent to be taken in by such an obvious ploy. There are indeed many people that want you to believe evil things about Americans... just as there are people that want you to believe evil things about liberals, and jews, and muslims, and hill-billies, and Hollywood producers, and photographers who take pictures of tragedy, and japs, and on and on and on... so let me give you some advice: If a jew tells you all muslims are evil, rest assured, the jew is evil (not all, just that one). If a muslim tells you all jews are evil, the muslim is evil (not all, just that one). If a red-neck tells you all negros are inferior, laugh at them - cause you know the red-neck is evil (not all red-necks, just that one). If a Democrat tells you that all Republicans in the midwest are uneducated, religious fanatics, then the Democrat is an idiot fanatic (not all, just that one) you get the picture... And the point is, you don't need to argue with idiots. And most importantly, don't assume that just because one is an idiot, everyone that looks like them, or lives near them, or talks like them, or worships like them must be idiots too.... that makes you the idiot. Yes, I called you an idiot if you generalize anybody (that means all of you racists and liberals). There is one exception of course, I am not an idiot and therefore can generalize all of you as idiots for reading this long of a post.

Kenny		30-Dec-2004 02:15
Well said Charles123

Guest		30-Dec-2004 02:13
Act Now. Don't sit on the sidelines Do something positive and donate to a humanitarian relief org like the Red Cross. Stop the Fights Dont be negative like some are behaving. Don't just keep posting flammable comments and start some flame wars on pbase.com DO SOMETHING Lots of people have died and many more need help to rebuild their lives in many countries. Most of us have much much more than these affected people who have lost shelter, and loved ones. 50,000? 100,000? I want to ask you to help prevent more lives from being lost from disease, hunger, infestation. Give some money today. For instance, the Red Cross can take credit cards for donations starting from $5. www.redcross.org Go argue some other time. Please be civil. Those will not directly help the victims of the tsunami. Think before posting and starting another flame war. Will that help someone in the affected area? Most of us are sitting comfortably in our seats typing and clicking away. With clean water, food and shelter available for today, next week, and next month. Those poor victims have lost so much, I can't imagine what it must be like to go thru a calamity like that. Donate today to help someone over there. Be compassionate. Be civil online. Act instead of just talking, typing, typing. If u have contributed. Thank you for your compassionate heart and caring soul.

L.Chandler		30-Dec-2004 02:03
Hi do you know of any groups trying to go over and asking for volunteers?? I have tried to find some but I am having no luck. Please if you have any info that would be great! Otherwise thank you anyway and i will keep searching around to see what I can come up with.

Kenny		30-Dec-2004 02:01
Well, my dear friends from this world. I almost never post stuff on forums(maybe I don't have a life eh) but I'm curious to know why so many people are throwing such snide remarks at one another. Such wasted energy, better spent on DOING something more beneficial to the people affected by this disaster. So far, what I've seen are people preaching how good each of own factions are(be it religious, political, racial, country etc.) Not that I point a finger at all the people writing in this forum. Some people are truely commendable and all of us have to try and make a better effort to put aside our differences. Please stop bickering and put the energy to better use. I do what I can too. Thanks :)

mmi		30-Dec-2004 01:54
Thank you for the pictures. I notice people are using this to make political statements for or against America....as if that has anything to do with anything. This is a horrible natural disaster. It's happened before...it happens in history. Period. Then some people are saying 'why did God choose to allow this to happen? answer: I don't know. Who can possibly know? I know God is merciful. Many of the perished were poor humble people, so they go right to heaven, and many who were on holiday for religious festival too.....good people doing their religious duty. God is good. If you have to die (and we all do) then dying in worship is good. As far as the humanitarian challenge...this is something he calls us all to rise to... He is actually challenging us who are not hurt to come to the aid of those who are hurt. The nations of the world are capable of doing so much TOGETHER for this terrible thing. I know I will be giving double my usual amount to catholic aid for this disaster...and of course my prayers. As easy as I give an 'answer'...I know it isn't enough. I am no philosepher...just an american housewife with 10 children, who looked yesterday at the photo face of an Indian mother of 11 children, all washed to sea, and and I cried for her. I can not begin to understand or fathom the terrible anguish. I just know that God is God...and he IS good. I just don't understand everything. have faith that he gathered the souls of the perished into his arms. They are safe in him and give to the charities you know will help the survivors. And as one 'poster says: "don't feed the trolls". I see MORE good caring people on these boards expressing love and concern and promises of help and prayers then anything. That HAS to mean something. God bless. mmi United States of America

scarlettmarsden@mac.com		30-Dec-2004 01:44
There is a lot of hurt and pain currently enveloping the world, fighting one another, whether face to face or on forums such as this isn't going to help anyone. Countries come and countries go, bu not matter what country you're from it's all the same. We're all from the same productive system, we're all created the same. Cease this fighting, and the hurtful, spiteful comments. Thousands of people have died on account of this, so many children become orphaned, mother's been TORN from their children. Instead of trying to convince everyone that you're right and everyone else is wrong, put your pride and your patriotism aside for a moment, you can always go back to it later. No one is right, no one is wrong, each country is doing the best they can at any given moment in time and if you're leaders aren't doing what you want them to do then accept it, and if someone elses leaders aren't doing what you want them to either then ppht, get over it. Unite, stop the fighting and the anger. There is no use for it. If others aren't doing what you want/like, then YOU go out and do it. Volunteer, donate, pack your own bags and board a flight and go over and help. This gallery is beautiful in a dark and sinister way, and in a natural disaster there is no one to blame, no where to throw your anger at and tell someone it's 'their fault'. But that's okay, because instead of telling someone 'it's your fault', tell them 'lets go out and help.'

Human		30-Dec-2004 01:43
For clarification my previous dialogue was to Joe joe@yahoo.com in response to a question he had posed to my original input.I thought I had put that in the subject line, yet it didn't appear. I have been searching for more video and photos of this catastrophe and haven't been able to find any. Can anyone direct me to newer ones on the net? Thank you and I hope we can all be in this together regardless of different convictions!

Sebastian		30-Dec-2004 01:40
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/trade/subsidies/2004/0921subsidies.htm If US agri-buisness corporations stopped stealing from India, about 333 million dollars per year (with or without Gods help). India would easily be able to afford its own clean-up bill. Remember the UN is hoping to raise about 1 billion US dollars for the total clean-up operation. The Stingy US government has offered less than 50 million US dollars. In God we trust to help us steal with one hand and give with our other's pinky! Seb

Dan Chusid		30-Dec-2004 01:39
Instead of leaving comments here, act! . . This is a list of the different agencies that are reaching out to help the victims. Hope this helps you as you reach out to help others. ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org . . . . - DC

Dan Chusid		30-Dec-2004 01:38
Instead of leaving comments here, act! . . This is a list of the different agencies that are reaching out to help the victims. Hope this helps you as you reach out to help others. ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org . . . . - DC

Anastasios		30-Dec-2004 01:37
Hellmut, thank you for sharing your pictures of the tragedy. Pray for all who have lost their loved ones and for those who may never find the bodies of their loved ones. Also pray to God that disease does not kill anymore people.

Stephanosis		30-Dec-2004 01:35
It doesn't matter who did it -- God or just some thoughtless fault in the ocean floor -- this is so incredibly, horribly, stultifyingly tragic. Just tragic. We should pull all the troops out of Iraq and send them to rebuild a country from which we have at least a prayer of getting a "Thank You." It would be the smartest thing that the sadly benighted Bush administration and its phalanx of evangelicals has ever done. -- Steph (also from the American South and no, can't say I've ever actually been called a redneck)

Anastasios		30-Dec-2004 01:35
Hellmut, thank you for sharing your pictures of the tragedy. Pray for all who have lost their loved ones and for those who may never find the bodies of their loved ones. Also pray to God that disease does not kill any more people.

Emma		30-Dec-2004 01:31
i never submitted to hate americans so many thanks for your spiteful comments back to me, i was mereley pointing out the fact that this discussion was heading on a tangent away from the real issue of all the suffering that is being caused. i am also not suggesting that i live in a higher society than any of you, but it is good for you to bite back so quickly. i also do not drink tea or eat crumpets or stereotype other nationalities for that matter!

Emma		30-Dec-2004 01:25
Terry, i never submitted to hate americans i was mereley pointing out the tangent on which this discussion had followed, you have nevertheless supported my claim that this discussion is being over taken by comments on americans and america when it should be asia and the tsunami which the discussion focuses on. yes, we all know that your nation has assisted this tragedy (how could we forget when you are the first to let everyone know) but i will remind you that many other nations have helped as well, however we do not need instant commendation for this, it is a duty as a human to help others in time of need. i would also like to point out that my reasoning for it being a scientific occurance was to sway away from the 'acts of god', conspiracies or any other rubbish reason that may be suggested. if you look it up you will find out how a tsunami is caused by science. i have nothing against americans or any other nation for that matter, it is an unfortunate fact of the world that pricks exist everywhere!

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:24
I apologize for posting the letters so many times!! My electric was flickering and little did i know it was sent 3 times. to whomever posted these pictures Thank You so much for sharing them. I hope that you and yours are all well.

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:19
Hmmmmm Emma that comment was about as highly unintelligent as alot of the other comments made on this sight. Americans on a whole are all different (just as i suspect you are different from your British counterparts) made of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and many different religions. I myself have never stepped foot in a church but do not mind a persons religious comments as is that is there right to say something because that is what makes us the United States because we have the freedom to do so . Sometimes a persons comments are not well thought out (such as yours) but that is their right to say so (just as you have) But sometimes you just have to realize when someone is an idiot and not bother and you maam are an idiot!! As for the religious comments and everyone arguing...... Ladies and Gentlemen please REMEMBER that a tragedy has happened and it is not over yet. There are so many children that are parentless.....so many elderly helpless and hopeless.....so much rebuilding that needs to be done. Pray if you pray and hope for a better time for these people but stop fighting with each other!!! How about thinking of ways to help instead of fighting over religion and what someone thinks is a misspelling!!!!

Joe		30-Dec-2004 01:19
Hey Emma, I'll tell you what, you start making a list of all of the great British accomplishments and I'll do the same for America. You'll be done in about 2 minutes while it will take me several days. We're not perfect, but we've done a lot more for society than you snobby high-brows. Go have your tea and crumpetts...oh, and brush your teeth.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 01:19
Hey Emma, I'll tell you what, you start making a list of all of the great British accomplishments..and you do the same for Britian. You'll be done in about 2 minutes while it will take me several days. We're not perfect, but we've done a lot more for society than you snobby high-brows. Go have your tea and crumpetts...oh, and brush your teeth.

Human		30-Dec-2004 01:16
I do believe that God is ultimately in charge of the universe. I do believe that He knew the hearts of those who perished, as well as mine and yours. I am confident that He won't have a problem taking responsibility for this tragedy.I can't say that I understand, comprehend or agree fully.I do know that Jesus, who claimed and proved to be His son, was humiliated and brutally murdered even though he demonstrated and spoke of humility as well as love. More mind blowing is that He was resurrected in bodily form and actually appeared to 500 people at one time as well as to his disciples and others. Joe....please understand that I don't think I am above anyone.Jesus made Himself a servant to the point of death even though He was so stressed that His skin capalaries burst and He sweated blood.He didn't want to experience what He experienced, yet He did because He trusted God knew what He was doing.Please Joe, look into it and don't be detoured in your research by those claiming to be christians who don't show the actions of being so. Humans are imperfect and that is why a perfect God/man (Jesus) could step in and pay the price.He who had no debt could pay for mine. I know it seems crazy Joe! I want to clarify that it is not for sale.Salvation is a free gift...grace...unmerited favor. I hope you come to know of Jesus' love for you.It would honestly change your life for the better.For the most part I am really nobody special in this world in and of myself. Google Josh McDowell....Evidence that demands a verdict. It's an interesting read. I hope to see you in heaven and I hope your life here is as reasonably happy as mine!

Guest		30-Dec-2004 01:16
Thank you for sharing these pictures.

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:15
Hmmmmm Emma that comment was about as highly unintelligent as alot of the other comments made on this sight. Americans on a whole are all different (just as i suspect you are different from your British counterparts) made of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and many different religions. I myself have never stepped foot in a church but do not mind a persons religious comments as is that is there right to say something because that is what makes us the United States because we have the freedom to do so . Sometimes a persons comments are not well thought out (such as yours) but that is their right to say so (just as you have) But sometimes you just have to realize when someone is an idiot and not bother and you maam are an idiot!! As for the religious comments and everyone arguing......

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:14
Hmmmmm Emma that comment was about as highly unintelligent as alot of the other comments made on this sight. Americans on a whole are all different (just as i suspect you are different from your British counterparts) made of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and many different religions. I myself have never stepped foot in a church but do not mind a persons religious comments as is that is there right to say something because that is what makes us the United States because we have the freedom to do so . Sometimes a persons comments are not well thought out (such as yours) but that is their right to say so (just as you have) But sometimes you just have to realize when someone is an idiot and not bother and you maam are an idiot!! As for the religious comments and everyone arguing......

Terry		30-Dec-2004 01:05
I, an American, have not lost sight of the tragedy. Did you read my intro and ending with the prayers for the victims. What science caused this, science doesn't cause calamities in nature, it only tries to describe them and understand them. Why the American bashing- we give more $$$ than any other country, free more people, using our $$$, leave the country up to you, ask Germany, Japan, France, Afghanistan. If it wasn't for our country monetary help would be a lot less. Just ask the private Christian organizations who are giving help now without governmental intervention. CBN is helping now as we write this, for they we're already helping in those countries, they had bureaus in Jakarta and India mobilizing immediately. It's easy to hate us yet we still love ya and will help despite the animosity towards America because it's the right thing to do! Love ya'll, from the American South- you know- us red-necks.

Regan		30-Dec-2004 00:53
Look it up "Guest"!!! It does say DIVERS places. Look it up, Mathew 24:7.

Emma (british)		30-Dec-2004 00:51
what a surprise that this forum has been dominated by a discussion about religion, politics and probably worst of all americans. you seem to be missing the whole point that this disaster was a result of science and is a great tragedy, some people need to get their priorities right.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 00:42
it's DIVERSE, not DIVERS, you jackass. as in Various, which is the word used in some translations.

Sebastian		30-Dec-2004 00:37
And while you research don't forget that Bush's crusade in the middle east is reaching crisis point and that the US Admin (incl. 1/2 US mums and dads) are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to maintain the illegal occupation in Iraq even though no WMD cababilities where found just to try to support their own economy that is sinking. In your research varify or not that The UN whole relief effort will be less than 1% of the amountspent on the ocupation to date, even though the same UN has estimated that the damage bill is one hundred times this amount. Don't forget in your research that there are suitcase nukes around and that it is probably just a question of time before it is too late for some of us due to this escalating violence. Finally in your research ask yourself if the Pope or Jesus are doing enough. Why isn't the Pope excommuniting all the members of the US administration for putting our lives at risks, for using words like crusade to justify the illegal occupation and for being idiots by not sincerely helping those in distress when they are in a position to. Doesn't he have a direct line to Jesus? Would this be a miricle? Would it be a miricle if the Pope received just a little but of instruction form Jesus? It would just take 1 minute .... Jesus would have to take just one minute out of his busy schedule: to Pull JPII aside and say Paul, I think it is time to excommunicate Bush et al. They have gone too far. Seb

Terry		30-Dec-2004 00:26
I am truly, and my wife, saddened by the events that have taken place in the countries hit by the tsunami/earthquake on 12/26. The pictures give us a personal perspective not given by the news organizations, so we thank you for your bravery in taking them. We are even brought to tears by the deaths of families-brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, etc., the numbers don't put a face on it, but these personal pictures do. We are christians and pray for the survivors and their future...Yes, we believe in GOD, and in his HIS absolute sovereignty. The world is a fallen world, WE are ALL, including my wife and I, sinners in need of salvation from HIM. We all have our sin albeit, adultery, anger misplaced, abortion, unforgiveness, hatred towards anyone whether we like them or not or disagree with them or not. There are too many things that require a designer, they are too complicated to just happen. For example, the computer you are using to read this didn't just evolve over time, pop up on your desk, someone designed it. As to why the tragedy? This earth is imperfect as are we, death happens to ALL of us, I wish everyone could die peacefully but it doesn't happen that way, and if we could ALL die at old age well that would be nice too, but at what age. Let it be known that all those children are in Heaven with Jesus, yet we are accountable to HIM at what age I do not know. Remember HE gave us a way to spend eternity with HIM, thru the sacrificial death of Jesus, who was perfect, the only perfect person to live yet HE had to die too, and it was the worst type of death invented by man, death on a cross. Look at what was predicted in the BIBLE, read Matthew: 24:7/ Mark 15:8/ Luke 21:11, "For nation will against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences, and EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES." Yes, earthquakes predicted in the sea, hence "divers places". People scoffed at Noah, and yes there is proof of a big flood, the times are a changin', all predicted in the BIBLE. Even longtime atheist scientists now are admitting there is a designer behind the earth and the universe. Josh Mcdowell, a once professed atheist genius, IQ of 180, set out to prove the BIBLE wrong but he couldn't, he is now a Christian over 30 years. It's the evidence guys. So we Americans are not stupid, we just appreciate the freedom of choice, given by GOD HIMSELF, you can choose to believe and love HIM or you can choose not too, but we are destined die just 1 time and face judgment from a perfect GOD, who created a perfect earth but we screwed it up and invited sin and satan so that's why the evil and tragedies and horror. If you choose not to believe you have still made a choice. For love, if imposed or forced is NOT love at all, this is why GOD gives you free will to choose to love HIM. HE's waiting at the door for you and HE knocks, but HE will not force HIS way in. HE loves you no matter who you are or what you've done, HE's knocking now by you reading this. I pray for all those affected by this tragedy, for their emotional, physical, mental and spiritual healing, that HE will provide food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and spiritual shelter too. For HIS ways and thoughts are higher than man's, I cannot claim to know the mind of HIM but I can have a personal relationship with HIM 4-ever thru HIS SON JESUS. It's not we can do but what HE did for us--GRACE HAPPENS! Love the brother and sisters in CHRIST in America.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 00:04
Nuther American: You, my friend, are a genius. The insight you used to analyze the posts on this site, sort through fact from fiction, conduct some rapid detective work on the fabricated name as well as the reference to Hillary Clinton...outstanding. It's brilliant minds like yours that help the world be a smarter and safer place and I, for one, can't tell how much I am looking forward to meeting you in person. I have two things to say to you: 1. You are the Howard Cosell of the blogging world. 2. It was Professor Plum, in the library, with the candlestick. >>

Joe		29-Dec-2004 23:59
To: Human So is it the fault of Jesus for the Tsunami? Everyone gives him credit and praise when great things happen, like winning a sporting event or the birth of a child. But isn't he to blame when terrible things happen on this planet as well? "Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here."

Joe		29-Dec-2004 23:59
To: Human So is it the fault of Jesus for the Tsunami? Everyone gives him credit and praise when great things happen, like winning a sporting event or the birth of a child. But isn't he to blame when terrible things happen on this planet as well? "Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here."

Curlytop		29-Dec-2004 23:19
My God . . . what an unspeakably terrible tragedy. I'm so sorry for what you went through there, and even more for all who lived there and lost family members, friends, and homes. My heart goes out to all involved. It really saddens me to read some of the comments on this site. Sue Nommy is not only ignorant with regard to human experience and compassion, but also with regard to mathematics (last time I checked, 77000 is NOT more than 90 times 3000). For the rest of you with obvious political agendas, is it not just as racist to assume that all white people (or white people with a religious adherence) are uneducated, lacking in compassion, and eagerly pursuing means to oppress those not like them as it is for Sue Nommy to claim that nonwhite people in countries outside of America are somehow worth less than white Americans? Thank you for having the presence of mind to take the photos, and the courage and compassion to realize how very important they are and share them with the rest of us. I'm sure this hasn't been easy for you.

Human		29-Dec-2004 23:15
Thank you for the pictures. For those who will hear......I bleed red as the rest of you and I think it would be good to point out that we are all apart of the greatest statistic...10 out of 10 DIE!Hope I haven't shocked anybody.It is heart breaking to me to see my fellow human beings go through these tragedies.I greatly appreciate those who took the time to write respectful, encouraging and loving thoughts, thank you. From one imperfect human to any human who will hear...please, research the claims and life of the man by whom our timeline is set after(HIStory).Please, research historiography and open your mind enough to inquire and reason if there is anything more reliable than the Bible and it's proper message.....Jesus died for our imperfect hearts so we can be with the God of the Bible and His Perfect in love heart forever.This is not heaven....life is for salvation. i am a nobody loved by Jesus.The real battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the invisible rulers, principalities and forces of the air. Please, research. Jesus loves you all......ALL! Godspeed

nutherAmerican		29-Dec-2004 23:10
It's elemental that "Sue Nommy" is a fabrication (= Tsunomi - I'm not going to lose my breath laughing at this - comic genious, or mediocrity as it were, has reached a new low here), and that Sue's comments may be intended to stir up a beehive of emotion on this forum. Looks like it worked. The email given by Sue isn't real, but casts a H.Clinton in a negative light. Taking the falsehood of "Sue Nommy" and the email address together (try emailing something to that address - it's not valid), it's a safe bet that the entry is really just back-handed humor. With this perspective, perhaps not all Yanks are ... yanks (yank-offs).

Bob L		29-Dec-2004 22:58
Thanks for sharing those pictures....the scale of this tradegy is mind boggling. It is amazing how fast paradise can turn into hell by such an event. I hope everyone can donate money to aid in getting these areas cleaned up before more deaths are created by cholera, hepatitus, etc. And I want to apologize to everyone who has read the incredibly sick and sad comments of those who can have such a cavalier attitude about this horrible event. I'm embarrassed that these morons are Americans who have access to the internet so they can spew their crap. Our country has way too many of these people, whose collective pea-brain cannot spark an intelligent thought. An earlier poster made note that these people are probably posters at www.freerepublic.com or www.lucianne.com These sites attract the very worst ego-centric fascists and racists on the 'net.

Bob L		29-Dec-2004 22:43
Thanks for sharing those pictures....the scale of this tradegy is mind boggling. It is amazing how fast paradise can turn into hell by such an event. I hope everyone can donate money to aid in getting these areas cleaned up before more deaths are created by cholera, hepatitus, etc. And I want to apologize to everyone who has read the incredibly sick and sad comments of those who can have such a cavalier attitude about this horrible event. I'm embarrassed that these morons are Americans who have access to the internet so they can spew their crap. Our country has way too many of these people, whose collective pea-brain cannot spark an intelligent thought. An earlier poster made note that these people are probably posters at www.freerepublic.com or www.lucianne.com These sites attract the very worst ego-centric fascists and racists on the 'net.

BienBien		29-Dec-2004 22:32
I do live in America...I live in north new jersey, in Union City. And believe it or not there ARE people in this country (more than you think) who actually believe and think that Americans are a superior people, that these poor, helpless humans out there somehow DESERVED what happened to them, and that we are not obligated to help them. Just look at some other forums/chatrooms and you will see what I mean.

Corinthians		29-Dec-2004 22:30
I am a proud american! God will smite the unbelievers.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 22:16
BienBien- I see now, but did not see those comments. I guess we will have to agree to disagree that most people in America do not think the way you describe. I would be sad to know who you are speaking to or living near in the US (or if you are even from the US). I live North now in an area with many colleges and universities. It is indeed a culturally diverse and much more educated area with well traveled people and maybe that has something to do with the “worldview” I am surrounded by.

Nero		29-Dec-2004 22:14
I feel sorry for those who actually believe anything that Sue Nommy would write. If you can't tell it is someone just playing with everyone's emotions in their own sick way, then everyone responding to that writer needs some serious help. This is a tragedy, no doubt about it. From the responses I have seen posted, I can only think of those ignoring the comments posted by Sue even keeled folks. Those, who in turn, automatically think the person is an American and then slam the American culture for their own comfort would probably believe just about any Anti-American conspiracy, etc. Everyone needs to get a clue and a grip and not get belligerent over someone's twisted sense of humor.

Gary		29-Dec-2004 22:12
For people who ask about why the photographer just took the picture rather than trying to help the poor guy, look at the middle of VA7U0478.jpg -- the guy is probably 150 yards (meters) away surrounded by a torrent of water. Exactly what would the photographer do? Short of having a helicopter gased up and ready, nothing was possible to do, not to mention that people are often just too shocked to react at the time. Also, people don't get another aspect of floods like this: In places the water can be moving at 15 to 30 miles per hour (22 to 42 km/hr). You are as much in danger from impact as from drowning. To get the point. Get on a bike, preferably going slightly downhill and peddle as hard as you can until you are at top speed. Now try grabing a tree, or jumping off, or running into a car. That is also what happens in a flood. But, here's what you can do now: Donate. From my synogogue, two organizations below or find your own: =============================================== The American Joint Distribution Committee (which receives funding from our annual campaign) has set up an open mailbox for contributions. Funds raised will help various agencies on the ground provide emergency supplies for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been left homeless due to flooding and structural damage.http://www.jdc.org/news_press_122704.html to donate online, or make checks payable to the JDC Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Fund and send to: JDC Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Box 321 847A Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 The American Jewish World Service is also accepting donations. For several years, AJWS has partnered with 24 non-governmental, community-based organizations in the region on sustainable community development projects. AJWS is working with these local groups to assess needs and provide emergency relief — food, water, shelter and medicine — and long-term development support. Donate online at https://secure3.ctsg.com/AJWS/donation/index.asp?Item=167 , or call 800.889.7146, or send checks to: American Jewish World Service Asia Tsunami Relief 45 West 36th Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 Both groups pledge that 95% of funds raised will go directly to disaster relief efforts. Gary

BrownBoyBilly		29-Dec-2004 21:57
Amazing, powerful photographs. I cannot begin to imagine how you felt watching this surreal, murderous image unfold before you. Here in England the media report "50 Tourists Dead". How shameful that they choose to disregard the others who lived there and those who weren't on a 'Paradise Holiday' but who were born there and had no choice as to whether they moved or not. When you learn how the Government had given the World Health Organisation £55,000. Mp's earn more than that in a year. We could afford Billions but the truth is that a lot of Western countries couldn't care less.

Tourist		29-Dec-2004 21:55
I have been to Phuket and this looks like either Karon or Kata beach, I think its the club med. I am absolutely amazed at the scale of this, & it scares me that I live in an area where this could also happen, and that I may know people who died. The Thai are an amazing people & my heart goes out to everyone there, and Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India. Surprisingly we have not seen/heard much from Myanmar, I would anticipate a similar story there. Kinda puts things in perspective.

BienBien		29-Dec-2004 21:51
Lanie sorry but you completely missed what I was saying, I was talking about the fvckheads who posted things like "cowabunga" and " advertisement for a water park" about a picture in the gallery of someone being swept away by the wave. Also, if you don't think a large number of mostly white, ignorant, fundamentally religious Americans dont feel the compassion that you and I do, then please take your head out of the sand. There are MANY Americans who feel that we should not give our best to helping out the relief effort simply because most of the victims are non-white and non-Christian.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:48
True, T. Wells - I see your point, but I heard somewhere the cost to place the necessary buoys to track sea levels in the Indian Ocean would cost about $250,000 each, needing something like 2 or three. That seems like such a small cost for the amount of lives it may have saved. However, the communications infrastructure in which they would need to get these warnings obtained from the buoys is the real issue in implementing a warning system. I believe the last considerable tsunami, also generated by an earthquake, was in 1883 some 36,500 people were killed by tsunamis in the Java Sea, following the eruption of Krakatoa.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:39
Hey "Guest" - If having empathy for my fellow human beings and despising ignorant fellow Americans is "superior" then call me "superior" all day long. Thanks for the compliment. Where did you see a "joke"? There is absolutely nothing to joke about here… And who are you to say how American "white" people feel? I have heard nothing but horror and inquiry on how to help from the "white" people I know.

T		29-Dec-2004 21:37
People, will you PLEASE stop feeding the trolls? They don't believe what they're saying, they're just doing it because they know it gets a reaction out of you. I'd like to say if you ignore them they'll go away, but they won't; they will, however, only come back stronger the more you direct your comments to them. Again, this isn't indicative of the human race, or Americans, or even teenagers in general, it's just a way to get attention. Let 'em be.

Wells		29-Dec-2004 21:35
Regarding the Tsunami warning systems that everyone is suddenly saying there is a need for: Careful, please, that this isn't just an emotional knee jerk response to apply hindsight to "fix" something that has already happened. The reason the Indian ocean doesn't have a Tsunami warning system is that there hasn't been a major Tsunami there in more than a hundred years. 95 percent of major tsunamis in the world occur in the pacific. "Shockingly" enough, The Atlantic ocean doesn't have an early warning system either. (that includes the coastline of France, to the Monsegnior who has posted recently with the opiniion that there should be one) Such a system would be incredibly expensive, and would involve years of hard work to put in place, and probably wouldn't be used for another coulpe hundered years. Meanwhile, children would continue starving to death and dying of disease (some in the very areas hit by the waves) and would receive LESS aid, because some of it would go to a rather useless early warning system whose effectiveness would be questionalbe anyway. (there are reports of places in india where the local authorities did warn people, causing them to flock to the beach to watch, potentially placing more poor sould in harm's way) The world is full of knee jerk responses such as this one, as the emotional masses compulsively throw money at every item in the press that intrudes on their blissfully ignorant little worlds, in ways that are ineffective and wasteful. Please, before backing ridiculous ideas such as this, stop and give a little rational analysis to the situation. Maybe they do need a tsunami warning system there, but that should only be determined after careful study to determine if that money might not be used more effectively elsewhere. Let me ask you this, does France have a tornado warning system? Would you reccomend that Dubai go out and train an Avalanche rescue team because it snows there every hundred years or so? THINK, PEOPLE!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:30
You sick fvcks...this is a fvcking horrible disaster and you idiots have jokes...you act like Americans are superior... I'm American and you make me sick...you are all an embarassment...and the sad part is that there are many Americans, mostly white people who actually feel how "sue nommy" does, "sue nommy" is just trying to provoke people because his d**k is small and nobody takes him seriously in real life.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:29
Dean Rose - Cherokee were my people - the ORIGINAL "Americans". In my previous post I neglected to thank the webmaster for the pictures. What a tragedy...

guest		29-Dec-2004 21:23
Reading through the comments posted here, I am glad that I am able to take in all the information available and develop my own conclusions about world events. The disaster that occurred is absolutely horrible, and I will do whatever I can to help. However, I won't waste my time placing blame on innocents or reacting to someone's idea of a sick joke. It really is a waste of my time and yours when we could better use that time to educate ourselves and help those in need.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:18
The poster has achieved its goal of changing the subject from this being a horrible tragedy to a discussion of its agenda. Please do not give it any more power by reacting. Unfortunately bigotry will always exist it should simply be ignored.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:08
I do not like it when people make a political issue out of something that is so obviously an act of God, so I will not acknowledge those comments. What if you dont believe in god...it was an increadable tragity, the worst tragedy I can think of in my lifetime, but why is everyone making it out to be an act of this mysterious being who no one knows anything of, and for all we know doesnt exist. This tragity is nature being nature, sadly, and terrible things such as this will always happen, and all we can do is try and help these people in need, and hope for help ourselves when we need it.

Taelus		29-Dec-2004 21:01
In reading through these postings I have never been more embarrassed to be counted as a member of the human race.

Runner		29-Dec-2004 20:57
Thanks for sharing your photos. I do not like it when people make a political issue out of something that is so obviously an act of God, so I will not acknowledge those comments. I don't know what any of these people are going through, but may God's peace, whatever form God takes to each of them, be with all those affected by this tragedy.

Dean Rose		29-Dec-2004 20:48
I would also like to tahnk yoou for these gret pics. They show how frail our lives really are. And to Sue Nommy... 9/11 was not only 300 Americans, there were also severl other nationalities. How can a person put labels on people, we were all put on this great blue ball to live ouot our lives however it turns oout. Some of are fortunate to be put in great societies others not so great. But that is not there fault. We should all be here to help each other out. Because we all have a short time on this planet. I bet if you were in trouble and one of the dirty little people as you so called them were to come alog you would like him or her to help you. I really feel bad for you if you would not help anyopne else because they are not American. I am a true original American, (Chacktaw) are you.

Brian		29-Dec-2004 20:40
They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. As a young American, I want to know what you mean by this. Our generation is much more tolerable of all races than any previous generation by a long shot. Racism will become non-existant when my generation is in control of the country. Sue is a moron, just looking for attention, and trying to piss people off, just ignore him/her...and dont blame an entire nation, or generation for what one person on a message board says...

Bobbi Lee		29-Dec-2004 20:21
Thanks to the person who put these pictures up. My heart aches for all those who are suffering. I read through the comments & even the ones by "Sue Nommy". I can only quote Dr. Paul Farmer: "The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong in the world" Bobbi Lee

Brandy		29-Dec-2004 20:10
This is a heart wrenching gallery. After all that I have seen on CNN and other World NEWS I was astonished at the tranquility and beauty of this island in the before pictures. I have never visited this part of the world but have heard that the people and places here are amazing and worth the trip/holiday. I think it helps me to see what TRUE destruction has come to South Asia by looking at these before pictures. Unfortunately, everything on the news right now shows this area AFTER the tsunami... I appreciate the person that opened this gallery. Does anyone know what happened to the man in the picture being swept away? My heartfelt prayers go out to ALL of those affected by this tragedy. I want so badly for the children who are missing parents to find them alive and safe. My sincere apologies go out to all of the parents who have lost their children. I beg everyone (regardless of race, religon, creed, nation, or status) to pull together and do what you can in your communities. Try to get charities or donations started. Rally to help these people... We owe our fellow mankind this! The survivors are mourning the loss of their loved ones, their businesses and industry, and their way of life. They need us to pull together and be a planet of united humans... Let's ALL help them, PLEASE. To those of you that want to make this site into a political statement - SHAME ON YOU! As an American I find it VERY embarassing that there are other Americans out there that want to make everything about us/our country. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with 9/11 or terrorisim. Let's use this disaster to unite all countries...rather than tear us apart! God Bless you all.

Brandy		29-Dec-2004 19:59
This is a heart wrenching gallery. After all that I have seen on CNN and other World NEWS I was astonished at the tranquility and beauty of this island in the before pictures. I have never visited this part of the world but have heard that the people and places here are amazing and worth the trip/holiday. I think it helps me to see what TRUE destruction has come to South Asia by looking at these before pictures. Unfortunately, everything on the news right now shows this area AFTER the tsunami... I appreciate the person that opened this gallery. Does anyone know what happened to the man in the picture being swept away? My heartfelt prayers go out to ALL of those affected by this tragedy. I want so badly for the children who are missing parents to find them alive and safe. My sincere apologies go out to all of the parents who have lost their children. I beg everyone (regardless of race, religon, creed, nation, or status) to pull together and do what you can in your communities. Try to get charities or donations started. Rally to help these people... We owe our fellow mankind this! The survivors are mourning the loss of their loved ones, their businesses and industry, and their way of life. They need us to pull together and be a planet of united humans... Let's ALL help them, PLEASE. To those of you that want to make this site into a political statement - SHAME ON YOU! As an American I find it VERY embarassing that there are other Americans out there that want to make everything about us/our country. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with 9/11 or terrorisim. Let's use this disaster to unite all countries...rather than tear us apart! God Bless you all.

Lanie		29-Dec-2004 19:53
As a proud American I am appalled at what was written by this "Sue Nommy" (Nice one, genius - how long did it take you to think that one up?). People of the world - please do not judge ALL Americans on idiots like "Sue Nommy" or our government officials. Everyone I speak to in the US is in shock and sending prayers to the people affected by this disaster. Remember, American is a nation of immigrants (aside from our Native Peoples) which we all too soon forget. There are many people in the US including some fellow students in my MBA program who have family members and friends in these areas and are desperate to hear news. I myself am looking into opportunities to help either with what resources I have or my physical assistance. As a Christian, I could care less that these people were mainly Hindu or Muslim, they were PEOPLE. People ravaged by nature, homes lost, whole families killed, no insurance, livelihoods lost, mourning, displaced, and now on top of it all - threatened by disease and burdened by reconstructing some semblance of the life they knew. To say such hateful things during this time makes me ill. To say that these people (Asian & Indians) are worth LESS than an American life takes me back to a truly ignorant time in American history when each African American citizen counted as only 3/5 of a vote in a “democracy”. Thankfully we have made great progress (although perfect by no means) toward equality since then. So take your ignorant, uneducated, inbred American a$$ to wherever you are from in the South and get bent. God (whatever God you believe in) save your evil soul…

Lanie		29-Dec-2004 19:52
As a proud American I am appalled at what was written by this "Sue Nommy" (Nice one, genius - how long did it take you to think that one up?). People of the world - please do not judge ALL Americans on idiots like "Sue Nommy" or our government officials. Everyone I speak to in the US is in shock and sending prayers to the people affected by this disaster. Remember, American is a nation of immigrants (aside from our Native Peoples) which we all too soon forget. There are many people in the US including some fellow students in my MBA program who have family members and friends in these areas and are desperate to hear news. I myself am looking into opportunities to help either with what resources I have or my physical assistance. As a Christian, I could care less that these people were mainly Hindu or Muslim, they were PEOPLE. People ravaged by nature, homes lost, whole families killed, no insurance, livelihoods lost, mourning, displaced, and now on top of it all - threatened by disease and burdened by reconstructing some semblance of the life they knew. To say such hateful things during this time makes me ill. To say that these people (Asian & Indians) are worth LESS than an American life takes me back to a truly ignorant time in American history when each African American citizen counted as only 3/5 of a vote in a “democracy”. Thankfully we have made great progress (although perfect by no means) toward equality since then. So take your ignorant, uneducated, inbred American a$$ to wherever you are from in the South and get bent. God (whatever God you believe in) save your evil soul… You are no American to me.

Grant		29-Dec-2004 19:50
Thanks for the organization list that is taking donations. Everyone needs to help out in a tradegy like this. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Garry, an American		29-Dec-2004 19:42
Great pictures to document to the world part of the incredible tradgedy in that area. I can't imagine the horror to watch that unfold right in front of you, and still have the frame of mind to capture photos of it. Fantistic job. My heart goes out to all those killed and affected by this catastrophe of nature. I am happy to see that aid is coming in from all over the world, regardless of race/nationality/religion. This shows the best part of human nature -- the total opposite of some of the unbelievablely ignorant and nasty posts earlier. Keep up the good work and ignore the idiots. Garry

TCK		29-Dec-2004 19:27
What's to discuss? Donate money to an organizaton that will help save some of these people and pray.

kin		29-Dec-2004 19:23
This is not about race, country of origin, skin color, religeous background, politics...etc. This is simply a great disaster in the history of mankind. I pledge everyone here to give a helping hand to the victims. Sue: you're entiltled to have your opinion. However, everyone (including yourself) knows that is not true. You need God, love, friends, family, and maybe to travel the world and see the beauty in other countries, including the third world countries. I'm an Asian who moved to US for many years and i assure you NOT ALL AMERICANS are insensitive. In fact, ALL Americans around me have express deep sympathy for the disaster and many in this city is organizing fund raising or other type or aid to help the victims.

Lorna		29-Dec-2004 19:22
Hello All! I am an American as well. I think that what happened is horrible, but there is now a great potential for people from around the world to pull together to work together and help each other. America is offering aid in the form of money, manpower, and supplies. France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and more have already arrived with water purification, food, and medical supplies. As far as the arguement that "those people" didn't matter, think about that next time you're eating, what you're wearing, what you're driving, the supplies and fixtures in your home, the purse that you hold your money in, and so on. The reality now is that we have a global economy, and unfortunately that means that many poor people work for far less money than the rest of us so that we can have far more than they will ever know. In many ways, this creates a kind of innocence for them that makes them much more important than many First Worlders will ever know. God Bless them all, and God bless all of you who appreciate the loss the world just experienced.

Will		29-Dec-2004 19:05
Niko, agreed brother. If ever people can honor the memories of those lost, it's by putting aside their selfish nationalistic/political/religous ideals and realizing we are ALL HUMAN... You know, eventually there will be another natural disaster that will compare to this one the way a bucket of water compares to a drop... and when that time comes, and the entire human race is forced to stand together or become extinct, that the people who prefer to argue and accuse others about politics and the like are 'conveniently' left behind to do what they love most while the rest unite in helping to save each other... ;)

Piero Francobolli		29-Dec-2004 19:00
Sono daccordo con Sue. L'Europa sono estata salvata dagli Estati Uniti.

Piero Francobolli		29-Dec-2004 18:59
Sono daccordo con Sue. L'Europa sono estata salvata dagli Estati Uniti.

hbgator		29-Dec-2004 18:53
Awsome!

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 18:52
Ok ,sorry for blaming an entire country because of one stupid person. But i was, (and i am) really upset. I Was mad at this ignorant b*tch. And of course i know that 270 million people does not think exactly the same but i also know that and awful lot of people do think like this. I've met many americans and i know some of them really have this notion of racial superiority. Some think that 11-S is the worst disaster ever only because it happened to them. Anyway, this catastrophe has to be taken as a global disaster and in case like these we need to forget about barriers and nations and start thinking and helping each other like citizens of the world. Brothers. Peace Niko

leo		29-Dec-2004 18:51
The news I posted earlier has been confirmed by newspaper in HK and in thailand. Please do not continue the conversation of "Sue". apparently the thai government said that the tsunami warning was postponed because of the tourism board disagreed it, thinking that this would drive away the tourists. according to the news here, in hong kong a few years ago, there was once that the warning was on, but then no huge waves came, so the tourism board actually complained to the government. think of the people in thailand, also that guy on the pic, i am sorry to say but those officials are so selfish and greedy. Pray for those who lost their lives, as well as those injured, either physically or mentally.

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 18:51
Ok ,sorry for blaming an entire country because of one stupid person. But i was, (and i am) really upset. I Was mad at this ignorant b*tch. And of course i know that 270 million people does not think exactly the same but i also know that and awful lot of people do think like this. I've met many americans and i know some of them really have this notion of racial superiority. Some think that 11-S is the worst disaster ever only because it happened to them. Anyway, this catastrophe has to be taken as a global disaster and in cases like these we need to forget about barriers and nations and start thinking and helping each other like citizens of the world. Brothers. Peace Niko

lurker		29-Dec-2004 18:50
Francly I dont care much about what some racist, stupid, anoyoing, childish people say... but some of the posting here are just disgusting. I just cant imagine what kind of education someone can have to write such things on a public forum. I cant even feel sorry for those people. Its just plain disgusting at any level you can imagine. At the time of 9/11 I never saw such display of inconsequent and ridiculous opinions... and comparing 9/11 with this event is just plain stupid. 9/11 was caused by a former ally and friend of US that was trained and armed by US back when USSR was taking over Afeganistan. This earthquake was a natural disaster that afected people of all nations, color and creeds. And can come up at any time anywhere. US it self has some cities in some areas that can, and evetually probably will, be subject to such type of event. I would like to see the comments of some people that commented on this tragedy in such a lightly manner. This galery and these comments should be deleted by the author. If this was my galery I would be ashamed with some posts.

Will		29-Dec-2004 18:45
First off, I'll say it once. Anyone who actually acknowledges Sue with a direct response is more of an idiot than she/he/it is. Sue probably never got past the 1st grade (thus the stupidity of her remarks), and is too much of a coward to use it's own email address, let alone really speak it's mind in public (I use 'it' to emphasize her sub-humanity, I've seen rats with more intelligence). Secondly - is she American? I don't doubt it, there are brainwashed neanderathals like that living here in America, as there are everywhere in the world, we're no different as a country in that respect. But to apply her opinion to all Americans is an insult to me and others like me in the USA who want nothing to do with garbage like Sue, and everything to do with respecting ourselves and re-earning the respect of others in this world. So ignore her like someone said earlier, and like a 3 year old, it'll cry at first, then go away. Now let's please leave the politics / social digressions / mentally underdeveloped people of the world behind, and focus strictly on the purpose of this site, and on the supremely HUMAN nature of this absolute horror, which has been felt to the very core of their beings by people the world over. Thanks to this site and it's creators for hosting disaster media and for providing an outlet. My heart and soul go out in prayer to the victims, and their friends and families. May you all someday find peace in the memories of those lost, and strength in the miracle of the survivors. I wish with all my heart there was more I could somehow do other than to donate money, which at this point seems ridiculously insufficient, but which has already been done nonetheless. That's it.

ben		29-Dec-2004 18:41
Sue, you must be related to Michael Moore. Are you dumb, ugly, and uneducated? If so, you may have a lead in figuring out your family tree someday.

ben		29-Dec-2004 18:41
Sue, you must be related to Michael Moore. Are you dumb, ugly, and uneducated? If so, you may have a lead in figuring out your family tree someday.

David		29-Dec-2004 18:39
I really can't believe you people are even acknowledging these morons who are talking all racist and foolish. That's what they want, attention. Just ignore them. I highly doubt they believe what they're saying. They're just trying to get decent people all riled-up. When I read their nonnsense, I picture some 14 year old on Christmas vacation with nothing better to do than try to get people angry and hateful. I'm taking everything they say with less than a grain of salt. And PLEASE don't go starting divsions by accusing them of being Republican or Democrat, etc. There are morons of every side of the spectrum and decent people as well. The only label they deserve is "immature."

jim		29-Dec-2004 18:36
AlternateNYCPerspective, I too am a member at freerepublic.com and I am simply stating what I have seen on that site. Although there are many compassionate Americans, freerepublic contains way too many "Sues". The worst part of it is that in their minds, these right-wing Christians think they are morally superior. Yet they post messages that are hateful, racist, homophobic, etc.., and downright un-Christian.

Scott M.		29-Dec-2004 18:34
I can't believe what I'm reading in here. This is the worst natural catastrophe in my 32 years and you people are arguing politics? This isn't about liberals, conservatives, socialists, communists, American, European, Asian, first world, third world, or any of the other ists and isms into which everyone seems to want to box this tragedy. This is about general concern for your fellow human being, which is being completely dismissed so blame can be placed. It's times like this when we must join together to overcome nature's violent voice. Nature doeesn't care if you're rich or poor, it will kill you regardless if you let your guard down. The Sri Lankan government joined with the Tamil Tigers, their sworn enemy who they've been fighting for decades, to try to help their ravaged country, and we're bitching about who gave more aid and which people are worth more? My view of homo sapiens was pretty dire before, but reading the posts which are supposed to be commenting about the tragedy has completely crushed any remaining hope I have for humanity. Instead of praying or donating money, how about trying to treat your neighbor with love and respect. It's small steps like that that will change the world. This is not the place for politics or morality. In times of crisis, we're supposed to band together, not rip each other apart, you pathetic morons.

Rapha�l		29-Dec-2004 18:33
Please also not forget Eastern Africa, maybe less destroyed, but there are also some dead people here. In Somalia, madagascar, and so on.

Joy		29-Dec-2004 18:32
Sue...You happen to be a bitch

edgardocontreras@mac.com		29-Dec-2004 18:32
is there a way to report abuse and delete all that stupid hate postings here?

leo		29-Dec-2004 18:32
apparently the thai government said that the tsunami warning was postponed because of the tourism board disagreed it, thinking that this would drive away the tourists. according to the news here, in hong kong a few years ago, there was once that the warning was on, but then no huge waves came, so the tourism board actually complained to the government. think of the people in thailand, also that guy on the pic, i am sorry to say but those officials are so selfish and greedy. Pray for those who lost their lives, as well as those injured, either physically or mentally.

Juan Sebasti�n Gaviota		29-Dec-2004 18:28
Estoy de acuerdo con Sue. USA salvó a Europa del racismo y del nazismo de Hitler y luego hay bastantes europeos que desconocen la Historia y en su ignorancia se ponen en contra de Estados Unidos y a favor de asesinos y criminales que no saben más que destruir, que son como una especie de Tsunami humano.

Rapha�l		29-Dec-2004 18:22
It's, it's, it's, what may I say after viewing these photos ? What gets me on my nerves is that some scientists have built some real good mechanisms to prevent such a catastrophy, in the Pacific Ocean. Why that kind of machines are not implemented in the Indian Ocean ? Why ? It would have let maybe four hours to people to protect themselves. I cannot understand why. And it's not a question of money at all. Just because the differents men in charge in this region have argued on this point, and have completly disagreed themselves. It was a question of politics. These guys must be in some state of anxiety, now. I hope the population will make them pay a hard price to have refused to install such a way to protect people. I'm really angry, angry as you cannot imagine. I do not know anyone who disappeared in this catastrophy, but I consider them all as my brothers and sisters. They are men and women, old and young, some are only babies. We should have prevented that tsunami. It was possible. This is too sad, too sad. I do not know what to do, here in france, well sitted in my chair, front of my screen, just impotent, just able to cry and shout my anger, my huge anger. I want to say to you all this is not fatality ! It's not fatality. Scientists a over the world knew that an event as big as it happened will, a day, arrive. And with the appropriate tools that research can offer, thousands of lives could have been saved. The foolishness of our leaders is tremendous. I hope they will not be able to sleep for the rest of their mierable life, just good to offer great facilities to strangers for building structures like hostels and so on, where Occidentals come to show how rich they are, in front of so poor people. It makes me sick. Sick. I feel like vomiting. Here in France, the only things that count for fucking medias is the number of French dead. And the others ? Nothing. Almost half-men, haf-women, half-babies. I'm so sorry for the behaviour of our representants here in Asia. I do not know if one day, you will be able to forgive us about such a selfishness. I'm shamed, shamed, you know. SHamed of what w show to the asian world. The Asians have a thousands times more dignity than we have, poor pigs, plenty of money, which have take the place of our heart, mind and compassion, of empathy. I cannot say how shamed I am. The only thing I know is that Asians are proud ppeople, much much more than us. You are for now overwhelmed by this tragedy, but the inner strength that it's on your heart and soul will guide you to the redemption. I'm a poor people, but I have sent 100 euros at the Red Cross. It's nothing for all the needs, but a too huge amount of money for me. But you desserve it. I pledge all the visitors of this site to join together, at least for praying, whatever your religion, muslims, jews (which I am), Christians, Bouddhists, Sikhs and even non-beleivers in any God or superior force in the universe. Just gather ourselves, take the hand of your neighbourg, go and search the people of your neighbourhood, and please, in this moment, let us be together, any kind of religion, of skin, we all are humans, do not forget this. I will pray for you all, from the deepest of my heart. Raphaël, in France. http://u-blog.net/coursApied/

sascha		29-Dec-2004 18:21
hello I'm from Holland and when I first heard about the earthquake in asia....I WAS SHOCKT! These pictures are the first one's i have seen...I can't believe something like that could happen! I really think about the victims there....all they're family losses...it's terrible. it's crazy.... I know that there are a lot of people died, but...even with that thought, I do hope that everything will be O.K. for the survivors. greetings from an 14-year old girl from The Netherlands. My prayers...

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 18:18
What a relief to find that a few Americans have stood up and said that not everyone in the United States thinks the same as that "thing" which has named itself "Sue". On the other hand, I regret to see that people like Niko think all Americans think alike. My heartfelt sorrow to you, Colin. Sue, your heart and brain should be shown in schools as an example of what true human beings must despise.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 18:17
Why these human tragedies occur on 26 day?

juan		29-Dec-2004 18:12
Desde la costa norte de España, donde vivo, y siendo gran amante del mar, me sobrecoge ver tanto ser humano por dondequier. Sirva mi mensaje, en lo posible de condolencia a tantos y tantos desconocidos pero que sienten en sus carnes la misma sensacion: EL DOLOR y EL DRAMA. Vaya mi abrazo de condolencia para todos los que hayan perdido algun ser querido. Juan

Karen Birch		29-Dec-2004 18:08
Hey y'all! This page asks for comments on the picture gallery - not comments about what Sue has to say. She/he said it and that it that. There will always be people like "Sue" in this world. You can't change that OK? So, if Sue is reading this and I think she will be checking to see who opposes her, I would like to give Sue some kind advice: Sue, Deary, I think you need to have some GODLINESS in your soul. You are totally lost or have lost it and only GOD will be able to help you. My Dear, get to a place of holy worship and ask God to help change you, your ways and the way you think. We are all on this earth to help each other and help mankind. We're not here to make a muck of the world; we wish to enhance it. So my Dear Sue, if you think you're going to get much support in your "feelings" on this photo gallery page, the answer is NO! May God Bless You and Help You.

Dan Chusid		29-Dec-2004 18:08
Agencies reaching out to help the victims: _________________________________________ ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org

Guest		29-Dec-2004 18:07
Please people, keep in mind which arena we are reading. The people responsible for writing the pathetic messages immediately disqualify themselves from those who care, have some type of intelligence, or have any compassion. Do not bother responding to those messages as you are simply feeding the beast. Picture a 14 year old child, who thinks they have perspective, and prefers to sit in front of a computer for 10 hours a day (chat rooms, forums, etc.). Likewise, for those who develop opinions about countries or ethnicities based on what they read on the internet, good luck. This is a tragic event and will be trying for all those involved. Educated and intelligent people around the world share many of the same feelings/emotions regarding this event. For those messages that make you wish a home address is required to post, do not take the time to write a response.

AlternateNYCPerspective		29-Dec-2004 18:07
To whoever the scumbag is who claimed that members of FreeRepublic were posting hate messages or hate people who arent americans are entirely wrong. As a member of freerepublic, let me say the only thing our members hate, are liberals. Sunommy is some dumb fuck, which we can all admit every country has their lot of. I think it is most likely a LIBERAL individual who wrote the sunommy post in an attempt to continue to denegrate the american image, which is all most of the liberal public has done since the tragedy. Ask yourself this, where are all these famous and wealth American liberals who donated HUNDREDS of MILLIONS to Kerrys campaign, talking about how much they care about the down-trodden?? All you have seen is the UNited Nations hosting press conferences to insult America. You'd think the UN has something better to do with this great tragedy going on. How the hell are press conferences supposed to feed and aid the vicitims?! And did any of you ignorant people who have posted here, hear the comments from the minister from Thailand, the FIRST!!! did you hear that you liberal scumbuckets, the FIRST country to give condolences and have food and aid in flight and landed WAS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Not you lousy socialist, welfare state losers in Germany. Not any of you Euro socialists. YOur economies can't send the type of aid we can because of your sick and twisted devotion to a warped form of communism. America can give what it can because it is a strong CAPITALIST nation.As such, you see that iun times of need the country you can rely on best is, ALWAYYS HAS and ALWAYS WILL BE America. THis country has so far donated more than the EU which is a combination of around 20 countries (roughly?) So why don't you all just shut up. Just stop this petty and pathetic obsession with hating America, and instead focus on some self-improvement. Lord knows Germany, with its rampant unemployment rate, has much to think about. Do us all a favor... stay in europe... and shut up and send money, clothes, food, medicines, water and everything the people suffering in the many SE Asian nations need. And finally, STOP POLITICIZING this tragedy. Their dead children are not fodder for your politics. Go to hell you horrible people. regards an American and PS - Americans are fat because of an over-abundance of food, which is a sign of a great civilization: food surplus. you stupid sow.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 18:05
Sue Nommy...........we in Sweden lost 1500 countrymen.. Norway about 500 And dont forget the people in India... We give all the victims our condolenses Why do you think less of other people??? I think U need a HUG..

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:05
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:04
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:04
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Natalie		29-Dec-2004 18:02
Thank you for your pics , i'm in Idaho, USA and trying to learn all i can about this horrible tragedy. My heart hurts for all these people. I 'm also sad for people like" Sue" that leave disgusting messages and hurt people further. I pray for you Hellmut and your family and all the people that were affected by this.

Guest 1		29-Dec-2004 18:00
This is such a terrible tragedy. I am absolutely disgusted with Sue's comments. Every life is extremeley valuable, and this is so sad. I hope that people who read Sue's comments understand that Americans do not share her twisted views. I am an American and everyone who I talk to is very sad for all of the people who have lost a loved one.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 17:59
It's very dificult to see and read this black and white page but the Tsunami was terrible.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 17:58
It's very dificult to see and read this black and white page but the Tsunami was terrible.

Bob Reynolds		29-Dec-2004 17:58
Niko, do you really think that all of the 293,600,000 Americans think like this nutcase Sue? If so, I think it is YOU who has no understanding of the world and life. Why do horrible tragedies like this bring out both the best AND the worst in people? What a sad commentary on the nature of human beings.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 17:57
60,000 people dead is a tradgedy of immense proportion. Heartfelt sorrow goes out to all affected. I have lost friends, good people, good human beings. Another tradgedy of immense proportion is the number of ignorant people in this world who think they are better than others but in the end know nothing more than their own backyards. Such people are the inspiration for suicide bombers. The world is round...what goes around comes around. In sadness, Colin

Pablo Picapiedra		29-Dec-2004 17:55
It's very dificult to see and read this black page but it was terrible.

Vanessa Negretti		29-Dec-2004 17:55
Thank you to that photographer who took those photos! Whoever came upon this site got to see part of one of the most catastrophic events in the recent history of mankind. I was more than happy to read that the young man fighting for his life in the turbulent seawater was saved, but for the thousands and thousands of people (young, old, rich and poor) who lost their lives, the world is deeply saddened by this highly traumatic event.

Pablo Picapiedra		29-Dec-2004 17:54
It's very dificult to see and read this black page but it was terrible.

Skazmo		29-Dec-2004 17:51
"Sue" has posted Hilary Clinton's senate email address next to her comment which means any hate mail directed to the disgusting comments posted by "sue" may be sent directly to that address. This I feel is a callous ploy by someone to try to stir up something for their own twisted motives. God save us all from these times when we can't even reach out to one another at a time of tradegy and show some compassion for our fellow human beings who are suffering. I trust "sue" has had a great time down the boxing day sales spending her US dollars on something that really matters to her and so many other americans... themselves.

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 17:47
Sue: Your comments are a disgrace. I`m sad to see that there are still people like you that don´t deserve to be regarded as a human being. Lots of asians have died, but all their lives are as valuable as yours or mine. And those who haven´t perished have lost their wives, husbands, children or friends. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you think of posting more of those offensive comments, please think twice. Maybe someone who has lost or knows nothing of a relative or friend in Asia visits the page. Shame on you.

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 17:46
Sue: Your comments are a disgrace. I`m sad to see that there are still people like you that don´t deserve to be regarded as a human being. Lots of asians have died, but all their lives are as valuable as yours or mine. And those who haven´t perished have lost their wives, husbands, children or friends. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you think of posting more of those offensive comments, please think twice. Maybe someone who has lost or knows nothing of a relative or friend in Asia visits the page. Shame on you.

jim		29-Dec-2004 17:46
Sue, what is your freeper username? Let us read some of your enlightening posts over there.

Robert Ruiz		29-Dec-2004 17:45
I cannot believe "Sue Nommy" (Tsunami) (posting as Hillary Clinton) below on December 29th was anything but a sick joke. I don't know ANY Americans who think that way, and I was personally affected by 9/11 myself. 9/11 was an act of man's inhumanity to man, this is an act of nature. No life is more valuable than another and anyone who thinks so is in need of some serious soul searching and personal healing. I advise everyone to ignore this post by "Sue" -- every forum has posts like this by pathetic people so empty in their own lives they have to stir the pot senselessly just give themselves a sense of power. Just ignore and Sue won't get what "she" wants. From: Sue Nommy(HClinton@sen.us.gov) Date: 29-Dec-2004 17:22 I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention.

disgusted		29-Dec-2004 17:41
either this is some kind of humor and you are sick or your comment are for real and you really think that this is not a tragedy and that they are so many people in Asia that it does not matter ? Sue you are a monster. I suppose you also think that it does not matter if 10M Jewes died in the holocaust (they are so many uh ?), that it does not matter that American immigrants wiped out Native Indians on their own land and so on and so forth. but 911 matters to you because your sacred homeland sanctuary was touched ? I suppose you also vote republican ? you are the reason why the American Empire is in decay. in fact, YOU do not deserve to live. if there is a god, he will take care of you. have a nice life.

US Ranger		29-Dec-2004 17:37
Sunammy I am going to kill you by hacking your head off and then I'm going to skull fuck you. You are the worst human filth! Americans are not worth more than 3rd world people. I'm American and have lived in 3rd world countries and they don't have assholes like you there!

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 17:36
Sue, people like you make the entire world hate you and want to Blow away your country with a bomb. I hope they can make it one day. You americans are such a bunch of pigs fat eaters with neither culture and education at all. You dont know anything about the world. About LIFE. keep shaking your fat ass to cheap hip hop, Britney.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 17:34
Sue, I guess no one can comment who is more valuable than the other. Can you tell me why Americans are more valuable than third world country people? This is really discrimation. Where do you come from?

Jim		29-Dec-2004 17:33
Just to let you know, the nasty comments are coming from a group of people at the freerepublic.com forum. Some of the users are a very racist bunch and have no compassion for anyone who is not American. Somehow they have twisted this tragedy into a joke. Here is some of the stuff coming from the site... - It was Bush's fault... running joke there as everything has to do with Bush - the liberal media and the affected coutries are inflating the death tolls in order to get more aid - these countries don't deserve aid because some of them did not support their war on terror What a disgusting bunch

guest		29-Dec-2004 17:32
Sue Nommy I hope those comments get turned around on you someday and someone close to you passes. Every human life is valuable as much as your warped racist mind does not want to believe so.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 17:22
I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention.

Markus		29-Dec-2004 17:20
Well.. impressive photos!! And to make a statement. The death toll of 75.000 people is very sad. But be real.. every DAY 40.000 people DIE of Hunger. 16.000 of them are children below 12. And the sad thing is that the world has enough food to feed them all, but the rich West won't allow transportations of food to the poor. We rather burn it or feed is to our cattle. Stop whining about the terrible things (9/11, Tsunami's, or other crap) and start thinking of what is coming. Only God can judge us and eventually he will.. or not. I don't care, i die someday anyway. The question is "when" and "how". Have a nice day.

Felipe Rodr�guez		29-Dec-2004 17:18
how there is people who can make fun of such a human tragedy. Or they are f"@#ng nazi bastards or they are nuts or both (more probably). Thanks for posting these pictures, I come from dpreview.

Jet		29-Dec-2004 17:14
I think you kneed to calm down. I was looking for i picture of the wave and i see a guy flowing down a river.CALM DOWN.

Jet		29-Dec-2004 17:14
I think you kneed to calm down. I was looking for i picture of the wave and i see a guy flowing down a river.CALM DOWN.

kin		29-Dec-2004 17:12
Sue, that's insensitive! Yes, there are billions of asians, but that doesn't mean their lifes are not valueable. I'm deeply saddened by the incident and even more disturbed by some insensitive remarks made on this page. For those people who do not understand the magnitude of this event, try imagining the death toll is about 90 times of the one on Sept 11, which everyone in the world called a disaster. I hope this disaster will bring out the good in human being and unite everyone in the world, just like Sept 11 bring together (at least) the Americans.

sasorg		29-Dec-2004 17:10
You need to calm down and apply a little reason to this. First, the sequence of pix thru **482 appears fairly rapid. From the time of the first wave pix to the man looks to be about 45 seconds. Next, the man is being pushed inland. Granted that when the water recedes he will change direction, but note that the depth is only around 1M. You can see that the beach area is actually higher in elevation than the land directly surrounding the building. Therefore it would be unlikely that the man would have been dragged beyond the beach (in this particular wave event). Note also that the the cars were dragged to a lower lying inlet area. This indicates 1-2M of fast moving water which we can assume would flow faster on a roadway heading down to the beach. But also note the beach mats, trash barrels (blue plastic) and other flotsam that did not make it beyound the autos. Also note that much of the beach furniture remains on the beach as do considerable pieces of the damaged beach structure. That debris has rested inward of the structure indicating that the flowback was not pronounced. Further take note that in the later pix there does not seem to be any debris more than 50 feet offshore. Smart money would be placed that this gentleman survived winding up in the "pool" of sea water surrounding the building. Injuries would be estimated to be minor caused by objects colliding with him. Also remember that 45 seconds is not much time to render assistance at ground level when starting from the second floor. Above all, calm down and try to control your empathy. Overall, sehr gut! Helmut....viel danke. And please do not forget that what man intends for evil, God can work for his good plan.

Ivan Yerkanoff		29-Dec-2004 17:00
Can't they just grind up and cook the dead to help feed the living?

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 16:54
Let's get real...what are a few thousand less Asians and Indians. I mean, there are a billion people in India, and 1-1/2 billion Asians. Who is going to miss 75 or 100 thousand. You people need to get lives.

Vinay		29-Dec-2004 16:46
Thanks for posting these photos

Jess		29-Dec-2004 16:45
This is in response to those who criticize the person who had a negative reaction to the photographer and the drowning man. A link was provided so that we are able to read a news comment that the man was rescued. However I do have a problem with it. The report that the man lived comes from the photographer. The news of the miraculous safe rescue of the man was given to them by the photographer himself. There are to many other reports out there that state he did not make it and the only report that he lived comes from the photographer. I would need to see something from a bias reporter or paper stating otherwise. Sorry but I agree with Beth! Also in other reports they state that the man held on to a tree for a while before being washed under the photographers balcony. For just a minute those of you who preach walking in the photographers shoes or not judging because you were not there try trading places with the drowning man. How would you feel to know you are probably about to die and instead of a helping hand or kind word you see a camera capturing your last moments on film? Or put a family member in his place. How horrible it must have been for that man not to see the kind and worried face of a person who will try to help him. Even if nothing could be done just something to console the drowning man. Instead he saw the lens of a camera pointed at him. According to some of the comments I read most would say, "Hey take all the photos you want. This is great stuff? Instead of help me I am drowning and I don't want to die?" This has nothing to do with being holier than thou it has everything to do with life and how precious it is. In this case a picture is not worth a thousand words it is worth a life.

John		29-Dec-2004 16:32
Thank you for posting these photos.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 16:18
I cannot believe what I am reading. These are human beings that were killed, and some of you have not compassion at all. You are acting like the people we are fighting in the war. You are labeling all of them as satanist! I am ashamed to live in the same country as you people.I do not want to be associated with such no-hearted fools. I pray for the family's that lost loved ones. Many americans and tourists were killed in this natural disaster. I feel very sorry for those who don't have and empathy or sympathy in there hearts. Its so sad.

Dean Edward		29-Dec-2004 16:06
The true inward person really shows when faced with human tragedy on a massive scale. The utter lack of empathy and compassion i see displayed on the postings i have read thus far only confirms what I have feared for a long time. Post Christian society has the heart of a maggot,and their total disregard and mockery of their God and Creator is resulting in what you see now- inhuman humanity. I leave you with the words of the wisest man ever to open his mouth. Luk 13:1 And some were present at the same time reporting to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices. Luk 13:2 And answering, Jesus said to them, Do you think that these Galileans were sinners beyond all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? Luk 13:3 No, I say to you, But if you do not repent, you will all perish likewise. Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do you think that these were sinners beyond all men who lived in Jerusalem? Luk 13:5 No, I say to you, But if you do not repent, you will all perish likewise.

T		29-Dec-2004 15:47
It's time to close up the comments, the Internet Tough Guys have arrived. I can't imagine what it must have been like; my thoughts go out to all involved. Great photos.

david hume		29-Dec-2004 15:44
Voltaire said this in 1755 after witnessing the great Lisbon quake of that year: Les Délices, November 24, 1755 This is indeed a cruel piece of natural philosophy! We shall find it difficult to discover how the laws of movement operate in such fearful disasters in the best of all possible worlds-- where a 100,000 ants, our neighbours, are crushed in a second on our ant-heaps, half, dying undoubtedly in inexpressible agonies, beneath débris from which it was impossible to extricate them, families all over Europe reduced to beggary, and the fortunes of a hundred merchants -- Swiss, like yourself -- swallowed up in the ruins of Lisbon. What a game of chance human life is! What will the preachers say -- especially if the Palace of the Inquisition is left standing! I flatter myself that those reverend fathers, the Inquisitors, will have been crushed just like other people. That ought to teach men not to persecute men: for, while a few sanctimonious humbugs are burning a few fanatics, the earth opens and swallows up all alike. I believe it is our mountains which save us from earthquakes. Les Délices. UPDATED, December 26, 2004 "This is indeed a cruel piece of natural philosophy! We shall find it difficult to discover how the laws of plate techtonics movement operate in such fearful seismic disasters in the best of all possible worlds -- where a 200,000 ants, our neighbors, are crushed in a second on our ant-heaps, half, dying undoubtedly in inexpressible agonies, beneath débris from which it was impossible to extricate them, families all over Asia reduced to beggary, and the fortunes of a hundred merchants -- multinationals, like yourself -- swallowed up in the ruins of the Great 2004 Tsunami. What a game of chance human life is! What will the preachers say -- especially if the Palace of the Inquisition is left standing! I flatter myself that those reverend fathers, the Inquisitors, will have been crushed just like other people. That ought to teach men not to persecute men: for, while a few sanctimonious humbugs are burning a few fanatics, the earth opens and swallows up all alike. I believe it is our mountains which save us from earthquakes."

Grant		29-Dec-2004 15:26
Sneak, Thanks for posting the video links but your bandwidth has been exceeded and we can't access them. If you would like, my partner has webspace that you can upload the videos too. They should be shared with everyone. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

swan		29-Dec-2004 15:01
don't allow those godless idiots, satanist to get in your mind, and piss you off. They are worth nothing, and they will never be something. I feel so sorry for those who lost their everything in seconds. but for those idiots who trying to disturb this sensitiveness, and make fun with it, I never feel sorry for them, their place is hell. There is something interesting on VA7U0577.jpg, for serious writers, go check it out. Not for idiots who thinks they are funny.

seriously		29-Dec-2004 14:52
What do you expect when they build all these villages and resorts right on the damn oceanfront? Maybe their own greed finally bit them in them in the ass. I bet the owners looked down on the disaster from their cushy exotic homes high up on the hillside overlooking all of it. To them it is just a loss of their little moneymaker. I bet they are calling the lawyers and insurance companies whining as we speak. Are they donating any of their millions to help those poor people. HELL NO! I feel sorry for the victims that were in it, not looking down at it.

seriously		29-Dec-2004 14:51
What do you expect when they build all these villages and resorts right on the damn oceanfront? Maybe their own greed finally bit them in them in the ass. I bet the owners looked down on the disaster from their cushy exotic homes high up on the hillside overlooking all of it. To them it is just a loss of their little moneymaker. I bet they are calling the lawyers and insurance companies whining as we speak. Are they donating any of their millions to help those poor people. HELL NO! I feel sorry for the victims that were in it, not looking down at it.

swan		29-Dec-2004 14:50
don't allow those godless idiots, satanist to get in your mind, and piss you off. They are worth nothing, and they will never be something. I feel so sorry for those who lost their everything in seconds. but for those idiots who trying to disturb this sensitiveness, and make fun with it, I never feel sorry for them, their place is hell. There is something interesting on VA7U0577.jpg, for serious writers, go check it out. Not for idiots who thinks they are funny.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:48
IM OUTTA HERE, THIS SUCKS, TOO MANY DICKHEADS HERE, BYE BYE

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:46
WHOEVER IS USING MY ID TO POST BULLSHIT COMMENTS ON THIS SIDE , FUCK OFF AND DIE, ASSHOLE!

Rosie		29-Dec-2004 14:45
We all know it was Rosanne who did the cannonball. Once she got off that prozac she ballooned up so friggin bad.....

jay		29-Dec-2004 14:40
Whoever thinks this tragedy is humorous, I only hope the worst for you and your pathetic lives. You are trully pieces of fucking shit.. Do everyone a favor and put a bullet in your fuckin' wasted head.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:19
I really don't have room to talk. I rape children pretty regularly.

dvolkwyn		29-Dec-2004 14:15
I was just kidding. This is really not a big deal, and we shouldn't get carried away with it. Some of the comments I've read here are the funniest things I've read in a long time, and my heart is lightened by the humor expressed here. If we can't laugh at what life throughs at us, is it really worth living. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Just thing of the boon that rebuilding will bring to these local economies. Plus, with all the mass graves, think how fertile the soil will be for crops. See we can even find positives in a so-called "tragedy" such as this.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:13
Too all of you who make jokes about this tragedy, show some god damn respect you sorry m-f´rs, hope you´re next!!!!

dvolkwyn		29-Dec-2004 14:06
Life is a precious gift that many of us should take time to pause and consider at this time. To those that have been directly affected by such tragedy, let us provide support. To those who find opportune time to ridicule, and make light of such issues, you are contradictions to your own opinions and your life will bring disasters far greater than this. Please let us all take into account the small sacrifices we can make in order to assist those people, and brush aside those ignorant enough to do otherwise. You will have done more this day by pledging assistance and encouragement to people affected by this disaster than being subjected to those who antagonize you. If you came to this site then I can only imagine that you are in some way concerned for those people at the devastation that can befall us all. Disasters of this nature are indiscriminate, and so should your support be, as I am certain you would want others support to be should such an event befall you. I trust that the greater good and global community will rise above these challenges and make a positive beginning to such a tragic end for so many.

Michael Moore		29-Dec-2004 14:00
I eat poop. :)

Michael Moore		29-Dec-2004 14:00
I eat poop. :)

Douglas Volkwyn		29-Dec-2004 13:51
Life is a precious gift that many of us should take time to pause and consider at this time. To those that have been directly affected by such tragedy, let us provide support. To those who find opportune time to ridicule, and make light of such issues, you are contradictions to your own opinions and your life will bring disasters far greater than this. Please let us all take into account the small sacrifices we can make in order to assist those people, and brush aside those ignorant enough to do otherwise. You will have done more this day by pledging assistance and encouragement to people affected by this disaster than being subjected to those who antagonize you. If you came to this site then I can only imagine that you are in some way concerned for those people at the devastation that can befall us all. Disasters of this nature are indiscriminate, and so should your support be, as I am certain you would want others support to be should such an event befall you. I trust that the greater good and global community will rise above these challenges and make a positive beginning to such a tragic end for so many.

Barbra Streisand		29-Dec-2004 13:45
Yes, it is in fact me who is posting. As proof, I can supply photos of myself typing this. Please check them out at This Link I'm sick and tired of being so damn caring and concerned all the time. We must remember, this is an area of the world where if there is a car accident 1100 people die. In the grand scheme of things, this is inconsequential. Let's all just go back to our lives already.

Hugh Jass		29-Dec-2004 13:41
What is this, some sort of godamn "Where's Waldo"? You should all have your loved ones implanted with GPS chips so they can be tracked down during times such as this. Also, Barbra Streisand...I have always hated you, but you are finally starting to make sense. I just might go out and rent Yentl.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 13:38
Ofcourse it was NOT Barbra!! Isn't that obvious??

Matthias		29-Dec-2004 13:30
I am looking for Mr. Dietrich KURZWEG, 58 years, lean and sporty appearance, last known location Phuket. Please mail me for any hints. Thank you.

Barbara		29-Dec-2004 13:20
How do you KNOW it was Barbra Streisand who wrote such a disgusting comment? All you have is someone typing the name down, and some email addy that might be bogus. For my comment, I appreciate someone showing us all these pics of the disaster, and so sorry for the loss of life, when it could've been averted with the proper equipment and warning....

Guest		29-Dec-2004 13:10
It is sickening me that some people choose to make cheap jokes about this catastrophe instead of keeping their mouth shut one time!

HEMANT SEWATKAR		29-Dec-2004 13:09
ITS A SUPERP COLLECTION A GREAT WAY TO INFORM PEOPLE AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE KIND OF ORDEAL PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE GONE THRU. LETS ALL OF US PRAY TO GOD TO GIVE PEACE TO THE DEPARTED SOULS. GOOD WORK. KEEP IT UP.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 12:57
There are even more pics of the devastation at www.goatse.cx

Phil Theejew		29-Dec-2004 12:53
I must say Ms. Streisand, if that is really you posting, that I am shocked and outraged by your comments. I have been a huge fan of yours for many years, and I can't believe you could be so heartless and cruel. This is a tragedy that the whole world should mourn, and for you to be so self centered is sickening. I hope you change your attitude, or I will be forced to no longer support you by purchasing tickets to your shows, or watching your movies. I am very saddened. Your (former) number 1 fan. Phil Theejew

Barbra Steisand		29-Dec-2004 12:46
We must not continue to focus on this. Does anyone even care that I have a hangnail. I mean Jeez, it's not like there's no suffereing anywhere else. Besides, I think we can all be certain, that somehow Halliburton, Cheney, and Bush are behind this. Give us some time, and I'm sure Michael Moore will uncover the truth.

Bengt		29-Dec-2004 12:31
Thanks for sharing the photos of this disaster whit us.Looking everything i can about it.Im so sad for the peoples and my friends in phuket.Im realy hope i not lost many of them i get to know tru the years´.Mvh

Vlad		29-Dec-2004 12:15
>Why did nobody get alarmed? Ships at open sea must have noticed something like a sudden change in water level or a change in curren< The Tsu-na-mi wave may move itself with the speed as much as about 2 M because it's soliton-like nature. The change in water level is very small in far see and there are not any visible changes in water current. The only way to inform people at time about danger is the monitoring with network of seysmograph and control of minor changes of water level (e.g. if the level of water falls just after the earthquake) and set ot it's physical properties (suddenly changes dencity of see water near the epicenter of earthquake in ocean etc.) with the special service. As far as I know such a monitoring exists in the Tsu-na-mi dangerous regions, e.g. Russian Far-East, Nothern Japan. It saved thousends and thousends lives. Therefore one of the main reason of so many victimes during catastrofe is the absence of such a service of early detection warning in the region I suppose.

saavedra		29-Dec-2004 12:14
Os Deuses estão enfurecidos com o fim do Mundo que se aproxima

guest15		29-Dec-2004 11:59
This disaster will be written in history.

Raph		29-Dec-2004 11:55
sick humour? indecent!

Conspiracy Guy		29-Dec-2004 11:39
Please listen evryone!! This was NOT caused as a result of an underwater earthquake. That is what the global control guys want us to think. The evidence is clear...this was caused by Rosie O'Donnell doing a cannonball into the ocean.

Osama Bin Laden		29-Dec-2004 11:34
Truly this was the will of Allah. Death to all infidel dogs!!!

Radek		29-Dec-2004 11:32
Terrible thing that has happen! The strongest country in the "Earth" knows what is happening. The question is: Do we need a panic? Knowing the truth more people would die. God with all the people! I am sorry for that :-(

1960 Chilean tsunami		29-Dec-2004 11:31
1960 Chilean tsunami http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/general/physics/characteristics.html

Heywood Jablowme		29-Dec-2004 11:20
Have the real estate prices of coastal properties dropped? I'm interested in buying some nice vacation property.

Heywood Jablowme		29-Dec-2004 11:20
Have the real estate prices of coastal properties dropped? I'm interested in buying some nice vacation property.

Apu Nahasapeemapetalon		29-Dec-2004 11:18
I bet the surfing Kicked major ASS!!!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 11:17
To answer the question of why there was insufficient warning from ships at sea, a tidal wave is not necessarily even noticable at sea. Due to conservation of energy (more or less)the velocity and height of a wave in shallow water is much much greater than at open sea. A ship in the middle of the sea experiences a tsunami as a small raising of the surface water level, at the coast they experience a rapidly moving wall of water.

Apu Nahasapeemapetalon		29-Dec-2004 11:16
All your base are belong to us. You have no hope to survive. Make your time.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 10:59
It is nothing but beginning of pole shift

angry		29-Dec-2004 10:58
Can j(zennronin@hotmail.com) and GOD go an hang yourself please....

j		29-Dec-2004 10:45
whoo yeah fizz! very witty stuff, you ignorant bag of birdshit!

GOD		29-Dec-2004 10:37
Yes, you are right! Let this be a warning to you all! The world needs more drugs and whores!! So sayeth me! -God

fizz		29-Dec-2004 09:48
Maybe its a warning to the rest of the world that we should have a world full of more drugs and whores.

a good humen		29-Dec-2004 09:27
first of all i pray for those who died in such disaster.second thing thanks very much for the goood fotos. see, i was in phuket long time back..and this is the worst place that i ever seen in my life..like,lots of drugs,prostitutes,crimes...its worst part of life...so its a warning from god,,,it must be,,,so its just a warning from god for rest of the world....try to bulid a better world

K. Vanderpoorten		29-Dec-2004 09:24
These photo's I am sure could help scientific research. (Unfortunatly some firms don't find it immoral to pop up a photo equipment advertisement!) Anyway, let's hope that this kind of disaster will never happen again. My sincere respect to all the victims and the people volunteering to help out. At least one question remains unclaer. Why did nobody get alarmed? Ships at open sea must have noticed something like a sudden change in water level or a change in current, I suppose. In hours of time en for 1000's of miles distance, nobody has been warned for the obvious danger of a giant wave moving towards the shore...

Guest		29-Dec-2004 09:23
Isnt it amazing that a few men with cameras are far more informative than the billion dollar news centers at CNN? These pictures and those found athttp://drudgereport.com under "videos" on the right side of the page are far better than anything I've seen on the so called news. This was a very bad quake, but if a meteor, like the one due to impact the earth in 2029 were to hit an ocean, entire countries would be washed away by the waves, and the atmosphere would be greatly affected. I have heard that the real numbers of the dead are 500,000 plus. I've shed more than a few tears for these poor victims. Think of the children and animals even that have all been washed out to sea, or electrocuted by falling power lines, or simply drowned. Its all horrific. Tracey

pascalle van der Laars		29-Dec-2004 09:13
I am realy shocked by this all. Seeinig the phones makes me realy sad. My brother and his girlfriend are currently on their holiday in Thailand. Luckly they are staying in Pattaya and didn't notice anything about it.

sanjeev		29-Dec-2004 09:11
I felt very sad that all people around the world in helpless situation in this tragedy. Everyone of us have to help the victims. May God bless helpless people...

Trevor		29-Dec-2004 09:07
Having been on Patong Beach a mere 8 weeks ago I was very saddened by what has happened. I only hope that nobody I know has been killed in this disaster. Many thanks to hellmut for bringing us these images, isnt this computer age fantastic. Years ago we would have had to wait weeks to see images like this.

Eve		29-Dec-2004 09:04
Declan.. Thank you load for what you just say, my friends from my company just arrived in Phuket 30 mins ago and 1st thing she found..It was a wallet from Denish guy floating and smelly everywhere.... Eve

yonadav		29-Dec-2004 08:57
Helmut - thanks for a record of the disaster. At which hotel is it? On what beach in Phuket?

Filipina		29-Dec-2004 08:27
thank you for the footage of the sad story. it is a very sad to all people in the world to see all helpless situation in this tragedy. let us help pray to all of the victims and survivors of this tragedy, our prayers will help them & us have a heart of courage to face what is left to live and hope it will not happen again. even though we are not there but still it brakes our hearts to see the helpless and sudden tragic situation. God bless us all.

Declan		29-Dec-2004 08:20
Very sad, the Thai people are beautiful people, I'll go back to Thailand to support them as soon as I can, thinking of you. Australia

aomchan		29-Dec-2004 08:03
I am thai but I live in Bangkok. I watched the news all day and I was very very sad about it. Many people die and lost. All of thai people was sad. I wish I can help more. I just do only gave a little money for help them. I lost my some of my friendss at Phi-Phi island. I everbeen there, Phuket, Krabi and Trang all of the place that I visited was destroyed by tsunami wave.

sneak		29-Dec-2004 07:55
http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/sri_lanka_tsunami.wmv http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/tsunamiphuket.wmv

sneak		29-Dec-2004 07:54
Thanks for the pics. if i may post some link to some footage? http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/patong_beach.wmv

M.G from Switzerland		29-Dec-2004 07:25
I'ts so hard, to see helpless and fearless people. I lost also a person in my family, but I could say good bye and they people in sri lanka etc. not. my condolence to all of them.

Dilip		29-Dec-2004 07:14
The photos are awesome...!!! Its hard to digest seeing an entrie resort getting wiped out within minutes...!!

Pat Swovelin		29-Dec-2004 06:50
Do you know if the man in frames VA7U0478.JPG and VA7U0479.JPG survived or was he swept past you and you never saw him again?

Guest		29-Dec-2004 06:44
Thank you for highlighting the absolute horror of the situation - starting from the tranquil beginnings to the devasting results. The force of the water washed away people and people's lives in an instant, and your photos help dramatize that unbridled power. Hopefully this will prick the world's conscience to send relief funds to the area.

John		29-Dec-2004 06:41
Thank you for the photos. From some of the comments I can only conclude that they do not understand the value of pictures like these to the scientific field. How do they think that we learn where the problems are. We surely can not be "there" when these events occur, but in order TO SAVE LIVES we MUST know exactly what happened and therefore have a clue as to how to lessen the losses in similar situations. These photos and others like them will be studied by hundreds to analyze the destruction and attempt to design against future events. How many lives will be saved because one man put his own life at risk and had the courage to record the events? Only God knows the answer to that. There were those who accurately forecasted this event, but were scoffed at by those who considered themselves to be the ONLY source of scientific analysis. By the way, that number of 9.2 is under the NEW reporting system. Under the old system it was a 10.2

Eve		29-Dec-2004 06:33
I would like to say Thank you for posting these photos. Also can we stop all the bickering and name calling and for just a moment think of ALL of those touched by this. Be it the family who now has no mother, father, daughter, or son. Who has no house, job or clothing to change into and just wants some peace in their time of sorrow and worry. You speak of prayer and God; how is it that you can judge others? PLEASE THINK OF THESE PEOPLE AND DONATE HOW EVER YOU CAN...thoughts, prayer, meditation, money or time!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 06:28
Hi, This is Great pictures, And I want to Let you know Taiwan's media are using them - The Appledaily news use one photo and put it on the front page ,They must be paid you for them as they are great photographs,if don't ,I have a copy myself!job well done. http://www.appledaily.com.tw/template/twapple/index.cfm 2004/12/29 appledaily news Taiwan front page

Indian		29-Dec-2004 06:02
You can donate online athttp://pay.hindu.com/thrfpay/thrfpay.jsp This fund is managed by "The Hindu", leading newspaper in India.

markm		29-Dec-2004 05:57
Best Wishes to all, I cannot describe the emotions, Phuket is a regular place of visit for my wife and I.

Daniel		29-Dec-2004 05:36
Hi there - I've returned from Phi Phi Island about two weeks ago [Tonsai Village] - We've made quite a number of friends and would love to hear how people are doing there. If anyone has any information please let us know. Thanks, Dan from Toronto

Guest		29-Dec-2004 05:35
Hellmut, please contact me i would be interested to find out more about these images. many thanks , Maria

Allie		29-Dec-2004 05:25
Please donate to Americares.com They are sending many pallets of supplies to SE Asia One of the best things theyre doing is helping purify drinking water. VERY IMPORTANT ! PAX

v.		29-Dec-2004 05:14
dear all, I'm so sorry and sad for this case that happened in my country. I have link that took picture of people who death by this case. it not good to see. Just want to help them to find thier relatives. please send me your email if you need to get that link. regards,

C.A.V.		29-Dec-2004 04:52
I can not believe that you people are bickering over photos and other ridiculous stuff when this disaster has taken such a toll. What is the matter with you people?!!! Thank you for stopping to take these photos and putting yourself in harms way to let others know how horrible this is -we can pray and help in this situation. For those who are using the ability to write comments here to praise your own political views, life changes in a moment. It doesn't guarantee you tomorrow, so use your energy for something useful and take your negative, political comments elsewhere. Right now, these people need our compassion and prayer - there but for the grace of God could be us. I'm sure the photographer of these pictures is dealing with nightmares and pictures of horror he couldn't get in these pictures.

Clark		29-Dec-2004 04:48
Does anyone have any info on American tourist from Honolulu, Hawaii, Dennis (Daniel) Freitas?

B Knudsen		29-Dec-2004 04:41
My wife and I got married at the Sheraton Laguna in November of 2002. It breaks my heart to see the devastation caused by this natural disaster. Thanks for posting these pictures.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:39
If there were no photos like this (or mavies, video documentaries, etc.), how we, the ignorants of the other part of the world who has not seen any disaster, would know what the tsunami is? What these poor people faced? Please be realistic and stop giving negative feedbacks.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:28
Cut the crap, you ignorant jerks posting negative comments. You all wish you had taken these pictures yourself. So stop this holier than thou bashing and move on. Maybe some of you can start a relief fund for these victims. Now that is more positive.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:28
Cut the crap, you ignorant jerks posting negative comments. You all wish you had taken these pictures yourself. So stop this holier than thou bashing and move on. Maybe some of you can start a relief fund for these victims. Now that is more positive.

Cowichan Valley Camera Club		29-Dec-2004 04:21
Great photo-journalism. Yes, it's sad to see pictures of natural disasters such as these. However, with photos like these, I believe more people will be more willing to do something to help. Perhaps that is what this photographer had in mind afterwards. Not only am I going to pray for help for these people, but I am going to act on those prayers by giving to my favorite relief charity. As to all those people who feel that having these kind of photos posted is unethical, well you are entitled to your opinion. You also have freedom of choice. You knew the title of these photos and probably had an idea of what they were. So excercise your freedom of choice and don't look.... PS: If one does accept money for this, that's their business. Kathy

Craig		29-Dec-2004 04:05
Some of you liberals are pathedic in a tradegy like this. God Bless these people. Educate yourself on economics before you use a situation like this to further your socialist goals.

Roland Lam		29-Dec-2004 04:01
God bless the fallen souls

Guest		29-Dec-2004 03:22
Get some help, Sebastien...

Naf		29-Dec-2004 03:08
Do anyone find Mr. Ter Lecner and his wife Kosol Lacner they are in Bangnieang Khao Lak, If you have any news please contact 01 978 6619. we are very worry.

Sebastian		29-Dec-2004 02:36
Well instead of allowing these people to rely on tourism and wishing for God's love to help them. Why don't us civilised people actually try to prevent our governments from stealing from these people (WTO subsidies against the poor) and why don't we personally stop stealing from them and pay a just price for things while we are in their country instead of trying to bargain all the time. Have you ever tried to bargain in South East Asia? How much was your EOS camera? How much was that massage at the little hut that got washed away? How long would it take for the masseur to work to get out of poverty? Or to be able to stop working on your body for a few days and be able to form a movement to lobby government to put in place some Tsunami warning systems, better building infra-structures, health centres etc. Good on the SMH for using the pic for the full bleeder, makes you wonder ... Did you ask permission from that man clearly in distress swimming for his life to give the picture to the SMH? Did you get paid for that picture? Will you be able to buy the next EOS Mach X. Are you getting sponsorship from EOS/Cannon? Are you planning to get sponsorship from them. Unless you have family there, if you really want to help, I urge you to save the price of your airplane ticket and send the money directly to the red cross and pressure your western governments to send more aid, and to stop contributing to the suffering of the poor. Seb

Jeffrey Ady		29-Dec-2004 01:54
My many tears and sighs of grief for our good and gracious friends in the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean regions. As a resident of Hawaii USA I know the fear of tsunamis. My Japanese friends and family know it as well. Each one of the perhaps 60,000 lost immediately and what many fear to be lost in the future to injury, disease and starvation is a monumental story of love, struggle, courage, brokenness and infinite individual value. My prayers are for them and for their families and friends--and for all of us.

Daniel Griffiths		29-Dec-2004 01:24
I live in England. Every year I meet my mother, who fly's from Australalia to meet me in Phuket. We go to Phuket because the people are the most friendly and the island is truely paradise in parts. We go there because we enjoy the pace and the hospitality of the locals. I shudder to think about what happened to the fishermen of Bang Tao beach. I watched with amazement as they navigated their hand made boats through the perfect blue last February. What happened to the two sisters who owned, managed and ran the massage parlour in the little village just back from the beach? And what of the children what has happened to them? There's an amazing little family run restaurant built over a canal - just back from the beach. I hope they are alright. I have a booking in February this year and will return to Phuket. I hope to find old friends and faces. The people of Phuket and the rest of Asia need our help now. Please continue to visit these areas once the enoughmous task of mourning and cleaning up is complete. The tourist dollar and the fishing industry was what these people rely on. Both were wiped out in a few moments. So send you donations now and don't cancel your flights. I intend to return the favour of hospitality extended to me by the Thai's by returning as planned. It really puts the Iraq conflict and the billions being spent on war and killing in context for me. My thoughts go out to all my friends in Phuket. May our gods be watching over them.

Wells		29-Dec-2004 01:05
First let me say how all of my thoughts and prayers go to the victims of this horrendous and immense tragedy. I am a photographer in San Francisco, and I am aware of some of the issues surrounding usage and distribution of photos of horrible events and dangerous situations...First of all, anyone in the position of the photographer during a chaotic, rapidly changing, and dangerous situation such as this should be primarily concerned with their own safety, and should act accordingly. Recklessly placing onesself in danger to try to either take photos or save others rarely improves the situation. Suggesting that the photographer drop his camera and rush to someone's aid is in this case is misguided. There is a great chance that he could have been pulled into the water. Forces like this are not to be trifled with on any level. Secondly, photos such as these, and others of victims, destruction, bodies, etc. in wars and natural disasters are immensely valuable in telling the story to the world. Aid organizations see a flood of contributions from people all over the world who are moved to give, and the more emotional, human, intimate, devastating, and tragic the photos are, and the wider and more complete the distribution of this material is, the greater and more immediate the response tends to be. People give to charities in cases like this compulsively, and the amount of giving seems to rise sharply, then tail off quickly, mirroring the media coverage. The relief In this case is and will surely continue to be massive, and much needed. However, just as food for thought, even if the death toll reaches 100,000 (which it very well may), it would take eight disasters like this one to equal one Rwanda. Media there was severely limited, there wasn't anyone or any place involved the western world could identify with like the tourists and resorts in the indian ocean, and as a result the international awareness and response was much less. Regarding the monetary issue, there are isolated cases of people selling their images to a free-market press for a goodly sum, and sometimes seemingly disproportionate fees are paid for a spectacular shot. However, no one who does this for a living does it for the money. Photojournalists who do this for a living do it because they care enough about humanity and their plights to put themselves in immense danger for (usually) a paltry reward, and have to scrape, hustle, and damn near get their a$$es shot off to get it done, and many pay the ultimate price. If you are a hapless tourist who gets a good shot, by all means squeeze the media outlets for money...then give it to an aid organization. I have a feeling the photog in this case will be haunted for years to come by the things he has seen, and armchair quarterbacking from some snivelling dork on the internet won't help. So if you are disturbed, distraught, etc by the pictures, give to your favorite relief organization, don't go quibbling on the internet about a situation you obviously had no part in. Then, match the amount you just gave by an equal sum a month later, and another a year after that. There is nothing more frustrating to aid orgs than seeing the funds dry up quickly for a disaster whose effects will last for years because Brittney's new boyfriend becomes more important to the media than the "old news" of something like this. Believe me, it will. Wells

travler		29-Dec-2004 00:28
For everyone who has been on the reciving end of Thai hopitality I recieved this from a business site I know in Thailand. You can send a few or more Baht to the American Red Cross to help in Thailand. Just earmark the funds for International Response Fund. Great photography thanks for sharing.

Kevin Long		29-Dec-2004 00:23
For the ignorant, I pray for you, for the wise, I do as well. This is a REAL tragedy and you have people thinking of making money! At least you cannot say it is only us Americans who are greedy and think about money. Children have died here. For all you ignorant, I really do pray! May GOD bless these people!

Dave		28-Dec-2004 23:59
Thank you for sharing your photos. My thoughts go out to all those effected by this tragic act of nature. It is sad, reading one of the most recent posts however, asking this guy if he made money from his photos. Only human beings would think of making money out of tradegy... Peace to you all!

steve		28-Dec-2004 23:43
Hoping to hear news of my friend Julia Tyndall of Sacramento, last heard from in Phuket. Please email steveenzer@aol.com. Thanks.

Grant		28-Dec-2004 23:24
Great photography work! Thank you for posting and sharing. Such a sad event. Everyone say some prayers Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Mervyn Haynes		28-Dec-2004 23:06
Just curious, did you make any money from these photos. I always wonder if I am lucky enough to be on a disaster scene with my camera, how I would go about profiting from my photos. You really capture the moment and the guy swirling in the torrent is a masterpiece - I'm really jealous of that one. I'm pleased he survived. It would be a nice idea to track him down and present him with a memento of his heroic struggle. Keep shooting!

Bill		28-Dec-2004 22:50
Some of the people berating the photographer for taking photos are idiots. That's what cameras are for; to record events however horrific they may be. Some people here probably think that cameras should only be used to take photos of kids cuddling cute puppies and kittems! They are also used to record life and death and tragedy and triumph. Before berating the man for shooting the photos you should have done some research as I did. If you had you would have found this: Moment of impact ... a man is engulfed by the rushing waters on the Thai island of Phuket. Photo: Hellmut Issels The hapless man captured on the front page of yesterday's Herald engulfed by a raging wall of water in the resort area of Phuket has survived. Contrary to reports that the body of the unidentified man had been found a kilometre away from the beach devastation, the photographer who took the shots that flashed around the world yesterday reported his astonishing escape. "Just a few seconds after I took this picture he was pulled up out of the water by a man from a porch. Thank God," Hellmut Issels said. http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Amazing-escape/2004/12/28/1103996556610.html

Rob		28-Dec-2004 21:20
First, thank you for both taking these pictures, and posting them. It's such an important record of what happened, as for such a huge disaster there has been precious little visual record of what occurred at the time of impact. Second, shame on the Australian paper for editing the time sequence of events in using your photos for their gallery. They make a victim of the man whom you say was saved, that's not right. Thanks again!

R Moore		28-Dec-2004 21:08
These photos are powerful stuff. I like to think I'd be able to keep my hand steady enough to do the same, but I'm not sure. As for catching the drowning victim, you aren't the first to see tragedy whipping past too rapidly to do more than capture the moment. And probably not the first to be hectored by someone who doesn't consider the circumstances.

Curious about when		28-Dec-2004 20:22
Was this the initial tsunami wave or was it one of the aftershock waves? It looks like before the wave comes that the furniture is already scattered... just wondering... So sorry to hear that the men were swept away.

Brian		28-Dec-2004 19:56
Beth, You may breate the photographer all you want but.................... How far below him is that man in the water? How fast was he moving past? (I've seen news reports of the waves going 200+ MPH) What was he going to do? Jump in? People like you are absolutely ridiculous. Why don't you berate those others that are in a later pic? Like a previous poster stated. If you weren't there, you don't have the right to comment.

Wolf Morrison		28-Dec-2004 19:47
Thanks for posting these images...

Mark Smith		28-Dec-2004 19:22
Thanks for posting these Hellmut, I'm sure youre still upset by the Images that you've seen and recorded. To Mr Penske "The Idiot" That Man in the water was fighting for his life, your comments are sad and stupid 15,000 people have lost their lives (so far) I bet you're proud of your comments You Sir are just Human garbage.

guest		28-Dec-2004 19:11
I think you did a service to post these pictures. It is interesting that some people have critized you. It reminds me of the adage "No good deed goes unpunished".

Anna		28-Dec-2004 18:46
How dare you make sarcastic comments regarding this disaster! Shame on you! You obviously have absolutely no brain to understand what has happened!

Mel Penske		28-Dec-2004 18:36
Shit, sorry your vacation was ruined. I guess it will take a while to clean the pool out. Hope you had insurance. Can't believe that dumb fool swimming in such conditions. I was in Hawaii last year and there was a guy swimming about in huge waves, probably triathalon training or something.

maarge		28-Dec-2004 18:24
Thanks for sharing very interesting and informing. Marge

telizabeth		28-Dec-2004 18:17
In response to the comments that the photographer should have helped the man in the photo instead of taking the photo--Do you realize how fast this man was traveling in the water? He would be long gone by the time the photographer could have gotten a bedsheet or towel for him to grab onto! It is so easy to sit back and judge other people's actions when you aren't there to fully experience the situation. These situations happen in the blink of an eye--how easy it is for you to analyze it after the fact. Don't judge a person until you have walked in his/her shoes.

Matt Phillips		28-Dec-2004 17:56
Hellmut, Excellent photographs of the event. In your image VA7UO482 you captured three men at the bottom of the frame standing on a balcony. As it turns out the man with the white hair wearing sunglasses and holding snorkelling gear in his right hand is Tom Mackey. Tom is a very good friend of mine, we have known each other for over ten years now. Moments before the first wave hit the beach, Tom was snorkelling in the ocean as he enjoys doing almost everyday he's there. Obviously he was one of the very lucky ones. Thank you for making your pictures available to the world so quickly. Matt. Toronto,Ontario,Canada.

Beth		28-Dec-2004 17:46
I am very sad when I look at these photos. I must say that the photos you took give the viewer a real understanding of what happened and the devastation and sadness the people are facing and will continue to face for a very long time. ***However it also provides me with the image of a person struggling for life and the knowledge that you were more interested in your moment of glory rather than a chance to save that life. How dare you chose your camera and the image of a man struggling to live rather than the opportunity to save him! An article mentions that he passes right underneath your balcony and what do you do but to shoot his photo. How horrible it must have been for the drowning man to know that possibly the last chance of hope he had to live had a camera in his hand!! And to know that his life was worth nothing to you other than a moment in the spot light. And shame on the rest of you for condoning this! I am sure his family and friends would be horribly saddened to see the photos you took of his last moments alive and to realize that maybe there was a chance for him to live, if you had put the camera down and threw him the end of a sheet or blanket. Something, anything, that may have saved him. Even if it was impossible at least you could have tried. SHAME ON YOU...I see these photos as documentation that you may have contributed to a death. GREAT WORK, GREAT CAMERA…NOT A GREAT HUMAN!!.....Any money you make on these photos should go to the family of the man who you have in your photos or to help those who have been impacted by the Tsunami!

M. Dacey		28-Dec-2004 17:19
A friend of mine had pals staying at the same hotel and you captured them in one of your shots. Here's their exchange: Marc, Thanks for forwarding that website. When I first looked through it, I noticed the shot with the three guys standing on a balcony overlooking the incoming Tsunami....and so as it turns out, the guy with the white hair and sunglasses is our friend Tom. Unbelievable!. And note the snorkelling gear he's holding in his right hand, having just been out on the Indian Ocean/Andamann Sea before the waves hit!. So I forwarded the pic to Cindy and Tom in Thailand for confirmation........... MRP ----- Original Message ----- From: cindy wilson To: Matt Phillips Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:22 Subject: Re: Looks Like Tom Oh my god, that is Tom. I am the one one a mile down the beach running for my life. Where did you get that. Thanks and Love,Cindy Will be in touch. Got a tetnis today and meds , so should sleep through the night. Matt Phillips wrote: Hey Tom, is that you on that balcony holding your snorkelling gear? 37888293.jpg

ernst		28-Dec-2004 15:37
does anybody know what damage the Burasari Hotel suffered?

pat		28-Dec-2004 15:26
It's really tragic: causing the sudden loss of so many lifes,and the agony of their beloved who are still alive!!

Albert		28-Dec-2004 15:25
Son imatges esfereïdores de la tragedia. I pensar que fins al dia abans hi tenia alla el meu fill en viatge de noces!

jeremy		28-Dec-2004 14:54
amazing sequence of photos there. hope your note is correct regarding the fate of the man in the photo rather than what's in the newspaper article.

David Laidler		28-Dec-2004 14:53
Hellmut, are you interested in Getty Images news service distributng these images for you? please email me soonest. David

Roby		28-Dec-2004 14:10
God Bless Everybody That Is Living That Tragedy !!!

Konstantinos		28-Dec-2004 13:01
I stayed in Dusit Laguna the hotel right next door until last Sunday (6 days before the earthquake). Any idea on the damage there ? I read somewhere that these 2 hotels bore the brunt of the surge!

Guest		28-Dec-2004 13:00
I can't start to truly comprehend the scope of this disaster. Even with all the destruction and death shown by the media. My heart goes out to those affected.

nic		28-Dec-2004 12:26
well..it the most sad thing happened.. even..at my place(Malaysia), i can feel the shake even its far away from here hope those lost thier home and lost their family will going fine soon..

��		28-Dec-2004 12:21
Ýòî î÷åíü ñòðàøíàÿ òðàãåäèÿ, Óêðàèíà ñêîðáèò âìåñòå ñî âñåìè ;(

Keith Wong		28-Dec-2004 11:46
Helmut, today's "Australian" newspaper (at www.news.com.au) reported that the body of the man you photographed was "found one kilometer away". Maybe you should write to them and correct their error. Your images are absolutely compelling. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Adalberto Tiburzi		28-Dec-2004 11:26
Superb reportage, thank you.

jay		28-Dec-2004 10:52
I was not in Thailand or any of the countries in this disaster but I also feel so sad about that by watching the news on TV..etc. I really hope everybody is ok. And also hope all of you can help the victims by donations, blessing.. or any means.

Eve		28-Dec-2004 10:04
People...Im Thai people, but live in Bangkok so Im still alive for this shit that been happen...But everytime when I see all those pics i coundn't stop myself to cry. I used to travel in south of thailand last year. Krabi and Phiphi is my faver place and its will be in my memory.. This year very sad for us, all thai people helping each orther and really sorry for all of foreigners that came here and could not be safe...and go back home.. Evana...

mr.x		28-Dec-2004 09:29
Great work. Very solid photographs. You may have some of the best photographs of the initial surge from the beach and not afar yet. These things will probably end up reprinted somewhere important. I would stamp copyrighted on all of your online pictures.

igor		28-Dec-2004 09:03
Really, it's tragedy... Thanks to author. I hope there wasn't victims in that beautyfull place. To those who interest - fotos after the tragedy :http://homepage.mac.com/avarenov/PhotoAlbum1.html I have no words...

wwxx01		28-Dec-2004 07:58
Good luck for everyone.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 07:40
Luckily, only a fews room are totally destroy by the tsunami and since they have lagoon, it absorbs much of the wave. You can see from the picture ... Only a mess in the area. A beachfront Thai restaurant (on the left hand from where this picture was taken is gone sadly.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 05:38
Thank You, Your Pictures are very telling of a horrible tragedy. Glad to hear you and the guy floating made it. Prayers for those who will continue to suffer in this Tragedy. Regards, Joe

hellmut issels		28-Dec-2004 05:10
No, just a few seconds after I took this picture he was pulled up out of the water by a man from a porch. Thank God.

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