Shame or Support?
December 30, 2004
The other day I was frolicking around in the waves at Wadegos beach. Zooming in towards the shore on my body board and lying low for waves to crash over my head on the way back out.
I was really enjoying myself, but, while I was lying low watching an approaching 5 footer come my way, I couldn't help but think about the poor people in Asia. I mentioned this when we got out of the water, that I felt guilty to be enjoying myself in the sea when not far away there were thousands grieving for loved ones and fighting for survival.
"You Irish, you always feel guilty about something. Just like a Jewish Mamma!", was the reply.
Contrast this Irish woman's guilt with the guile of some British holiday-makers in Phuket. I was almost sick to read over my breakfast this morning on BBC News that a group of tourists are back on Patong Beach in Phuket. There is a ghastly picture of 4 bodies lying in the sun, sipping beers and enjoying the ambience.
How can they be so callous and self-centred? They are witness to the greatest disaster in living history and they are acting as if nothing happened. If they choose to stay on in Thailand, why don't they go north and have a holiday there? Or stay where they are and lend a hand?
Kevin French from Peebles in Scotland is quoted as saying "This is a tourist place and they rely on tourism so if everyone runs, the place will be destroyed." Er Kevin, the place has already been destroyed.
"I didn't think about going home. I stayed and looked around to see if my friends were still alive - most of them were." What about the ones who weren't Kev?
"I've had no pressure to come home. I've not contacted them yet, but I will on New Year's Eve." No pressure to come home? Is that because they know you well enough already and despise you?
I heard from a Thai friend here that the Thai government is working hard to stem the flow of news stories because of their fears for their tourist industry. Is this item on BBC a propaganda piece, or is it for real?