Hi all --
I'm writing this to you in the aiport lounge in Seoul, en route to NYC. I didn't know that there was such concern about my well-being after the tsunamis hit, and I'm very touched to read all of your posts... But I will join in with others around BWW who have urged you to contribute whatever you can to any number of organizations who are doing such important and difficult work in the region.
I wasn't in Phuket or the other Thai resorts that were hit, as you know, but the coverage in Bangkok was incredibly extensive on CNN and BBC and in the english-language newspapers, so I have been very moved by what I've seen, as I'm sure you all have been. I wonder how extensive the coverage has been back in the states, though, aside from a list of numbers of people dead and missing.
If there is any good thing to come of all of this incredible tragedy, maybe people will be that much more aware of the difficulties facing populations in emerging nations like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and even India, to make ends meet. Hopefully people won't now be frightened of visiting these countries, but will be encouraged to help spur their economies forward by spending some time getting to know them. They will need all the help they can get, not just in the short-term relief efforts, but in the long-term economic recovery and stabilization.
Anyway, I hope everyone has had a good holiday season in the face of all that's happened. And here's to a much happier and healthier new year for all of us all over the world.
Take care --
Anthony
Updated On: 1/1/05 at 07:09 PM