Originally posted by: dderidex
Originally posted by: HalosPuma
1st World disasters are always bigger in scope because our society is very advanced. 9/11 changed not only how our country runs, but also how other nations run. This tsunami changes nothing. Hotels will still be built on coastlines, tourists will still sit on the beaches, people will still live by the coastlines, etc. Even today (Thursday), the Drudge Report had pictures of tourists tanning themselves on the very beach where many were killed. Life goes on.
That's a valid point.
Compare the effect on the WORLD.
What effect has the tsunami had on France and Germany? What effect has the tsunami had on Iraq or Afghanistan? What effect has the tsunami had on China and North Korea? What effect has the tsunami had on international commerce? etc.
It's a tragedy, to be sure, but a local one, nothing else.
9/11 polarized the US view of the world - relations with France and Germany soured as a result, although not as much as China and NK. Afghanistan was occupied by US troops, and Iraq might as well declare itself the next US state there is such a heavy US presence there (and we still maintain total control over the country). We tightened security an unbelievable degree, the US - and, thus, world - economy suffered, etc.
There is no disputing that the tsunami was a much more severe local tragedy - but that's all it was, a very, very severe local tragedy. 9/11 set the US off on a Holy Crusade (tm), and literally changed much of the world.
Seriously, and RE: the web page hits, do you REALLY think 4 years from now people will still be discussing the impact of the tsunami the way they are discussing the impact of 9/11? What long-term changes on the political or economic landscape of the world will occur as a result?
About the most compelling thing that has happened as a result of the tsunami (and the one with the longest-reaching consequences I can see) is that India has proven that she has "arrived" as a major power - turning down offered foreign aid, and actually offering aid herself to neighboring countries. That IS a big deal, but it remains to be seen what all will come of this.