I’m agreeing with John today about the emotional draw of sudden cataclysm vs. persistent wasting. It should also be noted that natural disasters which can’t be blamed on Republicans don’t impose the stickiest and most harrowing demand of all — the need to take sides against evil.
I don’t think the difference in response is a racial issue at all, Asian versus African, but more the fact that tsunami relief doesn’t expect humanitarians to point out things like famine, rape, and genocide in use as tools of local government thuggery. Since we can’t “do” anything to prevent seismic events, they are much safer morally to engage than situations which will ultimately require not only boots on the ground but rounds in chambers — not only C-130’s but AC-130’s as well.
