I pray with you. Thank you. Let those who read this comment from Mimi add their voice in this prayer.

Terrible.

What a tragedy when your home is destroyed. What a tragedy that so many people in the world are hungry and live in conditions like the. One planet. One people. Borders are put up to protect the wealth. Shame on the wealthy nations. Shame on everyone who has a luxurious home, 3 meals a day, cars, AC, running water. We protect our standard of living while so many on the planet struggle. What a joke people are.

So Beverly - You can honestly say that you don't eat every day or enjoy the use of running water. You also seem to enjoy the luxury of a computer and Internet access. For shame...

You are one of those "people" Beverly.

Beverly, I am assuming that you live in a hovel that you share with any homeless people who wander by.

To quote your last line; "What a joke you are."

no offense, bev, but I work 100+ hours a week in order to have my basic infrastructural demands met...

I'm from Manila, and left the Philippines......."In DISGUST" many years ago....with the POVERTY that the Philippine Government "puts up with". If you live in Manila....you see this everyday. That man that was swimming "in ashes, and DEBRIS"......it was more like sh't, baby diapers with baby droppings...and the SMELL must have been horrible. Using the word "ashes" was a nice way to describe it.

And the Philippine Government has money to purchase "gunboats" to put up a "brave face" against the Chinese..in defense of the "shoals"...when they should put that money to BETTER use, and build these people some decent homes...for heaven's sake.

In the Philippines...you are either "rich" or "poor".......there is NO MIDDLE CLASS...or at least a very narrow segment "considered" as middle class. I have read about kids scouring the Garbage Dumps, looking for "edible" food to eat, women, digging for rotten meat they can cook and sell to the poor. Because of this....the very poor have WORMS in their stool...or "halaga"..... because they don't have a choice as to their "diet".

The Government hands out very small sums of "pesos" to help "eradicate poverty". Meanwhile, life goes on as usual...like "nothing bad" is happening in the country. It's PATHETIC. I could grow VERY OLD living like this in the Philippines.

Living here in North Dakota......yes, I am "middle class" here, but NOT compared to the "middle class" in the Philippines.

Catholic countries, overpopulated and impoverished, Pope tells them that birth control and abortion are wrong. So they live in slums, they die in slums. And yet they keep on having babies. As human population growth continues to exceed carrying capacity, expect more of this insanity.

Just another reminder that the people screaming their heads off about how bad they have it here have no idea of what bad is.

Such a sad story.

I agree with you, Ralph. The governments in this world are intent on keeping ahead of everybody else. The Chinese are growing their military, the US insists on growing theirs, The Phillippines are trying to keep up. The US is, of course, the biggest military in the world as big as........THE NEXT 14 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. We can kill everybody in the world over 10 times. We do not need to continue to grow this military. Its very sad. I live in Iowa, and see all the corn here going for ethanol. It needs to continue being used for food in this world. The best thing to make ethanol from is hemp and of course the US doesn't want that brought in, even if its ditchweed that nobody would smoke. Let's use corn and increase the cost of food all over the world, so we can grow our military bigger and bigger. We can't let China get close, we must stay ahead. (sarcasm off)

Welcome to one of the most capitalistic, free market, small government democratic country in the world.

I think much could be done to help people everywhere who need homes by utilizing steel shipping containers. There are thousands upon thousands of them sitting in stacks all over the world, but especially in the US, that are not utilized again once they arrive loaded with goods. We import more goods here then we export and it is too expensive to ship them empty to be re-used for shipping. I am not suggesting anything I would not utilize myself and they have been used to create some magnificent homes. (Google shipping container homes, you should find a variety of pictures.) They can be cut for windows and doors and welded together to create larger spaces. They can be covered in stucco type materials to help keep them cooler, they would withstand a great deal of weather situations and would resist fire. Our dream is to eventually build a mostly underground home using shipping containers that would probably do well in tornado's, as we live in a state subject to many tornadoes. More importantly, there are many of them available. There are a variety of sizes- some as large as 20' X 40'. I have looking at these containers as a partial answer to re-building disaster areas for some time now and I think they could work in many situations. I think we have the creativity and know-how to develop such housing that could help many people throughout the world.

you favor letting the chinese steal the philippines food? these shanty town people have to eat no matter where they live. the chinese government is run by bullies and theives. just ask any Tibetan. Stand up for yourselves , Filipinos! you wont find another mccarthur in the spineless obama administration to help you this time around.

stonedog34 it won't be long before yourself and the others that choose to be blind will find out what this country of ours is really about. the communist could'nt mind there own business,now look who is in every other countries business. you probably think this is ok but if we had minded our own business before the Korean conflict or the Viet Nam war we would be able to fly from Detroit Mi. to Lansing Mi. or any where in our country worry free. ONE DAY NOT THAT FAR OFF YOU WILL WISH THAT YOU LIVED IN A HOUSE BUILT ON STICKS BECAUSE THE CRAP GETS HIGHER EVERY MINUTE. hope you are armed

@Willow... The corn isn't just going to ethanol. It's going to feed lots for livestock and also as an ingredient in countless consumable products. It's difficult to find a processed food these days that doesn't have corn in it. That being said, I really don't think it's our responsibility to feed the world. We have more than enough people to take care of here... and we aren't doing that great of a job of it.

@Willow...How long do you think this country would exist if we did not keep our military? We have some of the most desirable geography on the world. Do you not think other countries would jump at the chance to control it? Do you think they would care about your freedom or any rights at all? Just the fact you can get on the internet and voice your misguided opinion is testament to the fact of our strong military and the sacrifices the men and women that serve/have served have made. Be grateful you have the freedom to look at all that corn and know that it is going towards something other than a government that would not give it to the people.

What a terrible tragedy for those people.

Here's what we need to do. We need to get George Ca-looney and his cronies to run another charitable contribution fund, raise millions of dollars and never account for the way and the how and the IF it ever got to the people it was meant to help.

On May 3rd the story was philippines build wall to hide slums from the 45th annual board of governors meeting of the Asian Development Bank on abject poverty. I guess this is payback for running that story embarresing the Philippine Govt. or there will soon be middle class apartments built by the "Asian Development Bank" at the cost to someone else for their profit. Or its just a coincidence that a giant slum burned down 9 days after the embarresing article pointing out the obvious waste of building a wall to hide them instead of using the money for actual infrastructure.

That 'wall' was nothing more than plastic, and there is no way to hide the poverty there. When I went to Manila for the first time, it was like a look into the future of human kind. The disparity from the Ayala district with the 4 star hotels, to the shanty towns in...well just about everywhere else is mind blowing. Just take a look at Manila with Google maps, and you will get an idea of how huge and densely populated that whole area is. My heart goes out to the Filipinos who lost everything, but I know that they have such a strong spirit, and they will find care and good will from those around them. The Filipino are a proud people, and they should be for all that they have suffered.

The very first thing that comes to mind when looking at these photos, disconnected from the suffering of the people, is that the water in those pictures, if you can even call it water, is the ocean. Thee ocean. No barriers, nothing separating that cesspool from the oceans that cover and feed this Earth. Fire aside, how can people live over the top of their sewer, then swim in it to look for recyclables? I'm fully aware of how fortunate I am to have all that I have, today looking at these pictures I feel like royalty. However, again how can people, even living in utter poverty, not put their waste in a bucket and have a central waste area? Poor is one thing, living in a way that animals wouldn't even tolerate is deplorable.

The caption says it's a resident searching underwater for any of his belongings. Basically, he came up for air, and all you can see is that portion of his head sticking out of the water fully of debris. It is a good picture.

seeing as his hair isn't wet, I seriously doubt he's coming up for air... it is a neat picture, though...

You're right - it's only wet in the back and bottom.

Having seen these places relatively up close, I find it very hard to believe that there are no deaths. Given the corruption over there I'm more inclined to believe the government is blocking the information to reduce criticism. "No deaths" means the story will go away faster and get less attention.

Liberals hate to admit it, but capitalism built this country into the wealthiest nation in the world. However, establishment politicans on both sides of the isle are seeing to it that government continues to expand until that no longer holds true.

So you actually want Americans living in Shanty towns Bea??? That explains your mindset.

If all of America was that poor the corporations couldn't exist. Fact is, by the world standard, most of the country is doing fine.

skup-

is that why the US routinely shows up around 20th on the lists of nations with the highest quality of life?

I guess that depends on which list you look at. Even so, considering there are 196 countries in the world yes I'd say 20th is pretty good.

http://www1.internationalliving.com/qofl2011/

DeVille

Rightwing Nut Jobs hate to admit unions built the middle class, and as they have declined so has the middle class.

Are you really that much of an IDIOT?? Hahahaha, Corporations?? Who do you think owns corporations? To whom do you think corporations give jobs to? Answer: Shareholders own them, they supply jobs to WORKERS..who btw also can own shares of their "Corporations". Get real, Commie.

Wrong. Investors own the corporations with no control. Jobs go to the place with the lowest wages and the best tax breaks.

Most working class people would much rather get paid for their labor, not gamble at the casino called wall street.

Yet instead, the tea party would rather be puppets for the corporatists and vilify the former middle class for the problems of this country. The message is short, simple and wrong. This a complicated world and simple solutions do not exist.

NOT wrong, 100% correct, you truly are crazy after all these years. I never said investors own with control, investors OWN the corporations, and if you so choose, you CAN own stock. Corporations DO supply jobs. YOUR answer was merely an attempt to once again vilify Capitalism. Also...I offered no solutions to Philippines or anyone elses problems, because that is one area you were correct...it is a complicated World.

The investors don't have control, but the corporations have control over politicians. Campaign money from lobbyists funded by corporations limit the playing field. Whichever politician with the most money typically wins. If not, the other corporately sponsored candidate will still continue to kiss a$$ to their sponsors. These aren't candidates for the people, by the people... they are all candidates for the corporations, by the corporations. Both parties are guilty of it.

And to think we have people that complain about their jobs and how small their houses are compared to their neighbors "The Jones". Do not think for one second that the reason these people where even living like this in the first place had anything to do with choice, or anything to do with them not wanting to work hard. No !!!! the Philippines like many third world countries are ripe with government corruption, and inequality. These people would not have a chance in hell even if they had a chance in hell, to get themselves out of their current living situation (when they still had it) now their already tough lives just became a living nightmare a day to day hellish reality of poverty and homelessness. I urge people of all races, religions and creeds to send your heartfelt thoughts and prayers to these people in their time of need this is just horrible ........... plain horrible.

My soul weeps for them; the young kid looking into the great abyss, wondering, maybe - why the f*ck was I born here? We, the privileged few...

Take a good hard look, because this is the direction the US is slowly headed in.

It has nothing to do with the government. It's the people of the US that turned it to @!$%#. Private business caused the global meltdown. The government bailed our asses out. It's not the governments fault we are 55th in literacy. That's parenting!

Really? Private business is why the Philippines and the rest of the World is down the tubes? Hmmm....I disagree. I believe it is the other way around, too much Govt/Govt Corruption is the problem. Take a visit to one of your "Worker's Paradises" and see how great things are. I have...I work in a Commie paradise...I'd prefer even Mexico's Govt to Communism.

I drove through Manila once, ages ago, and was amazed at the size and proximity of the shanty towns. This was the capital city of a fairly important country in the region and they lived like this? It was shocking.

Very. Especially when you contrast it to the high-end restaurants and elaborate wedding your hosting family (husband's in-laws) takes you to during your visit.

I've noticed that, too. The crappier the country, the nicer the people. I met a girl on the bus and she just gave me a lovely, white seashell.

I lived in South America for a couple of years and some of their people live under the same conditions. I've seen children and adults actually living next to garbage dumps that live off of the rotted food @&%) left behind by the POOR people of Columbia and Venezuela. People threw out anything that they had on the sides of the roads which made the sides of the roads look like snow covered berms that will never melt. As long as the rich can keep the poor ignorant the beat will go on. Capitalism only works as long as you have poor people.

Thank you Glitter1017. So many comments, and nearly all about Government, Capitalism, and Greed. How about..."What a shame! Hope that they fare well after this terrible disaster."? I am so sick of people venting about their political ideas instead of just wishing them "Good Thoughts". Hoping their recovery is quick.

I think DOD just signed a new agreement with the Philippine government to use more bases and areas for training like they recently did in New Zealand.

No, "THEY" didn't , Their government did!!!

Actually it was the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo that spelled the end of Clark and Subic.

My husband, who grew up in Manila, has always been opposed to charities for people (until recently coming to understand what the current economic situation is doing to people). He always said that people here have so much opportunity, how could anyone stay poor?

Having been there and seen it, I now understand where that perspective comes from. Not saying I agree with it, but now I can understand.

Maybe you would have some appreciation for the poor if yuou lived there Rontron

It's called entitlement attitude, giving handouts to people who haven't earned it only causes them to demand more and more. This is why government forced wealth redistribution is never a good thing.

It is called leveling the playing field to keep this from happening to every generation

It's worse than that deville. After taking handouts for a period of time the receiver becomes, physically and mentally, incapable of surviving in the real world.

Adversity strengthens, assistance weakens, it's a fact, you could look it up.

My husband, who grew up in Manila, has always been opposed to charities for people (until recently coming to understand what the current economic situation is doing to people). He always said that people here have so much opportunity, how could anyone stay poor?

I have to agree with your husband, I started out with barely a high school ed and not a penny to my name. Eleven yrs later, im told my assets are worth 300k. I never got anything from anyone and worked for every penny of it.. Theres still alot of opportunity, if you work hard for it and make the right decisions, sadly its rapidly fading away, has the yrs go by and our politicians keep making foolish decisions.

oncearepub

It is called leveling the playing field to keep this from happening to every generation

Taking money from those who have rightfully earned it via wealth redistribution is not "leveling" anything. It is theft and extortion, nothing more.

Sam: If the Philippines does not have a middle class. The country is divided by upper and lower classes. Why don't all those rich people have jobs for those people? Are they all lazy and refuse work? The reason we have opportunity here is because of the working class not in spite of it. It's a capitalist country isn't it?

Iwonder, I agree that you are somewhat right, but I could give you adversity that would make you want to kill yourself. So you are right within reason, mostly if adversity is progressive and not implying continual poverty. Things are also country-socially relative, being poor in the Philippines is probably accepted and expected, in America not so. I mean if people accepted to be poor, live in squalor and be jobless, things would be fine in America as well. That was 100 years ago. And the cheap (poor) labor of those days has been replaced by the Chinese and other poor Asian countries workforce, but even they don't care for it much anymore.

Unfortunately, the Filipino lobby doesn't have enough money to show up at George Clooney's place, so no luck for them.

They have the money. They lack the motivation. Those in power just want to amass more money and really don't care what they do to get it. (Hint, the conflict in Mindanao has little to do with religion. The "rebels" and the military work together to keep the fighting going so the government sends more money and supplies to sell for cash.)

Let's call it Harrison Bergeron.

REALLY.... get your nose out of your politics and look at reality.

Pascanal , Are you a redneck racist ??

Hey pal, This crap has been going on since the very beginning of our American existence. You can't possibly blame everything on Obama, there's plenty of @!$%# to spread around on both sides of the isle. Before Obama there was a BIRD BRAIN named BUSH who didn't know if he was winding his ass or scratching his watch. i'm sick and tired of all of you turds blaming everything on the Dems. the Rep are in the same boat but personally I think you have to be smarter than the 1% in this country and not listen to the media so much and just weigh what you know.

hbruss, why do you ask that question? Are you looking for a compatible companion? Try your sister, it apparantly worked for your dad!!

Billions???? Excused me!!! the US never pay billions to rent those bases. The annual rent doesn't even exceed 100 million dollars. The US gives more aid to their supposed arab allies in the middle east that stab them in the back and some muslim countries in Africa but never give billions to their loyal former colony. Though I admit that corruption is what makes our country poor.

Amen Brother!!!

Marcos fled the country with it. With the help of some very major American companies(Wells Fargo. Bank of America, General Electric) a shell company was set up in the U.S.A. to 1) Launder the money, 2) to provide "working visa" documentation for Marcos' cronies and relatives. Understand this: The elite class in the Phillipines will never do anything for their poor beyond allowing the privilege of becoming their servant. They are a despicable race of people. American men beware! Their girls will try to get you to marry them!

I hope that is what the government does. However, one can only hope.

It was a hotbed of holdup men, rapers, murderers and shabu addicts...unfortunately, wives, children and other innocent people. It will be rebuilt post haste I am sure, there are squatter areas everywhere in Philippines.

Just a bit curious Sam. I'd be interested to know where to find the info re: the type of people that lived there. I must have missed that info. Thanks.

I guess you would have to go there. I live in Philippines and have been to squatter areas in Manila and Cebu. Or you could read the local newspapers.

@!$%# you @!$%#- show some respect!

@Rotor. That damn show boating negro is "Mister, to you!" He is our President and his office demands respect, even if you can't respect the person. Besides, it doesn't hurt him one wit to have someone of your talents dissing him.

Actually, I've been pondering exactly what seemingly foul creatures like rotor are trying to accomplish and I've finally come to the conclusion that they are actually on our side! Can you imagine any sane, rational person wanting to vote for anyone on the GOP/TP right with someone like rotor, supposedly one of them, typing his little heart out, making himself look as ignorant and disgusting as possible? Thanks rotor, us lefties appreciate your sacrifice and your help and I'm sure our "negro" president, Mr. "Obozo" does also (wink, wink).

you are right Ross. I think people are afraid they will end up living like this, in this country. Poverty sounds a lot like suffering.