American media ignores deadly floods in Manila

American media ignores deadly floods in Manila

It has been more than one week since the rains fell on Manila. A city of more than 15 million people is 80 percent underwater. People are dead. More are homeless. Everyone is affected. And the frustrating part… no one seems to notice. I have family unaccounted for, friends who were rescued off their rooftops mere days ago. And all this time, I've been watching the television, hungry for news on my loved ones. Most that we've gotten is a few rolling scrolls on the bottom of the screen. The BBC has given more information to American citizens. Is it only me who sees what's wrong with this picture?

I've tried contacting local news stations. I understand they are not able to publish or cover any world news until CBS has done so. But there's still no word from CBS. Small as it may be, there is a population of Filipino Americans who are worried sick and desperate to know what's going on.

I'm not saying the U.S. needs to run to the rescue of every small country that gets hit with tragedy. We've got problems here, too. But there are people here who want to help. And there would be more, if they knew there was something to care about.

This issue runs deep. (Philippines President) Arroyo better get her story straight before the floods expose the skeletons she's been hiding under a mask of false charity. And why are other world catastrophes more important than that of Manila? I just got breaking news that a tsunami hit Samoa. That's awful, and my heart goes out to the people. But are the deaths of their people more important than mine? Why was it that the tsunami that hit Thailand was considered a global issue, when my people are dying, starving and left with nothing but are not worthy to be mentioned.

Laya Lising Salumbides Martin-Tardy

Lincoln