[txroadhawg]

Not meant as sarcasm, just poor wording. what I meant was they are no worse off then before the wave. I've been to alot of these places before the tsunami, a tent is probably an improvement over what they were living in previous.

[brownsfan]

"Not meant as sarcasm"

Odd concept. Ok, the people there were living in squalor, that can't be debated. After the tsunami, they are living in squalor. Now, if you help the businesses and land owners, the people will continue to live in squalor, they did before didn't they?
Or, do you suggest that with the grants, the businesses will suddenly become more benevolent?
If I were to give money to this sham, (obviously I didn't), I'd rather see a poor family get enough to buy a tent upgrade and maybe a few chickens then to see some relatively rich guy stuff his pockets.

It's aid, it should be available to all who were damaged. Unfortunately, in that part of the world, only the rich and politically connected will get the money.... hey wait a minute... that's how it works here!

[riri]

Well, that's what I was thinking. If you had a business and a beachfront home, should your compensation be the same or less than the guy who lived in a lean-to shelter down on the beach?