Breaking: Stampede Kills 244 at Hajj Pilgrimage

[45th Med]

By RAWYA RAGEH

MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) - At least 244 people were trampled to death and hundreds more hurt Sunday under the crush of worshippers in one of the deadliest disasters during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The stampede occurred during the stoning of the devil, an emotional and notoriously perilous hajj ritual. Pilgrims frantically throw rocks, shout insults or hurl their shoes at three stone pillars - acts that are supposed to demonstrate their deep disdain for Satan.

Stampeed Kills 244 at Hajj

[donco6]

1. So, here's a question.

Now, you've got to admit, if some yearly ritual were held here in the U.S., in which people regularly were killed (as in the Hajj ritual), wouldn't we have done something about it after the first two or three times? So why do they keep allowing this to happen? Is life really that cheap?

Sorry if this is offensive, but I just can't figure out why they can't stop these mass killings.

On Edit:

But then again, maybe our "rituals" just aren't as visible. How many die from being kicked off of their health insurance? Or missing their immunizations for lack of money? Or becoming obese by drinking too much pop from the high school pop machines? Or smoking targeted at teens.

Never mind.

[The Sausage of Death]

2. Hajj Minister Iyad Madani of the Kingdom of Saudi said:

"All precautions were taken to prevent such an incident, but this is God's will. Caution isn't stronger than fate."

"Most of the victims were pilgrims from inside the Saudi kingdom and many were not authorized to participate, "Madani also said.

So donco6, you go figure.

[PsychoDad]

3. "We" probably would have....

Unless there was money to be lost in doing so....

You have to remember the date and timing of the Hajj as well as it's rituals, are dictated by 1400 years of tradition. When the Hajj was deemed as a once in a lifetime requirement by Muslims who could make it, I doubt anyone except Allah suspected that there would be 2 million each year. Any "changes" would have to conform to tradition and interpertation.

Remember, these 224 died in a throng of 2 Million, in many ways it is remarkable that more don't die each year. From what I have seen, the saudis so a great job of public safety. The ritual of mina, where the throng of 2 million throws pebbles at 3 pillars representing satan is a very emotionaly charged moment. 2 million people, that's a lot all in one place.

I do think though, some changes are needed. What and how are the questions.

[saigon68]

5. Dupe n/t

[Moderator]

4. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=341521