Something is bothering me. Big time.
Something to do with the recent catastrophe in China.

I mentioned that The Office could send our condolences to our fellow colleagues in China. Directly affected or not, it is a national disaster. I'm sure they would appreciate our concern, a quarter globe away.

Just how much does a simple email cost?

- about 15 minutes to choose the appropriate words, write, copy everyone in 'CC' and click the button 'SEND'
- about 15 minutes worth of energy expended while doing the finger dance
- about 15 minutes worth of business opportunity cost (though I think I can still answer calls while typing)

What is the price paid when those fellas in China read the email? -shrugs shoulder- My life? No. Probably amount up to nothing.

But the acknowledgment to show that we stand by them, is priceless.

My suggestion was met with ums erms uhs. Explained to me, an email now is 'too late', 'it should have been last week if we wanted to' and 'they might think we want something from them'.

Best.Answer.Ever.

I thought I was missing a point. I furrowed my brows, rubbed my chin and pondered long and hard. Are we in some sticky political situation which I'm not aware of? Are we supposed to pluck petals off a rose to make a simple decision? Send, don't send, send, don't send send, don't send.

Days before, Yann and I had a brief discussion about typical Singaporeans' weaknesses （通病）: being self-centered. Then again, every country has its fair share of self-centered/selfish/egotistical people. Add one more word and it makes a whole lot of difference - narrow-minded self-centered-ness.

No stereotype here. No need to be offended if you think you are not of 'those'.

I've been following BBC and CNN closely for more updates: Deng Xiaoping's widow forked out her entire savings for earthquake relief; a young truck driver, who lost his mother and wife, drove strangers up the hills and mountains so that they can go search for their missing loved ones; a young migrant worker donated 600 yuan (approx. SGD117) which is equivalent to his one month's salary; a young soldier carries on transporting medical aid supplies after he learnt his parents both perished in the earthquake.

What is one email compared to the above?

Why do we need to deliberate so much as to whether to send our concern to fellow homo sapiens who could definitely do with one more well-wishing.

As much I detest obnoxiously loud rude Chinarians who love to hog seats on the train and those who loiter in Joo Chiat and Geylang, I think that shouldn't matter when it comes to humanitarian aid. Thus I was slightly appalled when a certain homo sapien showed compassion no more than a 1-cent coin.

"我是不会可怜他们的。"

Well, I shan't go into details but it went along the lines of 'because China deserves it'. I could only licked my dry lips and went back to my table. Flabbergasted. Gobsmacked.

I cannot imagine if one day the tides turns and we need help.

So no, no email was sent out. Instead, I skyped a Chinese colleague and sent my regards to everyone else.