About Malaysia
While we're all trying to find out which country/side is to blame in the destruction of the Malaysian flight, I noticed that not many were talking about Malaysia. I admit, I know little...almost nothing...about Malaysia, except what I've learned from playing Civilization IV. I still know little, next to nothing, even after doing a tiny bit of research.
There are only a handful of pics of the mourners in Malaysia, but that handful of pics made my heart break for a country and it's people.
This is the second tragedy for this not so little country. An unwarranted, terrible tragedy. So, let's think about them for a minute and forget that there are selfish and arrogant people in this world that just made Malaysia an unintended target for their agenda.
(Please excuse the links to Wiki and Tourism. Doing a search for Malaysia brings up pages of news and little else. I'm hoping our DU geniuses will fill in some holes.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia
http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/us
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If an American plane was shot down and 75% of the passengers were French, America would still mourn. It would still be our tragedy that we shared with France and any other country affected. This is the second time Malaysia has 'accidentally' shown up in the news. I can't imagine how they must be feeling. What they think other countries are thinking.
Obviously, my heart aches for all of the families and friends of all the passengers. That includes the 1 Canadian. I'm one of those people that wonders who he/she was. Was it a vacation or business? Who did they call last? Did they remember to tell someone they loved them? Will someone feed their dog?
Life is complex and in order to keep from turning into blithering piles of goo, we need to find a focus. Today, mine is on Malaysia.
Next time, maybe just pass by the thread. 
Not about Malaysia. Something is wrong with that airline. As one tv airline expert explained, it's about saving gas which saves money.
On April 3 multiple aviation organizations issued warnings to international and U.S. carriers cautioning them against flying over parts of the Ukraine.
Here's one link about it:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/faa-issued-warning-prohibiting-airlines-flying-contested-ukrainian/story?id=24604229
Malaysia Airlines was aware of this warning but chose not to take heed. 
...I don't have anybody around me but more old white people. That's why I love Tucson (one of the reasons). People are friendlier, more diversity, great food. I live in hell. 
That's what us 'big city folk' would do on the weekends to remember why we lived in the city! 
Ohgod...the smell...and soooooooo much corn.
I preferred the apple festivals, myself. Mmmmmmmm...apple everything. 
Seriously, despite my negative reaction, it is something different. Yes, the smell is horrible. But, most will have some dusty festival food and beer. 
Tell them many Americans have them in their hearts.
I can't afford to travel, but someday I plan on winning the lottery. Malaysia is on my list. I'll take you with me. 
...except the US. I think we're culture starved, so the images that sites post capitalize on that fact. A good friend of mine is NA and performs in public Powwows. When it's over, he's a biker. It doesn't lessen his passion or dilute the culture. It just commercializes it for a minute. Sad? Yeah, it is. But, I'm grateful that so many cultures have held on to their traditions and shared them with us. I grew up wishing I was someone else. Living in Chicago, I was surrounded by so many different cultures and traditions and I was just some poor, wealthy, white girl with nothing but a Christmas tree and a bunny that passed out eggs. I wanted to be Asian, African, anything. Sort of pathetic, isn't it? The most beautiful thing about humanity is its diversity. The one thing that so many in this country hate.
Sorry for the mini-rant. You just made me think too much.
I'll remember that. Pretty sure I wouldn't need that kind of high if I could get there.