Hi All,

I've been reading some historical notes about a long list of American Presidents the past two weeks and it has been interesting to view the various issues, obstacles and challenges each were presented with and how some rose valiantly to solve those problems and how others failed miserably in their attempts.

When looking at leadership in science and in particular earthquake prediction, it lies solely in the hands of scientists and of those American scientists, I would like to express my highest praise for Dr. Charles Groat. He truly is a man of our time, one who is a strong leader, fortunately in favor of earthquake prediction and a wonderful role model for other scientists in managerial positions. He's also a very public figure, but one who does respond to the public, rather than taking an ivory tower position. Once approached, he does take action and it is swift and decisive.

Geo-sciences and the path of earthquake prediction in the future will rely upon those who can answer the call and put forth useful and meaningful facts. But at the same time do in such a way that is not alarming, but something simple, thoughtful. A means to a better end for all Americans who live in harms way from seismic events.

Sometimes when the wheel is turning, we are out to lunch, out at sea or at the airport. We don't see the finer details of what is happening behind the scenes, but in time they filter into daylight, right in front of our faces and change may seem sudden, yet it is not. This is the path earthquake prediction has taken for the past five years. What seemed slow and possibly impossible has risen to daylight and we are at the throes of something powerful and meaningful. At last progress is at hand.

Progress depends greatly upon those who are at the helm of the ship and in this case, one of the great leaders of our time, Dr. Charles Groat is at the wheel. I like to think that we can acknowledge goodness and efficiency when people are here, rather than celebrating them posthumously. I hope you too have appreciated all that this man has given to us in such a short period of time.

Petra