Chris,

Do you have any constructive ideas/thoughts about what might be done to alleviate the suffering of the masses in Indonesia with what science may know about what's coming up the pike? Is there any chance of an evacuation for those who may be sitting in harms way? Can we as a civilized world do anything besides being spectators to disaster?

From the very beginning there has been this gap in communications and it seems it will continue for perhaps the end of time itself. We are so advanced in so many area's and yet 300,000 people are dead for the lack of it. This seems to be so totally inhumane. And now flocks of scientists, I would imagine are scouring the area to learn something and yet nothing of any substance arrives to prevent further disaster.

One day its going to us and not them and then what? I can hear the magic words now, "we don't predict earthquakes." That's fine by me as long as they let other people do it and stop complaining about how it gets done. If they don't wish to play the game, they shouldn't set the rules or dictate how others do whatever they do. Lowell should be in California right now doing his job, but someone else thought it wasn't a good idea. I find that amazing. A person can call themselves a psychic and get top press and predict an earthquake and no one stands in their way. But if you let a group/org who are scientists attempt to do it, guess what....you're outta here. That is rediculous! Well, it's up for grabs now and may the best woman win! The people of the world should be so ashamed of themselves because we've relied so heavily on "the institution" that we forgot the people issue.

Chris, you rarely if ever express an opinion so I've given you enough food for fodder for years to come. If you could pour half an ounce of emotion into it as I feel this very moment, I would love to hear your opinion.

Petra