Hi Canie! Thanks For The Link!

I have to say though I am a relative newcomer to the world of geo sciences, I am more of a person who likes to champion the rights of individuals and groups. When I see people who are not receiving the human rights they are so worthy of having, I find in that a cause to correct the wrong.

Today and every day since I can't remember when anymore, I still see that we the citizens of the United States of America who reside in seismic risk zones are still being short changed in the exercise of our basic and fundamental human right to have earthquake prediction. There will not likely come a time when anyone will ever issue a 100% chance of an earthquake occurring and we need those who are trained to rise from their seats and say, "this is what we have, though not perfect, this is what we think could happen." For that I doubt anyone would be sued, but more likely relieved that someone thought they were worthy of saving.

In reverent respect for those who passed in Loma Prieta and every killer earthquake since, and also to those who have made it their life study in the science community, its time to go ahead and try, because if people don't try, what is achieveable today, will never be delivered tomorrow. I say, "Go Ahead, You Can Do It!" We know its possible because we've already tried and found out it works. Its not perfect, but not bad either.

I pray in the early millennium what seems impossible today to some, will be made possible and what we have witnessed this past month may be over-ruled by a caring and loving world, where those who can make a difference, rise and take their appointed places, stand for all of us and say, The Value Of A Human Life, depends on people to make a difference, and we are going to try and make that difference.

In a more perfect world we should not have to ask that someone take that stand, however, perhaps in a little way when urged by those who know they do indeed have the skills necessary and we are willing to accept less than perfect, the move forward can and will be made.

One day, I do believe earthquake prediction will be something we grow used to, just like the weather report. Those who live in hurricane locales are not complaining when they are told to board-up, pack-up and move out. Nor are those who live in tornado alley complaining about the loud sounds made by warning sirens. In California a place that is usually on the cutting edge of anything new, we should be able one day to turn on our television sets and hear, High today 75, Low 45, high thin clouds, chance of a 4.5 earthquake within 50 miles of Oakland, CA and find no one panics, they just say, "oh, another earthquake warning." How marvelous.

May the Day Arrive Sooner Than We Expect or Anticipate.....Pat in Petaluma