"Senate Votes to end Military ban on Gays"

Obama's campaign promise to repeal the "don't ask don't tell" policy of 17 years will shortly come into effect. Last Wednesday, the House passed the bill 250-175, and Saturday the Senate passed the same bill 65-31. Obama is expected to sign the bill sometime this week. The change will not be instantaneous though, Obama and the top military advisers must prove that the troops' fighting ability will not be harmed by lifting the ban, then there will be a 60-day waiting period. This is a very significant step for our country. Passing this bill will mean that "for the first time in American history, gays will be openly accepted by the military and could acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being kicked out."  
Personally, I think this is great. I never really understood why troops were/are not allowed to say if they are gay or not, I don't see how it really changes anything. They are still there for the same reason; they want to fight for our country. It should make no difference whether they are gay or not. I guess now the only problem I can see arising is that some will make fun of those who are gay, which is really childish, but even as adults, I know it still happens. Even if they get made fun of though, it's nice to know that even if a person is gay, they don't have to lie about it in fear that they will get kicked out which is great, they have the exact same rights to be there as any other person does. I think it is kinda stupid that Obama and his top military officials have to "certify that lifting the ban won't hurt troops' fighting ability." It goes back to one of my beginning sentences; I don't understand how saying that you are gay is going to change anything. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about gays myself, but I do think that they have the right to live their life the way that they want to, just like the rest of us. I guess I would say that I'm on the same page as many Americans are; I'm coming to terms with accepting them. All in all, I'm glad to see that the "don't ask don't tell" policy will shortly just be a part of our past.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40715888/ns/politics-capitol_hill/ 

"Jurors Convict Juvenile in Chicago Teen's Beating Death"

On Semptember 24, 2009, 16 year old Albert was killed when he got caught in the middle of a fight between two factions of students from Christian Fenger Academy High School. The two factions were said to have been fighting about an earlier gang-related shooting. "Albert was approached by two members of one faction and struck in the head with a long portion of a wooden railroad tie, then punched in the face." A 15 year old student was convicted in the beating death of Albert. A video of the fight showed the 15 year old was the one who punched Albert. This punch caused some of Albert's brain trauma of which he died, but the 15 year old's punch was not the blow that killed Albert. The 15 year old was the first of five defendants charged for Albert's death, and was the only one tried as a minor. Because of Albert's death, President Obama sent the Education Secretary and Attorney General to Chicago to speak with schools, and the community about school violence.
It's very sad to hear of these situations, but I guess we could think of it in a different way; because Albert was killed, President Obama stepped up to the plate and increased speakers on school violence. Then, because of the speeches, it is possible that other students' lives could be saved. So while a death did occur, it may have inspired actions to prevent more in the future. This situation (of gangs and fighting and shooting) has always scared me. Living in a gang free town (as far as I'm aware anyway) I don't really have to experience this type of situation (thankfully), but hearing stories on the news and watching movies, etc. I get the picture. It was from those stories and movies that my fears developed. Most people don't like that they have fears, however I'm glad for this one, I would rather be scared than be oblivious. My prayers go out to Albert's family and all those who are living in threatening and/or gang related environments.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/09/illinois.teen.beating/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Accused Teen Hit Man

Last Thursday, a 14 year old child was arrested in Mexico City, on suspicion of working as a drug-cartel hit man.The police were able to catch him from an anonymous caller who said he was at the airport. The teen was an orphan, and joined the Pacifico Sur drug cartel at age 12. One of the group's leaders, Julio "El Negro" Padilla, threatened the teen saying that either he works, or gets killed. The teen allegedly killed four people, saying that he slit their throats. When asked if he was aware of his actions when killing, he said he was under the influence of drugs and was unaware of his actions. The teen has a birth certificate from San Diego, California, but his identity and citizenship are under investigation. The teen was paid weekly. Experts say, this is not the first time we will hear of stories involving younger kids killing people and being involved with the drug cartel, because they get paid, or because they think it is cool.

Eighth graders are 14 years old. Sixth graders are 12 years old. I have a really hard time imagining or thinking of a sixth grader going and joining a drug cartel. I have an even harder time thinking of an eighth grader going out and killing people. I understand that the kid was an orphan and, since he wasn't adopted, that he may want/ need some extra cash, but you think he could make the same amount or more money by babysitting or mowing people's yards or something. They didn't say how much he was getting paid, but still doing these jobs must be comparable, not to mention they would be much safer! He is threatened that he has to go kill people, otherwise he will be killed. I just can't see how some people can completely take advantage of kids this way and corrupt their lives. The kid said that he was under the influence of drugs, that means an eighth grader is doing drugs... how sad is that. I don't know much about the drug wars going on in Mexico, and I don't think I want to know some of the details, but I hope police can get at least enough control over it to stop this from happening - stop kids from getting pulled in. I can't picture many kids, if any, thinking that being high on drugs, then going out and killing people is 'cool.' However, I can see them (especially in poverty ridden places around the world) thinking that joining a drug cartel would be an easy way to get some extra money, but not knowing what they are getting themselves into. This needs to stop. This kid may have ruined his life, and he may not even understand why or how. It's the guys behind this kid who persuaded him, and the ones who need to be caught.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/12/05/mexico.teen.hit.man/index.html?hpt=T2

Issue #3: Safe to Eat?

This issue was about how in the last few years, there has been a huge outbreak in food-borne illnesses (E. coli being the most prominent). These illnesses have mainly been from fruits and vegetables, they caused hundreds to get sick and even caused some deaths. It is a good thing that we are trying to eat fresh produce- trying to eat healthy is always a plus- however, when you have to worry whether your fruit is safe to eat, that's when problems arise. Right now, fruit and vegetables are regulated/inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so compared to meat, they don't have as strick of regulations (meat is regulated by the Department of Agriculture). Also considering the facts that fruits and vegetables are often eaten raw (so you don't cook off the bacteria) and that most of our fresh produce comes from the same place and goes through the same processing- therefore a large amount of produce can get contaminated and infect a large number of people, many people are considering whether to inforce new safety regulations concerning fresh produce. Supporters of this new idea say that there are too few inspectors and that something needs to be done, such as more funding for the FDA or another food-regulatory body. Opposers say all people (government included) who are related to the food illnesses/ outbreaks have responded the best they can to all of the problems. They also say that if more regulations are put in place, it will only increase the amount we have to pay for fresh produce which would lead to people eating more unhealthy because they won't want to pay for the expensive produce.

I think I'm going to be a fence rider on this situation. I can see how and why people think we could use new or upgraded regulations on fresh produce due to all of the bacteria/ food borne illnesses that have been caused recently by them, however I also see the side opposing the idea of new or greater regulations. I think it would be wonderful to feel more confident about buying fresh produce- not having to worry about it getting you seriously sick, however I would not enjoy paying more for the fruits and vegetables. I guess I would probably go more on the side of going with the new regulations just because even if I have to pay more, it might be worth it to know that it is less likely I will get food poisoning. Also, I don't really agree with the opposers saying that the government, growers, distributers, etc. have responed that well. Yes, they sent out the word and recalled the food, and yes they probably had inspectors come to figure out how the food got contaminated, but as far as I'm aware, they did not majorly change anything to prevent this anymore. So I'm still a fence rider, but leaning more towards supporting new regulations. The following link explains how the USDA is helping the FDA create new regulations: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm185278.htm

Issue #1

Issue #2

Cruise Gone Wrong

Passengers aboard a Carnival Cruise Lines ship were given an unexpected adventure on their trip. They left  on Sunday, and Monday morning at 6 am, things went downhill when a fire in occurred in the ship's engine room leaving them with no electricity, and no engine. The 3,300 passengers arrived at port today, three days after the fire happened. They were left with no air conditioning, no working elevators, no lights in hallways or rooms, and no hot showers. They also had no flushing toilets for 12 hours. Food was another questioned item, however the USS Ronald Reagan stepped in and delivered water and food for all passengers. Passengers also complained of having to brush their teeth with bottled water and showering in the dark. Carnival has apologized multiple times; they helped to arrange flights and hotels for when they arrived back at port, they also promised to re-emburse all passengers for this cruise and offer them a free cruise to take at another time. The Carnival employees received extremely high reviews from many passengers who said they did the best they could in the situation they all were placed in. 


Give me a break! Yes, I know that these people did not have the vacation they dreamed about: their vacations were ruined, but shouldn't they all be complaining less and thanking God that they are alive; that they were able to stop the fire before it got out of hand; that no one was even slightly injured from the fire? They are acting like it's a complete catastrophe that they didn't have electricity for three whole days, do they not realized that some people live EVERY day without electricity and that they have lived like that for months? And having to brush their teeth with bottled water... what's the big deal? I was in Mexico for 10 days and brushed my teeth twice a day with bottled water, it's not bad at all it's just like brushing your teeth at home, but you have to make the water "run." They also complain about showering in the dark... well at least they got to shower, it would have been much worse if they weren't even allowed to shower! And, yes, they didn't have the best meals, but consider this, they still got food whenever they were hungry. Think of all those people who don't have enough money to feed their families; those who only get one or two meals a week... yeah, now that spam and pop-tarts they ate are sounding pretty great. Oh and of course let's complain about not having air conditioning for three days, really people? I think these people are being drastically overdramatic and extremely selfish! Yeah, it may not have been the best vacation, but Carnival is giving them another one free, and they still had all of the money and luxury in their life to go on a vacation like that, not to mention now they will all be bragging about this and telling the story at every party. Maybe if they just stopped for a second and thought about how thousands of people live in worse conditions everyday then what they had to live in for a mere 3 days... maybe if they did that they could realize that there is so much more in our world than money, material possessions and complaints...
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/11/cruise.ship/index.html?hpt=T2 

"Giant Sinkhole Opens in Germany"

A loud roar on Monday morning signaled the opening of a giant sinkhole in Schmalkalden, a small town in eastern Germany. The sinkhole is measured at 130 feet across and 65 feet deep. When opening, the sinkhole  took a car with it, and has caused nine houses (twenty-five people) to evacuate the area. The cause of the sinkhole is most likely from natural causes, but is still officially under investigation. The effort to repair this disaster is going to begin today. Officials say that "more than one thousand truckloads of gravel [will] be needed to fill the hole.

Last year was the very first time I had ever heard of sinkholes, and they still amaze and confuse me. I don't really understand what happens down, beneath the surface to make a giant sinkhole suddenly appear... does the ground shift? Are there water systems down there that move causing the surface to change? Also, I would like to know if there are certain areas that are more likely to have a sinkhole appear. I have never heard of a sinkhole happening in the United States, or any surrounding areas, they have all happened in either Europe or Africa from what I remember. I also feel for the people who are in danger because of sinkholes. This one swallowed a car, who knows how many people were in that car, they will never be seen again. It must cost a fortune to have these disasters repaired as well... Maybe through more knowledge of these events and understanding, we can become aware of sinkholes and be able to protect more people, as well as save countries money.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/02/giant-sinkhole-opens-in-germany/?hpt=Sbin

"Blackout in a Can"

Nine students from Central Washington University were hospitalized after an off-campus party where they drank a caffeinated malt liquor know as "Four Loko" or "blackout in a can." These type of alcohol energy drinks are "a binge-drinkers dream because the caffeine and other stimulants allow a drinker to ingest larger volumes of alcohol without passing out." 50 students total attended the party and they drank more than "Four Loko" by itself, they also mixed the drink with vodka and other alcohol. The Washington State Attorney is trying to get the beverages banned, and the Central Washington University President has banned the drinks from the campus. While the alcohol energy drinks are dangerous, they are not packaged that way, having fruit flavors to hide the alcohol taste and being packaged like non-alcoholic drinks. 

I first heard this story on the news and the very first thing that came to my mind was why would they ever even think of putting alcohol and energy drinks together in one beverage? Even as underage kids/adults, we have all seen the dangerous effects of alcohol, whether it be at a wedding or other celebratory event, we've all seen it. As for me, as a result from my witnesses of this, and other knowledge, I have no desire to put myself through that. Also, though we may not have seen the effects of energy drinks, I'm sure we have all heard stories. Knowing how dangerous these two beverages are on their own, just image how bad they are when put together! Of course they are going to be harmful! It just makes matters worse how the company is displaying them- treating them more like energy drinks, which teens especially seem to enjoy, instead of treating them like alcoholic beverages. The company says they are doing "all [they] can to ensure that [their] products are consumed safely and responsibly," but instances like these really make me wonder to what extent companies will go to make a profit, and how much of our safety they will put on the back burner. 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/25/washington.students.overdose/index.html?npt=NP1

"China Coal Mine Explosion Kills 21, Traps 16"

Rescuers preparing to go into the mine.

In Yuzhou, 430 miles south of Beijing, China, there was an explosion in the Pingyu Coal and Electric Co. Ltd mine. 276 workers were in the mine, 239 escaped, 21 miners are confirmed dead and 16 were trapped. There were 70 rescuers attempting to rescue the trapped miners, while on the mission, they had to worry about gas levels at 40% (usually they are at about 1%), and chunks of coal that had been loosened by the explosion. The explosion happened as "workers were drilling a hole to release pressure from a gas buildup to decrease the risk of explosions." China's mining industry is the most dangerous in the world, last year 2,600 people were killed in accidents. While making effort to improve mine safety, they still have a lot of work to do. China relies on coal for about two-thirds of its energy, this high demand has lead to many illegal mines which greatly add to the fatal accidents. 


I'm slightly confused if the 16 trapped miners in this story have been rescued or not... By the mood of the story, I'm assuming they have been, but it never specified that they were rescued, it just said that the bodies of the 21 dead miners were located and they were attempting to retrieve them. It's quite obvious we need to make some changes in the mining industry, especially in China. 2,600 people died last year just in mines, that number should be zero. This story may be in another place, but it's the same old story we have come accustom to in the last few months. It always seems like big news stories like this come in groups. It was sometime last spring that we heard the first of the trapped miners (which also was in China), then we had the more dramatic story in Chile and now, with the celebration of rescuing those trapped in Chile, we have another trapped miners story. This also has been happening recently with bullying leading to suicides. I think it's sad that we have to let things get this extreme; that so many people have to die for us to get the message that things need to be changed. Shouldn't we in the very beginning be thinking of how we can make the situation best for people, how we can assure their safety and happiness, and then change with the times to better the conditions? That's what would make the most sense to me.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39697051/ns/world_news-asiapacific/ 

"Dozens hurt, Arrested in Clashes at Serb Gay Pride March"

In Belgrade, Serbia, there was a small gay pride march that turned bad real quick. The march turned into a riot. There were thousands of police blocking off the streets and trying to stop rioters. The anti-gay protesters threw "Molotov cocktails and stun grenades" they also set cars on fire, broke into and stole from shops, overturned garbage cans, and destroyed street signs. The rioters shouted "death to homosexuals" while throwing bricks, stones, glass bottles and stun grenades at the police, who responded by using tear gas and armored vehicles to break apart the rioters. The rioters were part of a right-wing group, and were opposing the government's new pledge to protect all human rights. Many political headquarters were attacked, including the garage of a pro-Western Democratic Party which was set on fire. More than 120 people were injured and almost 190 arrested- 77 are still in custody. $1.39 million dollars of damage was made by the protesters.

I know that some people have very strong opinions, but for so many people to feel strong enough to go against the law in numerous ways just to go against gay marriage is crazy. If these people are just not happy with their government, and the actions it has taken, that is one thing, but if they are really this unhappy about gay marriages and relations, that's another. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about gay marriage myself, I mean I'm not saying they are wrong or anything, but I still think it is kinda weird and it kinda creeps me out a little. But, everyone has the right to make their own decisions and live their life the way they please, so I would not establish rules just to go against people who are gay. Maybe it's because I have this opinion on the situation that I find this article so appalling, but I really can't imagine even knowing someone who is so strongly opposed to gay marriage that they would injure others, go against the law and cause a million dollars in damage. These people really need to get a grip and know that if they are opposed strictly to gay marriage, they will just have to get used to it, or if they are upset with their government, they need to make productive changes; such as talking with their representatives or educating themselves before voting or forming groups where they can discuss issues they are not happy with and progress from there. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39600384/ns/world_news-europe

"Green Lights for Big Solar Projects on Fed Lands"

Two major solar project "milestones" have received their first-ever green lights to be set up on federal lands. These projects have been on the boards for five years, but now they can be put into action. The bigger of the two projects covers ten square miles and will be located east of San Diego, the other one will cover one square mile and will be in Southern California. Both of these, along with numerous other requests, are located in uninhabited desert land. While it may seem like the amount of land they will occupy is large, the larger one covering 6,800 acres of public land, there are actually "11 million acres of public lands in the California Desert, ... These projects, while a significant commitment of public land, actually represent less than one-hundredth of one percent of that total area." It may have taken so long to receive the green lights because biologists say there is a "potential impact on habitats for bighorn sheep and a rare lizard" with the projects. However, the two projects combined will generate enough electricity to power more than 213,000 homes. Construction on both projects is planned to begin by the end of 2010, and will create about 1,000 jobs. California also has a rigorous plan to get one third of their electricity from renewable sources in ten years. 


Let's all give California a round of applause!! This is wonderful news! I wasn't a person who believed in 'Global Warming' when it was so highly publicized, but now I'm taking an environmental science class and I'm learning what is actually happening to our earth. Right now we are adding an extra 4 billion parts of carbon to the atmosphere... that stacks up fast. I heard about the possibility of putting up 'solar farms' in the deserts a while ago, and thought that would be great! The land isn't being used, so why not put it to use in a way that could in the end save us thousands and thousands of dollars, and save the planet? And I have to say, the whole reasoning from the biologists "[there is] a potential impact on habitats" for two species... I think of it this way; just think of all of the species that have become extinct or endangered because of global warming and the harmful impact we have made on the planet. Now think of all of the species that will die if we continue living the way we are at this exact moment... Personally, I would be extremely willing to "potentially" give up those two species by taking actions to save hundreds if not thousands of other species in their place. Even with the chance of losing two species, when comparing the pros and cons of solar farms, the pros strongly outweigh the cons. Just imagine, enough energy to power 200,000 homes... The entire population of Alexandria is 15,000 rounded up, even if everyone of those people had their own home, we would barely make a dent in that 200,000. Everyone knows we need to take the steps to get off of fossil fuels and start taking carbon out of the atmosphere instead of putting it in. If the government would take the steps and show that energy saving is an important issue, no questions asked this would be a green country. So let's use California as an example and make it happen!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39521200/ns/us_news-environment/

"U.S. warns Americans of potential terror attacks in Europe"

Today, there was a State Department travel alert warning Americans living or traveling in Europe of potential terrorist threats. Americans are urged to "take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling." It is said that "the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure," is high. While the warning seems pretty scary, it is not a formal travel warning, meaning it does not restrict travel. The warning is due to current information saying that al-Qaida continues to plan terrorist attacks. U.S. and Europeans security experts have been worried for days that attacks in public places with assault weapons were/are being planned. Also, Osama bin Laden may be behind the terror plots according to U.S. intelligence officials. However, as of right now, many Europeans and members of the Obama administration view the travel alert as an overreaction. 


I'm not sure if I think the alert is an overreaction or not. I mean, if I was traveling to Europe, I think I would want to know if top officials were concerned of there being terrorist attacks. Then again, if there really wasn't an extreme high risk, when I was in Europe I wouldn't want to be limiting myself to not getting the full experience because I was too worried of there being a terrorist attack. However, I do think it's pretty pathetic that we have to worry about such things as terrorist attacks. I have absolutely no comprehension on why people would want to kill others and why people do the crazy and horrible stuff they do. I'm also not too sure about the fact that Osama bin Laden might be behind the planned attacks... we have been chasing him for so long now, and to not find him, and for him to still be alive after so many years. I don't know... I really don't know what to think of that. In my lifetime I would love to see a world where if you want to go travel the world, you can, and you can with no worries of absolutely anything. You won't have to worry about your things getting stolen, or people not being kind, or of terrorist attacks... you can just enjoy what the world has to offer. I know that's probably a fantasy, but just think about it. Wouldn't that be great?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39484389/ns/us_news-security/

Issue 2: Spending What We Can Afford

With an overwhelming deficit, and a national debt in the trillions, it's safe to say we are having some issues with money. To attempt and fix the deficit problem, Congress in 2007 passed pay-as-you-go budgeting a.k.a. paygo. The program rules are, if increasing spending in one area, such as entitlement spending (spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid), occurs, then decreased spending in another area must also occur. This way Congress would not be adding to the deficit. Supports say paygo shows that Congress knows deficits are bad, and that steps need to be taken to fix them. They also say it responds to concerns of citizens by trying to correct the deficit and national debt. They say with paygo, Congress will be holding families and businesses to rules most already follow; spend only what you can pay for. However, opponents say that paygo will only increase taxes and have extreme budget cuts. They say the deficit should only be fixed by economic growth. They also think that paygo will limit Congress' ability to react in emergencies and it will anger voters.
Deficit           National debt        

We are told in every history class we take, that in the class we are not going to simply learn about history, but that we are going to learn from history. Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper relates learning from history quite well to the paygo program. She said, "Paygo was one of the primary reasons the federal government had budget surpluses in the 1990s." She also refers to in 2002 when Congress expired the paygo rules, the projected $5.6 trillion surplus was turned to a deficit twice that amount. The examples and success stories of paygo are written more than once, plain as day in our history. Now, just like we hear from every history class teacher, Americans need to hear that we need to learn from history and take the necessary steps to turn our deficit and national debt into surpluses, and we can trust paygo to help us reach that goal.
Kathy Dahlkemper

Issue #1- War Dollars
Issue #3- Social Insecurity

"Super Salmon or 'Frankenfish'? FDA to Decide"

The AquaBounty company in Massachusetts has come up with a genetically engineered version of the atlantic salmon, and they are trying to get the FDA to approve it for sale. If they do approve, it would be the first time ever that modified animals are allowed on our plates. Genetic engineering has been allowed on crops for years, but animals is another story. The Drug Administration has said that the 'Frankenfish' is just as safe to eat as the original salmon, but they have not approved the fish yet. The motive behind all of this trouble: the Frankenfish grows twice as fast as the original salmon. The Frankenfish gets it's name from critics. They gave it this nickname because the fish "could cause allergies in humans and the eventual decimation of the wild salmon population." The reviewing of the Frankenfish will continue throughout the week, taking into consideration the science of the fish and criticisms from others.


Personally, I'm not a fan of fish- catching them I'm ok with, but eating them... not so much. So I probably don't have as strict of an opinion as some people do, but I still have an opinion. I really think, from the little knowledge that I have on this topic, that they should allow it. The fish grows twice as fast meaning that they could produce twice the amount of salmon in the same amount of time. If the fish are 100% safe to eat, then why not? Some critics did say that the fish can produce allergies, if this is true, they need to find out how and which type of people are affected, and this needs to be addressed/ the speech given before a person is served the fish- so they have to option to say no. Another issue brought up was that doing this could drastically drop the numbers of wild salmon. According to this, I would say that those producing frankenfish should have their own population of salmon to convert to frankenfish... meaning they build up their own school of salmon before they begin, this way they have no effect on the wild salmon. Also, some people are not ok with this because they don't want to "manipulate the genetic code of other living creatures" but they are ok with the genetic engineering on crops and in cows to produce more milk... I don't see how this is really any different, especially if they have their own population of fish like I suggested above. From what I know, I say let's go for it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39265727/ns/health-food_safety/

California- deadly gas blast fire

Thursday evening, a fire errupted in San Bruno, California. It is said that the fire was caused by an explosion of a gas line, but it is still under investigation. The explosion could be heard from miles away, and the initial blast sent a fireball about 1,000 miles into the air. The fire covered 15 acres. More than 50 houses have been destroyed, and more than 120 homes have serious damage. 52 people have been taken to the hospital, 3 are in critical condition with burns. It is not clear on how many have died as a result of the fire. Pacific Gas and Electric Co, which serve in that area, say if the cause of the fire is determined to be the gas line, they will "take accountability."


This is an extremely devestating event. I can not imagine driving home to find my house and all of my neighbor's houses engulfed in flames. All of those poor people who have now lost everything- their cars, pictures, food, decorations... their memories. It's all gone for them. I picture all of the people going through all different stages of shock and grief. I'm very glad to hear however that the gas companies who may be the cause of this fire are willing to help out and take responsibility for this incident. With the recent oil spill and all of the blame shifting going on there, it is a blessing to hear that the ones who are to blame will accept it, especially knowing that they can't change the past, they can't change what has already happened. I have never experienced losing my home or any building due to a fire. Nor do I know anyone personally who has gone through that experience, aside from my mom, but she did not lose her whole house or anything extremely valuable to her. So, I can only guess what these people are going through... and it's not good. I guess one "good" thing about this situation is that the people are not going through this alone, it wasn't just one house destroyed, it was more than 50. This way, the families have support from others who are dealing with the same emotions. My thougths and prayers go out to all of the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and especially those who have lost loved ones.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39089768/ns/us_news/