Good for you, jimmyt, I think it helps to share what we have done, if one is comfortable with it, as it is something concrete and real which people can focus on, instead all of the negativity of the actual disaster AND the aftermath.

I understand the analogy about the burning house, etc., but in this case, if we don't talk about it NOW, I don't have a lot of faith in the general public, esp. those who didn't experience the loss, to remember when it comes time to vote. If we do not continue to force the issue, there may be a long time "commission" which takes until 2008 to study what happened and make recommendations. In this day of cynical politics it could get dragged out forever and people will tire of the whole debate and go back to being sheep voting for the usual "gang of idiots." (apologies to William Gaines.)

Its a pity that there is no real leader coming forward to rally the troops.   The US badly needs a "rabble rouser"..Ake

You got that right, ake! Totally agree!!

kat