Warning and Response Were Inadequate

Re “A Tremor, Then a Sigh of Relief, Before the Cataclysm Rushed In” (Jan. 2): It is hard to imagine how the catastrophe in South Asia could occur in today’s age of “advanced science” and “instant information.” It should not take sophisticated computer models or an elaborate system of tidal gauges to ascertain the threat posed by a magnitude 9.0 oceanic earthquake. Warnings need not involve a complicated bureaucracy.

Left unanswered by The Times are how one influential agency could have initially underestimated the quake’s magnitude by a factor of 10, whether the holiday compromised an effective warning and how none of the seismological centers throughout the world could have recognized both the magnitude of the earthquake and the threat posed by the inevitable tsunami. The lack of warning to most people living near the Indian Ocean represents a colossal failure of the world’s scientists and governments.

Ross J. Salawitch

Pasadena

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Re “A Marshall Plan for South Asia” (editorial, Jan. 2): I find it hard to pardon the slow response of our government and the initial stinginess of our $15 million in relief aid offered. Approximately one hour after the quake hit, the White House was notified of a large-magnitude quake in the region. Our government had knowledge, yet we slowly cranked out a measured, calculated response and then, only under pressure, increased our offer of aid to our current gesture of $350 million.

One arm of the U.S. is spending billions of dollars to strike down and kill civilians and soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, while the other arm tenderly reaches out to envelope the countries affected by the quake. What a dichotomy! Our government conveys the attitude that Second and Third World countries are not as valuable as a developed nation, and that human suffering is measured by political agendas, not by the simple value that the life of all people should be protected. Our president should be visiting leaders of the countries affected along with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, not sending his brother, Jeb. When we see with our own eyes the face of poverty and human suffering, then can we truly come to an understanding and change of heart.

Robin Cole

West Hollywood

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Re “Bush Boosts U.S. Aid Tenfold” (Jan. 1): It is criminal what President Bush is doing right now. As a taxpayer, I should not be forced to feel sorry and give foreign aid to the tsunami disaster victims. My taxes should be used only for U.S. infrastructure and national defense.

The $350 million for this tragedy should come only from individuals who want to help the victims. Our government is out of control and is now giving corrupt welfare to foreigners as well as our own people. There needs to be a revolution in how America dispenses tax money.

David Moseley

Anaheim