I kind of blame the media

[kahleefornia]

Everything is always so over-hyped. I remember saying to people Sunday night that I was sure we would wake up in the morning and it wouldn't be as bad as they were saying. Some heavy rain, power lines down, maybe some flooded homes.

I've had to tell my parents several times, (who don't live in Los Angeles, where I live) to not believe the exaggeration of the news when the next big quake hits. A few months ago, we had a 4-something. It certainly was noticeable, but in no way dangerous. We were at the movies. My poor brother - saw a "Breaking News" headline on the local news that L.A. was "rocked by a strong earthquake." He called to see if we were OK, but got our answering machine. Then spent the next 2 hours thinking we must be trapped under a bookcase unable to reach the phone.

So...maybe part of the problem with getting people to evacuate, and getting rescue efforts mobilized, was a general feeling of "oh, they ALWAYS say it's going to be total destruction."

[cynatnite]

1. Fear runs rampant through our society...

It's to the point that most haven't the first clue of what to really be afraid of and ignore what they should be afraid of.

[merwin]

2. Kind of ironic that a movie about Chicken Little is coming out...

[MissMarple]

3. "Kind of" Oh, sweetheart, blame away. Out loud, even.

They are so dysfunctional, and they need to grow up. In a major way, and RIGHT NOW!

[slay]

4. Only "kind of"?

Corporate media is one of the worst things to ever happen to this country. They care more about flashy coverage and making a buck than reporting real, honest news. :(

[TahitiNut]

5. Aren't your bookcases tethered to the wall?

Mine were. That's part of living in Silicon Valley -- along with "childproof" door latches on kitchen cabinets and strapped water heaters (that's code) and monofilament fishing line on breakables.

[kahleefornia]

7. yep, all that

the family still worries, though!

[cynatnite]

6. Bowling in Columbine would be perfect for you to watch

Michael Moore does an eye opener about fear.