Then, something comes along--and, sadly, it always does--that reminds us of how utterly trivial most of these things are.
The latest reminder is one of the worst natural disasters in recent history: the 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island, and the resulting tsunamis. As of the moment that I am writing this, The Associated Press is reporting that the death toll has reached 52,000. By the time you read this, that number will probably be a lot higher.
Well, there's something--something very small--that we can do from here: open our pocketbooks a little. David Marc Small of COPE e-mailed me a reminder we should all heed: relief organizations, such as the Red Cross, do amazing work in times of tragedy, and it's our duty to help the victims of this disaster. In these days of the Internet, it's easier to give than ever--you don't have to leave the house or even pick up a pen, because you can give online.
I encourage you to go to RedCross.org, or somehow reach another reputable aid organization. It's the least you can do. Literally.
