Bill:

Later news reports and video footage I've seen just today now state and show that Phuket suffered major damage only in scattered areas, and Indonesia (as one example) was much harder hit. And undoubtedly in Phuket, the more substantial buildings came through much better than the modest homes and shacks lived in by the locals just off the built up tourist area. So more detailed news accounts confirm the information both you and Mark have provided.

I'll just repeat what we've both said, and that is the time to make an appropriate donation to the relief effort is now. We did so several days ago, and we are not even conservatives or on the World Cruise! :) . All who have not contributed should do so today!!!! There is even a bill being introduced in Congress to allow such charitable contributions made now to be tax deductible in 2004 --- even though made in 2005 --- to encourage contributions.

And one final comment. The need for contributions may not end quickly. After the "primary damage" to buildings and infrastructure is all repaired, I fear that this part of the world will be left with horrible "secondary damage" in the form of orphaned children, lost bread winners, lost industries and jobs, and the like. After all, in terms of immediate loss of life and property only, this is certainly the biggest natural disaster of my lifetime. It can be expected to cause continuing need. We are planning on making future donations to the relief effort, in addition to our initial one.

Won't everyone please join us?

Thanks,
Richard