It seems like yesterday when I wrote about the natural disasters that have befallen our planet.  The floods of Katrina, the earthquakes of Haiti, followed by the volcanic ash that drifted over Europe.  What have we humans done to merit such punishment?

         Now we are trying to cope with yet another catastrophe. This one is different, however.  It is man-made.  We seem, nevertheless, to be just as helpless in this situation, the devastation of the massive oil spill that is threatening to destroy our marine life, wild life, and our very livelihoods.

         Sadly, we cannot blame Mother Nature for the mess that we are in. It is human nature, just lack of planning and plain greed.  Our thirst for oil led us to more and more risky means of acquiring it.  In a disregard for safety and in a rush for greater production, short cuts were taken. To save a few days and a few millions in profits, we have been thrust into a perilous future with no solution in sight.

         One can only hope that it is not too late to learn from this disaster.  Stupidity and avarice must be conquered with wisdom and patience.