Quit being so cold, USA
Seeing the stories of all the people stranded at U.S. airports because of the volcano eruption and ash cloud in Europe [“Volcano has Europe at standstill,” page one, April 16] got me to thinking about Sept. 11, 2001, when the U.S. shut down its airspace.
Canadians opened up their homes, churches and community centers to house stranded Americans. Some even drove those stranded thousands of miles to get home. Obviously, we cannot drive people home to Europe, but what about the others? Where are the communities and people who could open up their homes and community centers to the travelers, help them get a hot shower and hot meal?
Where is the Red Cross? This a natural disaster.? The Red Cross could provide hotel vouchers or some other kind of assistance. I have seen a few stories of Americans who have opened their homes, but more needs to be done. We need to show the world that we care about them. We need to show ourselves as well. We need to stand up and lend a helping hand.
— Lori Gunby, Seattle
Nature’s pollutant
Name a polluting factory anywhere in the world that could have a greater impact on worldwide weather and ecology than the latest Icelandic volcano eruption.
When was the last time worldwide travel was interrupted by anything man-made? The next time politicians promote cap-and-trade to benefit mankind, tell them to put a cork in it first — the volcano, that is.
— Fred Strine, North Bend