I have tried three times to answer this and each time have wiped it out and started again. so now, for the forth time of trying.

Natural disasters tend to focus ones mind. The Indian Ocean tsunami and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and not forgetting the recent hurricane Irene all go to show man's powerlessness against the forces of nature. Oft times there is no warning. The volcano has been rumbling for a hundred years and one day it blows up. The undersea earthquake gives no warning that we can see. On a small scale, the long week of rain that causes a river to burst its banks and flood a town. All these things and more cause us to look at our own mortality and the mortality of those we love.

On the other hand the events of the 11th of September, I believe, cause us to harden our hearts and not "to be more kind and loving to our fellow humankind". After all, both our countries went to war because of it and not because we had peace in our hearts.

Sorry, this is not the answer you want, but I cannot see this thread not wandering into Rule 5 violations.

Regards

Chas