Taking back my Americans-Hit-By-Tsunami Comment...

Yesterday, I reported that 14 Americans had died from the Jakarta Tsunami, and noted "if anyone seriously cares." I intended that to be a reflection of the magnitude of the loss worldwide, and what is 14 Americans to 80,000 natives dead in countries in the region. But it turns out there is a big American problem down there as well. As many as 2,000 to 3,000 missing Americans that the State Department can not find. CNN has the story. The experts are reassuring - most of these folks may simply be out of touch, or have lost their connection to speedy communication. Thailand is the country with the most "missing Americans" and it is certainly not in a state to be worrying about keeping their internet and cell connections running 24/7. But the experts also have some wise advice for anyone who may read this Blog and wonder whether you should contact your family.

"Call your mother. This is a time where people who know they're hundreds of miles away from ... where the disaster might have occurred need to call home and tell their relatives, who know it's only a quarter-inch on the map."