Article Two

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/20/haiti.amateur.radio/index.html

This article talks about a man in Haiti using minimal technology, in this case a basic radio and a generator, to let others know he survived the earthquake. This man was fortunate enough to have the basic luxuries of today, including a computer with facebook, Twitter etc. and a cell phone. When the earthquake struck, these things were all taken away from him. However, by using a basic ham radio, he contacted a United States radio station and relayed information.

Another similar article posted here http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-amateur-radio-haiti-story,0,6166562.story discusses how amateur radio operators are leaving their lines open for those in Haiti. They explain in the article how although there is a communications blackout currently in Haiti, these very basic radios are keeping people informed. It's very encouraging to see this type of technology benefiting those in need.

This article is great for two reasons. Firstly, it shows a very good and simple way for many Haitians to reach their families. If the world could provide these radios to outlaying villages and poorer parts of Haiti, more people could contact loved ones and let them know they are safe. Secondly, it's a perfect example of how we as a society can get lost in high dollar and fancy electronics and forget about the basics. I'm sure many people in our society including myself do not have a corded phone or a radio in case of a emergency. We assume that all our nice new things will always be there, but they easily could not.

It should scare you as much as it scares me how unprepared our society is for a national disaster. Hurricane Katrina is a perfect example of this. Despite being in arguably the most advanced and technological savvy country in the world, the lack of high tech communication devices brought New Orleans down. Many people with loved ones had no way of knowing where they were and if they were alive. If more people in society had the knowledge and capability to run radios, many of those in Katrina would have been heard and even saved. The only question that really remains is if people would take the time to buy and learn how to use radios. I would hope after reading the potential life saving benefits it had the answer would be yes, but I fear people would not. Although I am not capable of running the equipment, these articles have enlightened me to learn. I hope others feel the same way I do.