As I write, wild fires are savaging Southern California and nearly one million people have been displaced from their homes. This should be a crisis for the whole country, but this evening the Federal government is standing back and is virtually saying that it is California's problem -- probably because little to nothing has changed at FEMA (except people) since the agency's tragic inability to respond following Hurricane Katrina. Bush is taking his compulsory press tour this coming Thursday, no doubt calling on logistics and facilities that could be much better used for helping his fellow citizens.
Nor, it seems, is our industry helping. According to the Intertech USA web site, the 8th Annual LEDs Conference, starting tomorrow, October 24, 2007, is continuing on. "Neither the San Diego Airport nor the Sheraton San Diego are being affected by the fires on the East side of the city," reads their statement. "LEDs 2007 will still be taking place as scheduled."
I think that is disgraceful. To put additional people into a disaster area is irresponsible for all sorts of reasons:
- The situation might change -- for the worse.
- The hotel rooms being occupied by exhibitors, attendees and show staff could, and should, be available for the victims.
- Power is already a problem -- with reports of only 60% availability for the city
- Lindbergh Field might be operating, but we have seen time and time again that jet engines don't care for smoke and debris.
- With an operational airport at least some evacuees could be taken out...although with the Santa Anas blowing who would enjoy flying in or out of the short -- 7600 usable feet -- single runway?)
- Local resources, like power and water, need to be available for the local population, not suited vistors.
- San Onofre Nuclear Generating Site (near Camp Pendleton) could be affected by the fire
It's too late to stop the conference now, and while I hope for the safety of those involved I also hope that the visitors who do manage to attend feel some shame about what they are doing. Is it only always about profits these days?
