Sorry to the friendly people of Hawaii, USA, on the very disruptive earthquake some hours ago. Thank God no loss of lives, as we understand it, and goodluck with the clean-up and longer term solutions to the problem.

Now, we do not want a replay of Hurricane Katrina - in terms of federal support - do we? The governor has declared a statewide emergency/disaster status. Let all hands get on deck, right away. And let no one be left behind or short-changed. Insurance companies, BEWARE! - no dodging, please.

While on this subject, what is the world doing about victims of other natural disasters, including the poor souls in Pakistan? The world media should please return to them, and bring us up to date on our dismal records as a Global Village. Winter is here: what happens to the displaced??

You know what? We have more than enough evidence now that in ALL emergency/disaster situations, it is the POOR and VULNERABLE that get hit the most. Which is no news, right? But the kick in the teeth is that this happens irrespective of whether they be in developing or developed nations! That is depressing.

Which is why we welcome the historic preparatory leeway he gains as the UN General Assembly finally confirmed Ban Ki-Moon as its scribe, virtually 3 months to official take-up on 1 January 2007. Which is also why Mr Ban should take World Poverty so serious that it must be tackled frontally anywhere and everywhere.

From 2007, the UN must have functional presence in ALL countries....EVERY country.