The government of Chile is to be commended for putting all their effort and resources into the rescue of their 33 trapped miners. I hope our federal and state level officials are taking good notes on how to respond to an emergency.

Our past record of responses to our own emergencies has been poorly executed. In time of disaster, the right way is the Chilean way vs. pointing fingers, blaming, posturing for political gain etc.

The government of Chile put the value of human life first – the rest doesn’t matter until true success has been achieved. Sorting out the cost, cause, fault etc. can be done after protecting your people. Let’s do it right the next time.

Larry Brickman, Bellevue