Fear

I've seen some posts regarding recent global events.  Unrest in the Middle East, earthquakes/tsunami, flooding and other natural disasters.  These events can cause a feeling of helplessness and guilt in others of us who are not feeling the pain first hand.  What can we do to help?  How awful it is for those who have suffered.  What can you do when a Tsunami wipes out your entire village?  There is really very little we can do as individuals.  Our military is offering assistance to the Japanese people.  That's us helping.
Our tax money being put to use helping them.  That's not insignificant.  The U. S. has always done that.  There are charity organizations that are able to help and are worthy of donations. 

On a personal level we mourn the dead.  We express our feelings to one another.  We offer prayers.  I think you can join prayer groups on the web and combine the strength of your prayers.  If you are a spiritual person this might be the way to go.  There is evidence that this does work.  If you want your money to be used most effectively stick with the Red Cross and other similar organizations.  It wouldn't be smart to donate to the Ken Lamson World Wide Giving Fund.  

Some have been listening to too much of the news coverage which tends to exaggerate the problems of the world.  It can seem awful, cataclysmic and end-of-the-worldly.  You must try to eliminate fear and anxiety.  Do what you can and that's all you can do. There is no need for guilt just because your house didn't get damaged.  Maintain your vigilance regarding those who would do harm to you and your family.  The natural disasters will happen and if there are preparations or safeguards we can use to limit the damage, we need to prepare.  Other than that, live a happy life without guilt.  Hope my two cents on this subject helps calm some minds out there.