ONE THING that would really help America ... if the Government steps in during major emergencies and sets up special "emergency Internet wireless links".

It seems to me that this is exactly the type of service that the US Government could do extremely well. Restoring Internet communications during a major emergency. like a big earthquake, would allow a LOT of people to start problem-solving. The faster you can let the civilian population start solving their own problems - the faster we all get answers.

JOHN ... thanks for the DeLorme tip. I will check that out. I have a situation where I will be out of the country for some of next year. But I have children, and some of them live in a major earthquake zone. So the ability to send some messages by satellite gives me a LOT of peace of mind.

And I absolutely agree. Spare batteries are a MUST. and the only sensible thing is to check the communications equipment on a routine basis. Things are always getting messed up.

Pete