Gina Ponzi
April 7, 2009
11:25 PM
Gioacchino Giuliani, an Italian seismologist, predicted that an earthquake would hit the small town of L’Aquila weeks before the catastrophe actually did strike on Monday, killing over 200 people. Immediately following his discovery, vans were driven through the town attempting to warn the population by means of loud speakers to evacuate, but efforts were quickly silenced by an infuriated mayor who accused Mr. Guiliani of spreading unwarranted panic among citizens. Findings from Giuliani’s research were also removed by force from the Internet. The Civil Protection agency held a meeting to discuss tremors that had been backed by Mr. Giuliani’s research, but their conclusion was vague at best: "The tremors being felt by the population are part of a typical sequence ... (which is) absolutely normal in a seismic area like the one around L'Aquila…It is useful to underline that it is not in any way possible to predict an earthquake." They were proved sorely wrong . . .
This is a sad and disturbing example of the negative impact that impeding the freedom of speech can have on society. Not only were Mr. Giuliani’s rights infringed upon, but the community of central Italy in general was denied basic rights as well. Had Mr. Giuliani had the freedom to express his concern and the facts of his findings, many lives might have been spared. Now the government is facing the consequences of their misdeed. It is indeed a lesson learned the hard way, and at the expense of human lives.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L6566682.htm
2 comments:
I for one am glad that i have the ability to speek my mind. I understand where the Govonor is coming from being worried about wide spread panic but it shouldnt be taken lightly that there is going to be a earthquake! There are ways to tell about when a tremor may be coming and how severe it will be, its called a seismograph... I dont think i understand why the scientist couldnt prove that his machine and reasoning behind the guestamate for the earthquake. Thats what scientist do they prove things! But anywho he should have to ability to speak his mind and warn people, especially when that particular area is renown for earthquakes.
I wonder what the moral of the story would have been if he had foreseen an earthquake, warned everybody, and nothing happened. Panic and discombobulation all for nothing.
It's sad that that's probably what everybody would have thought. Like the mayor... It would seem that it's always better to be safe than sorry. Especially when you're dealing with other peoples' lives.
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