Carl, my apologies on the oxymoron statement, just bad humour on my part. I agree with your further statements.
Thinking that we can out-smart nature is ignorance in itself, though. If we could out-smart her, than most disasters in the last few years could have been minimised, in the way of human loss, as well as infrastructure losses. I don't think any of us are going to be around when we have found the solutions to flood, fire, drought and other potential disaster. That would be asking to live in a perfect world, and that is fantasy in itself.
This topic could go on and on, we all have different experiences and opinions. I think that there is one thing we can all agree with, and that is the Australian community spirit and loyalty in times of need. Strangers helping strangers, to the extent of opening their houses to strangers in a less fortunate circumstances. This is what makes me proud to be an Australian. I find it heart warming. When this is all over, we'll go back to flicking the bird to people on the road, because they cut you off. For me, enough said on this subject. For those in need of anything, let us know, and I'm sure something will be done by any of us that are in a position where we can do something to make life a little bit easier in these tough times. That I am sure of.
Regards, Dutch