1. What do you learn from this article about the tragic mudslide in Washington state:
a) Where did the tragedy occur?
b) When did it happen?
c) How many people were killed/ are still missing?
d) How many survivors have been found?

2. a) How has President Obama responded to this tragedy?
b) The reporter implies that the President has not paid enough attention to Oso. Do you think this is a fair assertion? Explain your answer.

3. How does the media generally respond to natural disasters or other events in which a large number of people are killed?

4. What explanation does the reporter offer for why it appears the media has not focused as much attention on this story?

5. By including the story of Janet Cabe, as well as the mayor and schoolchildren, the Telegraph reporter attempts to give readers a brief picture of average people coming together in the face of tragedy. Is it important that the media provide more stories like this? Why or why not?

6. a) Shawna Richter, a mother of five who lives in the community asked, "Why do people care more about a missing plane in Asia than something happening here in America?" Does Mrs. Richter make a good point? Explain your answer.
b) Why do you think the media has not focused a lot of attention on this story, or sent national news teams to the area the way they have for other national disasters?
c) Do you think people really don't care about the huge devastation faced by our fellow Americans in this small town in Washington? Explain your answer.