COMMENTARY 1 John Through the use of the technologies of telephone, telegraph, computer and satellite, news travels fast. Not so long ago, Southern California was jolted by a rather strong earthquake. Less than fifteen minutes later we heard details about it on a national news program broadcast from Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, in spite of the warnings and pleas of various authorities and officials in the Los Angeles area, telephone lines were jammed as people tried to reach friends and family.