I am so sad for the families who lost people on MA370, but

[SoCalDem]

I also just wish the authorities would end the psychodrama.

In plane crashes like this one, they needed to come out at the first or second "press conference" and just say out loud what everyone really knows.


for example:

"Your family members are presumed dead...their demise was most likely instantaneous...or seconds-long"... we are very sorry, and even though money cannot replace them, we will help you financially as much as we can. We may NEVER recover their bodies, or belongings...or even the aircraft, but IF we do, you will be notified immediately".... There is NO REASON for you to be away from your home.

and to the press:

" The only facts are 'xyz..abc..etc'. and anything else is PURE SPECULATION that only hurts the families who may be wanting to latch onto any "theory" that means their loved one may have survived..this is mean-spirirted and serves NO purpose".. We will keep you informed IF anything realistic turns up, and all information will come from Mr/Ms ....., and ONLY them"..

[Nye Bevan]

1. I'm not sure that "the authorities" really know anything for sure.

And I don't know how much it would help the family members for "the authorities" to make something up to say to the family members that sounds authoritative but is really pure speculation on their part.

[SoCalDem]

2. "speculation" is the hope that the plane will be found/people survived etc.

fact:

plane crashed.people dead..plane may never be found

facts are sometimes painful, but the sooner one has the facts, the sooner they can resume a more normal life

facts are painful for the hired speculators in media..

[Nye Bevan]

5. Now you are the one who is speculating (nt)

[marions ghost]

3. I think it's kinder

to let them feel hopeful for awhile, especially since we have no plane. That way they get used to it gradually. And the authorities need to honor whatever requests they may have to be at a vigil or recovery site. For some people that is critical to moving beyond.

It's an extended vigil. People may benefit from being together during such a time of mutual grieving. If they want to stay home, fine, but they should not be told to.

"Presumed dead" is the problematic word. You are not going to convince people who will hang on a thread until you can say, "they are dead."

[LiberalAndProud]

4. That might anger some family members.

How dare you tell me there is no hope when you don't know one damned thing? I tend to think that would be my reaction in the same situation. Maybe.

[pinboy3niner]

6. Such a presumption would be totally unjustified that early on

And advising families to just stay home would be a huge mistake. In coming together they serve as their own support group, which probably is of immeasurable value in the ordeal they are going through.

[B2G]

7. Very easy for you to say

You don't have any loved ones onboard.

They know nothing, and until they do, there is always hope.