Good point Richard, but until I hear the complete story regarding why he went and what he did while he was there, then I'll refrain from further judgment.

However, there's still plenty that he could have done right here at home to help the cause, and he'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind, not to see the carnage and chaos that he will most likely see. With all the t.v. coverage, I think that is more than enough to subject a young person to. He has a lifetime ahead to experience or get involved in the "dirty work" that will always be around.

He's a teenager - let him be one now, and don't make him grow up ahead of his time. He has his whole life ahead of him to witness and act upon the misery that man and nature will surely continue to dish out.