Strength of humanity in crisis...

[PamNY]

So, when we fail, why is it?

Well, thinking of Katrina and Nashville, the smart aleck in me wants to say "because we created the Army Corps of Engineers."

But that's probably not what you meant.

Is the U.S., overall, a failure at handling disasters? I wouldn't say so. I don't have much knowledge of how other cultures would be different.

Crankin made an important point about collectivist versus individualist cultures. Our individualism might be both a strength and a weakness in disasters. Certainly Americans are generous with donations and volunteerism; that is probably a function of individualism.

At the same time, Americans might be more pushy and demanding, and some of that could come out as criminal behavior.

An aside: I was scornful about people who raised a fuss over air quality and government inaction in that regard after 9/11; now, of course, we know they were right. There's a Spiriva inhaler on my kitchen counter (not for me) as a reminder.

I almost think we shouldn't be discussing this while the situation in Japan is so grave, and many people don't even know if their loved ones are (or will be) safe. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected. Their well-being is all that matters right now.