Strength of humanity in crisis...

[lph]

....

Oh my. That very clearly highlights the difference in culture. That is very impressive, but to me also quite disturbing.

I pray that they succeed in their efforts. I hope they feel it was worth the sacrifice. I hope they know that a whole world is watching, and waiting for better news.

[Mr. Bloom]

....

Oh my. That very clearly highlights the difference in culture. That is very impressive, but to me also quite disturbing.

I agree. Interesting the change this casts on the dialogue...the very attribute we were applauding becomes disturbing when viewed in the extreme...

[OakLeaf]

Oh my. That very clearly highlights the difference in culture. That is very impressive, but to me also quite disturbing.

I don't know. Remember how many people did the same thing at Chernobyl. And (granted that the risks were different and to some extent unknown) at the World Trade Center site.

Did you read the Johann Hari piece I linked to?

The volunteers are amazing, commendable, there's no adjective too extreme for what they're doing. But I don't know that they're uniquely Japanese.

[lph]

I don't know. Remember how many people did the same thing at Chernobyl. And (granted that the risks were different and to some extent unknown) at the World Trade Center site.

Did you read the Johann Hari piece I linked to?

The volunteers are amazing, commendable, there's no adjective too extreme for what they're doing. But I don't know that they're uniquely Japanese.

Not yet, I'll read it later. I was thinking not of volunteering as such, but of the mindset that not accepting would mean dishonour of you and your family. I won't elaborate, I know far too little about it.

[PamNY]

I don't know. Remember how many people did the same thing at Chernobyl. And (granted that the risks were different and to some extent unknown) at the World Trade Center site.

Did you read the Johann Hari piece I linked to?

The volunteers are amazing, commendable, there's no adjective too extreme for what they're doing. But I don't know that they're uniquely Japanese.

Oakleaf, I agree. Given what we've seen in other dangerous situations, I don't find it surprising that there are brave people in this one. And that takes nothing away from their bravery.

Anyone who works at a nuclear facility must have some awareness that things could go wrong.

[PamNY]

Interesting article from Slate. Elaborates on the legal system discussed in this thread.

According to this article, an organized crime syndicate has donated 40 tons of humanitarian aid and is patrolling to maintain safety. Reminds me of stories I've heard about Brooklyn neighborhoods where the Mafia guys' mothers live.

[badger]

yeah, the notion of shame is worse than death, so you'll hear of a lot of suicides by CEOs and presidents of companies that have come under fire. I wouldn't be surprised if those in charge of the nuclear plant ends up "saving face" by killing themselves

[shootingstar]

I understand the bravery of someone trying to save a drowning person or person in burning a building..because one is physically grasping hold of hopefully a still live person out of danger..

This is quite different.

I just can't, folks....Earlier this month, I was talking to my 25 yr. old niece..the one who lost her mother, my sister. Though she was happy to talk briefly to me, I sensed she was ready to cry again.


It is more courageous to stay ALIVE for your children. Always think of this.

[NbyNW]

It is an understatement to say that it is unfortunate that these workers are sacrificing their health and potentially their lives to contain the radiation and get the situation under control.

But it is also very likely that if they were all to walk away from the situation, that the damage to human life and to the environment will be far greater than any of us want to think about.

There are many ethical questions whirling around this with no easy answers.

Maybe one analogy for this is an ensnared animal who chews off its own leg to save its life. Maybe like that "127 Hours" guy cut off part of his arm in order to survive.

Is it even possible to advocate that no one try to do anything about these damaged reactors, because it might be dangerous to a few individuals? The reactors will not fix themselves on their own.

Everything has a price. What is going on is beyond sad, beyond tragic. I for one am very grateful that efforts are continuing to try to contain the fallout. I don't know how, but I'm sure we'll find ways to honor the work and sacrifice of these brave, strong people.