The unfolding nuclear crisis will shake public confidence in the safety of nuclear power both in Japan and abroad. Japan will also face other, longer-term political and economic costs.
HuffPost's QuickRead...
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The Blog
Since I was a kid, four dreams have played on a loop in my head, all of them bad. One dream has stuck with me through thin and thick. Tidal wave.
No one can anticipate or control the wrath of Mother Nature or political turmoil on the other side of the planet. But it is no less true for being a cliché that crises do present opportunities -- and Japan is no different.
The "geeks" who are involved in creating social media content recognize their power to influence, and are always willing to line up behind a good cause.
As a rule, I'm not a guy who tends to offer a lot of Japanese proverbs. But here's one anyway that is a perfect guide to life, so I thought I might share it with you all here. The proverb offers this advice: "Fall seven times, stand up eight."
Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper are on TV practically 24/7, but they are not my leader. Please, Mr. President. Talk to us.
Given what's happening at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex, it's time for a serious review of what our nuclear safety authorities consider to be improbable, especially when it comes to reactors operating in earthquake zones.
This week, Newt Gingrich, exploring the possibility of launching a presidential exploratory committee, partially blamed his past marital infidelity on how "passionately" he felt about his country. In Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker's effort to blame teachers, nurses, and trash collectors for his state's budget woes succeeded, as the state assembly voted to strip government workers of their collective bargaining rights. Walker apparently forgot to include that $140 million tax break he'd given corporations in his budget blame calculations. Elsewhere, Bill Keller's latest column got even worse pre-opening reviews than the Spiderman musical, and we have officially passed the expiration date on Charlie Sheen "Winning!" jokes. Of course, our thoughts and prayers remain focused on the devastation and suffering in Japan. Click here for information and links on all the ways you can help.
It has been known for some time that the Japan's nuclear industry's safety claims have been based on shaky foundations.
The tragedies most covered are likely to get the most aid and response, separate from any actual needs assessments.
Causes.com has put together a list of 10 international relief organizations that have committed to providing relief to Japan and other areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
What we are seeing in Japan could happen at any time, in any place. If you live inland and think you have been spared there are certainties of catastrophes that will affect you too. It's crucial that everyone be amply prepared.
How can one American be particularly touched by God's grace -- and an equally devout (or secular) Japanese family be taken up by a huge wave and tossed like rubbish in the wreck of their home?
Already struggling with a protracted process of political transition, the Japanese government will be sorely tested by this latest disaster.
In the wake of such mega-destruction, human nature compels us to think first of our own friends and loved ones. As the earthquake and tsunami ripped through Japan, my thoughts turned immediately to my friend, Buddhist priest Shiho Kanzaki.
After the earthquake, Japan is now trying to avoid a meltdown accident at its Fukushima nuclear power plant -- a disaster which could have catastrophic impacts on Japan and much of the world.
We're used to seeing images of death and destruction in the movies because death and destruction Hollywood-style is comfortably fictionalized. But, today, the footage is documentary, and the death and destruction is real.
We must keep an open heart and not shut down and ignore the suffering of our fellow human beings in Japan. If we can offer our practice, service, or generosity to the victims then we no longer need to feel disempowered.
It would be terribly useful if there were a separate convention for tweets from witnesses to major events so their reports can be separated from the discussion that follows.
Angelenos who live by the San Andreas Fault Line live in a vague state of anxiety. It is an existential anxiety -- about our own existence and the existence of all those whom we love.
Most Popular
1 of 3
Links From Digg, Delicious, and Google Blogsearch
Links
- Gilbert Gottfried -- SHOCKING Japan Tsunami Jokes | TMZ.com
- Japan's earthquake and tsunami halts Nissan Leaf production; other ...
- Google and Microsoft offer Japan tsunami and earthquake resources ...
- Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: 7 Simple Ways to Help
- Japan Earthquake 2011: Tsunami Wave Washes Through Sendai Airport ...
- Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami Wreaks Havoc With Concerts, Bands ...
- Japan Earthquake And Tsunami Deaths: Nation Begins To Dig For Dead ...
- Japan Earthquake And Tsunami Has Moved Coast 8 Feet, Shifted ...
- Japan Tsunami
- Intense First Person Video Of Japan's Tsunami [VIDEO]
- Japan Economy | Japan Tsunami
- Pakistan premier offers condolences for Japan quake, tsunami ...
- Japan Tsunami Video in HD | Rickey.org
- Death toll in Japan from quake, tsunami “likely over 10000″ « Hot Air
- Japan | Tsunami | Earthquake
- Japan Tsunami/Earthquake Coverage Lifts CNN Ratings - The ...
- Japan warns of tsunami threat on NE coast - World News - IBNLive
- Peru: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Affect Peruvians · Global Voices
- Japan quake, tsunami take dire toll on economy - World News - IBNLive
- 50 Cent Mocks Japan Earthquake, Tsunami on Twitter - The Hollywood ...
