I'm very happy to hear that you, your coworkers and students are safe. I've not had the opportunity to meet you on lj but we have a few flist friends in common, one being layne67 which is of course where I saw your post.
In watching the news coverage, which I've been oddly confused about since the tsunami in 2004 had nonstop coverage on all the networks, and this one doesn't seem to, of course it could just be that I'm working odd hours for the main news stations. I've caught a lot on line and I find myself almost having a panic attack watching the footage people took of the destruction as it was happening.
The thing that struck me though was also something that was mentioned on a special at MSNBC about the strength of the people of Japan. They aren't looting, aren't creating mobs in the streets because they aren't getting aid fast enough, and we all know they're not. Even if anyone could have forseen this the lack of basic infrasturcture (because it was literally wiped off the face of the earth) in the hardest hit areas makes it so difficult to get to the people that need it the most and hearing it on the news and knowing it intellectually is just so very frustrating when you know people are suffering so.
The quiet strength and grace the people of Japan have shown in all the many disasters and tragidies should be an example to every country. I can tell you that the world has seen a country that can bend with each hardship and not break, a country that cares for each other and their neighbors. I've choked back tears listening to the stories of men carrying older family memebers and neighbors to higher ground on their backs. This is a people that know what do unto others as you would have them do unto you and it has served them well and will continue to do so as they grieve, remember and rebuild.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Japan.
no subject
In watching the news coverage, which I've been oddly confused about since the tsunami in 2004 had nonstop coverage on all the networks, and this one doesn't seem to, of course it could just be that I'm working odd hours for the main news stations. I've caught a lot on line and I find myself almost having a panic attack watching the footage people took of the destruction as it was happening.
The thing that struck me though was also something that was mentioned on a special at MSNBC about the strength of the people of Japan. They aren't looting, aren't creating mobs in the streets because they aren't getting aid fast enough, and we all know they're not. Even if anyone could have forseen this the lack of basic infrasturcture (because it was literally wiped off the face of the earth) in the hardest hit areas makes it so difficult to get to the people that need it the most and hearing it on the news and knowing it intellectually is just so very frustrating when you know people are suffering so.
The quiet strength and grace the people of Japan have shown in all the many disasters and tragidies should be an example to every country. I can tell you that the world has seen a country that can bend with each hardship and not break, a country that cares for each other and their neighbors. I've choked back tears listening to the stories of men carrying older family memebers and neighbors to higher ground on their backs. This is a people that know what do unto others as you would have them do unto you and it has served them well and will continue to do so as they grieve, remember and rebuild.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Japan.