Japan's disaster should caution us
Women mourn at an evacuation center in Kesennuma after hearing about the death of family members. (March 15, 2011) Credit: AP
The images of the deadly earthquake and tsunami that have ravaged Japan were truly heartbreaking ["Japan crisis worsens," News, March 15]. Cars, homes and people were swept away by the monstrous wave as it slammed into the coast.
The United States, as always, is already sending much-needed aid. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese people. The coming days, weeks and months are going to be very difficult for them.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
The tsunami's devastation is a reality check for us all. The budget passed by House Republicans would slash funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by 7 percent, or $410 million. Among other missions, this agency administers our early-warning system for natural disasters, which arguably saved so many Japanese lives. These budget cuts would leave our own West Coast vulnerable.
It's only one example of the shortsighted recklessness of some House cuts that we should urge the Senate to reject.
Sue Hornik
Bellport
This country and our president need to rethink support of nuclear energy. We need to look at the danger from these plants. The argument that it rarely happens does not warrant the risk to lives. Just ask the survivors and families of those affected in Chernobyl, Harrisburg (near Three Mile Island) and now Japan.
Nuclear power is dangerous in all forms, and nuclear energy is a dangerous prospect. We must support alternative energies that are safe and efficient.
Robin Wieder
East Rockaway
After the devastation from the massive Japan earthquake, it is inconceivable that the world does not have more respect for the planet on which we live. Even without 100 percent conclusive evidence that humans play a role in the impacts to our environment, who in their right mind would even chance to play a role in this destruction?
Car safety may play a role in picking the largest car, sacrificing miles per gallon and increasing deadly amounts of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. People will say there's not enough time to walk or bike to a store one-quarter mile from the house, instead of taking the automobile. Some people will always have an excuse for why they can't do something.
Natural disasters, which seem to be more and more common, should give us the motivation to make the right choices with respect to our environment.
Matt Kane
Brightwaters
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
