It is with utmost respect that we offer our sympathies and condolences to the people of Japan, as they struggle to cope in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami. As is often rightfully said after events such as these, “the very best in human nature often appears.” By all accounts, the Japanese people can proudly claim this as an accurate description of their character, as they set a very high measure indeed—one that all people of the world should aspire to when faced with disaster.
In light of recognizing the immense suffering in Japan, we encountered a bit of a dilemma this month with regards to one of our stories. Bob Fish’s article entitled, Connecting with History commemorates the anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid of 1942. We worried, would it be insensitive of us to run this story?
Our conclusion was, no, if considered in the correct context. In fact, in many ways, like the Japanese peoples’ reaction to their crisis, the Doolittle Raid was an example of some of the best of the human spirit when faced with a life-threatening challenge. Qualities of extraordinary creativity, commitment and a willingness to exert supreme effort were just as apparent (and vital) during America’s war effort by Doolittle and his team, as they are today in Japan.
At the risk of what might be considered poor judgment in running our Doolittle story, I would argue that the timing really could not be better for its contrast to Japan’s disaster elucidates other lessons the world might learn and internalize.
Certainly, one of those lessons is that human life is precious, and no effort should be spared to protect and preserve it. The other, as our Japanese allies today undoubtedly agree, is especially relevant in light of current world events. It is a basic truth well stated by a recent U.S. president, when he said, “Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity.”
Again, our hearts go out to the people of Japan. May this crisis, our conduct and our common history be used by both Japanese and Americans, united, as a light and example to a troubled, struggling world.
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