We are now suffering from natural disasters and artificial disasters.
Natural disasters are typhoons, hurricanes, floods, and earth quakes.
It is quite pity and ironic that U.S.A. had the largest hurricane, Katrina, in the history. It is said that the death toll may go up to thousands. I feel very sorry for the victims there, but on the other hand I am afraid that it is one of the failures of U.S. government. There was an article that Mr. Bush will go to the disaster area and lead the rescue work so that he can recover his popularity which was dropping drastically these days due to the situation in Iraq. I believe what he needs is to promote the legislation for environmental protection, especially by accepting Kyoto Protocol.
We, Asians, are suffering from many typhoons and floods. We also need to think about environmental protection and take specific measures together with China. This work will be one of the best international contributions of Japan.
On the other hand Iraqi stampede death is one of the worst artificial disasters. I wonder how leaders of the countries who attacked Iraq and caused the chaotic situation there will take the responsibility. Same questions are asked to the leaders of the countries who have troops in Iraq. We, Japanese, have to think about the essential cause of the present situation in Iraq since we still have troops there. Max Yamaguchi
