TO THE EDITOR:
The recent events in Japan have been tragic. Words fail to describe the devastation wreaked by the concurrent crises of the earthquake, tsunami and the continuing saga of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
However, in reading the cover story “Japan crisis shocks, inspires action,” I had to point out that in our desire to help we overlook where the needs are most acute. Japan has a $5 trillion economy and with that comes the capacity to provide aid for its own citizens. Where it needs help — specialized rescue teams, nuclear scientists and experts, and logistical support — governments such as ours are stepping in to provide assistance.
While our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected, I encourage those of you who wish to make a difference in the lives of others to harness your empathy and direct it toward those tragedies around the globe that are not making the front page and rarely, if ever, do.
Millions across Africa lack food, clean water and shelter, just like those in Japan. However, the collective GDP of the entire African continent was only $1.6 trillion in 2008 — a fraction the size of Japan’s. Nonetheless, the dollars you wish to send in aid will go so much farther to help those in need when you donate to charities such as CARE, the International Rescue Committee, or Save the Children that are working in such countries. Or, support on-campus support groups such as Nourish International and Carolina for Kibera.
Zealan Hoover
Sophomore
Political Science and PWAD
