Settling for World Peace (Article)

Almost 70 years ago, on December 7, 1941, an unexpected, cruel attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii shook the whole nation, in what would be one of the darkest days in the history of the United States.

70-years later, it seems that some (those who were alive that day and generations onward) are still not able to let go of the events of that day. Indeed, it has been 70 years and many people have already relinquished the catastrophe that struck us that day, but those who haven't, bear grudges even after the United States avenged Japan and forced them to surrender the war by dropping two of the most powerful atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Regardless of how we feel about the events that happened almost 70 years ago, the United States and Japan are allies. After the destructive Hurricane Katrina in the southern part of the U.S. destroyed more than 200,000 homes and took more than 1800 lives in 2005, Japan proved to the United States that the 'past is in the past' and contributed $200,000 in donations to the American Red Cross as well as supplies. Right now, Japan needs us.

In midst of the earthquake that was followed by a tsunami on the northeast coast of Japan that destroyed thousands of homes and left more than 20,000 people missing or dead 2 weeks ago on March 14th, more than 90 nations, including the United States, Sri Lanka, Canada, United Kingdom and many other nations that are neighbors, have come together to stand by the Japanese post-catastrophe. The United States, by far, has provided the most physical aid, with a crew of 148 people and 12 rescue dogs from Los Angeles and the Fairfax County of Virginia, as well as U.S. military support and has also funded $100,000.

China, despite their rough history with Japan during the 1930s, has contributed the most in funding to the tsunami and disaster relief in Japan, with $4.6 million. After the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China that killed more than 69,000 people, Japan was one of the many nations that aided China after one of the deadliest earthquakes that has struck them. Premier Wen Jiabao acknowledged Japan's efforts after the 2008 earthquake and in return, sent 15 volunteers and the large funding to support Japan.

Despite the many controversies that some have due to their nations' past with Japan, when another country is in trouble, we should forget any conflicts and problems we have had with them in the past, even for a second, and indulge the good samaritans and heroes in us, whether it's helping physically, economically, or even just a prayer will make a difference. But one thing that we should keep in mind is, no matter how much conflict or hate we have with a country or some countries, they may, surprisingly, just be our saviors in times of catastrophe. The law of humanity is that regardless of strife, we will always be there when they're in need.