The Children of the Atom

No riots, no looting, no violence whatsoever. They wait in line patiently for food, water and supplies. They wait patiently , not hysterically, for help. And, they do not blame their government, or their President, for their dilemma. They are the Japanese people , and they have displayed remarkable calm and dignity in the wake of the worst disaster to hit their nation since Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  How? How can they remain so calm , so accepting , as their world crumbles around them? Family is the answer. Family is the root of the Japanese culture . Family is everything to them. There are no retirement homes in Japan. Senior citizens are regarded as almost sacred , and , the most valued member of the household. It's this strong sense of roots , of values , of what is truly important , that gives these people the courage , strength , and resolve, to carry them through the worst disasters ; with an almost monastic -like calm. Yes, these children of the Atom , whose main power source is nuclear , who lead the world in technological advances , who seem absorbed in a techno- robotic , electronic superficial , materialistic existence, understand that three things; Faith , Family , and Freedom , are all there is , all that matters in life, ultimately. Yes, these Children of the Atom  learned , after Hiroshima, how precious life is , and , how fleeting the material world is. Its a lesson Japan never forgot. Now, like us , individual freedom and self rule is the root of their society , and their government. Their faith comes from a religion that is based on peace , love , and harmony with nature. Their faith , like ours , is what roots them to their families , for, where better to express love than with family? In the midst of Tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear meltdown ,the Japanese people are, in many ways , showing the world the true meaning of the phrase , "grace under pressure". Hopefully, the world will take notice , and learn to emulate these people  who , seemingly , fear nothing ,; ... not even the power of the Atom . Faith , Family , and Freedom , are the roots of their strength , .... just like us . Yes , the United States , who once dropped two nuclear bombs on their cities  in a desperate attempt to end a war that, at the time , seemed endless, now stands as a partner in freedom around the globe , with the Children of the Atom.