I sat thinking how easy it would be to write a letter condemning Tokyo Electric Power Co., and the government, for ignoring advice from specialists on the risks associated with the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. I, as well as much of the nation and the world, are livid beyond words. Yet, we must remember that, until March 11, we were reaping the benefits of Tepco's energy.
Rebuilding Japan after this massive threefold catastrophe is paramount. Politicians should stop their petty bickering, put aside their differences and unite in making policies to aid all those who have been displaced not only by the destruction of the earthquake and tsunami, but also by this man-made nuclear disaster. It is heartening to see that they have finally agreed to provisional compensations of the refugees. Without question, all victims, especially from Fukushima, should be fully compensated even if that means our paying extra taxes to cover the costs.
When the government first ordered the evacuation of inhabitants within a 10-, 20- and now 30-km radius of the plant, it is shameful that Tepco and other major companies who took part in building the plant did not offer their company vacation resort accommodations to the refugees. Of course, this is not a long-term solution, but even temporary housing would ease the suffering of some victims.