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Obama: Japan earthquake potentially 'catastrophic'

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Disasters like this show we are all just people. We all have the same basic needs. We need to remember this more and emit less political mouth flagellant.

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Yuri -- agreed. And critisize the U.S. all you want, but U.S. "might" is always the first to respond, and with the most resources. Let's just hope it is not too late and can help the victims through this disaster.

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The US military may be the first to engage an adversary but it's also the first to come to the assistance of our friends.

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My heart is filled with gratitude and I thank the United States and other countries that have been so kind and unselfish to offer aid and assistance to help our Japanese friends in this time of need. Indeed life is so fragile and my thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people with whom I feel a kinship especially since I'm also part Japanese. Again, I appreciate the generosity, compassion and love shown by all our friends from these different nations. Life is really all about service and when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are in the service of God.

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herefornow, I have been trying to emit less my self. It is times like this, we remember how much we have in common. See the American presence in a new light. Heard on TV a second carrier is on its way to Japan. I humbly thank the USA for the assistance they will render.

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This is a chance for the US to fix its image in Japan after the a government official called Okinawans "duplicitous". Most Americans are really nice people.

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I agree with all of you. YuriOtani my prayers go out to you all over there in Japan as you are dealing with this tragedy.

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I was little surprised but also a bit not surprised that even China offered assistance. Just heard 45 countries have offered asstistance which is wonderful to hear. A moment when humanity shines its brightest is during the darkest hours when many are willing to put aside nationalities and grudges in order to help other human beings in need.

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YuriOtani: "Disasters like this show we are all just people. We all have the same basic needs."

I'm not sure if I've ever agreed with you previously, Yuri (I think I did once), but I most certainly do on this. Extremely well said, and very on the mark.

HonestDictator: "I was little surprised but also a bit not surprised that even China offered assistance."

Why? Would Japan not do the same for China?

"A moment when humanity shines its brightest is during the darkest hours when many are willing to put aside nationalities and grudges in order to help other human beings in need."

Agreed. That's why it should be no surprise.

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Humanity is what binds society together as one in support and in any situation.

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Stop using this catastrophe as an opportunity to promote the image of the US. Some of you have reached new lows.

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Obama is "heartbroken"? It's a patronizing response that suggests Japan is on the brink of chaos. It's an event of nature that Japan is capable surely of handling without foreign parenting.

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lesgrande

This article is about the US and its reaction to the disaster. Perhaps you're the one who's on the wrong comment thread?

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"Potentially catastrophic." Those words are kind of insulting. What part of this whole thing was "potentially" catastrophic?? That is insulting to all of the people right now fighting for their lives.

I am very glad that the US is offering assistance, but it is also a given. Of course people want to help each other after a catastrophe. But please watch your wording, Obama!

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HermioneGranger.

I agree it grates me when I hear him say that on the news.

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USNinJapan2

Get a clue from HermioneGranger- we're all "glad the US is offering assistance, but it is also a given".

And you are right, this is about the US gov't's reaction, not how many points can be scored by ex-pat posters for Uncle Sam.

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He probably said 'potentially catastrophic' because that's the information he was provided with. It's not like he's living here and he does have other items on his plate. CNN also said Japan was devastated but that isn't totally true now, is it? The Sendai area has been devastated but Tokyo wasn't so badly damaged and there was surely no damage in Fukuoka. People need to stop being offended by the wording of someone who isn't here.

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"One U.S. aircraft carrier is already in Japan,and a second is on its way to assist with the recovery efforts... Pentagon spokesman Col. David Lapan said U.S. and Japanese officials are talking constantly to determine exactly what type of assistance is needed. He said aid could include food, water, shelter and medical supplies."

I'm sure the U.S. military will be of great help to the victims of this disaster.

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Jesus just seen the news about the explosion at the nuclear plant. I hope you guys are ok over there, looks like this catastrophe is getting worse.

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les grandes

You're the one in need of a clue. We in the US military here in Japan are already providing assitance in many forms, life saving equipment, manpower, fuel, you name it. We're also deploying all of our helicopters and our ships capable of helo ops to the Sendai coast because that's what's needed most right now. It's great that so many other nations are offering to help but there's a difference between them and the US that's already on the ground with the goods providing the needed assistance the very day of the disaster. And you have a problem with a few of our expats here pointing this out and expressing some pride for it? Get real. I've been on duty at work dealing with this disaster and our support to the GOJ since yesterday and will be up all night tonight on duty doing the same. And what are you doing to help mon ami? Besides whining here that is. Get a clue is right.

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Disaster relief...I with the USA military had this as its primary function. Of course, much appreciated.

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USNinJapan,

This is one day I honestly miss being back there in the Navy. I wish I was there to help. All my best.

Taka

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Best of luck to all those involved. Lord knows if there's one country prepared for a natural disaster, it's Japan.

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Taka

Our response package is still shaping up but it looks like we'll be many of our Yokosuka-based DDGs, Sasebo-based amphibs, and both carriers (GW and RR) to act as off-shore heliports and refueling stations. The RR will offload everything but C-2s and helos to Atsugi and take on as many Atsugi H60's as it can handle. Same goes for the GW. As you well know we're used to providing disaster relief for places like Thailand and the PI but never thought we'd be doing it at this scale so close to home...

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"Obama: Japan earthquake potentially 'catastrophic'" Seems the USA has gone from a leader who was a master of the mis-statement to a leader who is the master of the understatement.

Roust yourselves, Japan! There's work to be done. Show your mettle.

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We are grateful of the help given by the US Military. This shows friendship is so much more important than petty differences. It is amazing how these can be blown out of proportion. Time for us to work tougher for the common good and extend this to after the recovery. LIBERTAS, the American President means well and we should not pick apart his words. He is our friend and is doing everything possible to help Japan. smithinjapan, admit to letting my passion get the best of me. Americans are good people and we need to keep things in perspective not letting the few and disagreement threaten our friendship.

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how ever its worded we Know its Bad BUT we are going to Help our good Allie Japan. we are going to do everything we can to Help them Not only America But many other nations too are helping Just wanna mention that so people from other countries don't feel as though their Help is neglected. Many nations help each other out usually anyways & thats a Good thing that what we as humans should be doing.

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