Although human suffering has always been with us, the past few months have provided several vivid examples in quick succession. From the tragic consequences of the Japanese earthquake, to the devastated neighborhoods from tornados in the American South, to the humanitarian crisis unfolding daily in Libya, the plight of thousands has been on almost daily display. Read More...

Tags: Compassion, Disasters

"We are left isolated" Katsunobu Sakurai, mayor of the Japanese city of Minamisoma, said with face drawn and voice strained, as he recorded a video pleading for assistance. His city, like many in Northern Japan, was devastated by the earthquake, leaving citizens with little food and medicine and, due to radiation warnings, little option but to remain indoors. It was a dire situation with little hope for the arrival of aid anytime soon. With nothing to loose, the mayor's plea was posted on YouTube, and has since become one of the fastest spreading and viewed clips (see NYT coverage here). People from all over suddenly began sending aid and Minamisoma, though still reeling from multiple tragedies, suddenly became the beneficiary of kindness. What happened? Read More...