We are seldom reminded, as we have been the last few days, of how quickly lives can change or be lost. The level of destruction from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan could lead some of us to inaction when considering the immensity of the work ahead, it’s hard to know where to start, but the work will go ahead because it must and, as with any other setback in life, you start doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.
Because of Japan’s enormous role in the motorcycle industry, Greg Hatton and Jon Bekefy thought it would be fitting to organize motorcycle riders, enthusiasts, employees and fans on every level and create a place to contribute to the relief efforts, helping, in return, a country that has contributed so much to all of us. MotoForJapan is that place.
Contributions are forwarded to the Red Cross relief efforts. You can contribute a little or a lot, but anything you give will help get Japan back on its feet. Look outside your own window, then look at the photos and videos from Japan. The people of Japan are strong but they could use a hand during this time of very immediate need.
Link: MotoForJapan
If you prefer, you can also contribute directly to the American Red Cross.
B50 Jim says
Kudos to Jon and Greg for setting this up; those affected need all the help they can get. As I watched the coverage of the disaster unfolding, I was struck by how small we are in the face of Nature when it turns against us. The Japanese are the best-prepared people in the world when it comes to quakes and tsunamis, but this one overwhelmed them. Considering that, I wonder what will happen Stateside when something of that magnitude strikes us.
Certainly, the best preparation can’t do much against such a massive event, but it can alleviate the damage and suffering in the aftermath. I don’t see a lot of disaster preparedness here beyond duct tape, plastic sheet and bottled water. Disaster preparations on a municipal scale require government coordination and money; and with the current group of Scrooges operating at all levels of government, I fear we’re on our own. They believe the Boy Scouts and church ladies will step in and fill the gap.
Boy Scouts and church ladies can do wonderful things, but they won’t be able to organize the kind of aid that will be necessary to save and sustain thousands of injured, homeless and displaced individuals. The National Guard will be there, of course, but as we saw with Hurricane Katrina, plenty of Guardsmen, and their equipment, might be overseas bolstering an overextended military in the Middle East.
I hope penny-pinching politicians everywhere take a hard look at Japan’s situation and visualize such a thing happening here. Maybe they can divert their attention from busting unions and privatizing Medicare, and realize they were elected to serve and protect the American people. If that means spending money on effective disaster preparedness, they should spend it. If a 9.0 quake and tsunami hit Southern California or New York, I don’t think residents will be in a mood to hear their elected officials tell them there simply wasn’t any money for frivolous things like disaster plans.
TwoStroke Institute says
I think it’s more about Japan than the US :-/
Everyone should contribute a few $$. Many many people have lost everything, not just possessions, or family, but the whole town or city is gone,no work, no bank, no post office, no friends and no enemies even.
WTC says
As my sympathies go out to the Japanese people I would like to ask why US media and even the Kneeslider has given little to no coverage on the devastation that was wrought on a US State from the same tsunami, specifically HI. I am a firm believer that charity should begin at home and if not then all we are doing is shoring up our PR by helping other countries and not helping our own.
Bart says
+1 to that. The southern Oregon/Northern Cali harbors of Brookings and Cresent City got hammered and are now closed for commercial fishing/crabbing just as the season opens. This was drowned out in all the media-hype of Japan.
Commercial crabbers and fishers are outta buisness now until the ports are repaired. This is on top of extremely high local unemployment. The commercial crabbing/fishing jobs in these communities are basically all there is anymore due to cutbacks in logging to protect owl habitat, and comp $$ for that dry up next year. Support your locals with your first $$.
WTC says
If I chose to help Japanese citizens it wouldn’t be because of cycles but because it is the humane thing to do but again I will be helping HI (US Citizens) first.
Missy says
Not to throw a kink in the works, but, why should we donate? Japan is a very wealthy country with vast resources. We donate to help poor countries.
This is not to say we don’t care, but I don’t feel as if Japan needs our help. In fact several relief agencies have said if they get extra money they will have to find “something to spend it on.”
If you want to donate, do so to a local charity that actually needs your help.
Oldyeller says
Japan is a not as wealthy as you might think. Yes, they are the third largest economy (resently demoted by China). But…
The gov`t has placed the country high on the “borrow” scale of nations. ie: read national debt. Japan itself has limited resources. Yes they are ingenuitive and make lots of stuff for the world but they have very few natural resources.
As humans we should try to help ALL others in “time of need”. It is a narrow attitude that says “Me First”. Compassion goes so much further than selfishness.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
For those of you who would prefer to donate to people in other areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami, the Red Cross makes it easy to designate where your contribution should go. Use the direct link at the very end of the article to do that. Problem solved.
Jeram says
although this is a great initiative, I am really not a fan for two reasons.
1, Japan has one of the worlds strongest economies, therefore it has the Capicity to look after its self it times of crisis.
2. other countries effected by disaster are not as financially secure; I think Haiti (the forgotton disaster area) could do with more ongoing support, and our donations would actually make a difference here.
Especially with point #1 in mind, are we really donating to help the japanese, or so that we can sleep easy at night thinking that we have done our part.
The only way we can really help Japan is to send recovery, rescue and medical experts to help the efforts.
I dont mean to offend, but thats just how I see it
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
A short post and link to the Red Cross results in people who feel the need to leave long comments about the government or why the commenters would not give money to Japan. Amazing. Just imagine what would happen if we discussed politics on The Kneeslider.
For the rest of us, the post stands as written. Contribute to whoever you wish or don’t contribute at all. Your choice.