Lost and Found: $78 Million


I believe the true character of an individual or an entire people can best be seen in moments of adversity. Good times made altruism an easy trait but crisis or disaster creates a challenge to all the ideals that a person or group claims to cherish. I think that those who have, albeit grudgingly, praised the Jewish people have done so because of the undeniable fact that we have overcome every situation that history has thrown our way and held on to those principles that we value. It seems only proper that I pay tribute to another nation that has shown a similar moral resilience in the face of destruction.
A blog article told the story—since the massive destruction in Japan- earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear threat, the Japanese has shown just how strong their society is. Try to imagine the desperation- land now under water, thousands dead, more missing, homes and businesses gone forever. One could imagine this would be the stage for total chaos and an “every man for himself” fight to survive. Instead the Japanese have shown just how strong their values are. Since the destruction and its aftermath people have found all kinds of personal belongings that were spread far and wide by the forces of nature. Have people been looting? Have people stolen from each other? Has law and order disappeared? No.
Reports tell us that in the time that has passed people have found money, valuables, and even safes that were scattered in the debris and, much to their honor, Japanese citizens have turned in over 78 million dollars (2.3 billion yen) of money and valuables that have been found. This almost defies human nature- people who have lost everything still have the honesty and respect for their neighbors to surrender what is not theirs. That fact alone should tell you that there is something that Japanese society and culture is doing right and the rest of the world could certainly use their secret.
The recent riots in England proved the point—the riots were not “protests”- they served as an opportunity to loot, steal, and destroy. The mob knows it was safe to commit crimes when the police were overwhelmed. In our own country we have witnessed a new way to steal, hurt, and kill – the flash mob. The premise is easy- create a moment when the police can’t respond and you can get away with anything. Unfortunately I fear that the flash mob is the true indicator of American society. We have somehow gone very wrong and now we pay the price.
In Japan people will return 78 million dollars that they could keep without anyone knowing. In this country there are people who would attack you for 78 cents and then video tape it! This might be just the right time to think about healing our own society- that would be worth more than anything.