Human beings are the most selfish creatures on the planet and nothing will ever change that so now that you've said your piece and made yourself feel a little better, then get on with life and stop pretending that anything you or I say here will make a difference...
Franko I'm not totally discounting your sentiments on what people do or not do when others are suffering, but being an emergency worker myself and have been evolved in natural disaster responses near and far I can speak first hand that many people are not sitting idle by and watching as the news is delivered to them on this or any disaster. When Hurricane Katrina hit us in 2005 our deployment team saw many examples of humanity reaching to those who were stricken severely by the devastating storm. Clothes, food, medical attention (doctors working from RV's), showers, you name it. Who needed FEMA, for people like you and me were leading the charge and lending the helping hand of hope.
So, Franko I would like for you to know that goodwill is a live and well and I believe most certainly that goodwill will reach the people of Japan. I also believe that if a disaster hit close to your home that you would extend that same hand of hope to someone who needed it.
To everyone here commenting on this disaster do not feel any guilt for doing so. Donations of any kind are appreciated from those who have lost everything, I know I have seen people cry when given a fresh cup of water and some flipflops to place on their feet. Very very sobering.
The Dawg