The situation in Japan
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Of course, any right-minded person is feeling for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and their families.
But, be totally honest now, how many of you thought about the effect on world stock markets and your pensions, investments, etc? I know I did.
Responses (8)
After my thoughts and prayers went out to those who lost their lives, their livlihoods and their hope.
I cynically thought of the unrealistic increases in insurance premiums to pay for the rebuilding and losses incurred by the global insurance companies and Lloyds names!
I can honestly say in my naivety no I didn't give it a thought but now you mention it Feline yes it's a worrying prospect.
The Japanese are a tough, proud resilient nation though and I can't imagine how but they will somehow manage to clear their way back into some semblance of order quicker than most countries would.
The pictures coming out of there are horrific and just goes to show the forces of nature at it's most destructive.
My heart goes out to them as they have an awful task ahead.
Feline, like Lillie, I honestly hadn't even thought of that until I read your post, but now that you mention it, it's a good point, as is Parchester's.
Like most, I was totally shocked by the devastation, the loss of life and the plight of the people, particularly the elderly and the children.
It's a dreadful disaster for the whole Japanese nation and my heart goes out to them. I can't begin to imagine how dreadful the experience was and is now.
I heard comment for the first time today about possible financial implications and both the European and US stock exchanges have reacted with falls today as people begin to think about global consequences.
Well actually no, I didn't. But we have seen our fuel costs badly hit more recently by the Middle East crisis with probably more to come. So, even foreign and exotic lands can hit us in the wallet it seems.
But something even more sinister, I suggest, is just how vulnerable each and every one of us is from the natural disasters that plague our planet, from factors that surround the earth to others that lie deep and silent within its core.
We all take for granted those few square metres of planet earth that support our safe little homes but just how safe and solid are they? If this planet truly exists to support a balanced eco-system, what are the dangers when that system becomes unbalanced? Could the whole world crumble from forces that we have yet to even understand?
Perhaps this kind of thinking should point people to appreciate that life and everyone living together safely and harminously, is far more important than any deal over a few barrels of oil.
I agree, Snoops, life, safety and peace is far more important than money. Perhaps the planet is hitting back. I'm seriously starting to wonder if Omendata is right about the end of the world!
You may laugh but I actually do believe what I am saying - I do believe we have reached a tipping point and the planet is reacting.
I have always believed in natural symbiosis - whilst the world may not end completely - the human race will be "thinned" out considerably.
Does anyone never consider that sucking all the oil from the earth crust may be causing fractures or instability in the crust?
Never underestimate nature or the unknown.
OD ... I think we are both on the same wavelength here. As mere human beings, I have never believed that we have a God given right to remain safe and sane throughout our lives. WE see our own generated energy within our lightbulbs and kettles but we never see or fully understand the fragile and scarily disruptive levels of energy that exist within and around our land masses. And when it's out of control ( not that there is any ), it's seriously out of control. Perhaps indeed we are seeing the lull before ths storm, like a flickering light bulb that is one day guaranteed to fail.
Perhaps that is what being a Christian is all about, actually making a statement of thanks for our daily lives and food, knowing that we are all 'time limited'. Perhaps not this generation but certainly at some time in the future ....
I didn't really expect this to become a deep, philosophical discussion when I posted it, but this is becoming very interesting.
We now hear that the earth has been shifted on its axis, Japan has moved by 2.5 metres, and a few microseconds were removed from the day the earthquake happened.
I really do begin to wonder if 'somebody' is trying to tell us something.
Omen, I'm certainly taking you seriously, I really am beginning to think you're right about the end of the world.
In which case, we should plan a huge 'gin and earl grey-fest'
Im in I shall bring the best Earl Grey oil!
Best to make your ownEarl grey with some fine black tea and some fine bergamot oil!
After all if the end is coming what use is money.
But look at all the positives - the footballers , bankers and politicians and murderers , paedos and other miscreants will all get what they deserve as well!
lol
I'm in.
Fruits is too!
OK Brothers and Sisters. I sugeest we hold this event at Omen's gaff on the grounds that, if the world only partially ends, will will be in Scotland and entitled to all sorts of goodies like free prescriptions!
Plus its a top floor flat - last to get flooded.
We'll take that as an official invite then, Omen! ;-)
2012 is getting ever closer and the disasters are mounting.
Still time to take all yer savings and blow it on a coupla years of wine women and lots of song!
Has anyone actually thought we could be next - just look at where we are in the oceans of the world and how small and insignificant this country actually is compared to the main land masses.
I was trying to imagine our country hit in the same way as Japan - that main area that was hit looks like Hiroshima - There was even a picture of an oil tanker washed up on the shore - Have to give respect to the sea when it can lift something that heavy hundreds of feet in the air and out of the sea!
It's frightening to consider. We're so useless at coping with any weather extremities in the UK that we'd be completely screwed.
So true, LittlePiskey, a bit of snow seems to bring this country to a halt...well, England anyway!
I really hadn't considered it Feline but you do have a point. I just feel so terribly sorry for everyone that's been affected by it, makes me feel sick to my stomach.
Me too, LittlePiskey, the photos of shocked little toddlers being checked for radiation were really distressing.
If I was to be a right cynical moneygrabber I would say this seems like a good business opportunity.
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Yes, you're right, Parchester. I remember feeling the same about the Lloyds Names 20-odd years ago when they were shocked and horrified that they actually lost some money!