Governance

I am just returning from a two-day trip to South Korea. My purpose there was to remind communications ministries around the world that while the gadgets may be stylish and entertaining, the technology could be used to improve the lives, productivity and future of countries without the resources of South Korea and South Koreans.

Ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the number of armed conflicts around the world has been steadily declining, and continues to do so. Is warfare really part of human nature or will it vanish in the future because circumstances allow it? Author Matt Ridley and Phil Bowermaster elaborate.

Last week, my roommate bought a Kindle. Since then, he hasn’t stopped talking about it. Mainly, he’s wanted to get me to borrow it to read Henry Hazlitt‘s book Economics in One Lesson. The book, published in 1946, is an introduction to free market economics, and is a seminal text on economic principles. Tax season being upon us, I filed my taxes last night. Afterwards, I started reading Hazlitt’s book. His “one lesson” seemed pointedly relevant to this time of year.

On solutions to the nuclear crisis in Japan: If the decision is made to entomb the entire Fukushima complex, as has been most recently recommended by physicist Michio Kaku, at least one constituency needs to be informed: The future.

Writing from Kyoto--I’ve delayed updating as I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to say something that might contribute to--rather than simply repeat--what’s been said in the international media. For four days, we in Japan have been bombarded with headlines indicating a slowly unfolding apocalypse.

Update: 6:57 AM, Tuesday, March 27th
Annoying concerns about water quality have taken the place of the initial (mostly media) panic about the reactor situation. Indications are the radioactivity level in the water is elevated but far from dangerous for adults but parents are urged not give their children tap water or baby formula made from tap water. The situation with the reactor remains very dire, but the government and others are providing constant radiation information showing that levels remain at healthy around Tokyo and elsewhere. The death toll in the north continues to climb with the mayor of Miyagi anticipating 15,000 deaths there alone.

Interested in helping or volunteering? Peace Boat Japan is, as far as I can tell, the best charitable organization with boots on the ground now in the affected area, distributing necessities. Here's a great blog.

Update: 11:44 AM Monday, Japan Time
From NHK: "Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says a hydrogen and oxygen explosion occurred Monday morning at the No.3 reactor at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima prefecture." Residents within a 20 KM radius are being urged to stay indoors.

Edano--"Low possibility of radiation leakage, container is still safe."

Update: 9:00 AM Monday, Japan Time
The death toll has climbed to 1500. It is assumed that many of the residents of Sendai, a town that apparently no-longer exists, are also gone. At this hour, there is growing concern about supplying those in remote areas in the north with food and water. Shelters are full.

In spite of, or perhaps because of, Matthew Broderick thinking that yelling “Learn!” at a computer will actually make it do so, WarGames is a pretty fantastic movie. Released in 1983, the science-fiction film tells the story of David Lightman, a computer hacker played by Broderick, who accidentally finds his way into a military supercomputer programmed to predict outcomes of nuclear war. Lightman gets the computer to run a nuclear war simulation, which causes an international nuclear missile scare and almost single-handedly starts World War III.