They are the “Faceless 50,” the unnamed operators who decided to stay at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station and try to prevent a melt-down. They volunteered to pump seawater on the exposed nuclear fuel rods in hopes of cooling them enough to prevent a disaster. If the fuel rods melt down, the result would throw thousands of tons of radioactive dust into the air and produce a ecological catastrophe. Remaining that close to the leaking reactors and the heightened radiation means the Faceless 50 are risking their lives. Like the esprit de corps found among firefighters, police, and military units, these operators feel a sense of loyalty and comaraderie to stay at their posts until the crisis is resolved. I admire their dedication and selfless sacrifice.
Hi George,
Yes, those 50…..
Your blog is excellent! I love the design.
Thanks, Steve! All the credit for blog design goes to my son, Patrick. Patrick did all the heavy-lifting and gave me this blog as a Christmas present three years ago.
Good choice. I’ve been impressed by their bravery – and concerned for their futures – as well.
The Faceless Fifty are putting their lives on the line, Jeff.
Right on.
The crops grown around the nuclear plant are radioactive, Jerry. The radiation levels within the plant have to be dangerously high.
Excellent choice! I’ve actually had a couple of misguided people tell me that the radiation leak “doesn’t matter to us, because it’s in Japan.” Not even trying to address the insularity of such comments, I simply say, “Do you think the radiation knows to stay within Japan’s borders?”
You’re right, Deb. Nearly every day, that trouble nuclear plant is venting radioactive gas. The cumulative effect will impact the U.S. This problem isn’t going to be resolved for months!
Perhaps one day the Faceless 50 will dwell in the same pantheon with the 47 Ronin, as men who exhibited cool bravery and great devotion to duty.
An excellent pick, George.
The nuclear operators insist on anonymity, Drongo. Like the 47 Ronin, they only want to be identified with a group label. I find their bravery and their devotion to duty inspiring in these decadent times.
But think of the overtime pay.
The Japanese food chain has been affected, Bob. Radiation is showing up in their milk and spinach. Tokyo’s water has trace amounts of radioactive iodine now. And those clouds of tainted steam from the daily venting are headed your way. Start taking potassium iodine pills soon!
Dr. Kelley, pease don’t take potassium iodine pills! We are far enough away from Japan so that any radiation that might reach us will be so minimal that it probably won’t be able to compete with the radiation you get from your microwave. It might be sensible, however, to make sure that you aren’t eating any imported food from Japan. According to the news stories I have heard, taking too much iodine can interfere with thyroid functions. In addition, potassium iodine is mostly recommended only for children and pregnant women. http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/japan-should-be-first-in-line.html
I think that the real danger to Americans is the nuclear power plants that we have in our own backyards. It is so frustrating to see our government supporting dangerous and non-environmentally friendly sources of energy, instead of safe, clean sources like solar or even wind.
The “Faceless 50” really are impressive. I am thankful that there are people like them in this world.
Well said, Lauren! Right now Cleveland Bio Labs (CBLI) are trying to get FDA approval for an anti-radiation drug that is a 100 times more effective than potassium iodine (and without the side effects). When approved, we should all have some in our medicine cabinets!