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Senior Citizens Lining Up to Tackle Fukushima

Posted by samzenpus on from the greatest-and-most-radioactive-generation dept.

Some have compared them to kamikazes, but the more than 200 elderly volunteers who want clean up the Fukushima power station say they are just being practical. 72-year-old retired engineer Yasuteru Yamada says: "I am 72 and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live. Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore us older ones have less chance of getting cancer." So far the government is hesitant to let the volunteers into the power station but Yamada and the others have been lobbying for the right to aid in the clean up. He says: "At this moment I can say that I am talking with many key government and Tepco people. But I am sorry I can't say any more at this moment. It is on the way but it is a very, very sensitive issue politically."

3 of 242 comments (clear)

  1. Inspiring and selfless by asdbffg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I wonder if there is a population here in the States that would be willing to take a compelling risk like this.

    1. Re:Inspiring and selfless by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Tried to stiff them? the republicans blocked giving them aid at EVERY TURN! democrats asked for stupid as hell restrictions... and in the end... they flipped a giant fuck you to every 9/11 responder....

      to get your aid, you haveto have a background check to see if you are a terrorist... WTF is that?

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  2. I'm impressed by sircastor · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is a tremendous show of character and pragmatism. I don't think that I'd have the courage to offer myself. I'm very impressed.