[Nyororin]

You make a good point... While I don't know anyone *personally*, I know of a lot more people who stuck around up in Tohoku to help out than who bolted.

Most of the drop everything and run people were in big cities - Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, etc. Most of the people I know of who were in Japan long term and who were in the affected areas really were in Japan for the long haul and didn't jump and run as soon as they could.

But really, it was the attitude that left the bad taste in my mouth. Those of us who didn't flee when given this "great excuse", as it was frequently worded, were ruining it for everyone else. The fact that we were staying and not in horrific danger might make them look bad for quitting and running - and ruined their chances of getting special treatment. It was that attitude that was ridiculous.