We've entered a time of Heroes

There are days when the disaster in Tokyo is overwhelming. And then there are moments that bring it into sharp relief. Like, for example, this quote regarding the rescue workers trying to bring the Fukushima nuclear reactors back under control.

"They need to stop pulling out people—and step up with getting them back in the reactor to cool it. There is a recognition this is a suicide mission," the official said.

Let's not let up praying for the workers and their families. Even if their heroism successfully saves the reactors, it is likely they will not live to see the first anniversary of the Earthquake.

Jail time for a prayer?

I never thought I'd read an article about an American being threatened with Jail Time for praying. This is the kind of stuff that can spawn whole movements.

In January, the Santa Rosa County School District settled out of court with the ACLU, agreeing to several things, including a provision to bar all school employees from promoting or sponsoring prayers during school-sponsored events; holding school events at church venues when a secular alternative was available; or promoting their religious beliefs or attempting to convert students in class or during school-sponsored events...The criminal charges, which carry up to a $5,000 fine and a six-month jail term, originated with a Jan. 28 incident in which Mr. Lay, a deacon at a local Baptist church, asked Mr. Freeman to offer mealtime prayers at a lunch for school employees and booster-club members who had helped with a school field-house project.

Mr. Staver said no students were present at the event, which was held on school property but after school hours.

Jail time?! Are you serious?! I can see why the ACLU is upset, but this kind of thing at most should result in dismissal of the guilty party. The fact that this incident has been allowed to escalate to this point shows a system out of control, without any sense of proportion or common sense.