an absolutely wonderful thing (for a change)

[donsu]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1508&e=1&u=/afp/20040329/hl_afp/japan_landmines_040329022238

Japanese businessman builds own machine to make world landmine-free

When Kiyoshi Amemiya first saw the gruesome effects of landmines while on a business trip to Cambodia in 1994 he was, like most other visitors before him, deeply shocked.

-snip-

Ten years on, he is the inventor of the country's first anti-personnel landmine disposal machine, and is helping clear the deadly invisible enemy from Afghanistan (news - web sites) to Nicaragua.

-snip-

"The most difficult part was creating steel 'teeth' that could resist the 1,000-degree heat from a mine explosion. It took us four to five years to make the strong cutters," the soft-spoken president said.

-snip-

Amemiya has donated a total of 36 machines to Afghanistan, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Thailand and Vietnam through the United Nations (news - web sites) and local non-governmental organizations, paid for with profits from the company's commercial operations.
-snip-
--------------------------------

I nominate this man for the Nobel Peace Prize

he is a treasure.

[redqueen]

1. "Amemiya has donated a total of 36 machines ..."

I'll second that nomination.

God bless you, Kiyoshi Amemiya !!!!!!!!

[prodigal_green]

8. I'll third it!

Hey, maybe we should have some DU awards or something!

Best Peacemaker
Best Whistleblower
Best Technology for Humanitarian Purposes
Best Charity
Best Broadcaster
Best Columnist
Best Economist
Best Educator
Best Poster (D.U. Poster that is)

Any more?

[efhmc]

2. A good person who saw a horrible problem and helped.

[orwell]

3. Nice Story

Creativity is a wonderful thing when inspired by compassion.

O

[redqueen]

4. It also helps that he's not a greedy pig

Many would insist on enriching themselves, regardless of how many more innocents were harmed as their countries went through the rigamarole of acquiring the funding to buy the machines.

[Mr. McD]

5. I like this part

The mine clearer's reputation for doing its vital task well eventually reached the Indian Defense Ministry, which asked to buy it, with the US Defense Department also inquiring about it.


But Amemiya rejected both offers. "I have no business with the military," he said.

[redqueen]

6. Isn't that refreshing?

Yet another example of this guy displaying a total lack of concern about fattening his wallet.


Thanks SO MUCH for posting this, donsu. :D

[Lisa0825]

7. That's wonderful!

[mmm]

9. super great

Yes, he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize

[redqueen]

10. Kick for some good news

:kick:

[lapislzi]

11. KICK

Thanks, donsu, for posting this.

:kick: