Tragedy of Hiroshima

Tomorrow, August 6th, marks 64 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan by the United States at the end of World War II. Targeted for military reasons and for its terrain (flat for easier assessment of the aftermath), Hiroshima was home to approximately 250,000 people at the time of the bombing. The U.S. B-29 Superfortress bomber "Enola Gay" took off from Tinian Island very early on the morning of August 6th, carrying a single 4,000 kg (8,900 lb) uranium bomb codenamed "Little Boy". At 8:15 am, Little Boy was dropped from 9,400 m (31,000 ft) above the city, freefalling for 57 seconds while a complicated series of fuse triggers looked for a target height of 600 m (2,000 ft) above the ground. At the moment of detonation, a small explosive initiated a super-critical mass in 64 kg (141 lbs) of uranium. Of that 64 kg, only .7 kg (1.5 lbs) underwent fission, and of that mass, only 600 milligrams was converted into energy - an explosive energy that seared everything within a few miles, flattened the city below with a massive shockwave, set off a raging firestorm and bathed every living thing in deadly radiation. Nearly 70,000 people are believed to have been killed immediately, with possibly another 70,000 survivors dying of injuries and radiation exposure by 1950. Today, Hiroshima houses a Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum near ground zero, promoting a hope to end the existence of all nuclear weapons. (34 photos total)

A Japanese soldier walks through a leveled area in Hiroshima, Japan in September of 1945, one month after the detonation of a nuclear bomb above the city. From a series of U.S. Navy photographs depicting the suffering and ruins that resulted from the blast. (U.S. Department of Navy)

2

An aerial view of Hiroshima, viewed some time shortly before the bomb was dropped on it in August of 1945. The scene shows a very densely built-up area of the city on the Motoyasu River looking upstream. (Hiroshima: The United States Strategic Bombing Survey Archive, International Center of Photography, Purchase, with funds provided by the ICP Acquisitions Committee, 2006) #

3

An early photograph of Hiroshima, before August 1945, looking upstream on the Motoyasu River toward what would become the most famous of all Hiroshima landmarks - the domed Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, immediately adjacent to ground zero. The building was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in April 1915. (Hiroshima: The United States Strategic Bombing Survey Archive, International Center of Photography, Purchase, with funds provided by the ICP Acquisitions Committee, 2006) #

4

Detail from a U.S. Air Force map of Hiroshima, pre-bombing, circles drawn at 1,000 foot intervals radiating out from ground zero, the site directly under the explosion. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) #

5

Commander A.F. Birch (left), shown numbering the bomb codenamed "Little Boy" unit L-11, before loading it on trailer in Assembly Bldg. #1, prior to it being loaded aboard the B-29 Superfortress bomber "Enola Gay", on the base of the 509th Composite Group at Tinian Island in the Marianas Islands in 1945. Physicist Dr. Norman Ramsey stands at right - he would later go on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1989. (U.S. National Archives) #

6

"Little Boy" unit rests on a trailer cradle in a pit below the open bomb bay doors of the B-29 Superfortress bomber "Enola Gay" on the 509th Composite Group base at Tinian Island in the Marianas Islands in 1945. Little Boy was 3 m (10 ft) long, and weighed 4,000 kg (8,900 lb), but only carried contained 64 kg (141 lbs) of uranium which would be used to create a nuclear chain reaction, and resulting explosion. (U.S. National Archives) #

7

Shortly after 8:15 am, August 5, 1945, looking down on the rising smoke from the atomic explosion above the city of Hiroshima from one of two U.S. Air Force bombers from the 509th Composite Group. By the time this photo was taken, the flash of light and intense heat from a fireball 370 m (1,200 ft) diameter had already taken place, and an intense shockwave radiating out faster than the speed of sound was dissipating, having done most of its damage to ground structures and people in a circle 3.2 km (2 mi) in diameter. (U.S. National Archives) #

8

Shortly after 8:15 am, August 5, 1945, looking back at the growing "mushroom" cloud above Hiroshima. When a portion of the uranium in the bomb underwent fission, and was transformed instantly into an energy of about 15 kilotons of TNT (about 6.3 × 10¹³ joules), heating a massive fireball to a temperature of 3,980 C (7,200 F). The superheated air and smoke rapidly rose through the atmosphere like a giant bubble, dragging a column of smoke up with it. By the time this photo was made, smoke had billowed 20,000 feet above Hiroshima while smoke from the burst of the first atomic bomb had spread over 10,000 feet on the target at the base of the column. (U.S. National Archives) #

9

A view of destruction in Hiroshima, in the autumn of 1945, across one of the branches of the river that cut across the delta the city is centered on. (Hiroshima: The United States Strategic Bombing Survey Archive, International Center of Photography, Purchase, with funds provided by the ICP Acquisitions Committee, 2006) #

10

A View Of ground zero in Hiroshima in the autumn of 1945, showing total destruction resulting from dropping of the first atomic bomb. The hypocenter (point directly below the bomb explosion) is visible in this photograph, approximately above the Y-shaped intersection at center-left. (U.S. National Archives) #

11

Click, drag and zoom above to better view this panoramic view of a destroyed Hiroshima, made up of five photographs taken from the roof of the Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Building on October 6th, 1945, only 2 months after the bombing. At far left are the ruins of the Geibi Bank Building and Shima Hospital. At center is the ruined structure of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, beyond it a bridge across the Matoyasu River, just about at the hypocenter of the explosion. At lower right is the still-standing structure of the Red Cross building, its roof depressed from the shockwave. At far right is the T Bridge at the meeting of the Matayashu River and the Ota River. To view the full panorama image (10,000 pixels wide), click here. To see the original five component photos at 2,500px, click 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (U.S. National Archives) #

12

Bridge across the Ota river, 880 meters from the hypocenter of the bomb burst above Hiroshima. Note where roadway is burned and the ghostly shadow imprints left where the surface was shielded by cement pillars. (U.S. National Archives) #

13

Color photograph showing damage in Hiroshima in March of 1946. (U.S. National Archives) #

14

Bomb damage to Okita Iron Works, Hiroshima, Japan. November 7th, 1945. (U.S. National Archives) #

15

A street scene showing atomic bomb damage in Hiroshima. Note how the sidewalk has been pushed up, and a drain pipe has punched through through the bridge. Scientists say this phenomenon is due to a vacuum created by pressure of the atomic blast. (U.S. National Archives) #

16

This patient (photographed by Japanese forces on October 2nd, 1945) was about 6,500 feet from ground zero when the rays struck him from the left. His cap was sufficient to protect the top of his head against flash burns. (U.S. National Archives) #

17

A view of the densely packed houses of Hiroshima weeks after the bombing, at the edge of the severely damaged area (note the flattened buildings at bottom). (U.S. National Archives) #

18

Twisted iron girders are all that remain of this theatre building located about 800 meters from ground zero. (U.S. National Archives) #

19

The Hiroshima Fire Department lost its only ladder truck when its West Side main fire station was destroyed by the blast and fire of the atomic bomb, 1,200 m (4,000 ft) from ground zero. (U.S. National Archives) #

20

An aerial overview of Hiroshima in autumn of 1945. The hypocenter and Atom Bomb Dome are visible at top center. (U.S. National Archives) #

21

Color photograph of the ruins of central Hiroshima in autumn of 1945. (U.S. National Archives) #

22

A "shadow" of a hand valve wheel on the painted wall of a gas storage tank after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Radiant heat instantly burned paint where the heat rays were not obstructed, 1,920 m (6,300 ft) from ground zero. (U.S. National Archives) #

23

A victim of the bombing in Hiroshima lies in a makeshift hospital located in one of the remaining in bank buildings in September of 1945. (U.S. Department of Navy) #

24

From the caption provided with this photo of a victim from Hiroshima: "The patient's skin is burned in a pattern corresponding to the dark portions of a kimono worn at the time of the explosion". (U.S. National Archives) #

25

Blast victims shown in a fly-infested makeshift hospital in a bank building in Hiroshima on September 15th, 1945. (U.S. Department of Navy) #

26

Formation of keloidal scars on the back and shoulder of a victim of the Hiroshima blast. The scars have formed where the victim's skin was directly exposed to the heat of the explosion's initial flash. (U.S. National Archives) #

27

An aerial view of ground zero and the now-famous Atom Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, weeks after the bombing of August 6, 1945. (U.S. National Archives) #

28

A man looks over the expanse of ruins left by the explosion of the atomic bomb on in Hiroshima, Japan. (AP Photo) #

29

An aerial view of the destruction in an industrial section of Hiroshima, seen in the autumn of 1945. (U.S. National Archives) #

30

A view of Hiroshima and outlying hills, seen in the autumn of 1945, from the ruins of the Red Cross building, less than one mile from the hypocenter. (U.S. National Archives) #

31

Members of the U.S. Army examine the area around ground zero in Hiroshima, Japan in the autumn of 1945. (U.S. National Archives) #

32

Visitors view a panorama showing the aftermath of the atomic bomb attack, at a museum at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on July 27, 2005 in Hiroshima. Japan. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images) #

33

The Peace Flame has burned for the atomic bomb victims at the Memorial Cenotaph at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, western Japan, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. The flame has burned continuously since it was lit on August 1, 1964. It symbolizes the anti-nuclear resolve to burn the flame "until the day when all such weapons shall have disappeared from the earth." (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) #

34

Hiroshima today - detail from a panoramic view of Hiroshima Peace Memorial seen on April 14, 2008.

Azmin Ali and Hassan Ali

PETALING JAYA: PAS Youth Centre deputy president criticized the attitude of the People's Justice Party (PKR), Mohamed Azmin Ali when viewed attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the PAS when the party demanding action against Selangor exco Datuk Dr Hasan Ali.

Vice-chief, Dr Raja Ahmad Al-Hiss said, Mohamed James PAS should respect them as partners in the Pakatan Rakyat not to make demands and open criticism of Hasan who is a member of the PAS.

"PAS Youth is upset by a statement urging of James who want to Datuk Hasan is action.

"We want to clarify that the Commissioner Hasan was still a member of the PAS and James have to respect these conditions.

"We at the PAS was also uncomfortable with what they tried to James as if the state does not respect the PAS in the PR itself. In that circumstance, it is like the efforts of outsiders to intervene in the PAS," he said in a statement here, Saturday.

On Friday Mohamed PAS James loudly demanded to take stern action against Hasan, a former Selangor PAS Commissioner who previously called for people not participating in the rally 'Anwar Release 901'.

Agitation was made as Mohamed Azmin rekaksi Hasan's statement also said the 901 demonstrations organized by PKR as a vain and can be harmful, especially to young people.

Besides King James Mohamed Ahmad also reminded to keep the atmosphere of understanding between both parties in the best PR.

He said that this atmosphere is not possible since each party in the Pakatan Rakyat should memilihara their respective party members rather than making such statements.

"If that ever before when two people of the State Legislative Assembly (Assemblyman) party in Perak PKR out first, whether the PAS make such statements?

"This includes a number of PKR assemblymen and MPs who quit the party. Is PAS PKR point fingers in this issue?

"Consequently, we hope James can use the existing channels in the People's Alliance for this kind of very sensitive issues.

"We also hope that the People's Alliance Council warn strongly against the statement of James in the same time if the issue Datuk Hasan was also discussed," he said.

New state of Penang

New state of Penang

Captain Light a King

When recalled the old days

Sitting flowing tears

1. Pantun was written by "artisans nonsense" in Penang boria teams in the British period.

2. We rarely hear this pantun now, but when I was a teenage boy, I often hear. To some extent I feel sad too. Tears do not flow, but it haunts my mind.

3. Penang Malays at that time had lost their position in the rapidly developing island declaration as a result of duty-free island by the British. While the row of shops and houses occupied by the castle rock, like others, they, the Malays were forced to move to escape from the development of the city of Penang as an offer to sell their properties are high, and they are all poor and can not buy or rent a shop or dwelling house established, after selling their land.

4. Then, when the development reaches the area where the Malays had fled, they again sell the land and moving away from development.

5. Gradually they sink in the growing foreign community and luxury. That is their fate, a group of people isolated in their own country. But their tears flow freely.

6. Difficult for those who are born in this era, the time of opportunity in piles, all easy days, the time leading Malay race, age at the hands of the Malays, they are difficult to describe the lives of Penang during the British period.

7. What we need to be remembered the position of the Malays in Penang that time? Does not have to. After achieving success, we might not suffer the fate of the Penang Malay.

8. Once able to remain successful, once independent, remain independent. Did not Hang Tuah has said "tak akan Melayu hilang di dunia". This assurance is given to the Malays. We will continue to Malays even if only a driver, laborers, office boys. We Malays. No need to flowing tears.

 Chedet

Berhijrahlah before its too late

(Daily Herald 28/11/11) 
This article I modified this slightly from last week's blog article as yet to be published by the Daily Herald. We readers know if there is a repetition of the facts. Articles about the pilgrimage in the Daily Herald last Monday said there is no ummpph. 

Islamic New Year in succession. The theme chosen for the theme to alert Muslims to become better. However, reality happens on the other. Muslims are still the same situation, even more alarming. What is clear ultra kiasu stronger and increasingly bold.They dispute the position of the Malays and Islam clearly enshrined in the constitution without a sense not read. Apart from Islam, issues related to Malay Muslims is also a great challenge. The existence of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), International Islamic University (IIU), College of Science College, Matriculation and so be used to discredit Islam and propagate injustice. Please read the latest articles ultra kiasu that claim to be a professor. Various charges leveled government and the Malay Muslims. Including the education system operate. 

He claimed, non-Malay students grieve with Higher Certificate Examination Malaysia (STPM), while the Malay students in the institution's own through the examination and Matriculation Mara because the question made ​​by the teacher or lecturer at the institution. It is not surprising, he said, many Malay students get excellent results every year because questions have been leaked. This charge is excessive, barbarous and rude.He did not realize how many Malay students also take STPM? Why is he only refers to non-Malay students who took STPM? This is an agenda that is very subtle and Desperado.

If that's the case, then, the students involved universitipun same as the majority of lecturers and students are Malays (Muslims) and natives. The question most people who get the first and second class of each convocation in Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) or private institutions of higher learning (IPTS)? Does the presence of overwhelmingly Muslim lecturer in public, then the questions were leaked to the Malay students. What about non-Malay lecturer, is the question of non-Malay students are not leaked? 

Why not mention the ultra kiasu directly the existence of Chinese Private School, Tunku Abdul Rahman College, an independent university as Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UTAR), Open University Vision, Universitui AIMST and hundreds of private institutions owned by non-Malays and ultra kiasu? The university is not enough to cover non-Muslims are less than 40 percent? Take this back also how many university students who are sent to Taiwan and China? Look over the years how they urged the government to provide scholarships, placements in local and foreign universities for critical subjects (medical) and others. What is their entry into public and private universities showed no dumping of non-Malays are in the ivory tower? Why Muslims often made ​​a victim and alleged racist, but not them? There may be a non-Malays who claim to use their own money than the Malay Muslims. Is this correct? Review the assistance of the government. Thousands of hectares of land were sacrificed to the development of racism as UTAR university, AIMST and other private institutions? What a rich non-Malays today solely his own efforts, without looking at how the existing systems be they rich? 

Have the Muslims accuse teachers or lecturers IPTS provides leak question to the students? Writer of the article claiming that she was a professor should make a detailed research. When it is said to be in the Malay Muslim racist. When do they have, it is justice. 

How many Malay students who fail in public against non-Malay students each year? If the Malay teachers leaked exam questions of course Malay students who will receive the best marks. But the fact is exactly how? Wild accusations have no basis and is not responsible? Are all these facilities can be enjoyed by a minority of Muslims in China and India? Are there Muslims allowed to say this is racist? 
The question of government-linked companies (GLCs), employment in the public sector and the distribution of unit trusts has also been raised. Make a study how many non-Malays who have been appointed to hold the high and policymaking. Look also at what has happened to Petronas. Who is more powerful, Malay or ultra kiasu? How many non-Malays who have been included on the Board of Petronas, Maybank, CIMB Bank, AmBank and other Malay-owned enterprises? Compared with banks and non-Malays. How many Malays were appointed as 'sir pacak' (chairman / director) to get government tenders and contracts? While the Malays were not given a role? Only the salaries and allowances for blind. I am very sad to see the 'big men, influential, and called "This used. Malay and Islamic agenda where ignored. They are preoccupied with money that diumpankan. 

Let my people! Yea, that we have been manipulated for so long. Outside there are many who complain because merempat in their own land. Ask the Malays who are in their hearts Petronas how does it hurt to see this situation when the Malay workers began to be marginalized, including the awarding of a contract. Therefore, I ask you and appeal to the Malay Muslims who have held high office in the Petronas to monitor this matter.Do not just fun and fantasy with a given high posts. The position of trust, execute well-guarded. Think of the pros and cons to the future of religion and race in making any decision. 

A further question, why not compare with the private sector dumping dominated by non-Malays more than 70 percent of hiring mostly non-Malays at the expense of the Malay Muslims? Nay, were the position and the use of Malay language in there. No practice or didaulatkan. If there is an employee of Islam and the Malay language is used, it is to popularize the sale. See how the Malays (including Indonesian workers) are exploited for their business interests. 

How many Malay workers who are exploited are not allowed to pray during work hours and the Friday prayer. I am wondering why the political parties such as UMNO, PAS and PKR are not sensitive to this matter. Should we blame this one UMNO, as if we are not guilty. Has the state government of Selangor and Penang to take this matter seriously?Does the non-Malays are given written notification by the state government to respect the Muslim employees to fulfill its responsibilities? 

I call on Muslims to be wary of ultra kiasu plan which clearly in cahoots with the enemies of Islam to destroy the Malays and Islam. As a Chinese Muslim, I must rise to defend him, as if lost to Islam, then escape religious faith, no matter whether they are Muslim or a new born convert to Islam. 

In conjunction with the Islamic New Year 1433, themed "basic understanding solidarity", let us understanding and united in the name of Islam, the face of all evil greedy ultra kiasu planning seeks to destroy Islam. Berhijrahlah before its too late, before the rice into porridge. Tears of blood will not be able to return even after a porridge of rice later. Happy 1433 Maal Hijrah. 

Assoc. Prof Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah 
Group Political Thought and Islamic Civilization 
National Defence University of Malaysia