I've read a number of things on Google reader about how what is going on with the nuclear reactors in the Japan isn't as bad as you think it might be.

Here is one:  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/14/fukushiima_analysis/

I don't know...for one thing, I don't think this is over.  How about we wait to declare these reactors as safe until after they get them under control?  The referenced article was written two days ago.  A few things have happened since then.

Don't get me wrong--I wouldn't doubt that some people's fear exceeds the reality of the danger.  I also don't know that this means we should build more nukes--things went well in Japan, but what if they had cut corners? Maybe after this whole thing is over, it will have turned out to not be such a big deal.  The radiation released may be short-lived, just as the article asserts.   And there is another valid point--it's not like coal mines, oil rigs, and refineries aren't dangerous.  Of course, if this had been a wind-farm and not a nuclear reactor there wouldn't be anything to report, except maybe, "A cow was killed when the earthquake knocked over a windmill at the wind-farm."
whatever.

I do hope things start going better in Japan.