Prime minister Kan is in a difficult position. He must rebuild NE Japan after a natural and nuclear disaster, see that diminished electric power is apportioned properly to industry and individuals, deal with one of the worst fiscal deficits among industrialized countries, and keep the people calm and focussed.
All in all, he is doing the job he was elected to do, under difficult and unforseen conditions.

The Gulf oil disaster is still far from corrected; many businesses nd individuals who lost their livelihoods and businesses are still without compensation, and health problems and environmental damage are widespread.
Katrina problems continue, as corrective measures are inadequate.

The United States is a poor example to use in comparison.