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Japanese whalers clash with Sea Shepherd activists in Antarctic sea

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nigelboy, the only country interested in using the IWC for commercial whaling is Japan, it was not set up for "the orderly development of the whaling industry....

hobbysy70. Do me a favor and read the IWC charters.

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**There is only ONE ocean, and its dying. Top scientists in the world are alerting all humanity about the results of the way we live - and we are many. We could all take personally responsibility for our actions, cut back and make a difference for the world to survive. Whaling is one of many grave problems. Its not about who is wrong or right - could we unite and reach out to help each other to give future generations a chance? As Dr Sylvia Earle quotes 'The fate of the ocean is our fate'.

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& Heda Madness once again you bring up supposed "research" when the Japanese foreign Minister has come out & stated publicly it is about eating whales, nothing to do with research, & once again I ask you to PLEASE provide one paper that has enriched the world scientifically, or medically to back up your "research" claims, but you cannot, because there are none, for all the thousands of whales illegally slaughtered since a worldwide moratorium banning whaling, which Japan thinks does not apply to them. not one usefull document has been produced out of this so called "research", anything learned could have been done non-lethally, & if Japan was so interested in "research" it would have happily got on board with Australia, New Zealand, & other countries mounting a non-lethal research program, but it is not, it just wants to slaughter whales in a designated sanctuary, in Africa that would be called poaching, & environmental terrorism, & this is how the rest of the world views these hunts...

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nigelboy, the only country interested in using the IWC for commercial whaling is Japan, it was not set up for "the orderly development of the whaling industry", it was set up to protect whales, to save them from extinction, because countries like Japan refused to stop whaling, & refused to admit they are an endangered species, therefore set up a "sanctuary" where they were supposed to be protected, instead Japan has chosen to use this area to go & "shoot fish in a barrel". Toshiyuki, what are you talking about???? & how is it in anyway connected to the article or subsequent discussion/comments????

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I don't support either of them. But, how would oz explain that they are feeding sharks with whales to domesticate them?

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Well that would be the majority of then wouldnt it?

The operative word here is "vocal". But it appears that majority of IWC members at this point are "anti-whaling". And if they keep continuing their rhetoric, the pro whaling nations will eventually leave the IWC leaving only the anti-whaling nations. Imagine that. An organization that inspires " the orderly development of the whaling industry" run exclusively by anti-whaling nations. They can set as much "sanctuary" as they wish but will be ignored by pro-whaling nations.

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nigelboy - "those few vocal Western nations who are members of IWC"

Well that would be the majority of then wouldnt it?

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SS has started using weapon-class laser, which can permanently cause blindness. Even if "temporary blindness" on the boat can end up to death by drowning in the cold water. Time for Aussie gov to stop supporting to eco-terroism. If they believe controlled catching of mink whale is "unlawful", why not go to international court.

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To Heda Madness:

Your posts makes a lot of sense but it's completely useless to discuss with hobbsy70 for he/she is just repeating the same rant over and over again. He/she is not interested "sustainability of whaling" just like those few vocal Western nations who are members of IWC.

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Heda Madness, Japan currently harvests as much as they want! They set their own "quota's" not the IWC, so their participation in this organization is a facade, something for their own show, & something that they then use to corrupt third world nations governments to vote with them in, therefore it is a complete circus, currently controlled by the Japanese to do what ever they want, yet by saying they are totally within the law! Once again does that include breaking treaties signed enforcing no military personal in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary, & no military personal entering foreign ports unless that is what they have signed off on paperwork that that is what they are, or whaling boats entering foreign ports under false documentation?

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I'll repeat what I said before because you clearly didn't understand it.

As far as the research goes and I've said this before it's really not that difficult. The majority of the IWC want Japan to harvest no whales. Japan want to harvest as many as they like. If Japan is prevented from harvesting whales they will leave the IWC. Therefore Japan would harvest as many as they like.

By allowing the Japanese to harvest x whales a year for research, on the condition that all whale is eaten it allows both sides to keep face whilst having no negative impact on the environment. Whilst also potentially having a positive outcome due to their research.

It's called diplomacy.

No mention of bribing anyone. Nor corruption. Japan could leave the IWC, an organisation set up to ensure the sustainability of whaling, but they choose not to. I believe that Norway have in the past as they weren't happy with the restrictions placed upon them. The IWC have managed to negotiate an agreement that works for everyone.

And if Japan do set there own limits then good, because they set a limit which is clearly within the limits of sustainable harvesting.

And if you do think that the Japanese are environmental terrorists then feel free to report them to relative authorities. Interpol, FBI, The United Nations etc. See what happens. Afterall you have evidence of their terrorist activities and I'm sure that they would enforce the laws that Japan has broken. Unless of course there's this slight, tiny, remote chance that Japan is adhering to international laws.

Incidentally I don't need Google for my knowledge on this subject. I used my University's library for the foundation and have topped it up over the past 14 years with my own research with the media that's available to me.

As a final point, the actions of the IWC is the best example of biotic resource management and should be used as a case study for species such as tuna, north sea cod etc. It is possible to harvest a species that man has driven to the brink of destruction with careful management. Something that the vast majority of people don't seem to fully understand.

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Is what you call "diplomacy" bribing third world countries to vote with you to corrupt a suposidly world organization, to me & the rest of the world that is just blatent corruption for their own goals, & as for their "quota's", Japan sets them, not the IWC, maybe you should read some of the papers, try googling it, you do know how to use Google don't you? My reply to terrorism was a response to dbung 10, whose comment i quoted & showed how the Japanese complain on one hand & behave the same way in the same breath. & yes i do see the Japanese whalers as environmental terrorists, destroying the planet for their own greed without any concern for any other country, their territorial waters, & with absolutely no concern for the oceans or their ancestors traditions, eg slaughtering pregnant females, lactating mothers & calves alike, which is against their cultural beliefs & customs, try Googling it...

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The amount of blubber on whales has been reduced as a result Global Warming. Discovered by the Japanese and published in a major scientific journal in the past 18 months.

You do know how to use Google don't you?

And did you read my comment about diplomacy?

Oh, and if you think what the Japanese is doing is terrorism then I really do think you need to try and fully understand the word terrorism.

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Terroroist are people who use unlawful violence or threat of violence as a mean to get their own political or ideological ends> ****That pretty well sums up exactly what Japan is doing in Antarctica, sending military personel to an area they have signed treaty's saying they wouldn't, hunting in a designated "sanctuary" under treaties they have agreed to & signed stating they would not hunt there for food,(which is exactly what they are doing by their own admissions), lying & deliberately falsifying official paperwork to enter a port they would have otherwise been banned from. Using the Shonan Maru #2 to deliberately ram other vessels, using military grade weapons against a civilian boat, to get what they want, hunting illegally in foreign waters. Sounds like acts of terrorism to me, & then you have the environmental terrorism argument how they are destroying the oceans not only for Japan but for the whole globe. Heda Madness, please give one breathtaking discovery for either health or sciences that has come from hunting hundreds of thousands of whales, because i have seen & read these so called "research" papers, & along with many professors & marine biologists around the globe find there is absolutely nothing in any of these papers to justify these illegal slaughters.

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Why can't these Sea Shepard lot go and get proper jobs?

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Terrorists are people that use unlawful violence or the threat of unlawful violence as a means to their own political or ideological ends. The Sea Shepherd guys have seen the the IWC not quite give them what they want, and they are now using unlawful violence to try and get what they want.

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There should be other ways to stop the killing. To be honest they do not need to hunt the whales. There is enough food in Japan, and there is no reasons to kill them for science.

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The Japanese whaling fleet has previously rammed a Greenpeace boat, the >reason Greenpeace no longer get involved, so by previous comments that >this behaviour constitutes "terrorism", that means the Japanese whalers >are also "terrorist" participating in "terrorist" activities.

The FBI calls Sea Shephered eco terrorists. If you can post evidence of any law enforcement agency of any country calling the Japanese whalers "terrorists" then you would have a valid point. Otherwise, it's just sheer nonsense.

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false claims or "research"

It's only false if they don't publish. Which they do.

As far as the research goes and I've said this before it's really not that difficult. The majority of the IWC want Japan to harvest no whales. Japan want to harvest as many as they like. If Japan is prevented from harvesting whales they will leave the IWC. Therefore Japan would harvest as many as they like.

By allowing the Japanese to harvest x whales a year for research, on the condition that all whale is eaten it allows both sides to keep face whilst having no negative impact on the environment. Whilst also potentially having a positive outcome due to their research.

It's called diplomacy.

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If they rammed Greenpeace and Greenpeace learned they were playin' a dangerous game, maybe the whalers should ram these other pirates.

Greenpeace or no, I've always held the whalers should ram the SS and Co.

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The Japanese whaling fleet has previously rammed a Greenpeace boat, the reason Greenpeace no longer get involved, so by previous comments that this behaviour constitutes "terrorism", that means the Japanese whalers are also "terrorist" participating in "terrorist" activities. This year Japan has sent military personal, breaking treaty agreements they have made for these waters & territories. So the Japanese are willing to break their agreements in the IWC, they are willing to break international maritime law, they are willing to deliberately lie on official paperwork to enter a port they knew they would not be allowed to enter, yet they want the world to believe they are acting within the law! Come on!!! The rest of the world is not that stupid or gulible. & to the IRC representatives posting on here, you can continue with your lies & false claims or "research", but that argument has been debunked so many times now, even by your own Foreign Minister. As for charging Sea Shepherd crew under Japanese law, you are NOT in Japanese waters, & you refute Australian claims to these waters, then how do you then say you will kidnap them back to Japan to try them under Japanese laws, therefore breaking many foreign & maritime laws, & under who's juristriction? Japan does not own the oceans, nor should it greedily destroy it for the rest of the world, & future generations.

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There are international rules for the operations of ships at sea that the SS regularly violates. SS has also made statements that put them into the catagory of "terrorists" for a large number of law enforcement agencies.

The Japanese aren't in either catagory.

The SS edits of their activities and their portrayal of the SS as the innocents here is nothing but grandstanding for the converts. Send then your money. But try to avoid the koolade, eh?

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And ossanamerica, obfuscations like the alleged problems with sonar etc >have no bearing on this conversation because they are not killing >thousands of whales deliberately in a quasi-commercial venture.

Obfuscations? LOL. You know as well as everyone else that any further investigation into the possible harm by USN sonar to whales was stopped dead cold. How many whales die because they beach themselves? Your argument proves that you don't really give squat about the welfare of the whales, but are simply enjoying this platform to tout your anti-japan stance.

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Why all this name-calling? Why the use of this word-- terrorism?! It's >so... dirty.

It's not name calling. The FBI calls them eco terrorists. Who complains to the p[olice that they call criminals; criminals?

So the sea shepherd ppl like whales a whole lot.

So does Greenpeace but nobody calls them terrorists and they won't have anything to do with Sea Shepherd.

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'The Shonan Maru No. 2 gave false information to Australian authorities in Fremantle when they stopped in the Australian port for fuel and provisions. The Shonan Maru No. 2 reported they were not part of the Japanese whaling fleet. In fact, the Shonan Maru No. 2 is specifically permitted this year to engage in whaling activities and is currently assisting in protecting the main body of the whaling fleet.'

'At 1300 Hours, the Japanese vessel moved in with water cannons blazing. As they came closer, they turned on their LRAD's and surprisingly they began to broadcast the following message over their loudspeaker: "Steve Irwin, cease your aggressive action. Stop your aggressive action. We have the authority to repel you."'

'This was followed by, "Warning, warning. This is Shonan Maru No. 2's Captain. Stop your destructive actions immediately or we will have to hold you to Federal law."'

'It is ridiculous to accuse the Steve Irwin of attacking the Shonan Maru No. 2. The Japanese vessel is much faster. The crew of the Steve Irwin has been trying to get the Shonan Maru No. 2 off their trail for eleven days.'

'The Shonan Maru No. 2 set off the collision alert system fourteen times as it chased and circled the Steve Irwin.'

Explain to me again, who are the terrorists? Since the Japanese have pretty much dropped the 'research' part of their claim, as can be seen by the recent comments of the Japanese FM in Australia, and taking into consideration that this has been the loophole used to allow whaling- the answer seems obvious. They no longer are paying any heed to the IWC, whose skirt they have hidden behind for so long, even though the very same organisation has repeatedly asked them to cease and desist from their hunt. This makes them poachers, no?

Please, please try prosecuting the SS under 'federal law', and watch as the whole house of cards comes tumbling down.

And ossanamerica, obfuscations like the alleged problems with sonar etc have no bearing on this conversation because they are not killing thousands of whales deliberately in a quasi-commercial venture. But I think you know that. Another attempt by whaling supporters to cloud the issue with irrelevancies.

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My 2nd to last line was hard to read Agressors- sea shepherd.

Joining in the Fight- sonan maru.

Terrorists- Where? I don't see any.

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Why all this name-calling? Why the use of this word-- terrorism?! It's so... dirty.

So the sea shepherd ppl like whales a whole lot. The sonan maru pply like to eat whales a whole lot. Well, they're paid to get them for ppl who like to eat whales, or more specifically, to do research to determine the viability of returning to commercial whale hunting, and while they're at it, eat a few. (so complicated)!

So, the ppl who like whales and the pple who like to eat whales are naturally having a disagreement about it and something has to be done. So... They have a fight! Because of various intntnl laws and national interests, they can't actually kill each other, unfortunately. (No I am not a fan of killing, just if they could kill each other it would be over quicker). So they have to do annoying and almost- dangerous things to each other. Let's be clear- the whalers don't really care about the sea shepherd. The sea shepherd is searching out the whalers. Then the whalers have to do something to get the sea shepherd away so that they (whalers) can finish their job they were sent to do.

agressors- sea shepherd joining in the fight- sonan maru terrorists- where? I don't see any

Stop silly name- calling. It's a fight between ppl who want to fight.

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If you do enough research on Sea Shepherd you will see that both the Australian and New Zealand governments have been harsh in their condemnation actions.

I'm stunned that so many intelligent people can support the Sea Shepherd organization. But then again their are a lot of intelligent people in all terrorist organizations so it shouldn't surprise me that much.

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The Japanese should get more aggressive with these assanine provocateurs.

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Goodbye Dick Morris.

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Sea Shepherd are the victims of terrorism from the whalers over the last few days, that cannot be denied.

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OssanAmerica: Why not become a Japanese citizen and try and join the >whaling fleet? You seem like that type of guy morally.

Because I'm not interested in Whaling or anti-whaling. And I'm not interested in Japan or other countries. If you consider that my stance against violence and eco-terrorist activities, which are condemmed by both Greenpeace and the IWC is :not moral" I strongly suggest psychiatric counseling.

Sea Sheperd are doing a great job, way to go.

Really? If you think they got the hots over whales, just wait till they start concentrating on dogs.

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"We Japanese", says it all really. "My gaijin friends", do you really >have friends you call offensive and racist names?

Whether the term "gaijin" is racist or offensive is both debatable and sujective. The term is bo different than 국외자 or 외국 제품 is it?

Japan has the worst record going for destroying culture, ie Korea. Whaling in the Antartic is not aJapanese tradition. The only >Imperialists are the Japanese pushing fake culture to pristine waters >thousands of miles from home.

This thread is about whaling and Sea Sheperd. It's not a place to complain about Korea's history with Japan. Your argument actually supports the pro-whalers since if you feel Korea was wronged by the Japanese "destroying their culture" then one can argue that the anti-whaling western nations are trying to the same to Japan. Honestly, if you can't keep it on topic please at least think before you post.

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OssanAmerica: Why not become a Japanese citizen and try and join the whaling fleet? You seem like that type of guy morally.

Sea Sheperd are doing a great job, way to go.

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It is time to send the USN after the Japanese Whaling fleet. Japan >doesn't want to abide by the international treaty then they can fight >for their right to kill whales. If they don't want to fight for it, then >they can stop. I say a few 500LB JDAM's down the smoke stack should send >a nice message to the would-be whaling goons out there.

A remarkably ignorant comment considering that the sonar and other acoustical equipment used by the USN are considered to have serious negative affect on the whale's own sonar and homing capabilities. But of course SS don't have the balls to attack or harass US Naval ships do they?

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The FBI? Unbiased? Is that the same FBI as the FBI who spent taxpayers' >money building up a huge dossier on John Lennon and other 'dangerous >subversives'? Unbiased? Unhinged, more like. Try again.

LOL Cleo you ought to turn this into a stage act. For a moment I thought you were going to accuse the FBI of being "biased" towards Law and Order, and "biased" against criminal activity. So the fact that the FBI considers Sea Shepherd to be ECO TERRORISTS means nothing to you and they remain your heroes?

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Well, I am born again michael, after spending 30 mins of my life watching that. Many thanks for the link. I won't wish the Japanese Merry Christmas but perhaps a Happy New Year. As to this dedicated band of diehard whalers, it's hard to know what to wish them. Good luck with the new job applications?

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Stan from Southpark takes on Paul Watson AND the whalers Check this out if you have not already http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/251888

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He doesn't think there is any humanity in the Japanese, but he imagines there is humanity in whales.

As far as I know Watson has made no comment about 'the Japanese'. There are Japanese crew members on the Steve Irwin. Nor has he made any comment about the 'humanity' of whales. For some people, a lack of 'humanity' on the part of the victim is not an excuse to torture and abuse. You, apparently are not one of those people.

The Steve Irwin sent a Christmas message of goodwill to the Shonan Maru 2. They got no reply.

I don't know why Paul focuses on sealife

Is this personal? Do you know Paul Watson intimately enough to call him by his first name?

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m5 The point is that there are two sides to most arguments. Paul may have good goals, but his tactics are dirty. I think he has some mental issues. This is how wars get started. He doesn't think there is any humanity in the Japanese, but he imagines there is humanity in whales. Maybe the population will be down for a few years and later the whalers will change their own minds and then the population will increase, just like so many other "endangered" species. Now, we have dangerous animals entering cities and killing household pets. Paul is treating the Japanese like small children. I can see why they are refusing to obey his "orders".

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I'm glad to see Greenpeace kicked him out.

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If you look through the titles of his articles, he seems very proud of being violent. Paul Watson, Man of Violence. Doesn't violence beget violence?

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What is a "blinkered" manner?

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It seems pointless to expect people to have a dialog on facts. Everything I'm reading has emotional bias and emotional dismissal.

Can the two sides engage in discourse in a non emotional fashion? Otherwise this whole discussion really just a shouting match in the sandbox.

I'd like people to refute each other in concrete terms. I'll I'm seeing is emotional appeal, personal attacks, strawperson attacks, etc. You all are relying on fallacies -both sides to make points.

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Ossan -

The FBI? Unbiased? Is that the same FBI as the FBI who spent taxpayers' money building up a huge dossier on John Lennon and other 'dangerous subversives'? Unbiased? Unhinged, more like. Try again.

NihonRyu -

no matter if it was sustainably hunted or if we could somehow farm them.

I don't care if the hunt can be 'sustainable'. My problem is that it can never be humane. Neither can farming, unless your intrepid research scientists are going to succeed in breeding their tiny whale-mouse hydrids that would be able to migrate in the confines of a small pond.

they thought it was indeed surprisingly very good. They seem to now have a different perspective on the issue

Your 'gaijin friends' must be a pretty shallow bunch if they can be so easily persuaded that it's OK to inflict unspeakable suffering on an animal just because it tastes good.

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NihonRyu; "We Japanese", says it all really. "My gaijin friends", do you really have friends you call offensive and racist names?

Japan has the worst record going for destroying culture, ie Korea. Whaling in the Antartic is not aJapanese tradition. The only Imperialists are the Japanese pushing fake culture to pristine waters thousands of miles from home.

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After the revelations by the fake global warming alarmists, one can only wonder what kind of people wwould do this. Theatrical!

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Eco-terrorists hang around campuses. They need to work in the real world. It's one thing to idealize, but to use violence is so wrong.

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The supporters of seashepard on this site continue to ignore the facts. They want to bully us into never eating whale ever no matter if it was sustainably hunted or if we could somehow farm them. It is an emotional issue for them but it is also an emotional issue for us and I don't think we care what the Australians or Kiwis bullied and conqured their indigenous people into virtual irrelevancy and submission to lose their heritage but they will not threaten ours. We Japanese will not be intimidated by these modern day imperialists such as the SeaShepard nor their supporters. We know we are in the right and will not feel guilty about nationally supporting our whaling activities there. Had whale sashimi last night and had my gaijin friends from Australia and the U.S. try it just once and they thought it was indeed surprisingly very good. They seem to now have a different perspective on the issue although we have our differences they did agree the wrongness in trying to force someones cultural values on another over food is wrong especially if it is not endangering a species extinction which I believe is the central and most important issue at hand.

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Not sure why the eco-terrorists don't attack the people in restaurants, in stores - who actually eat the products.

Are they afraid of jail time?

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It seems like the Japanese could use the sovereignty claim like the Native Americans. Haven't they been whaling for a long, long time?

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Cleo-

Is this "unbiased" enough for you?

"Since 1977, when disaffected members of the ecological preservation group Greenpeace formed the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and attacked commercial fishing operations by cutting drift nets, acts of "eco-terrorism" have occurred around the globe. The FBI defines eco-terrorism as the use or threatened use of violence of a criminal nature against innocent victims or property by an environmentally-oriented, subnational group for environmental-political reasons, or aimed at an audience beyond the target, often of a symbolic nature."

http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress02/jarboe021202.htm

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Funny there is an article in this very day's paper talking of a territorial dispute between Sth Korea & Japan, in it it states, "Moon also stressed the island belongs to Sth Korea, no matter what the Japanese claim", it seems Japan thinks it owns all waters, whether in the Antarctic, 1000's of km's from home, right thru to Sth Korea! Antarctica is not a part of Japan, it is not even close.

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Ossan -

Then again, you could try using a less blatantly biased source if you want people to take you seriously.

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Cleo

Yes when you can't attack the facts, attack the source.

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Did you bother to read this? http://www.highnorth.no/library/movements/Sea_Shepherd/se-sh-re.htm

Don't be silly, why would anyone bother to read anything the high north alliance had to say about whaling? Might as well ask the icr whether whale meat tastes good.

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can't you see if the whaler did not start going there at the first >place, no one will support sea shepherd?

Do you evr bother to read what others post in replies to you? Did you bother to read this? http://www.highnorth.no/library/movements/Sea_Shepherd/se-sh-re.htm Sea Shepherd has been active in violence way before any Japanese whaling in Antarctic waters.

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I just wish these Sea Shepherd people would attack the slaughterhouses on land more.

The factory farms would be a better target. Some animals in slaughterhouses do get to die instantly and without pain, but every animal or bird raised in a factory farm suffers for the duration of its short, pathetic life, so that the slaughterhouse becomes almost a mercy. All for the sake of a bit of cheap hamburger or beef bowl.

The best 'attack', of course, is to cut off the funding, ie don't buy the muck. Except that the industry is rich enough to make its voice heard in high places, and what they don't get from profits they get in gubbmint subsidies.

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cleo: What pork chop grease?

As far as I know, you are the only one with any credibility here, and that is nothing but a true compliment to you. The others though...

I just wish these Sea Shepherd people would attack the slaughterhouses on land more. I wish we could have news and outrage about the much larger tragedies that are everyday. Even a raid on Taiji cove would be more warranted.

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Sea Shepherd and other groups will eventually prevail and stop Japanese slaughtering whales.And dolphins.They have already stopped other countries and they will not give up.If the Japanese people and even the government had any idea how much anti-Japanese feeling was generated (especially in New Zealand and Australia) by their whale and dolphin hunting they would put pressure on the companies that do it to stop

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What they are doing is legal....The whaling activity is a commercial one

You're contradicting yourself. There is a moratorium on commercial whaling. If what they are doing is commercial, it cannot be legal.

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What they are doing is legal whether you like it or not.

i don't like it, many people don't like it. and if people want support sea shephert. it is not illegal whither you like it or not.

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Clearly you have no concept of cause and effect.

do you? whaler using loophole to go hunt the whale in south ocean that why people support Sea Shepherd financially and spiritually to do what they do best. can't you see if the whaler did not start going there at the first place, no one will support sea shepherd?

who cause problem first?

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I overestimated you as well. Clearly you have no concept of cause and effect. The whalers are going to hunt whales, period. What they are doing is legal whether you like it or not. SS are a criminal organization with a long history of violence on the high seas shunned by both the IWC and Greenpeace. http://www.highnorth.no/library/movements/Sea_Shepherd/se-sh-re.htm The notion that the whalers are deliberately hunting whales to "cause problems" is assinine. The whaling activity is a commercial one, scientific research notwithstanding, and such activities are conducted on the basis of cost and time efficiency. Cruising around to "cause problems" is precisely what SS have openly declared that they are doing.

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Ok tell me what else those whalers are there to hunt besides whales?

I over estimate you, I thought you were smatter than that! Let me point out a bit more.

i think I mention something like, The whaler know who is waiting there. The whaler know who is SS. The whaler know countries around there doesn’t like whaling. The whaler know people in the country over there do support any anti-whaling activists.

That doesn’t make clear to the whaler that it will be more than a crash with the anti-whaling activists if they still go there to hunt? The whaler knows that their action will result in crash.

Because they know what will happen, that why they go there to make it happen.

That why I said they are not there to hunt the whale. They are there to cause problem to everyone.

Don’t ask me why, ask the whaler why. Why not stop going there and hunt only in Japanese water? No one ask japan to do the world whaling to manage its population. You hear anyone asking her? No one like, no one eat mercury soaked sushi whale too.

SS was there to protect the whale. If no one go there to kill the whale, ss has no need to do what they are doing.

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what make you believe that japanese whalers are there to hunt the whale >only Nothing else? seriously what make you believe in that? because they >told you so?

Ok tell me what else those whalers are there to hunt besides whales? Elephants? Ducks? Nobody, expect possibly you, on this planet thinks the whalers are there to hunt anything other than whales just as no one thinks SS is there to harass anyone other than the whalers.

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funkyumofo If SS weren't there to deliberatly hassle and interfere with the whalers operations, as they themselves have openly declared, there would be no actions by anyone against each other, either offensively or defensively.

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They say whales are intelligent. I wonder if they know what a hypocrite is?

If they were able to read JT, they'd probably point with their flippers to the wilfully blind jerks who scream about the SI using violence and 'dangerous tactics' yet are silent about or endorse the use of violence and dangerous tactics by the SM2.

What pork chop grease?

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Sorry about the quotation hassles, hope you can decipher what I mean. Computer is going slow today- must be Christmas.

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OssanAmerica

.... simply "stupid". But there certainly doesn't seem to be any shortage of that around here.

Indeed.

From OssanAmerica again

I'm not for or against whaling. So I don't know if it's great. As for my "belovedc Japan" if the situation were reversed and it were Japanese anti-whakers conducting acts of violence on the high seas, I would be crapping on them too.

whalers used a Long Range Acoustical Device (LRAD) to repel the activists' helicopter, and then blasted the aircraft with water after it landed back on the anti-whalers' ship. "This was an extremely irresponsible thing to do," helicopter pilot Chris Aultman said of the sonic equipment. "That device can cause nausea and disorientation and the use of it against an aircraft is both extremely dangerous and grossly irresponsible."

Ossanamerica again

The whalers are there to kill whales. Nothing else. SS are there to harass them and interfere with their operations ie; to cause trouble. Therefore the whalers have a need to defend themselves.

In the incident mentioned, the whalers were chasing and harassing the SS, not the other way round, the SS was making it's way to the Antarctic and was followed by a Japanese escort vessel.

It is ridiculous to accuse the Steve Irwin of attacking the Shonan Maru No. 2. The Japanese vessel is much faster. The crew of the Steve Irwin has been trying to get the Shonan Maru No. 2 off their trail for eleven days.

The Shonan Maru No. 2 set off the collision alert system fourteen times as it chased and circled the Steve Irwin.

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There are strict regulations limiting the number of whales they can catch and kill and they are always well under that number each year.

The quotas for 'scientific research' whaling are set by the government of the country doing the 'research'. There are no 'strict regulations limiting the number of whales they can catch'. The only limitation is the capacity of the holds of the ships to contain all the processed 'by-product' and the ability of the outlets to sell the stuff.

The catches have been under quota in recent years thanks to the efforts of Sea Shepherd.

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OssanAmerica, you better see the other side of the coin.

what make you believe that japanese whalers are there to hunt the whale only Nothing else? seriously what make you believe in that? because they told you so?

why not you see and judge at the whaler action too? they act knowing that people around there don't like what they are doing.they act knowing that the whale lovers are there to protect whale. they act knowing that it is going to be a crash if they go there to kill what the whale lover try to protect. by that, i see they are the trouble maker and they deserve SS to be there to show them the trouble they are asking for.

why japanese gov did nothing to stop the problem? why they use part of our tax to promote the problem by help the whaler to go and make trouble over there?

SS also say that they are there to protect the whale, why not you/we believe that too? if you want to judge whaler by only what they told you, and not what they actuary do, then it will be fair to judge SS by only what they told us too.

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Before typing your save the whales rants, could you please lick the pork chop grease neatly from your fingers first? Thanks!

They say whales are intelligent. I wonder if they know what a hypocrite is?

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@Molenir Nice to log on and find you have called me a "nut" for saying I love whales and that is dangerous to eat them because they are full of mercury. Merry Christmas to you!

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Damien15. Greenpeace has nothing to do with this.

OK, you're right, my bad. THey are seperated and SS is acting alone.

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Heda,

If a member of the Japanse fleet is killed as a direct result of Sea Shepherds actions, an organisation that you have financially supported, how would you feel?

If someone gets injured, it must be accident. I know noone from Seasheperd will intentionally kill anyone. They are there to save lives, not to end it. Whalers are more likely to cause accidents, playing with LARD and other military greade weapons. Did I answer your question?

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Not spending money to close the IWC loophole and spending that same money to support a criminal organization that the IWC has kicked out as an observer and Greenpeace won't have anything to do with is simply "stupid". But there certainly doesn't seem to be any shortage of that around here.

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& as Japan has stated if it does not get its way in the IWC it will spit its little dummy & leave! So closing the loophole in the IWC will not change their stance on whaling. & sorry our governments are not into bribing other nations to vote with us in the IWC, so will not be involved in corrupting an international organization as Japan does, so there is no need for my money to go there, so it will keep going to Sea Shepherd...

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i can see the same. but only slightly difference angle.

if the whaler won't use the loophole and care more of people over there. no one will support SS. no one would be in danger too.

think in the real world is, some people are selfish. some people are barbaric. close the loophole? the selfish won't let it happen. the barbaric use it as a reason to step in.

selfish vs barbaric i see a good match.

both create problem i don't view SS better than the whaler and the other way around. so blame only SS for the problem is wrong to me. the whaler is not there to hunt while and they know by their action it cause a lot of anger and make trouble to everyone overthere and themself. they are directly create an environment for people to support SS.

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i don't see a need to protect the whaler. they go there not only for >whaling, they also look for trouble too.

The whalers are there to kill whales. Nothing else. SS are there to harass them and interfere with their operations ie; to cause trouble. Therefore the whalers have a need to defend themselves. If whaling in those specific waters are to be stopped it has to be by closing the IWC loophole. Not pretending to be pirates on the high seas like a bunch of children.

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I'm not for or against whaling. So I don't know if it's great. As for my "belovedc Japan" if the situation were reversed and it were Japanese anti-whakers conducting acts of violence on the high seas, I would be crapping on them too.

6 days ago from difference news source.

whalers used a Long Range Acoustical Device (LRAD) to repel the activists' helicopter, and then blasted the aircraft with water after it landed back on the anti-whalers' ship. "This was an extremely irresponsible thing to do," helicopter pilot Chris Aultman said of the sonic equipment. "That device can cause nausea and disorientation and the use of it against an aircraft is both extremely dangerous and grossly irresponsible."

i don't see a need to protect the whaler. they go there not only for whaling, they also look for trouble too.

why not? they know who is waiting over there. it has been many warning before the start of every hunting season, never go there to hunt whale. they know countries over there disagree with the hunt. they never hesitate using loophole for their own gain and care of no-one over there. they too act dangerously and irresponsible for their own action.

their boldness left me no sympathy upon them.

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I agree 100% with Greenpeace as regards Sea Sheperds actions.

"We differ with Paul Watson on what constitutes violence. He states that nobody has ever been harmed by a Sea Shepherd action. But the test of non-violence is the nature of your action, not whether harm results or not. There are many acts of violence -- for example, holding a gun to someone's head -- which result in no harm. That doesn't change their nature. We believe that throwing butryic acid at the whalers, dropping cables to foul their props, and threatening to ram them in the freezing waters of the Antarctic constitutes violence because of the potential consequences. The fact that the consequences have not been realized is irrelevant."

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/paul-watson-sea-shepherd-and

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OssanAmerica; Another unbiased post regardinmg Japan. Of course whyaling >is geat is it not? Well your beleoved Japan does it, but if they >oppoesed it, then so would you , so predictable, yawn....

I'm not for or against whaling. So I don't know if it's great. As for my "belovedc Japan" if the situation were reversed and it were Japanese anti-whakers conducting acts of violence on the high seas, I would be crapping on them too. That the whalers are Japanese is irrelevant to the issue.

The whalers are clashing not Sea Shepherd, and are the ones using >violkenec and terrorist actions.

No, you're obviously not reading the news correctly or perhgaps your sense of reality is distorted. The whalers are there to hunt whales. Legally because of the IWC loophole. Sea Shepherd are there to harass and interfere with their activities. SS has said so themselves. If SS were not doing so, the whalers would have no need to defend themselves.

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BTW would you whale huggers please FGS stop pretending you're representing the "rest of the world" against Japan on this issue? Most of us here in the USA, and other countries don't give a flying harpoon about whales and we also don't like animal-rights fanatics.

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The Japanese whaling fleet can be stopped by closing the loophole in the >IWC rules. Not if Japan keeps bribing third world nations to vote with >them in the IWC,

It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that instead of spending money to support terrorists perhaps spending that money to "bribe" votes in the IWC would close the loophole.

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Dick morris; There is only one bias in my position, namely a bias for legal, lawful, non-violent methods to resolve differences. I've already named closing the IWC loophole as a solution. It's got nothing to do with pro-whaling or anti-whaling. Note how you views are emotionally biased and tainted because of your rabid whale hugging position and that you consider my very neautral statement to be biased towards "my beloved Japan" as evidence of racist bias on your part. If the situation were reversed, ie; non-Japanese whalers were doing the hunting and some crackpot Japanese whale hugging group was carrying out acts of violence, I'd be crapping on them in the same way.

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GO SEA SHEPHERDS THE JAPANESE HAVE NO RIGHT HUNTING WHALES IN A WHALE SANCTUARY

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OssanAmerica; Another unbiased post regardinmg Japan. Of course whyaling is geat is it not? Well your beleoved Japan does it, but if they oppoesed it, then so would you , so predictable, yawn....

The whalers are clashing not Sea Shepherd, and are the ones using violkenec and terrorist actions.

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The Japanese whaling fleet can be stopped by closing the loophole in the IWC rules. Not if Japan keeps bribing third world nations to vote with them in the IWC, where do Japanese think their $720,000,000 go every year? It goes into corrupting a world organization. & as Japan has threatened either they get their way or will leave, like a spoilt little child...

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Sea Shepherd are criminals and terrorists acting under the guise of "protecting whales" and fools who think with emotions rather than brains support their actions. Even Greenpeace, who does advocate protecting whales won't have anything to do with SS. Are you SS supporters so blind as to not understand this? The Japanese whaling fleet can be stopped through legal means by closing the loophole in the IWC rules.

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As people have noted above, nobody in that region wants Japan there. ALL of the countries nearest to the Antarctic are opposed to whaling. EVERY SINGLE ONE!! Count them on your fingers... Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand... these are the countries nearest to the Antarctic and hence naturally feel a close affinity for the region. How arrogant of Japan to ignore EVERY SINGLE ONE of these countries and greedily grab whales there... and for what?! To protect their "food culture"!! Since when did Japan's culture start to include the Anatarctic too?!

In japan they have a concept called "meiwaku". This means that you try to look around you and make sure you are not being a "meiwaku" to other people, make sure you are making good relations with people and not stepping on people's toes. Well, judging by Japan's attitude to whaling then for the Japanese this concept only applies in Japan between Japanese people. Foreigners are different it seems and the meiwaku concept can be ignored in dealing with them...

"Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, NZ... you can all go to hell. we don't give a damn about you... we just want whale steaks for our ojisans in izakayas... that's the most important thing for us..."

That's how Japan's attitude to whaling appears to the rest of the world.

If Japan is going to continue shoving this "food culture" stuff down our throats then Japan would do much better to take the whales in the seas surrounding Japan. And you know what... according to the Japanese government there are plenty of whales in the seas around Japan!! More than enough for this tiny tiny niche market.

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people are willing to harm other humans in order to protect animals???

More like, people are willing to harm other humans in order to kill and butcher animals.

Leaving aside the question of whether or not the whaling is illegal, the actions of the SM2 are very definitely dodgy. They are the ones with the faster ship, if they want to get out of the way of the SI they can do so with no difficulty. All this stuff about their being 'harassed' by Sea Shepherd is so much hot air. If they can't stand the heat, they should get out of the kitchen.

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Remember the only people who have (tragically) died in the Antarctic have been Japanese whalers as a result of (it seems) sloppy seamanship.

Remember the big fire on the Nisshin Maru which left that huge whaling factory ship dead in the water? ... one poor soul dead and a near disaster to the pristine Antarctic wilderness. It's very easy to imagine the fire getting out of control and the final result being a massive oil spill into that wonderful natural environment. Would the Japanese be sending a clean up operation?! Oh wait... there is no clean up operation!

Get this dangerous fleet out of there, Japan.

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Just went to the sea shepards site and made an online donation! Let's all do the same! Go sea shepard!!

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For the record I hope nobody dies down there, but they way the Japanese whaling ship Shonan Maru #2 is behaving it would not surprise me, & it if it is an activist from SSCS I am sure these comment pages would be full of praise and once again Japanese whalers are illegally whaling there, against a convention signed by their government, & lying to do so, against the wishes of surrounding countries & many around the world, so they will receive no sympathy from me...

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Molenir, exactly my thought on a whaler dying in the Antarctic, "Even though of course it was their own fault for being where they had no business being"

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Seems like it is getting to the point where people are willing to harm other humans in order to protect animals??? I definitely see a problem with this kind of thinking...

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Whales are magnificent creatures.They can live for around 200 years. By then their meat is so full of toxins and mercury that it is surely not healthy to eat.Please let them be.

If a member of the illegal whaling fleet died that would just be their KARMA for killing thousands of sentient beings, & destroying the oceans for all now & future generations. Get out of Antarctica, a designated whale sanctuary...

Wow, Cleo, you sure you want to associate your self with people like the ones above? I have to admit, that even though I'd normally be in favor of conservation, the nuts drive me to the other side.

I would be very angry if an activist were to die as a result of the whalers' antics.

Even though of course it was their own fault for being where they had no business being?

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If a member of the Japanse fleet is killed as a direct result of Sea Shepherds actions, an organisation that you have financially supported, how would you feel?

I haven't supported SS financially though I have supported them spiritually, and I would feel bad if anyone, on either side of the argument, died as a direct result of their actions. However, I do not see that as a very likely scenario.

I do not support the whalers spiritually, but I am forced to support them financially through my taxes, and it incenses me to think that my money is being used to kill whales, tell lies and deliberately try to knock helicopters out of the sky. The whalers have already in the past lost at least two of their members to their own actions (one a fire in the engine room and one a man overboard, both likely due to incompetence). I would be very angry if an activist were to die as a result of the whalers' antics.

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If a member of the illegal whaling fleet died that would just be their KARMA for killing thousands of sentient beings, & destroying the oceans for all now & future generations. Get out of Antarctica, a designated whale sanctuary...

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Whales are magnificent creatures.They can live for around 200 years. By then their meat is so full of toxins and mercury that it is surely not healthy to eat.Please let them be.

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But Damien, you didn't answer the question. You stated that

'Surely, I'd feel same if there's any casualties because of this silly fight.'

However on another thread you said you were going to donate to the Sea Shepherd organisation.

So I ask that hopefully hypothetical question again.

If a member of the Japanse fleet is killed as a direct result of Sea Shepherds actions, an organisation that you have financially supported, how would you feel?

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But greenpeace is not to blame,

Absolutely. I totally accept Greenpeace's peaceful measures to try to prevent whaling. As I posted much earlier in this thred the fact that Greenpeace have nothing to do with the Sea Shepherd due to their extreme measures should say everything that you need to know about that organisation.

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Who the hell eats whale in Japan anymore? They are just forcing the meat on school lunch menus to artificially create demand.

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Hard to say which side I hate more. If you can't see how both sides are crazy in their own way, then God help you.

I mean, as a former vegetarian I would love to see man's meat eating ways stop, but to make use of a sort of ironic pun, as far as whaling is concerned, "We have bigger fish to fry!"

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Damien15. Greenpeace has nothing to do with this.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a separate entity unaffiliated with Greenpeace founded by Paul Watson. Watson was an early member of Greenpeace but left the organization after being expelled from the board of directors owing to his confrontational methods.

Greenpeace themselves criticize the Sea Shepherds tactics.

You can read more about the Greenpeace/Sea Shepherd relationship on the Greenpeace website here : http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/paul-watson-sea-shepherd-and

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For the sea shepherd supporters, when a Japanese fisherman dies as a direct result of the seashepherds actions, how will you feel?

Surely, no such thing will ever happen. WIth the latest addition to Japanese whaling fleet, a security ship, it's more likely that one of the anti-whalers getting hurt. Surely, I'd feel same if there's any casualties because of this silly fight. But greenpeace is not to blame, they are only there to try to protect animals we love.

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If hunt is illegal, it would be in the court. It is the proper place to decide the issue.

if what Sea Shepherd is doing is illegal, it should also be in the court. It is the proper place to decide the issue. and not court has ever said that it illegal yet.

The whaling research is also done in Japanese coastal area... There are enough whales for the sustainable whaling,

then why not keep it here? you know there are anti-whaler out there right? why still go there? wouldn't it easier to protect the slaughter ships in your own water. why go there knowing they are there then complain it?

we hope the anti-whalers will change their mind

we hope the whaler will get a bit smarter and stop going there knowing somebody waiting for attract them.

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Does this mean that you accept that the Minke whales are not endangered?

I never said anything about the endangered status. All I know is that there is no guranteed way of counting the numbers of minke whales, or any other sea creatures. What one group says about the endangerment status can easily be rejected by other.

I'm saying is, pulling life out of their natural environment for purpose of eating (having variety of meat in your dish) is not respecable and seems very primitive.

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Most of the "hate" against the Japanese whalers is from severely misunderstood assumptions and lack of education on the matter.

misunderstood, such as?

protect japanese eating culture outside of japan?

protect whaling culture buy using westerner hunting style?

managing whale population at your doorstep which extent to the south ocean?

and by the way who ask you to help manage by killing it? no one ask japan to it! Sea Shepherd won't be able to get financial support if the world really need your help to reduce the whale number, trust me.

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ihope2eatwhales

And, we need not the kiwi fruit and stinking Aussie beef

Well, don't eat it. I'm sure the rest of Japan would be happy to adopt your stance and live on rice balls.

Indian people and Muslim people complain not of eating cows and pigs by Australians.

Garbage! Australia has one of the largest populations of Muslims and Hindus outside of Asia. Yet, they survive just fine.

Sustainibility is most important one, actually. International society agrees it.

Sorry, Japanese society agrees to it. NOT international society.

Very disappointing arguments indeed. Do you actually believe by slandering Australia you will change people's opinions of the whale hunt? This twit should be barred from JT and replaced by someone with some education.

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Damien15

Sustainibility is not important, we don't want any whales to be harpooned.

Does this mean that you accept that the Minke whales are not endangered?

For the sea shepherd supporters, when a Japanese fisherman dies as a direct result of the seashepherds actions, how will you feel?

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All this whale hunting talk around lunch time is making me hungry.

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Most of the "hate" against the Japanese whalers is from severely misunderstood assumptions and lack of education on the matter.

What there is to misunderstand? They want to kill and eat whales, animals rest of the world admires and loves. Sustainibility is not important, we don't want any whales to be harpooned.

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Perhaps, it's right time that they reviewed the international laws and stepped up the regulations.

These laws are debated quite regularly at the IWC and usually are changed very little

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Potsu at 09:08 AM JST - 24th December Then why aren't they ??

Partly because it's in the Antarctic, far away from anyone to actually see it happen. Then, they are careful where they make port. However, some of the members ARE actually wanted by authorities in some countries.

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"What THEY are doing is illegal and should be stopped."

Then why aren't they ??

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There are strict regulations limiting the number of whales they can catch and kill and they are always well under that number each year. Most of the "hate" against the Japanese whalers is from severely misunderstood assumptions and lack of education on the matter.

Everyone else above who mentioned that the Sea Shepherd is in the wrong is absolutely correct. What THEY are doing is illegal and should be stopped. JHansen, if the US Navy was to get involved, they would PROTECT the whalers from the pirate and terrorist actions of the Sea Shepherd. THAT is how the world works, it's called International Law, and the only ones not abiding by it, are the members of the Sea Shepherd. It's a matter of fact, not opinion.

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Haha, Lasers.

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Why? Obviously Japan has a need for whaling like the US has a need for oil/gas. I do believe some control is needed like in anything. So, setting some restrictions is the way to go. Face it! Japan is going to continue whaling.

For instance, the environmental regulations that started in the US were meant to protect humans and asethetics not for the environment.

I bet that activist ship doen't run on hydro fuel.

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Japan’s whale hunts are allowed under international rules as a research program, despite a 1986 ban on commercial whaling.

Perhaps, it's right time that they reviewed the international laws and stepped up the regulations.

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yamashinaku, I think this is the problem with our current government. They have poisoned their brains eating mercury and heavy metal laden whale meat and thus have a hard time making decisions. The Sea Shepard is trying to help them kick this habit and reform their minds and bodies. Keep up the good work Sea Shepard! Protecting Innocent Whales and the Ojisans in Japan from themselves.

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I saw a little of this conflict on TV tonight. Kind of weird with the batmobile ship they have.

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Why would the USN have anything to do with this? And Japan is abiding by international agreements.

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How many whales must you kill for research that you would have enough left over to sell for human consumption? Just want to know.

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The Japanese always give "food culture" as the main reason for their continued whaling. Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada also brought up "culture" when talking about Japan's whaling recently.

So what people are wondering is: How the hell can Japan's culture include the Antarctic?!

I really do want to know. If some Japanese people posting here could please explain the connection between Japan's culture and the Antarctic I would be very interested to hear it.

Frankly speaking, I think it is very greedy and arrogant of Japan to include a pristine wilderness area on the other side of the globe as a part of their culture.

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johnnyreb: Gotta agree with you. If these activists and other critics don't think that Japan is doing valid research then they should set out to prove that and get the IWC to disallow it. Using violence to try and stop the whaling is nasty and futile.

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Again, more harassment and putting life at danger over whaling.... The Sea Shepherd crew and capt should go to jail for their actions...

What of the whalers? Yeah, they should go to jail as well for illegal whaling - but it does not give the Sea Shepherd the right to assault and attempt to murder another human over this.

If I were to see a bank robbery in action, I have no right to kill the robber. I have no right to run the robber over with my car. I have no right to shoot the robber.

Self defense is one thing, but to initiate an assault on someones life...

And for all those who say the Whalers also "assault' the Sea SHepherd, they only do so out of self defense - the whalers only care about the whales - assaulting another ship does not bring them profit, the whales do.

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why does this article feel it necessary to link to the eco-terrorists website? would you do the same for al-qaeda in a story about osama bin-laden?

japan is obeying international laws. they are doing research. these 'sea shepherd' eco-terrorists can't understand that if they disagree, they should go through their country's own legal channels to attempt to hinder or pressure the japanese into ceasing their legal activities. otherwise, it's terrorism, plain and simple.

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It is time to send the USN after the Japanese Whaling fleet. Japan doesn't want to abide by the international treaty then they can fight for their right to kill whales. If they don't want to fight for it, then they can stop. I say a few 500LB JDAM's down the smoke stack should send a nice message to the would-be whaling goons out there.

Oh yeah, if culture is the primary reason why Japan still engages in this draconian activity, then what about this cultural justification; sinking Japanese ships is part of our culture. I am sure Australian and Americans can easily make that claim and back it up with tons of examples.

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LRADs, lasers, and “fired ball-like projectiles", is it me or am I reading an episode of Star Trek???

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Scrap the subsidies, and let the would-be blubber-eaters pay their own way.

Zounds! Capitalism. Right on!

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The Japanese accuse both Sea Shepherd ships of trailing ropes in failed bids to entangle the whaler’s rudder and propellor.

Liberal terrorism.

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Hey, man, if it's acid, throw some my way, rancid or not! Harpooning on acid's gotta be a thrill.

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The Japanese accuse both Sea Shepherd ships of trailing ropes in failed bids to entangle the whaler’s rudder and propellor.

From the icr's homepage -

At past 1100JST, the Steve Irwin crew started to deploy a rope from the ship’s stern. When the Japanese ship approached to closely monitor these activities,.....

In other words the SM2 was the one to close the distance between the two ships. They see the other ship trailing a line in the water, approach of their own accord, and then complain that the trailing line poses a threat to their rudder and propellor? How about not deliberately putting yourself in the way of a trailing line?

It's pretty obvious the SM2 is acting aggressively and trying to play the victim card at the same time.

Some people want to impose their ideas and lifestyle on others.

A handful of people who want to eat whales are forcing everyone else to subsidise their habit. Without the subsidies paid for out of the taxes of millions of people who have never eaten whale and have no intention of ever eating whale, the Japanese whaling industry would be dead in the water. Scrap the subsidies, and let the would-be blubber-eaters pay their own way.

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The New Zealand-registered Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Ady Gil came within 20 meters of colliding with the bow of Japanese harpoon ship Sonan Maru No. 2

Too bad... the 16 ton Ady would've shattered and gone down in seconds if it had actually collided...

Maybe the Shonan Maru can arm themselves with beanbag/rubber shotgun shells and pepper the Ady's hull with it. Of course, a JCG clipper with 20mm cannons would be more effective against pirates.

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Too bad for whalers who shouldn't expect much help from their government that thought conducting refuelling operations in the UN approved Afghanistan Anti-terror operations was too controversial of a commitment. If terrorists don't accept cash for visa as ransom, no Japanese citizen should rely on their government at all.

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Whale meat is full of carcinogens. It is very toxic. Only ignorant idiots would eat it.

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With regards to the Sea Shepherd organisation it's worth remembering that the likes of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth having nothing to do with this organisation due to their radical and dangerous tactics.

That should say it all.

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[...] with weapons including water cannon, blinding lasers and bottles of rancid acid.

I think the author goes a little overboard with his/her choice of words.

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Today, we can do without whale meat.

Today, thankfully, you can have what you want. Some people want whale. Some do not.

Some people want to impose their ideas and lifestyle on others.

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So nice to see everyone labeling and condemning the Sea Shepard crew from the comfort of their PC chairs. There has only been one sensible comment made on this thread:

Schopenhauer - I am a postwar generation Japanese. I ate boiled miso-falvored whale meat (casserole?) often in those days. It was a good meal when we could not afford proteins other than fish. Recently I found that they were not "meat" but skins and fats closer to skins. The "meat" always had a black part and a white part. They were sliced very thin yet they were very hard. They were sold not at meat shops but at fish shops. Today, we can do without whale meat.

Very well said Schopenhauer!

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"Sea Shepherd" is a facade. They are anti-capitalist, pure and simple.

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The boat's name is "Steve Irwin?!" LOL

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If this was a US vessel they would probably been blown to smithereens by now and nobody would think twice.

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Those Seashepherd pirates should get arrested. Why is the world allowing such acts? Nothing against their protests but then do it peacefully.

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Activists have too much time on their hands!!! Eating and hunting whales is OK!! This link is for the activists out there: http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=whales_suck

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I am a postwar generation Japanese. I ate boiled miso-falvored whale meat (casserole?) often in those days. It was a good meal when we could not afford proteins other than fish. Recently I found that they were not "meat" but skins and fats closer to skins. The "meat" always had a black part and a white part. They were sliced very thin yet they were very hard. They were sold not at meat shops but at fish shops. Today, we can do without whale meat.

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yep.

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And even if there is an real action (and/or serious damage) what on earth are the respective governments going to do about it anyway?

I hear Kevin Rudd is getting pretty serious about things. He means it. Sure they have some footage that's been sitting around for two years, but he probably can't find it, what with all the files he's been throwing at his staff. What an animal. I wonder if the Sea Shepherd would protect him if he flopped into the ocean.

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1000 year 'tradition' of hunting, using explosive harpoons from giant ships, 10000km from home that the IWC and many governments have repeatedly asked them to stop? Alleged tradition is not a valid reason in this case, neither is the ludicrous 'research' defense, which I notice even the Japanese government is backing away from now.

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my2sense.... so the Japanese have been sending whaling fleets with grenade-tipped harpoons down to the Antarctic for the last 1000 years ?

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Discovery did a show on this last year and I found it entertaining... You cant change a 1000 year tradition... but I do hate the whole whaling thing and hows its done.

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And even if there is an real action (and/or serious damage) what on earth are the respective governments going to do about it anyway?

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Neither reported any injuries or ship damage.

Get back to me when there's some real action.

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