dpmattes comments

Every year the same old story and the same lame pro-whaling rants. Though there are some fine posts that are thoughtful as well. It's not anti-Japanese to fight the Whale hunters-it's has nothing to with the Western world imposing or bullying the East. It's simply people defending part of a species against human cruelty and slaughter. I think the majority of the Japanese people would agree-upon seeing the 'scientific research' being conducted that it is barbaric and should be ended. There is much about Japan and it's people to admire and that will not change, but this whaling business and the lies constructed to continue it taint the image. Just like the Seal slaughter stains Canada's image, or practices in any number of other places. Japan is a target because of the size of the research hunts probably. Best of luck to the three ships from of the Sea Shepherd fleet participating this year. The issue is pretty cut and dry and no amount of talk is going to change the stand of those against it or for it. There's only one way to stop this:best of luck to the three ships from of the Sea Shepherd fleet participating this year. Also good luck and thanks to the fine people of Japan working for change-it's far more difficult and risky from within than working from the outside.

Staying focused on the topic is difficult it appears. The response by Israel is, as always, over the top. There is nothing to be gained by making Gaza more miserable a place and by taking life in such a callous manner. This back and forth, tit for tat, eye for a scar has been going on since I can remember. It will not stop unless the leaders of the two factions seriously work on a peaceful solution. Israel will do what it wants on it's own terms and call any criticism of its actions anti-semetic, and the US will always side with Israel, and the UN will condemn lightly whatever hardship and suffering is brought upon the Palastinians. I believe the tide of support will eventually turn and thus shape the future into a more hopeful and bearable one for the people involved, because all life is valuable and it's loss should not be met with cheers by anyone-especially those typing their 'thoughts' into message boards from the comfort of their safe warm homes in nice war free zones.