ElJeffeEnJapon comments

Republicans would not be even making these arguments if their candidate had won in 2008. They would be offering other lame excuses as to why our deficit skyrocketed.

Nessie- good one!

Anyone have recommendations for Nagasaki? I'm here on business and need to get out of this damn hotel for some fun!!!

Tora-

There you go. I think you have a valid point about opposition from affected municipalities up north. It was a wild thought as a possible way for Japan to help spread the locations of US installations that are concentrated in Okinawa.

Tora- All right there tiger. Glad you can google the meaning of jeffe. I think you are trying to direct your particular issues with the US bases at me for things way out our both our control. Again, it was just an idea from left field. Instead of trying to be a toughguy poster and defend your position why not try and discuss rational ideas. If you don't feel my post was rational, that's fine. Generating discussion was the target, not attempting to solve Japan's problems. And when you list someone's name before you post, it typically means you are responding directly to them. Or all all the American posters on JT listed as ElJeffe?

Tora, simmer down son. Let's visit the idea of returning a base instead of taking a shot at me because I might be American. Re-locate Futenma and the problem is solved according to your logic. Hell, the US can also throw in a couple more for good measure. But moving Futenma to Henoko, no chance right? And btw, who mentioned a forced relocation and why must the US offer a national park in Hawaii? There will be a vacuum created by the eventual US departure. What are Okinawan options to fill it?

I think you have mistaken opportunity for option. People had a choice to compare their current situation to those in other cities and make their decisions on where to live. What is their option now? The obvious answer is to rebuild. Donations from across the globe will be essential in helping this to happen. But will everyone want to rebuild in the same place? Will they be able to? In my opinion, building military installations in Tohoku would require less urban planning and at the same time possibly allow for the easing of hosting burdens in Okinawa.

At least this might generate some ideas and conversation. Not trying to be the end all know all poster here.

How about this? And I'm just throwing it out into the wind here. Since there is so much devastation up north, setting aside a large parcel of land to accommodate relocation of some US military in Okinawa. In turn, offer those that might be displaced with this move the option to re-locate to Okinawa. Again, just an idea out of left field from El Jeffe.

To add to your last one though lincolnman, would Japan have had as many resources and funds to stage their cosmic rise post WWII if it were not for the US and their military presence? A couple of points to consider: 1. The US became the #1 market for Japanese made products. Sony, Honda, Toyota, Panasonic, etc. would be be much smaller organizations today. Not saying they would never have grown to become powerhouses, just that it would have taken a much longer time to enter new markets and convince customers to move past their wartime aggressions. 2. If Japan was forced to provide for its total defense upon the end of the Allied occupation (most people tend to forget that British, Aussie and Dutch forces were also stationed here after the war) would there have been enough tax revenue to create some of the greatest public transportation systems, a enviable capitol city and the general prosperity Japan enjoyed and continues to enjoy? Thank you.

lincolnman - Again, another solid post. You touched upon the points I was just about to rebuff.

RobertCB- relief aid is part of the security alliance. I think you choose to view only what you want to view. You only see US military pulling back when this article clearly reports on them moving in and making a difference. Non essential personnel/families were voluntarily vacated. Non essential material was relocated from potentially affected areas. Only 20,000 US service members have taken part as a result of Japan having the lead and mobilizing the majority of their SDF. The military communities have taken it on their own to raise funds and assist in any way possible. You really need to open up and learn more. The fact that you cannot see it from the inside of your living space doesn't entitle you to make claims and degrade Japan's closest ally on their actions during this crisis.

I think Ms. Hiraoka should refuse any assistance from the US military members if she still fundamentally doesn't agree with their presence in Japan. But as she admits, she is happy for their help. That's the problem with a majority of anti-US Japanese. They chant "Yankee Go Home!!" all day long until there is a situation. Then it becomes "Domo arigato gozaimasu Yankee san!".

As long as the US quickly passes the lead on this operation to other NATO and UN countries it will lower the US presence and involvement. Arab countries such as Qatar and UAE should take a very active role as well. Remember, intervention was approved by the UN Security Council due to Gadhafi's military attacks on his own people. It can be expressed to the region as Western and Arab nations coming to the aid of Libyan people who are resisting Gadhafi.

Sounds like Calderon is angry that his people below him are being called out (likely correctly, but not publicly) in a supposedly secure cable between the ambassador and his superiors in the US State Dept. Thanks Wikileaks.

Junnama - I wonder if by distributing bibles the couple would attempt to write their sailing voyage and its costs off as a tax exempt missionary expedition? Not sure how those tax laws would work.

A situation where copy cat actions might lead to actual progress. Let's hope these kids have the courage to step forward and begin to bring more light to their plight.

Any American who thinks this woman is worthy of any kind of leadership role should, ask someone to kick themselves a few more times in the head.

Smith - the people from the great state of Alaska thought she was worthy. I wonder how many times they kicked themselves (in the head and other places) for ever putting her in charge of their state. Alaskans should be ashamed for voting her into power. She fits right in with a city council or a PTA.

I liked how they were passing the ball forward (lots of 1 touches) and the GK getting the ball out quickly for attacks. New coach might be able to get this team moving in the right direction. I can definitely see him demanding performance from his squad like Osim did. I wasn't completely wow'd but much better than recent games.

No, just that firefighters can climb bamboo ladders.

Sei- Keep on spewing the party line. And by the way, only 100,000 cases of civil unrest at state run work places in a population of 1.3 bil?? I'd love to see where you get your information. Does this account for ALL state run work places? (ie. offices, sanitation, fishing, cafeterias etc..) My point was that, Beijing's response to increased international pressure on their currency resulted in only Foreign factories being temporarily shut down due to labor strikes. Allowing/recording civil unrest (very broad term here by the way) and allowing workers to strike for higher wages(do they have unions in China) are very different things.

Seiharinokaze- Sure... China manipulates their currency just to allow American consumers to purchase Chinese products and ONLY uses their trade surplus to buy US bonds (to finance the budget). OK!!

Is that why when the international community began pressuring Beijing to adjust the value of its currency last year to normal levels, Beijing turned around and ALLOWED Chinese workers to striker for higher wages at FOREIGN owned factories? I don't recall any civil unrest at State run manufacturing centers.

Seiharinokaze- Did you just imply that China does not abuse their currency?? Wow. Pot, meet Kettle.

Ravagesof time- I'm keen to listen to your response regarding your severe lack of historical understanding..

She may look foolish but it seems she is doing positive things for single mothers in Japan. My mom was one (back in the States) and I know how hard it was for her to raise me and also work to support us. Kudos to her.

bobbafet - Do you know what a Blue Water Navy means?

Yuri-I really like how you target ALL Americans and their crowing. Once again showing your anti-US attitude. That is of course until China starts flexing their muscle. Then you start questioning the US's resolve to abide by their security agreement and PROTECT Japan. Yuri, your cake has arrived. Would you like to eat it too?

Saw the vid on Youtube and the guy definitely was not shying away from a handshake. Big ol grin on his face too. Trying to cover his ass with his statement but the images don't lie.

Gangbangers already have AK's out on the streets.

I love how Republicans are focused more on the partisan politicking than actually trying to do what's right for this country. Nearly all Politicians make me sick but Republicans should be saved a space in the afterlife right next to lawyers and pedophiles.

11 y/o kids are out playing. That's what they do. Parents can't keep an eye on a 11 y/o all the time. I found plenty of ways of getting in trouble at that age. One can't blame just the construction company either. The kid and his friends got up there somehow (could have been the bldg. mgr) and he got himself killed. Sad story and unfortunate Accident.

Come on, don't you think the enemy hasn't dreamed of that exact scenario? I'm sure there was a huge bonus offered for any Taliban/Terrorist who actually captured or killed the prince during his first tour. This film might have poor taste but is it a new idea?