Japan Today

itsonlyrocknroll comments

Posted in: Trump's 'God squad' holds increasing sway at White House See in context

Does, or has not the altar of "social media" become the new "religion", the smart phone "evangelist".

A visual force of political or social doctrine, combined with a digital AI god messiah, an Ayatollah to replace humanities belief in "church" Christianity?

Donald Trump said at his inauguration that he had been "saved by God." Now he appears to be returning the favor with an increasingly conservative, religious focus in his second term as U.S. president.

The three-times-married billionaire signed an executive order on Friday to open a "Faith Office" at the White House, led by the televangelist Paula White, Trump's so-called spiritual advisor.

Nutcase pulpit looney tunes Pat Robertson is warning enough to separate religion from politics.

The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

"We have to bring religion back," said Trump. "Let's bring God back into our lives."

Would or could any politician distinguish God from the Devil?

The Devil came a-calling

No brimstone, fire, nor rain

In fact, I found him charming

Articulate, urbane..... Patrick Joseph McAloon

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Posted in: Hamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for 183 Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire See in context

WoodyLee

War is unrelenting, brutal in its ugliness. Gaza has been devastated, piles of rubble litter where humanity shopped, congregated.

Gaza has been decimated yes whole areas destroyed beyond recognition.

Yet little has been achieved learnt, centuries of hate and revulsion have been allowed to fester unabated.

My posts are provocative, some will understandably recoil suggest censurable, offensive.

Yet this conversation debate is mired in a politically motived refusal to allow open discussion without lurching to a war of words, open hostility.

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Posted in: Trump says he wants to negotiate about Ukraine. It's not clear if Putin really does See in context

First Person

An Astonishingly Frank Self-Portrait by Russia's President Vladimir Putin

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/p/putin-first.html

Read Vladimir Putin .......

Then compare Our Journey Together : Trump, Donald J.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Donald-J-Trump/dp/173550372X

Under estimate Vladimir Putin resolve, his relentless ruthless rise, his insistence that past soviet values ideology can revitalise the old school USSR block.

Article by Vladimir Putin ”On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians“

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181

I content this disparate moment in European history cannot be left to any US government.

Never be left to the whims of Donald Trumps mistaken self belief that he can pull one over on Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

I however believe Donald Trump presidency is an absolute necessity.

To pull global foolish liberal complacency, its duplicitous self indulgent lie, the falsehood of a "faux liberal" a brand of social justice masquerading as socialism.

Is in fact a toxic elitism drowning in a sea of globalist gluttony.

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Posted in: Trump says he wants to negotiate about Ukraine. It's not clear if Putin really does See in context

Past present US governments are in no position, have no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the Ukraine government, its people.

Where is Europe!!!!!!?????

Where is the WW2 solidarity, the sacrifice to challenge confront the despot dictator Putin??

Still suckling on Putin fossil fuels, pipeline, sea freighter "teats" whilst wallowing in fork tongued weasel words of toxic fudge self interest.

Financing Putin invasion.

This cowardly EU/UK shower of betrayal is a godforsaken shame on the million of lives sacrificed for the freedoms so recklessly taken for granted.

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Posted in: Hamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for 183 Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire See in context

The Israeli response to Hamas unspeakable 7th October atrocity is not blameless, many innocent Palestinians whole families have been killed.

Who are not, have never been responsible for the war and are not participating in the fighting.

Hamas has undoubtably held Palestinian civilians up as human shields, stationed artillery/rocket missile batteries around schools and hospitals.

Weapons, heavy munitions hidden in densely populated civilian areas.

The blinkers Islamic extremist cannot be reasoned/negotiated with.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”,,,, is a clear call for the extermination of the Jew, its existence.

Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy *are ghostly examples to the scrouge, hate filled intense unrelenting revulsion of the "Jew". from an Islamic extremism intent on repeating another holocaust.

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Posted in: Hamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for 183 Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire See in context

Did we not witness these horrors at the liberation of survivors from camps at Auschwitz?!!!

Was there not a recent commemoration, the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation!!!?

Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy every member of there family will suffer this war crime atrocity for the rest of there lives night after night screaming.

On January 27, 1945, the Red Army entered the gates of Auschwitz in horrified awe of what they encountered. As they marched through the snow, they encountered stacks of frozen corpses and 7,000 frightened, exhausted prisoners in the barracks

Hamas parading innocent Jewish hostages, broken cowering beaten, human shells, emancipated, Hamas gloating at Israeli Jews public humiliation.

Compare the photo from the BBC before/after its a appalling travesty a crime against humanity.

Hostages freed and prisoners released in latest ceasefire exchange

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g9vyz747eo

The dictatorship of Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah must face total eradication. as the Nazi third Reich.

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Posted in: Democrats ask for investigation into DOGE's access to Treasury's payment systems See in context

Department of Government Efficiency within every aspect of Federal government department is an essential necessary change, total transparency of how US taxpayers money is spent and in many instances wasted.

Especially access to Treasury's payment systems, its functions, its decision making processes

The question is whether mandated elected political accountability should lead?

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Posted in: Gov't to expedite release of rice reserves amid surging prices See in context

Rice Farming in Japan | Rice Library | Plenus 米食文化研究所

https://www.plenus.co.jp/kome-academy/en/kome_library/make.html

I reside very close to the paddies co operatives, my neighbours ageing farmers, small land holders at the mercy of father time.

The veg growers in a similar predicament.

The resulting consequences can be seen in the price fluctuations, and some sometimes depleting supermarket selves.

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Posted in: Trump says U.S. Steel will get investment from Nippon Steel, instead of being bought by it See in context

It was unclear what the details of the investment would be, but Trump said he would meet with the head of Nippon Steel next week and he would be involved “to mediate and arbitrate.”

Why does such a statement freeze the soul, especially if Trump arrives at Nissan head quarters, sorry sense of humour warning.

What could possibly go wrong?

Ishiba noted Japanese companies have held the top spot for cumulative foreign direct investment in the U.S. over the last five years. He added that Japan was looking to invest more in the United States.

Well played

Nippon Steel “is going to be doing something very exciting about U.S. Steel,” Trump said at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. “They’ll be looking at an investment rather than a purchase.”

I have little doubt that "Nissan" steel will continue to looking at making an investment, for some considerable time to come.

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Posted in: Countries vow support for ICC as Trump hits it with sanctions See in context

Donald Trump is not the villain here, Trump ran an uncompromising campaign, MAGA, make America great again loud and clear.

Frankly I would not be seem dead in the hat, If I dropped in a sudden "cardiac" incident I would insist a family member remove the hat before calling the first responders.

No matter how loud the complaining, the sneering, however the toxic personal Trump slurs, the US people decided at the ballot box November 5th 2024 decisively.

The democrats sanctimonious hypocrisy refusing to accept the result, sulking in a self harming wobbly lip hissy fit is unbecoming, duplicitous, for many predictable.

Trump views the ICC, Europe in utter contempt. It is very hard to disagree with the sentiment

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Posted in: Countries vow support for ICC as Trump hits it with sanctions See in context

What is more concerning is the fragility EU/UK political diplomatic resolve.

On display when Prime minister Viktor Orbán refuses to comply to any collective decision making process.

Venerable, indecisive, divided, the EU failure acknowledge fully its continuing dependence on Russian fossil fuels, gas and oil, have spotlighted the betrayal of the people of Ukraine.

Such dependence of Russian energy has callously cynically undermined its own sanctions providing Putin with a steady stream of cash to finance his brutal invasion.

This cowardly behaviour is evidence that Europe, still an appeaser, weak willed, lacking a spine, resolve to make the sacrifices. Germany France is an example of a cowardly inward looking toxic self interest.

None is lost on Donald Trump, so much so with punitive tariffs, could well be just round the corning, EU citizens will suffer the economic consequences harshly.

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Posted in: Countries vow support for ICC as Trump hits it with sanctions See in context

The EU/Great Britain/France have zero political influence, its weakness is evident, calling on President Trump to withdraw his sanctions.

What does deliver a significate body blow to EU statement is Trump is compiling at yet to be published list of ICC investigators/personal to face travel bans/asset freezes, all states/counties "entities" referring to banking institution that are aiding the ICC.

All are left to simply complain without any means to sanction or change minds.

The tone of Trump/US government accusations suggest that ICC political independence is compromised, brutal in its unwavering condemnation.....,

"Abused its power by issuing baseless arrest warrants." It states, "The ICC has no jurisdiction over the United States or Israel, as neither country is party to the Rome Statute or a member of the ICC."

It said the US will impose "tangible and significant consequences"

President Trump has accused the  ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan  of being antisemitic quote the ICC "constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US's national security and foreign policy. He adds, "I hereby declare a national emergency to address that threat."

How will Trump’s sanctions affect the work of the International Criminal Court? | DW News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRDibYzV6bc

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Posted in: Trump unleashes a supercharged MAGA agenda and Republicans come aboard See in context

President Trump is in open conflict with the ICC with a bill H.R.23 — 119th Congress (2025-2026) that I understand the democrats have blocked in the senate. Primary aimed at the 'Anti-Israel bias'

The question still remains as to if President Trump will use an executive order to impose sanctions.

Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act

This bill imposes sanctions against foreign persons (individuals and entities) who assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting certain individuals.

The bill categorizes as protected persons (1) any U.S. individual, U.S. entity, or person in the United States, unless the United States is a state party to the Rome Statute of the ICC and provides formal consent to ICC jurisdiction; and (2) any foreign person that is a citizen or lawful resident of a U.S. ally that is not a state party to the Rome Statute or has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/23

If this is an example of a supercharged “Make America Great Again” agenda, I suggest Donald Trump is serious in his push an agenda that mirrors his election campaign to the letter.

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Posted in: Moscow says its troops have repelled Ukraine offensive in Russia's Kursk region See in context

Sorry for the sound quality, scroll it improves

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Posted in: Moscow says its troops have repelled Ukraine offensive in Russia's Kursk region See in context

Remember, never forget, it did not end well did it!!!!!!

Neville Chamberlain: The peace of our time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB4A7phjS_0

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Posted in: Trump administration to keep only 294 USAID staff out of over 10,000 globally, sources say See in context

The government of China is not going to step in!!

There is no geo political reason to do so.

The huge costs required would offer no short medium long term valve either political or economic.

Forgotten UN appalling assessment of government of China record on human rights,

The acts of genocide of/to its own people

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Posted in: Moscow says its troops have repelled Ukraine offensive in Russia's Kursk region See in context

Donald Trump decision to pull out of future milltary aid to Ukraine has stated Europe must take responsibility for its own security.

All EU member states, UK, have a decision to make, fully support the people of Ukraine, stand up to despot Putin or suffer the consequences.

Trump solution will hand huge swaths of Ukraine sovereign territory over to despot Putin war criminal illegal invasion. Putin will be embolden to threatens Poland, every former soviet satellite state.

Now, are we going to witness Europe's betrayal of the people of Ukraine?

I fear so.

Simple choice for Europe, fully arm stand with Ukraine, its people or again appease a tyrant despot dictator.

I fear Europe will choose cowardness hoping the Russian crocodile won't eat them last.

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Posted in: Trump administration to keep only 294 USAID staff out of over 10,000 globally, sources say See in context

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said the administration was identifying and designating programs that would be exempted from the sweeping stop-work orders, which have threatened efforts around the globe to stop the spread of disease, prevent famine and otherwise alleviate poverty.

This is the overwhelming mandate President Trump administration has been judged at the ballot box by US people

Sorry to point out a harsh reminder.

Election 2024: Presidential results

https://edition.cnn.com/election/2024/results/president?election-data-id=2024-PG&election-painting-mode=projection-with-lead&filter-key-races=false&filter-flipped=false&filter-remaining=false

Donald Trump demanded and promised ruthless change in office day one, every nook and cranny.

Every federal department, USAID has been deemed totally unfit for purpose.

Be prepared for change in other areas, that this new administration has also judged to be damaged beyond repair,

There could also be individuals considered must be held accountable personally.

The democrats in both houses can forge a creditable opposition, with clear alternative policies or remain in a political wilderness.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Posted in: Trump tells prayer breakfast he wants to root out 'anti-Christian bias' and urges 'bring God back' See in context

It is the toxicity, the poisonous scourge, a caldron of religion and political meddlesomeness, the insistence that pious pulpit politics, associated with that horror show from Evangelical busybody Right Rev Mariann Budde is reason enough why politic/hideous religious fervour must be separated from Church and State.

Religious freedom must, always be a matter of personal beliefs, to if desired, for Sunday worship and parental choices.

Never mix politics and religion/ Church and state.

The middle east, the atrocities perpetrated from Islamic fundamentalism, sharia law, the repression of basic human rights is proof beyond any reasonable doubt of the dangers.

JT please allow me to post this full interview, totally uncut, gives an insight as to why US people have placed there trust in Donald Trump so convincingly

60 Minutes FCC Response: Unedited Video, Whitaker/Harris at the vice president’s residence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIxA8MF5r5Y&t=1s

Because this Donald Trump presidency, the subsequent dramatic change of direction of government, is due to a failure of the Biden/Harris 4 years in office refusal to listen to ordinary US working people.

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Posted in: Trump says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting; no U.S. troops needed See in context

Jordan/Egypt along with any proposal for Gaza/west sustainable reconstruction is close to totally dependent on US government aid.

Yesterday I posted UN July 2024 Question of Palestine, unfortunately the PDF download was out of date

I have located the complete page including download, please review at convenience.

FAO Briefing note on OPT: Understanding the status of land rights for sustainable reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank

https://www.un.org/unispal/document/briefing-note-fao-30jul24/

Without full US support, keeping in mind US government has withdrawn from a number of key UN Gaza aid programmes, the prospect for any sustainable programme of renewal is hobbled.

‘Worst nightmare’: Egypt and Jordan put in impossible bind by Trump Gaza plan

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/06/egypt-jordan-trump-gaza-plan

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Posted in: Ishiba heads to U.S. for Trump summit See in context

Is this a shrewd preceptive/pre-emptive strategy from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to gain an edge on future demands for J taxpayer to contribute more to counter this US administration insistence J people pay more to service the The Japan-U.S. Security Treaty?

To counter future threats of tariffs increases?

The thread below suggests Shigeru Ishiba is open to throw a future "imports deal" of LNG is on the table.

Ishiba to pledge more LNG imports from U.S. in talks with Trump

https://japantoday.com/category/politics/refiling-japan-pm-to-pledge-more-lng-imports-from-u.s.-in-talks-with-trump

Could Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba not have taken more time to consider, President Trump in-between announcing potential land/property deals on prospective future "Gaza" beach front condominiums.

The ever more concerning loss of the political diplomatic military agenda in Ukraine?

J government has the time to wait, leverage the possible Trump economic "fallout" from his China tariff polices.

A "bring Mohammed to the mountain" approach at present maybe ill advised.

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Posted in: Tourist arrested in Japan for striking convenience store clerk over 3-yen bag altercation See in context

My local Lawson convenience store assistants are dedicated customer service champions.

Ready to offer an umbrella when customers are caught in an unexpected shower.

Running after customer why they forget their Edy card, or change.

i simply do not believe an assistant would for a moment "rush" a customer, over three yen.

I suggest the assistant noticing the customer failed to ring up his plastic bag, politely requested he do so, only for the UK customer to foolishly overreact.

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Posted in: Tourist arrested in Japan for striking convenience store clerk over 3-yen bag altercation See in context

The Brit should have simply reached into his pocket made good the purchase.

The Brit knows full well that UK supermarkets charge for plastic bags.

No excuses here. I believe from my latest UK three yen is a fraction of the UK charge.

To then assault, touch, push, strike the assistant is ego driven priggery, an act of a bully.

For three flipping yen.

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Posted in: Trump aides defend Gaza takeover proposal but walk back some elements See in context

Excuse my sense of humour,

The photo above, is the guy seated contemplating whether to renovate his beach front property, or invite Jared Kushner, Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu to submit an offer?

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Posted in: Trump aides defend Gaza takeover proposal but walk back some elements See in context

President Trump thoughts as to basic land right ownership won’t pass even the most tests scrutiny of international law. 

Understanding the status of land rights for sustainable reconstruction of the Gaza strip and the west bank

Briefing note on the Occupied Palestinian Territory

https://www.un.org/unispal/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cd1805en.pdf.

Both the Gaza Strip, West Bank are simply not US government property.

Neither to be brought or sold.

Any long-term reconstruction will need the full support of the Arab world. Neighbour’s allies vested political interests, entities yet to stake a claim.   

Trump is trolling, pulling the mullahs in Iran beards.

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Posted in: Wages in Japan drop for 3rd straight year in 2024 as inflation bites See in context

I understand 40% of J employees are on part time contracts.

The promises of "third arrow" reforms never materialised.

The J depopulation crisis is exasperated by the fact that most long term couples simply refuse to marry due to wage poverty.

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Posted in: Nissan shares plunge after report saying Honda merger talks off See in context

My Father second car was a orange Datsun 120y.

I still giggle when he tells everyone he drove to Pluto and back, without so much as a cough, on one set of tyres and half a tank.

He picked Mum up in up in the Datsun for there first date.

The loyal workforce deserve strong competent management.

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Posted in: 'Riviera of the Middle East' — Trump says he wants U.S. to take charge of Gaza Strip and redevelop it See in context

Please take a moment to think through your last comments Mick.

Human rights Watch has completed a detailed report some 118 pages.

The IDF is not blameless by any means.

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Posted in: A foreign woman’s guide on how to discuss sex with your Japanese guy See in context

Sorry English sense of humour...

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Posted in: A foreign woman’s guide on how to discuss sex with your Japanese guy See in context

Here another .....

お母さんは私たちの郵便受けを覗いている ドレスを脱いで

.....

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