Jumin Rhee comments

Hong kong should not have been returned to People's Republic of China. The UK could've still made Hong Kong independent as the deal was between the Empire of China and not the terrorist group turned govt of mainland china (PRC). Or give Hong Kong to the more legitimate successor: the Republic of China (Taiwan). Oh well, too late now...

Seen this on a show once. Now we and others can avoid the nastier parts of town. ;)

As far as poverty goes, Scandinavia had eradicated through a steep progressive income tax. While not palatable to all, we do have a way to end poverty. Will the govts of poor countries comply?

I would've hoped his comment would be something like "and the US and all other countries would do well with an Article 9 in their constitution. I will sponsor this bill..."

"Is that your luggage or are you just happy to have a chill"

The leaders around the world should follow that example. The US president, for example, can stop visiting Arlington National Cemetary (undoubtedly there are some war criminals buried there amongst the lot) and only send offering (fruit basket?).

If he used to work there, chances are his mental illness was exacerbated by the place and people. Not condoning, but this was likely seen and they terminated him after continuing or making worse arguments or fights (maybe instigated by) with the disabled.

David Varnes -

The speed dig is true though. Even estonia has a faster internet speed than the US. What does the US have to do? Become a former communist satellite nation?

If companies or guilds provided direct housing and basic food, even after retired, then there would be less strain. The need for a national pension would be reduced and could rely much more on savings and company pensions as there would be no housing or basic food costs.

bjohnson23:

I believe they're referring to imperialist actions in the past by the US (not relinquishing parts of Cuba, overthrow of democratic regime in Iran circa 1950s, taking over Philippines - US had owned them, etc) and supposed international interventions today (sending US senators to Ukraine just before coup, etc), not necessarily creating islands. That being said, both are wrong.

Wonder what alien he played. Makeup may not have been needed. He kinda looks like the offspring of ben kingsley and voldemort (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).

They will edit so that its an all asian cast.

As far as supernatural, I would think all chinese kung-fu movies are, unless you know people that can poke people's brains out or fly/glide.

Traditionally, the Japanese emperors were switched out every 5-10 years if I recall, with the previous emperor/empress acting as regent for the current.

Moonraker -

Only a few constitutions protect the amendment clause and Japan is not one of them. So theoretically, that could be amended as well. Another technicality is that 2/3 of both houses must agree, along with majority of people voting in amending. Essentially, if only supporters of it vote, it would still pass - no quorum is required unless the supreme court ruled on such in the past.

Courts are useless without police. International police would be more in danger as all countries have the right to bear arms, including tanks and battleships.

Need a sikh character too. And not just a sikh in name only (khan noonien SINGH). A full-fledged turban and bushy beard sikh.

Is there a libertarian party? It seems only the left are opposed to changing Article 9.

Okay fine, no Article 9 amendment. But in return, South Korea and China (the biggest complainers about such) should enact this into their own constitutions. A CSDF and a SKSDF (ROKSDF) instead.

sasapesso:

The title is called emperor because of historical reasons. The title of Emperor was borrowed from China, being derived from Chinese characters and was retroactively applied to the legendary Japanese rulers who reigned prior to the 7th-8th centuries AD. There were many kings in China long ago before one ruler became the high king or emperor. Also, the direct translation is heavenly sovereign, which may denote more than mere kingship. Cheers!

englisc aspyrgend - "Brainiac, always liked the Australian idea of mandatory voting, wish it was used in the UK, by the way(as you probably already know) the Athenians who invented democracy had the same idea."

The Athenians did not elect their representatives, they were chosen via sortition (lottery), similar to how common law countries select juries. They saw elections as corrupt as the incumbent has the advantage, money in politics, etc. Personally, I think weighted sortition based on political ideology would be a good idea. If 22% of voters were LDP, 15% of voters DPJ, etc then it would better reflect in the Diet. It could be implemented for both single-member districts and multiple member districts (PR).

Maybe the US, south korea, and/or japan should launch warning missiles across the nose of lil kim. Think the blowhard would understand reciprocity.

zurcronium - Japan has a dual-payer system (similar to Germany), not socialized (UK) or single-payer (Canada). It is still universal, though.

“We’re never referred to without the words ‘all-female Ghostbusters,’ which makes me crazy,” he added."

Its because you're just remaking a movie with different actors. I would have no problem saying "the all-male Charlie's Angels" or "the all-white Shaft." Come out with something new, please.

He needed the stimulant to keep awake after coaching rugby after school....maybe. I can think of better excuses off the top of my head than he can, apparently. Just get some monster or coffee (legal stimulants).

u_s__reamer -

I get the joke, but Japan does do Christmas. It's just usually the commercialized trees and santa like much of US, not the baby jesus and stuff.

Did the cop return for another up-skirt photo when shr wasn't looking?

ThonTaddeo - "If the Japanese voters truly wanted stability, they would boot Abe right out of office and go back to the new-PM-every-year system of ~2010."

This would be fine by me. Those that say govt change every year would bring instability should understand the role of civil servants who actually run the country behind the scenes.

Gary Raynor - Dictator was actually derived from ancient Rome. In cases of extreme unrest, the consul in power (dual co-equal executive that alternated chief role every month) would have senate declare him dictator for a year. He would have ultimate power, but could not attack the Senate (obviously Sulla and Caesar destroyed that system).

Its me - I believe in reciprocity. If victim can be hidden, so too should the accused. After conviction, I have no issue. I agree, though, before conviction the name should be hidden to protect his/her job (being very general). If its a situation like this then he should be suspended with pay pending trial.

That secret service agent looks like he needs a hug even more.

"Elderly Japanese, among the world’s richest retirees..."

Not for long if they see "financial advisors. "

"[They]were attached to a division to crack down on drunk driving..."

In order to understand a criminal, you must understand their mindset. They did drunk driving to understand those they would arrest. All a part to gain experience. ..