Vast Right-Wing Conspirator comments

Posted in: San Francisco mayor accepts 'comfort women' statue; Osaka to end sister-city ties See in context

South Korea really needs to move on. They have been trying for decades to forge some kind of national identity, but all they have to work with is a kind of knee-jerk anti Japanese sentiment. They want so hard to be relevant in the world, but in actuality aren't. Their obsession with Japan and trying to rebrand WW2 needs to stop.

As for the statue, I don't see why those who funded it think it is necessary. Like the Dokdo issue or East Sea/Sea of Japan fiasco, it is largely unknown outside of Korea. Americans simply don't care. Any attempt at rational discussion of the comfort woman issue or the facts surrounding it is inevitably met with a torrent of abuse and emotional blackmail. No doubt many were abused by the Japanese Army. However, how they wound up in the hands of the IJN is complicated. Statues like this one don't add to the discussion, they shut it down by appealing to emotion over reality and reason.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

Posted in: Twitter vows new crackdown on hateful, abusive tweets See in context

So the shadowed hand of Big Brother descends on the Twitterverse.... they are a private company so they can do what they want, I guess. They will have to be careful about being too obvious about leaning a certain way politically in how they choose to self censor.

Never used the service myself- anything that can be said in less than 140 characters probably isn't worth saying.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Afghan schools closing due to violence, undermining gains in educating girls See in context

You can't drag people kicking and screaming out of the 8th century if they don't want to go. They are best left to wallow in their ignorance. It sounds harsh, but there isn't any other option. Help those that want help, and leave the rest to their poverty.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Quebec lawmakers pass law obliging citizens to uncover faces See in context

BB: this law is not gender specific, it has nothing to do with restricting women. It applies to all people equally. Nobody is being told what they can or can't wear. Just how to behave if they want to receive government services, which are provided to all people regardless of gender or culture. All are treated equally, no special privileges for anyone.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: California suing to block Trump border wall See in context

I really wish that people would give up on the inaccurate and incorrect idea that illegal immigrants are necessary for the economy because they "do jobs that Americans won't do". It's untrue, and insulting to both groups.

Americans are more than willing to do myriad dirty/dangerous jobs- how many are coal miners, fishermen, etc? What they AREN'T willing to do is to do such jobs for low wages. This is where the illegals come in. They artificially lower the cost of labour by flooding the market with bodies. Turn off the flow of illegal workers, and wages would rise for legal residents, encouraging them to take on more strenuous work.

Plus, a lack of illegal labour would have minimal effect on the price of agricultural products and other goods. Lettuce might go up by a dime, restaurant meals up by a buck or so, but the upside would be that legal residents were employed.

A wall would be instrumental in curbing the flow. Follow up with harsh penalties on employers who exploit illegal immigrants, and the problem would be a long way towards solved.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: Trump charges U.S. election results being rigged at many polling places See in context

Not sure if the election itself is rigged, but the media certainly is. What happened to the press holding both sides accountable? There is no balance whatsoever in the coverage of the candidates. I defy you to find a story about Clinton's corruption and collusion, anywhere near the size of Trump's scandals. Generally, Trump gets the first 20 minutes of the newscast, Hillary (if we are lucky), a brief mention at the end.

It's a gross abdication of their responsibilities.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Posted in: Gunman opens fire at Oregon college; at least 9 killed, 7 wounded See in context

Quick history lesson: in the 18th century, a "well regulated militia" meant "armed citizens". The old meaning of "well regulated" simply meant well equipped. It did not mean organized, uniformed, or anything like that. "Militia" simply meant all citizens. Again, nothing about being organized. The writers were paranoid about a tyrannical local (American) government eventually taking the place of the tyrannical British. So, they added an amendment to the Constitution that guaranteed ordinary people the right to arm themselves in order to prevent it. It had no meaning about any organized military, national guard, or anything like that.

It is dangerous to use current definitions when reading old documents.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Posted in: San Francisco's last gun store closing doors for good See in context

Kabukilover: My source is the FBI. The problem isn'T mass killings. Statistically, they are not that relevant. The real problem is the day to day violence in big cities, the casual use of mostly handguns by drug gangs. The kind of crimes that don't get a lot of media attention.

I can't think of a single recent case, with the possible exception of the Virginia Tech shooter, of a mass murderer who would have been prevented from getting guns by stricter background checks or by mental health screening. The perps generally have clean records until they snap.

I dont mean to sound flippant, but the US is a huge country. You are far more likely to die in a car crash, or choke on your food, than to die in a mass shooting.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: San Francisco's last gun store closing doors for good See in context

Kabukilover. If you look at the statistics, the rate of mass killings in the US has not been on the rise. It has been steady at least since the 1980s. Given that the population has increased substantially since that time, it's logical to assume that the rate of such crimes has actually decreased. What HAS increased is the media exposure and oversaturation of every form of communication about such crimes.

The problem is that Americans simply like guns. They like the history of them, they are an intrinsic part of the American story and culture and folklore in a way that is unlike any other country. Until such time as they lose this cachet, there really can't be much effective legislation.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: San Francisco's last gun store closing doors for good See in context

Mr. Bum, my point is that the number of guns in circulation seems to have little relation to the crime rate. The murder rate is down nearly 40% over the past 20 years in the US, in spite of the increase in gun sales. It is simplistic to just say "less guns means less crime".

If you break down the numbers by type of firearm, the numbers are even more shocking. The number of murders with rifles (including so-called assault rifles) is I believe under 400 per year. Horrific to be sure... yet... Less than are killed with knives. Less than are killed with bare hands. Yet idiot politicians constantly call for bans on assault weapons and accessories.

No easy answers, especially given America's historic love of, and need for, firearms.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: San Francisco's last gun store closing doors for good See in context

Lovely work there SanFran. Now you can be as safe as other tightly controlled areas, like Chicago or Boston...

I'm no gun lover, never wanted one, but it is interesting that, as gun sales have climbed over the years, the crime rate has fallen. Coincidence?

The problem with gun laws is that only law abiding people will obey them. Criminals will get their weapons whatever the law says. Unless you are willing to have a national campaign of forced confiscation of firearms (especially handguns), then any solution will probably be nearly useless.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Posted in: Kanna Hashimoto reminds everyone why she’s the 'once in a millennium' idol with new ads See in context

Of course I've heard of the Johnny's group. But do you really think it is comparable. Have you ever seen books and magazines full of Johnny's members in swimwear, or pyjamas, or eating fruit suggestively?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Kanna Hashimoto reminds everyone why she’s the 'once in a millennium' idol with new ads See in context

Strangerland, liking cute things is one thing, obsessing about teenage girls is quite another. Not to mention it seems like a very gender specific obsession. "Aidoru" as far as I know only applies to young girls, not boys.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Posted in: Survivor recalls life in internment camp for Japanese-Americans See in context

It's funny that I got so many 'thumbs down' for the temerity to mention that the internment in the US was done by a Democratic President. Further irony, compensation was paid under a Republican administration. Canada was the same- Japanese Canadians were put in camps by a Liberal Prime Minister, and compensation paid by a Conservative one.

Seems that left leaning folks are a touch sensitive about their racist and warmongering history...

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Posted in: Kanna Hashimoto reminds everyone why she’s the 'once in a millennium' idol with new ads See in context

I have to be honest, I don't really understand the obsession with "cute" that pervades Japan. I can get that teenagers might be into it, but middle-aged men? It's creepy. I think it really says something about their psychological condition, perhaps about their maturity, their confidence, their ability to deal with women as social/sexual equals.

The other side of the coin is the parents who allow their daughters to participate in it. If I had a 14 year old daughter, there would be NO WAY I'd let her model for some of the skanky magazines that I see these pervs carrying.

Finally, how would these dudes feel if their WIVES started obsessing about teenage boys? How about if magazines full of photo spreads of 12-15 year old boys wearing speedos were widely available?

Grow up, Japan.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Survivor recalls life in internment camp for Japanese-Americans See in context

The camps were terrible. The stark contrast to the treatment of Americans of German/Italian descent is telling. I guess the Japanese were easy to spot, were more recent, and had not had as much inter-marriage with non-Japanese.

Anyway, it's no surprise that it happened under a Democratic president. They tend to be warmongers and racists historically.

-15 ( +4 / -18 )

Posted in: Trump says he can't recall using insults; then attacks Kelly See in context

Elbuda, since you are Mexican, I want to ask you: what does MEXICO do to those who enter Mexico illegally? Are they welcomed, provided with social services, provided shelter and a pathway to citizenship?

As for Trump, his insults are getting rather predictable. They are one of three styles: "loser", "disgusting", or "I gave him/her money after they came begging for it".

My only hope is that his 'candor' will at least get the professional politicians in the race to start talking a little more like normal people again, and less like Euphemism Generating Machines.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Republicans face uncertainty in White House race See in context

Relax, folks. There are still 16 months to the election. For all the stress, at least the GOP is trying to field a strong group of candidates. Governors with multiple successful terms, long standing senators, etc.

I'm still confused why Hillary Clinton would be considered as a nominee, beyond the obvious recognition factor of her last name. It reeks of nepotism and "my turn-ism". Her list of accomplishments can be written on the head of a pin, she is not an engaging speaker or campaigner, she is not trusted......... the list goes on. Yet she is the BEST the Democrats have to offer?

My heart weeps for my American cousins.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: By The Numbers: The atomic bombing of Hiroshima See in context

More numbers;

6- days it took Japan to actually surrender after Nagasaki

10,000- the number of kamikaze aircraft available to attack an invasion fleet

900,000- the number of IJA soldiers ready to repel an invasion

35,000,000- the number of civilians who were training as a Home Guard to attack the allies

And the Most Important Number:

0

The number of allied servicemen who died in the invasion of Japan

Also the number of Japanese who died during said invasion

14 ( +20 / -6 )

Posted in: Seventy years on, few Americans regret Enola Gay's mission See in context

Of course, Americans approve of the bombs. They saved American lives. And not just the inevitable "if the Allies invaded Japan, xxx thousands of soldiers would have died" type. Each day the war continued, soldiers died. They died of diseases, they died in kamikaze raids, they died during air raids, POWs died horribly in Japanese POW camps.

As others have said, hindsight is always 20/20, especially when viewed through the lens of 21st century morality. At the time, there were no other viable options that would have worked faster.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Posted in: Toronto nightclub shooting leaves at least 2 dead, 3 wounded See in context

Actually Strangerland, it isn't too hard to get a gun legally in Canada. Rifles and shotguns in particular are not hard to acquire. Handguns, on the other hand, are more difficult. Considering the border with the US is less than 2 hours away by car, I can't see it being much of a problem to get a pistol either.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Toronto nightclub shooting leaves at least 2 dead, 3 wounded See in context

I guess this shows that people who are determined to get guns (and use them), WILL get guns, regardless of the local laws. Not sure what the answer is: perhaps a mandatory 20 years added on to the sentence of any gun crime?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: Canada PM triggers election with vote in October See in context

I had no particular trouble with Bill Clinton as president, his moral failings aside. How much of it was Clinton, and how much was timing? Again, a debatable point. As for Thatcher, she was groundbreaking in many ways. She had class and dignity, something that has been lacking since. Neither the UK nor the States have much to be proud of today...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: Canada PM triggers election with vote in October See in context

Won't be MY President, Clamenza, I'm not American. Sorry to disappoint...

As for Pres. Obama, the jury is still out. Too soon to tell where he may rank in the spectrum of Presidents. Your list of talking points are all debatable, but there really isn't time to do so here. One could just as easily point to his failures in Syria, Libya, the Crimea, the ballooning national debt, and the lowest percentage of Americans actually working in decades.

Hillary? All I see is a candidate who loses popularity every time she speaks, who is neither trusted nor liked by a majority of Americans. The election may indeed turn into a coronation, but that would be a pity. I'd like to see the Democrats have a good and healthy debate on the issues, much the way the GOP is.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: 7 customs that Japanese people wish would just disappear See in context

The worst for society: the idea that working long hours equals being a good worker.

Seriously, any good manager with a remote concept of human psychology would encourage their staff to finish work, go home, recharge, and come back the next day ready for action. If a person can't get their work done on time on a regular basis then either; they are trying to do too much, or they are incompetent. In either case, a good manager should be able to deal with it. Similarly, a manager whose staff constantly needs to put in 14 hour days is an incompetent manager.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: As Uber booms in New York City, drivers note pros, cons See in context

The bottom line is, if you don't like Uber you don't have to use it. From the other side, if you don't want to drive for Uber, you don't have to.

There is nothing wrong with a bit of competition. The big taxi companies have had it their own way for too long, and have had an effective monopoly on business. They control the taxi medallion system and often rent out taxis to drivers, who have to pay leasing/rental fees to the companies. These companies are crapping their pants in fear that their medallions (which can sell for upwards of $1 million each) may be less valuable in the future.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Canada PM triggers election with vote in October See in context

Hopefully Canada has learned from the mistakes of their cousins to the south. It would be pure folly to elect a young, inexperienced political naif to be Prime MInister. To make matters worse, he is the son of a former Prime Minister (Trudeau). In a strange way he combines the worst aspects of Obama with the nepotism of the Bush/Clinton dynasties in waiting.

Stick with Harper and keep the country on the right track.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Asia News Weekly - Lingering issues between South Korea and Japan See in context

What lingering issue, the issue that Korea is too embarrassed to thank Japan for contributing to their civilization and economic recovery, both pre and post WW2? Or perhaps their lingering reluctance to thank the US, Japan, and the other UN countries who saved them from communist domination in the 1950s...

Ungrateful, aren't they?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Posted in: Do you think the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were morally justifiable? See in context

Well, Tina, here is one;

"The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated that an invasion of Japan’s home islands would result in approximately 1.2 million American casualties, with 267,000 deaths. A study performed by physicist William Shockley for the staff of Secretary of War Henry Stimson estimated that the invasion of Japan would cost 1.7-4 million American casualties, including 400,000-800,000 fatalities, and five to ten million Japanese deaths."

from Forbes Magazine.

As I said before, the Japanese military was storing and saving weapons and soldiers for the invasion. The Japanese armies in China were cut so that soldiers could go back to Japan. As well, all civilians from age 15 and up were drafted into a kind of civilian army, and given bamboo spears to attack Allied soldiers with.

0 ( +5 / -4 )

Posted in: Do you think the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were morally justifiable? See in context

Steve, there is really no difference between being killed in a firebombing raid and killed in an atomic bombing raid. You are dead in both cases. As for the importance of the two cities, Hiroshima was an army HQ as well as a supply and logistics centre. Nagasaki was an important industrial centre, especially the huge Mitsubishi shipbuilding and arms factories, as well as a port.

There is no question that a longer war would have led to more civilian casualties. As it was, Japan only survived the winter of 1945-6 thanks to American supply and relief efforts..

-1 ( +4 / -4 )

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