Aso finally says he will accept government's Y12,000 cash handout

Tuesday 03rd March, 04:47 AM JST

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some14some at 10:33 PM JST - 2nd March

So finally it shows LDP is 'shimoii' !
iraira at 10:34 PM JST - 2nd March

and while we're at it, double the price of alcohol, with half going to the GOV...no, Japan needs it's two cheap drugs or rebellion will start.
Triumvere at 11:19 PM JST - 2nd March

Morons. Its 120 bucks. Why are they doing this? The bad PR they will get from this will cost them sooooo much more then that. Are they really that stupid? I can hardly believe it!
ANOTSUSAGAMI at 12:28 AM JST - 3rd March

You know the Diet had been bugging Aso to take the handout for months. He originally stated rightly so that he didn't need it. But this bummed out the Diet members who wanted to get the extra money themselves, as they couldn't have Aso saying he didn't need it and get it themselves. One Diet member on NHK stated that he and other Diet members were discussing the meals they'd buy with the money. More of the same idiocy. Instead of giving thier share of the handout to the people who need it most, they want to feed their already fat faces even more. Diet members are worth millions of dollars and this money will in no way affect their situation, like little children they don't want to be left out of the teat even though they have so much already. When will the Japanese public wake up?
BurakuminDes at 01:07 AM JST - 3rd March

I can't stand Aso or the LDP, but what a little, ego-driven, grand-standing turd Koizumi is showing himself to be. First, installing his son as his heir apparent in his seat, apparently trying to replicate the nepotism of North Korea, and now showing disloyalty to his party and it's leader. No wonder even Thai politics is more stable than its Japanese counterpart!
Simon_Foston at 07:51 AM JST - 3rd March

Aso said, ‘‘It is true that I felt that it would be vulgar if someone like me accepts the money, when the plan was more like a welfare benefit.’’

So first it was more like a welfare benefit, now it's more like it's to "stimulate consumption." What will it be more like next week? How about if he just calls it a cheap bribe to try and win votes?
NuckinFutz at 08:29 AM JST - 3rd March

Yes, they really are THAT STUPID!
daisan at 08:33 AM JST - 3rd March

He should take it as anyone else and then multiply it at least by ten and give it to charity.
smartacus at 08:36 AM JST - 3rd March

There is nothing wrong with Aso or any minister or anyone, for that matter, taking the 12,000 yen as long as they spend it. That's the whole idea, though I think the scheme would be better if coupons were given out rather than cash, to make sure people do spend it and not save it.
bobbafett at 11:35 AM JST - 3rd March

One Diet member on NHK stated that he and other Diet members were discussing the meals they'd buy with the money. More of the same idiocy. Instead of giving thier share of the handout to the people who need it most, they want to feed their already fat faces even more

Best post ever.
GJDailleult at 11:44 AM JST - 3rd March

Wow, arguing over 12,000 yen - is it a welfare benefit, is it a stimulus, what an important debate. Works out to a whole 1000 yen for each percentage point drop in GDP. Way to get ahead of the curve guys, good to see you are on top of the problems.
Proffessor at 01:18 PM JST - 3rd March

MeanRingo & irarira, Why put a burden on smokers or drinkers only? Just because you don't smoke or drink doesn't mean someone else has to caugh up. You can as well help stimulate the economy by spending more and not by being stingy.
mousepotato464 at 01:35 PM JST - 3rd March

I think the government should continue debating this issue until the depession has ended. Then send out these stimulus checks and tell the people how they saved the country in the next election.
Yelnats at 03:35 PM JST - 3rd March

I will get ¥80,000 got me and the family. We are going to save it, but splurge a little on Ichiko Shouchu and sour mix.
WilliB at 10:27 PM JST - 4th March

Gee thanks Mr. Aso for taking my tax money! I am so happy so stimulate the economy via you.