JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- English Instructor (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
- Berlitz Japan, Inc. (ベルリッツ・ジャパン株式会社), Kansai
- Salary: ¥125,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month
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- FT English Teachers for Kids - Osaka
- Kohgakusha Co., Ltd. （株式会社興学社）, Osaka
- Salary: ¥255,000 ~ ¥275,000 / Month Travel Expenses, Encouragement of Japanese learning*
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- Translator
- ZAIHON, Inc. (日本財務翻訳株式会社), Tokyo
- Salary: ¥6.0M / Year Negotiable
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Alphaape
I agree USA, but I wanted to just make it a point to those who think Japan is going above and beyond for this summit. They want to be with the "Big Boys" then they have to play the game as well.
Posted in: Lunch
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Alphaape
For those who are complaining about the burden this summit will bring to the Japanese taxpayer, feel my pain for awhile. As an American, "W" will fly aboard Air Force One, which costs a ton of money, also, extra military forces are placed on standby for this event, that makes for extra fly days and days underway for ships. In addition, a friend of mine flew Marine helicopters for former presidents, and the stories he told of them renting entire floors of 5 star hotels so that crews and other personnel could have a place to stay as well as paying for meals, and pretty soon, this trip will probably cost the US taxpayer a good 50-60 million dollars.
At least the JN taxpayers can get some money back from room taxes paid to the hotels the guests are staying in as well as the airport tax for the influx of foreigners. If they really wanted to recoup money back, slack off on the increased police harassment of foreigners and let more of them in and get revenues from them from their visit.
Posted in: Lunch
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Alphaape
In case this has not been covered, but since the Vietnam War, the War Powers act was added to the US Consititution. In its original form, the President coud use military force against another naion for up to 90 days. At that time, the President must ask congress for an offical declaration of war or the troops must be removed.
It has been modified several times, and it was a big discussion not with the current war with Iraq, but with Bill Clinton's use of the US military in Bosnia. Since there was no clear threat to US interests, discussion at the time was that he was misusing his presidential powers by sending troops into the area.
As far as Obama and his statement, I think it is just another act. Sure McCain may not have been a General as Wesly Clark, but he did take the time out of his life to serve, so he has that advantage over Obama. What has he to show?
Posted in: Obama vows not to question anyone's patriotism
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Alphaape
DanManjt, You do realize that Marx never worked a day in his life, he lived off the income provided by his father until he died and his trust fund was gone. He also was a moocher off Engles, and when he died, so did that funding. All that was left was the money he lived off provided by his wife and her family and other sources. All while he could deride the very institutions that made is to that he did not have to work.
Is captialism fair? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. I feel for the people, I have been in the same situation. But the only thing you can do is move on. I know that sounds easy but that is all you really can do.
Another thing, in the old communist USSR, if everyone was an equal worker in the workers paradise, why is it that party officals rode around in Zil limos while the rest didn't?
Posted in: This is beyond comprehension. Employees who worked at the company for two years and those who worked for twenty years are both offered the same package.
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Alphaape
I find it news that Obama would disagree with this decision. I wonder how he feels about the other decision the Supreme's made concerning the right to bear arms and striking down the D.C. ban on handguns.
I agree with the death penalty. I am sorry that for skipthesong the penal system has failed him and his family. But when we post comments about how in Japan the J-teens have a lack of respect for elders, teachers and police becuase they know nothing will happen to them, I think the same appies for the criminal element. They know that somewhere, they can find someone that is willing to say that they are not the cause of their life of crime or murder or rape of children, but it was societies fault that made those conditions so that you did your crime, thus relieving you of any responsiblity. I think that is hogwash.
The penalty should be carried out. Yes a child may not be able to testify as well as an adult, but as the saying went in the old west: "dead men tell no tales." If there is ample physical evidence there, then there is no excuse. A crime such as this one will scar someone (I am not talking out the side of my mouth saying that it is not societies fault, in this case, an innocent child was assualted by an adult, the child had no recourse in this one).
Now, we will be responsible for caring for this guy for his life sentece. I believe it is about $30,000/year per inmate in Louisiana. The tax payers money could be better spent.
As far as Obama, mark my words, his true colors will come out soon. If someone can show me where a true "liberal change" has taken place in any government world wide that has not resulted in some sort of armed conflict as the "enlightened" tried to make the "un-enlightened" to the light, without major violence please tell me.
Posted in: Obama disagrees with Supreme Court decision outlawing death penalty for child rapists
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Alphaape
I find it news that Obama would disagree with this decision. I wonder how he feels about the other decision the Supreme's made concerning the right to bear arms and striking down the D.C. ban on handguns.
I agree with the death penalty. I am sorry that for skipthesong the penal system has failed him and his family. But when we post comments about how in Japan the J-teens have a lack of respect for elders, teachers and police becuase they know nothing will happen to them, I think the same appies for the criminal element. They know that somewhere, they can find someone that is willing to say that they are not the cause of their life of crime or murder or rape of children, but it was societies fault that made those conditions so that you did your crime, thus relieving you of any responsiblity. I think that is hogwash.
The penalty should be carried out. Yes a child may not be able to testify as well as an adult, but as the saying went in the old west: "dead men tell no tales." If there is ample physical evidence there, then there is no excuse. A crime such as this one will scar someone (I am not talking out the side of my mouth saying that it is not societies fault, in this case, an innocent child was assualted by an adult, the child had no recourse in this one).
Now, we will be responsible for caring for this guy for his life sentece. I believe it is about $30,000/year per inmate in Louisiana. The tax payers money could be better spent.
As far as Obama, mark my words, his true colors will come out soon. If someone can show me where a true "liberal change" has taken place in any government world wide that has not resulted in some sort of armed conflict as the "enlightened" tried to make the "un-enlightened" to the light, without major violence please tell me.
Posted in: Obama disagrees with Supreme Court decision outlawing death penalty for child rapists
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Alphaape
First of all, I do not condone rape or sexual assualt of any kind. That is a terrible crime against a man or a woman, and if the evidence is there, then this soldier should be prosecuted.
But what I don't like in this case is the fact that some women's group in the PI and her parents are making claims that something should be done against the US and JP gov'ts. I think that they are misdirecting their ire. They should be protesting full force to the gov't of the PI. The gov't of the PI is responsible for the rampant corruption and graft that makes it so impossible for the poor of that country to be able to make a living. The rich in the PI don't have to worry, and there is not a support system to help the needy poor, other than to expedite their overseas visas to get them out to the world to make money so that the companies that profit from the money transfers service and phone cards can continue to get rich.
Even today, the USN has ships that go to the remote areas of the PI, and do community service like building clinics and schools and providing free medical care. I believe that wealthy nations should do this, charity is important, but I just feel that this should be done in the event of natural disasters (volcanoes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc). Not becuase the gov't is so inept that it can't provide basic services to its own population.
Her parents know what the score is. I could guarntee you that somebody in her village has a relative that has gone away and sent money back, and the people knew how the money was made and of course would talk about the "shame" that some woman did to make it, as they go shopping and living a better life.
Protest against the gov't of the PI (and the Catholic Church that is very powerful there too) about keeping people poor and uneducated and the corruption that is rampant there. I know Japan and the US are not the "ideal societies" and both have problems of poverty and corruption. But at least, the gov'ts do make an attempt to try to relived the suffering of their own poor, and at least try to make it so that even a poor person there, can at least better themselves in most cases legally without having to go the world over and act as a maid, whipping boy, or bar girl.
One more point, I am sure the girls in the club gave her a good indoctrination on what to do. I wonder, how many drinks did he have to buy her at 2000 yen/per before mama-san decided to let her go with him.
Posted in: Mother of Filipino allegedly raped by U.S. soldier in Japan appeals for help
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Alphaape
OssanULTRA, in my case I would call your comments partly true. Being a giajin, I would like to experience the full effect of a Japanese male, and be able to go into a hostess bar, soapland, happening bar, and all of the other places that have signs that say "no foreigner." But after my run through all of those places, I would not be a repeat customer. I may not be the best looking, but I do find it easy to strike up a conversation with a female, and don't really need one to tell me how great I am and listen to me.
As a matter of fact, I have met quite a few of these "hostess" women after they get off work. Many of them can speak some English, and do look for us "gaijin types" after hours to hang around with, and as one told me to be with a man that does not need her to "babysit him" and not need to be pampered. One friend of mine, a relatively junior guy in the USN was able to pull one of these "high priced" hostesses and marry her. Speaking with her and him, she will admit that she needed to get out of that life, and figured no Japanese man would marry her once they found out what she did.
So, I would like to dabble in that society without restrictions, but I would grow tired of it in about a month or so, and would see it as a waist of money. I have had better luck with striking up a conversation with these types of ladies sitting in Starbucks when they are on their way to work.
Posted in: Hostesses
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Alphaape
adaydream, based on your life story and the story of the black woman who sometimes would care for you, you should understand that in the most part, most black's come from a conserative ilk. In today's media, your Ms. Lillian would be considered a throwback and old fashioned and not understanding the modern world. I am sure that she stressed responsibilty, and the other Rev. would not be in total agreement with the callus sex and abandonment of children by men, nor the radical gay agenda, nor for the total depenedency of poor on hand outs from the government. I bet they believed if someone needs help, it should be offered, but not as a way of life and an "entitlement" and that they have no responsiblity for their actions. I am sure the good Rev. probably preached along those lines during his years in the ministry.
Posted in: Obama urges black fathers to be active in raising their children
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Alphaape
And Obama says that Black American males are derelect in our duties to our children and should step up our act. I contend, that it is just as worse to come home late after the children should be in bed, smelling of cheap whiskey and perfume and having spent family money on some lady other than the wife, but he would be considered a role model since he is at least going home.
Not to take the sides of deadbeat deads, but I think this is similar. Just being at home late at night after the lights have gone out is probably not any better.
Posted in: Hostesses
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Alphaape
adaydream, I am black and have lived in a blac community for over 43 years. What are your qualifications? From seeing this phenomenon up close, it is not all the blak males fault. Women who let guys sleep with them that have no jobs, no prospects of a job are just as much to blame as the men. True if the man does create a child, then he is responsible to support, but I would argue, if he does not have the opportunity to create (i.e. if the woman says no) then part of this problem would be solved.
Since I am not white I will probably have to defer to your comments, but I have seen white men do the same thing. There was an article in Monday's Stars & Stripes about a dad who is getting to know his son in Iraq, since both are in the National Guard,and he admits he was not theref for his son while he was growing up. They are both white. I am sure if you looked in places all over America, you will find the same issue of non support of parents for children.
Also, contrary to what the media portrays in places like Obama's old church, most Black churches are pretty conservative when it comes to issues like unwed pregnancies, at least the ones I went to when I was growing up in the deep south. So, it is not just a wild social free for all in black communities with sex without consequences. There are responsible people, but the bad ones get the press. Are there issues, yes. But I would imagine if you did a bit of research on your own, you would probably find that the percentage of white children in orphanages is probably a bit higher than blacks. I would imagine the act of putting the child up for adoption is better than keeping them around for the white community as compared to black communities.
Bottome line: if I ask a woman to have unprotected sex with me and run the risk of getting her pregnant, then we both know the risk (STD's, pregnantcy). If I in my own mind have decided that I am going to just father a kid and leave and ask the same woman, and she says yes, then we have sex. If she says no, then guess what, she doesn't get pregnant by me and an unwanted child is not born. Women have a lot of choice in this matter.
And since you are going on the social stigma angle, I did not see Obama make a similar speech on Mother's Day about the responsibility of women in their roles of choosing to have children with men they don't know much about or known to have multiple kids.
Maybe Obama could come here to Japan and speak to the women who seem to have it in themselves to kill their children just like the recent post here on JT.
Posted in: Obama urges black fathers to be active in raising their children
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Alphaape
One ironic thing about this speech, was that it was feminism at its best. Hear me out on this. On a holiday that is supposed to be about "fathers" Obama lays into men (Black men) on how we are not being responsible. So much for a day about the good that many men (black too) have done.
Yes men are responsible for making a child, but where Obama is in the feminist camp is when he does not put any of the blame on the woman also. It takes two to tango. In the case of a rape, I would understand. But in many cases, it is the woman who decides to sleep with a man (no condom, no birth control) who she knows may not work, hustles drugs and has kids by other women. So what does she expect? But, you can't say this in America because it would be considered chovanistic and demeaning to women. What better way for Obama to go after the women vote that Hillary had, than to say that it is all "Leroy's" fault and not "Tameka's"(just a few ethnocentric names for the discussion, but you can add any racial names and it is all the same). Any woman that lays with a man, and she all ready has children by another, then she has a lot to do with the situation she is in.
A few flashy gifts and drinks for a one night stand that results in an unwanted pregnancy is both parties fault. I would even go so far to say that the majority of the fault lies with the woman. Unless the man rapes her, she willingly gives herself up. But Obama nor McCain or any of the media will come across with that point of view.
Posted in: Obama urges black fathers to be active in raising their children
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Alphaape
Typing as a Black man who father was all ways there, Obama does bring up some good points. However, not to try to deflect blame, but my own brother was a faithful Black man, who just happend to marry a "psycho b**ch." End result, a divorce with a man who is doing his best for his kids (after raising her own son that she brought into the marriage) and now he is reduced to visitations only once a month, but he has to pay over $30K/year in child support(1/4 of his salary).
So, some of the time, it is the woman's fault, and the unfair court systems in America. They would rather give a gay couple (male/male) the right to adopt a child, than to give a biological father, who is the primary bread winner and has all ways been, the custody rights. Even if the "evil ex" reweds, he still has to support his kids. So think about it, a guy can get lucky and get $30K off the sweat of another man. That is part of why the crisis is like this in America.
sailwind is correct in his comments, if McCain had said the same things, the left would be all over the media saying that he is insensitive and republicans are anti-black, the same way many on here are saying that the right will try to parse these comments to show Obama to look foolish. It goes both ways.
Posted in: Obama urges black fathers to be active in raising their children
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Alphaape
Beelzebub, You bring up good points. But I am sure along with their fair share of American CEO's that come over to do business, there will be plenty of Japanese, Chinese, and Arab sheiks who will take up this offer. It is probably best to say that this crowd is of the if you have to ask, you can't afford it group.
A good book to read if you haven't is called "Makers and Takers" the difference between conservatives and liberals on how much they actually donate and give to charity, and you would be surprised at how much the supposed liberals who are looking out for our best interests actually give very little compared to a lot of the conservative ilk.
Be that as it may, more power to anyone who can afford this package deal. Obviously their hard work has paid off, and since they can't take it with you, might as well use it now.
Posted in: Conrad Tokyo hotel to offer Y3.33 mil 3-day luxury plan
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Alphaape
Beelzebub, US campaign regulations forbid foreign nationals giving donations to US candidates. Thus the issue with Elton John and his little fundraiser concert for Hillary. So the CEO will not be able to give to the McCain campaign in your scenario.
The next time someone starts to mouth off about the US and all of its war spending in Iraq and elsewhere and the Bush's and Cheney's and Haliburton's in the world, please remeber the Conrad Hotel. I can't blame them for trying to make a buck, but I would like to know how many of the top "executives" in Japan and other "A listers" will take this offer. If I know my Japan, I am sure that they probably have a very long waiting list for this. So when the posters begin to bash the US and more specifcally Republicans on supposedly being rich and not caring please remember that they advertised this because they obviously know someone can afford it, and someone will pay for it here in Japan, along with a $6000 watermelon.
Posted in: Conrad Tokyo hotel to offer Y3.33 mil 3-day luxury plan
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Alphaape
Obama believes that the rich is anyone who has an income of over $250,000/year. These are the people that will also see their taxes raised as well as those who make millions. Belive it or not, with the US tax system, the rich will all ways pay more than the poor. No matter how well they try to hide their income, those people who are rich will be taxed at the 35% level. The poor, in proportion will not be taxed at that level, and in many cases will pay no taxes.
Get rid of some of the tax loop holes for the rich would probably be fair. But increasing taxes for middle income families who make the $250K/year will have a negative impact on the economy. In places like San Francisco, LA, or NY even though that is a nice income, you are still just going to be getting by. So with added taxes, you will see a decrease in spending and saving, thus causing problems for the economy.
Posted in: Black conservatives conflicted over Obama
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Alphaape
As far as Black conservatisim, when I grew up in a Black church as a child in the 70's, the teachings there were, no sex until marriage, and if you are pregnant, then you marry. Divorce was something that should be done as a very last resort. Gays, yes they were there, and in the church, but it was pretty much understood that they would burn in Hell. Crime, being that many times we were more likely to be victims of Black on Black crime we were against it. Welfare, though it was a good method to assit you to get back on your feet, it was not something that you were "entitled to" just becuase. Racial issues, yes America had them, but it was up to us to not just let them hold you back. People will hate you because of the color of your skin, but it is still up to you to get the best you can regardless of this.
This was the thought in my church, conservative thinking, but guess what, the majority of the church voted Democratic (Carter for President, Bill Clinton for Governor (I'm from Arkansas)). So, the media has come up with this re-imaging campaing of what is conservative in the Black community since the 80's. The reason, to try to get Blacks to not vote Republican by playing on some of the Republican beliefs of fiscal responsibility on the government's part in trying to reduce some of the welfare programs and other initiatives. As much as Rev. Wright from Obama's church made comments on America, I can almost guarentee you that he made the same comments about gays (calling them sissies) or someone has gotten up and confessed in the church their sin of homosexuality and how God has cleansed them. But you will not see that in MSM (main stream media) since that goes against the liberal agenda. I speak from my experiences having been in a Black baptist church over 40 years.
Also, recently Obama has said that he thinks of the rising price of gas in America is a shock to the system, and that he believed that a gradual increase in the price would have been a better method (i.e. this is letting you know on how he plans to fund all of his proposals, start off with the well to do, and then work his way down to the not so well to do).
I pretty much have gone from liberal to conservative in my age, and being Black, I am proud to see Obama win the nomination, but I will not vote for him. Yes he looks like me, but that is not the reason to vote for someone. I have to see where they stand on policy issues before I cast my vote. Also, I have been screwed over more by my "friends who look like me" than my enemies. Just because he looks like me, does not mean he has my best interest in mind.
Posted in: Black conservatives conflicted over Obama
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Alphaape
With power lines, if for some reason more powerful lines need to be added, it is easier if they are above ground. Also, if a line breaks, you can pretty much tell where the brake occurs visually. If they are underground, unlike a sewage line when it breaks with a tell tell sign of water seepage or smell you can easily pinpoint the area. With power lines and breaking, it is hard to determine exactly where the line broke without eather pulling the cables or digging up the area if there is not an underground access point nearby.
Posted in: Power lines
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Alphaape
serindipity, in America racial history, because of the color of his skin he would be considered black. Actually, if he wanted to be technical about it, he would be white and could be said to be "passing for black". Passing is a term used when very light skinned blacks were able to blend into white society because they had such fair skin that no one could tell. They did not have to necessarily be biracial, some blacks may have had white ancestory from their grandparents but due to other factors as marrying and having kids by light skinned blacks they just came out that way.
In the slavery days in America, your race was determined by the status of the mother, a departure of the English norm of your status being that of your father. The reason being, there were simply more cases of slave owneers fathering children with slaves than white women fathering children with blacks. So, in theory, since Obama's mother is white, he could be considered white. But the old "one drop" rule would also come into play in determing his racial make-up.
A comedian put it like this when Tiger Woods came on the scene. Now that he is a famous golfer, he is mixed raced or Asian. If he would have been a guy who robbed a liqour store, he would be described as a "black suspect male."
Bottom line, it is all about what makes the majority comfortable.
Posted in: Black conservatives conflicted over Obama
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Alphaape
You know in any society, it is the high profile jobs like lawyers, doctors, politicians, and business men who are movers and shakers who make the news and the most money.
But in reality, it is the work of people like these men, who bring all of the conveniences of life to us. Working with a force that can kill you in a matter of seconds takes great skills, and does not leave much margin for error. After any storm, or eathquake when power lines are down, these guys along with police and firemen are out there putting their lives on the line. You want to cripple an economy, don't go after the high powered people and places. Just go after the hearts and minds of workers like these and other who bring services to us, and then you will see how valuable they are to keeping things going.
Posted in: Power lines