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TigermothII
I don't get these polls. Australia has 23 million people. How can you question 2,000 of them and make such broad assumptions? How was the poll conducted? Did it poll people in the country, just in cities, just in a certain demographic or even political group? It's incredibly irresponsible, and rather just plain stupid to make the statement that half of all Australians want an end to immigration based upon this kind of idiotic polling.
It's quite easy to take the moral high ground and state that the peoples of the world should be allowed freedom to move wherever they want and have the advantage that nation or society offers. It's quite another for the nation receiving these immigrants to have the funding and infrastructure to do so. Immigration used to mean coming to another country to find opportunity and make the most of that opportunity. Now it is more a vehicle of fleeing something rather than affecting change in one's own country. Taking the poor and unskilled from one nation and dropping them into another where you can add the problems of language and cultural identity and it will mostly never end in good.
Posted in: Half of Australians want end to immigration: poll
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TigermothII
It's not the Queen that compromises the integrity of British democracy, but rather the fact that you keep getting idiot PMs. That and the fact the London and most of the larger cities of Britain are populated by third-world folks due to an insane immigration policy. Someone above mentioned that expatriates mostly support the monarchy - well they didn't leave because of the Queen, they left because too much of Britain has become unrecognizable to them (except the north and Scotland to a degree). I spent the weekend with a few hundred from England and that was the general consensus I got. They support the Queen for many reasons, but one of them is that she represents a system that is part of the culture that is all but disappearing in the land once loved so much. Now they are all heading to Australia, the US, etc.
Religions and races do not have to worry about violent conquest - they are slowly winning the war through massive immigration. I heard on the BBC that Marseille in France is now majority Muslim. There are cities in the UK that cannot be far behind. Better hang on to the Monarchy; it's one of the few English things you have left.
Posted in: Support for British monarchy at highest for decades: poll
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TigermothII
What does that say about you for not recognizing your own party's stupidity?
The ship towards the rocks analogy is cute, but to throw up one's hands and say the course is destiny because you cannot come up with clever and real ideas to fix the progress of your ship is not an option that an American President has the luxury of.
You don't say. Of course any party is going to point to the others shortcomings, and paint them as reason for ills - that is expected in political discourse. But in this case if the sky were to turn putrid green you would blame George Bush. You can blame an administration, you can blame a party - that's politics. But to whine and bind forever without offering any real (good) solutions of your own shows true colors.
If the brilliant liberal solution is to say that 'well, GB f'ed things up so bad we can't fix them without being in office for the next 30 years' then maybe it's time to realize a community organizer - however charismatic - with a few years in the senate is not the experienced leadership that a nation in dire straits needs to pull out recovery.
Ha - maybe your liberal brilliance is best illustrated by that idiot Chris Matthews. Even us stupid conservatives knew 'Francis Gary Powers'. His claim to liberal intellectual superiority as he drools over his hero was sure put paid.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/cutline/chris-matthews-bombs-jeopardy-141427472.html
Posted in: Around world, Obama's presidency a disappointment
0
TigermothII
No, they all believe they are righteous and so utterly brilliant that those of us who don't 'see the light' must truly be utter morons incapable of putting on our own trousers, so they don't see it. They don't quite understand that those of us who think do not want our government telling us how to put on said trousers. Nor sticking their hands in our trouser pockets to remove our hard-earned dosh.
Zorro? I would vote for him - sharp dresser and good man with a blade.
Odd how you're so enamored with this chap - isn't he and his company part of the evil 1% that your type despises so much for their 'corporate greed'? Or are they okay if they like President Obama? Interesting. But the President is a multimillionaire as well, isn't he?
Oh come now - the world still hates us, don't fool yourself. But the world has long hated Americans for their crass behavior, their successes and their lifestyles. Those that wish to blow us up will still find cause to do so. Those that hate Americans still will. Why do we care? I don't. Hating someone because of their nationality is petty, stupid, unproductive and has been the cause of many wars. Sod the lot of them if they hate us. There has been a lot that is good, true and honorable about the USA, and the current President had nothing to do with it, although he is a product of why it is great.
And let's get past the Bush thing. If I took over as CEO of a failing company, I could not use the excuse of the previous CEO's perceived failures to years later justify my own inability to fix the company's ills. I would be fired and they would try a replacement. Excuses don't cut it. Despite being conservative, I don't have the mindset that too many of you do that you have to stay party line and to hell with all others. A man I greatly admire is FDR. Yes, some of his ideas and programs were not the best of ideas, but he didn't sit about laying blame - he did something. And he was making a huge difference. When he died, people of this nation - Democrat and Republican - were heartbroken and all wept for the loss of a great man and a great President. He was experienced, and he got things done. This President is no FDR. We don't need excuses, we need a good plan, and open honesty and integrity in carrying it out. FDR brought the nation together like no one has - this President has divided it like no one has. I don't see that as success, nor the fault of George Bush.
Posted in: Around world, Obama's presidency a disappointment
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TigermothII
Maybe.
But be careful what you wish for. Yes, granted I will admit that the current version of the royals is perceived as a bit less perhaps dignified as they might have been perceived in the past. And yes the Monarchy historically is riddled with incompetence, lunacy and just poor decision making. And yes, certainly it is an institution that is a drain on the economy. So why keep it around then? I'm actually an American, so I have no stake in the matter. But a good number of my friends are English. Perhaps sometimes it takes an outsider looking in to see a reason where a Republican such as yourself might not. I do realize that in this day and age things like national pride and pride in one's heritage is an old-fashioned thing. But having traveled around England, and having so many English friends, there is a spirit, pride and way about them that I see in the folks of Britain that you really don't see anywhere else. Yes, it's becoming diluted with too much foreign immigration, but it's still there. The pomp, ceremony and set ways of doing things may seem a waste of time and resources to those who only choose to look at it that way. But if you look at it historically, and look at the fabric of what it means to be British - and what makes the nation so great, despite the fact that the years of empire are long gone - it centers around that system of Monarchy. It might be archaic, but it's part of the national fabric and identity. If you remove it I don't think Britain would be nearly what it still remains in stature, and being British would not hold the meaning that it does.
Sorry, not explaining it very well and likely sound an utter loon. No, it's not easy to comprehend when you're struggling to make ends meet that it's important to have some old lady in a castle somewhere. But it is. Given a few more hours and a half dozen more cups of coffee I could likely put this all much more eloquently.
Posted in: Emperor, empress to visit Britain for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee
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TigermothII
Here's hoping Peanut is the first to go. Slow roasted perhaps. I always love the 'dumb Americans' comments - tell me nut - what great nation do you hail from where everyone is a bloody genius then?
Have any of the other nuts just considered that perhaps the Mayan's were just too tired, or bored with the project, to continue said calendar?
Which one is worse - religion or supposed science? One is a carry-over from old-world superstitions when man believe in multiple gods and all sorts of nonsense. Religion is just a tool propagated by the rich and powerful to keep the poor from killing them. Science is too often bad theory expounded upon to make the presenter seem a bright spark in his field. The above poster is correct; according to the doomsday global warming scientists of old, the polar ice caps should have been gone a decade ago and we should have a catastrophically huge hole in the ozone layer that would have long ago sizzled our flesh off. And we would be inundated with killer bees.
Of course, I think it important that we put such weight behind the fact that a bunch of South American Indians who also beheaded some of their victims decided not to carry on their calendar forever.
Posted in: One in seven thinks end of world is coming, with Dec 21, 2012, likely date - poll
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TigermothII
Here, here Fadamor. And besides that, if it weren't for the pageantry and historic architecture built by English royalty tourism to London and the UK in general would likely be a mere fraction. It is a beautiful country to be sure, but many decide to visit precisely so they can see Buckingham Palace, etc. Tourism = Pounds Sterling. And investment in the Monarchy is worth it's weight in gold.
I would go on about how the unifying factor and traditions of the Royal Family are immensely important to the fabric of the people of Great Britain in so many other ways - but if you're either a foreign transplant or a hater because you cannot make it economically then you wouldn't care to listen anyway.
Posted in: Emperor, empress to visit Britain for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee
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TigermothII
It doesn't change the fact that the bases themselves are a direct result of Japanese militarism and the indisputable fact that had the nation not helped plunge the world into war and cut a barbaric swathe across Asia then there would be no American bases. No matter how you write the war and it's causes, to the victors belong the spoils. I should think Japan rather lucky that after all that we helped rebuild the nation and some 70 years on the only remnants are a few bases.
Posted in: Would you like to see all U.S. military forces removed from Okinawa?
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TigermothII
But let's not forget that Japanese/German/Italian militarism and eventual dreams of conquest that resulted in the Second World War created the monster that had to grow even further in the post-war years to stem the threat of Soviet domination. Yes, the failure of the Allies after the First World War is a direct cause, but all player had their part. Had Japan not embarked on a disastrous war in the first place, you wouldn't be bitching about having American troops stationed there now.
Posted in: Would you like to see all U.S. military forces removed from Okinawa?
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TigermothII
No, for nations the people and their attitudes, drive, initiative, perseverance, humanity - etc - are what makes America great, the haters aside. Only the folks that live here seem to fully understand that - but I think as a nation we're okay with that. I'd rather have you hate me from whatever shite-hole you live in than love me because I share that shite-hole with you.
For the sake of argument I'd be curious to know what country you hail from to observe really great you are.
Posted in: Would you like to see all U.S. military forces removed from Okinawa?
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TigermothII
Seriously?? Do any of you really give a rat's arse how someone eats noodles?
Posted in: Korean idol enrages Japanese netizens by eating instant noodles from the pot
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TigermothII
Between this comment and those by Lieberman, etc - isn't it sort of telling and interesting how there has been a concerted effort to show Trayvon to be a 'thug' and Zimmerman to be nothing short of Mother Theresa? I doubt Trayvon was an angel, and frankly I personally think he likely was beating on Zimmerman for following and and being a tool for profiling him. Zimmerman was still the one armed, and the one who fired the shot. The court can figure this one out. But the obvious attempt to paint the black guy as the troublemaker and the semi-white guy as the good-guy caught in a bad situation would be comical if it wasn't such a sad social commentary. Never mind that Zimmerman was arrested for essential domestic violence or something similar. Neither is/was likely an angel without flaws. But the essential truth that is rather undeniable is that zimmerman saw a black kid in his hood, profiled him as suspicious because other black guys had been robbing his neighbors, followed him armed with a gun, apparently approached him in some manner that lead to an altercation, then shot him when he was possibly getting his butt kicked for being a jackass in the first place.
In the end it's racial profiling, amazing stupidity or at the very least irresponsibility for following his 'suspect' armed with a gun, equal stupidity for approaching and confronting him (how else would the altercation have started) ending in a killing. Trying to Portray Martin as a thug and Zimmerman as a choir boy doesn't change the basic tenants. Being a perceived 'thug' and a smart-ass doesn't mean the person should be subject to being shot and killed for it. Being a 'good guy' doesn't mean you cannot be guilty of astounding stupidity that resulted in tragedy, and it does not mean you should not be held accountable for stupid actions.
This whole case has almost become superfluous as just a horribly tragic set of events. More interesting is the stupidity of what some like to term the 'lynch mob' and the equal stupidity and blatant racism of the mostly white conservative crowd that feels need to paint Martin as a potential criminal to somehow allay Zimmerman's guilt. I'm white and conservative, but not so close minded that I can't see this.
Posted in: Trayvon Martin's accused killer raises more than $200,000 for defense
1
TigermothII
Patrick McPike - I think you are correct to a large degree. As long as your conclusion is not that there isn't racism in this country anymore, as that would be erroneous. And a large part of it is likely cause and effect - bad attitude and the unwillingness to do what it takes to succeed leads to stereotyping and labeling. But there still are certain truths. In many parts of the country a black man in a white neighborhood will cause comment or at least people to take note. There are still country clubs, and various other clubs and organizations (the Elks club comes to mind) where a black man might as well not submit his application for membership. To say that racism does not exist is to kid one's self quite a bit. Of course it exists from all sides; I've been called 'whitey' or 'that white boy' on a good many occasions. but no matter how progressively minded we try to be a good many of the old prejudices still exist. I think they are truly lessening, but present none-the-less.
I think 'salad bowl' is a good term for it.
> There was no sign saying "blacks here," and "whites here," on the trains and in restaurants, but he found that, in southern states, blacks and whites sat in their own areas. In cities, he said, he saw Korea town or Japan town or Hispanic areas, but each was separate.
Yes, but tell your student to keep in mind that in many instances it is a combination of economic and cultural considerations that keep people in areas within their own group. Often is is self-imposed, for instance I think in larger cities many Asians like living in communities with other Asians as their cultural similarities and understanding make for a more peaceful co-existence (and an easier marketing system for goods and services that might be culturally dependent). As far as the economic side it, this has been argued above - whether more whites than blacks can afford housing in better areas is due to race or attitude and willingness is subject to interpretation. But the point is that it isn't necessarily a racist white ploy to keep all minorities grouped in their own individual communities.
Posted in: Whatever happened to 'post-racial' America?
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TigermothII
You seem to forget that we are under no imperative to give aid in the form of food to begin with. When any country - the US included - decides to give foreign humanitarian aid then yes, that's a great thing. But to imply that we are evil for ceasing this aid to a nation not friendly to us is rather stupid. Quite literally you don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Posted in: N Korea vows retaliation over U.S. halting food aid
0
TigermothII
MoBass I know what your saying. I'm from Virginia and before migrating north I saw racism that was pathetic. After college I worked in a shoe store while trying to get a job where the manager would yell out 'code 3' each time a black woman would enter the store - which was supposed to mean 'keep a watch out for her stealing'. People who don't think this is common haven't got out much.
My gripe with the language thing is that while I do understand that in many ways it is likely an attempt to form a shared cultural identity where that bond was originally ripped away, I think it denigrates African Americans by keeping them from a more level playing field. Language is a powerful tool and it's mastery can take a person far. A smart, proud race should show it in action (and speech) and not, for sake of pride and want of individual freedom almost re-enslave themselves in defiance. How many times have I heard an articulate African American referred to as an 'Uncle Tom', or seen them revert to a different speech pattern to avoid criticism. A small thing - but small things can do wonders.
Posted in: Whatever happened to 'post-racial' America?
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TigermothII
Of course the article makes it seem that primarily the race problem is caused by white Americans. Fifteen, twenty years ago - and most certainly before that - I would whole-heatedly agree with that sentiment. But it's my personal belief that many white Americans - and yes even those in historically racist areas of the country - are more than willing and ready to move on. But there is something called by psychologists the 'slave mentality' that exists in the black community, and I would counter that much of the issues with racism are perpetuated by this mentality. A prime example of this (and one that particularly fascinates me as a writer) would be the trend in the black community to ridicule anyone in their own culture who might choose to speak the Queen's English as taught, rather than what is common on the buses here in the city. The ability to speak properly and communicate in standard fashion is not a 'white rule' or some attempt by 'the man' to counter or otherwise dissuade black culture. Friends from Africa that live here speak English and know the rules of grammar better than I do. When you perpetuate stupidity as racial identity, is it any wonder then that racial stereotypes live on, and that even things like job opportunities seem slanted unfairly in the opposite direction?
I know I'm harping on something simple (and the whole 'ebonics' thing has been harped to death) but language and social norms are things that bring us together as human beings, particularly on a national level. When you set out to ignore or counter these norms for the sake of some perceived cultural identity, then there should be no surprise at disparity. Whether it's the way people speak, or the way they dress and present themselves it does have an affect on acculturation and assimilation. It is possible and not a bad thing to fit in without losing identity. I'm not saying everyone should wear a button down dress shirt, khaki trousers and have the same haircut. But for the guy sitting next to me on the express bus that uses the 'N' word every five seconds, punctuates everything with 'know what I'm sayin?' and peppers it with the constant use of the expletive with the initials 'MF' - while simultaneously wearing his trousers down far enough that I can see his less than clean skivies - are you surprised he might not get a better paying job and improve his lot in life?
Posted in: Whatever happened to 'post-racial' America?
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TigermothII
How exactly are they going to retaliate? We import enough crappy products from other countries not to need anything they might produce - if they indeed do produce anything worthwhile. Are they going to launch rockets at us?
Posted in: N Korea vows retaliation over U.S. halting food aid
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TigermothII
What, do you still follow some Bushido nonsense that surrender is 'dishonorable'? Or is it just your pathetic attempt at trying to implicate that any participant in war is guilty of crimes against humanity and deserves to die? If that is your outlook I hope for your sake that you get to rest in your comfortable home without ever having to fight for the right to continue doing so. Naivete to the point of blind, head in the sand stupidity is not a trait I should think one would be proud of. It's great to imagine some utopia where there are no power-seekers and abusers, and therefore no reason for war. This place isn't one of those. Human nature, whether American, Japanese, German or Peruvian is flawed and there will always unfortunately be the need to keep what we settle on as a reasonable version of 'freedom' safe from those abusers. Thank God, Buddha, Allah - pick one - that we have men like these who do possess the courage in time of need. Thank the same that we never have to depend upon people like you who sanctimoniously just reap the benefits. But your the typical Japanese 'we aint do nuffin' guvna' type so go figure. You seem to be offended that this story is placed on JT, but that is an editorial decision for their staff, not the fault of the men in the story.
Again - and apparently I could say this a million times with no effect - when these men celebrate, or are celebrated it is not because of the people that they killed or the property and lives destroyed. It's not a celebration of war itself or some sort of wild victory celebration (although the victors were certainly entitled to it when it was all over) with 'high-fiving'. It's a celebration amongst themselves that they did survive. And a celebration of sorts for the memory of the comrades lost. And it's a celebration of the suffering, fear and loss - and often subsequent courage in doing their bit and surviving that is celebrated.
I find this current trend - likely more amongst the younger more liberal crowd - of wanting to classify the men and women who fought in the Second World War, or any other military conflict as 'murderers' and 'war criminals'. You seem to have no realistic grasp of human history, which is incredibly dangerous.
Posted in: Doolittle's Raid survivors hold 70th reunion in U.S.
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TigermothII
You still miss the point; they aren't celebrating that they killed people in a time of war. They are celebrating that they accomplished what had to be done and lived through it.
Posted in: Doolittle's Raid survivors hold 70th reunion in U.S.
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TigermothII
You're both missing the point, and not surprisingly. The crowd that wears their anti-war stance on their sleeves like some sort of liberal badge of courage seem to intrinsically forget - or more likely ignore through ignorance or lack of intelligent thought - that the celebration of what we consider heroism in war is not a celebration of war itself. It is realized - and most notably by the veterans themselves - that war is a horrible, tragic and evil exercise of man which should be visited upon no worthy civilization. Those that saw their young friends die, witnessed death, and yes even killed others themselves realize this far more than the rest of us ever can. I would point out that sometimes war is a horrible but necessary act to preserve the death of humanity or at least a more noble cause (preventing genocide comes to mind).
The point is not that these people are heroes for bombing and killing other, but that they are heroes for having the strength and courage to fight for the cause in which they believed. In the west we happen to think that the defeat of fascism and Imperialism was a noble cause. So yes, these men are heroes. That you might not believe in their cause does not make them less so to those who do. If you want to think that the Japanese Army were heroes because you are Japanese, that is your right. I should hope that you might think this of units who fought nobly on the field of battle rather than those throwing babies on bayonets in China, or lopping off POW's head on Bataan, but to each his own.
Yes war is horrible, and the acts committed during war designed to kill people are not noble, but the human spirit and courage that cause men/women to persevere through it is worthy of praise. If you would suggest through your denunciation of all who participated in war as murderers or immoral then I would conclude that you have lived a lucky life in which you have never found yourself in a situation that might require such a choice, and the heroism to see it through.
Posted in: Doolittle's Raid survivors hold 70th reunion in U.S.