I am long on record as saying that China and Korea need to move past war-time grievances. People like Hashimoto are giving me reasons to reconsider my views.
"But the trip has fuelled speculation Pyongyang was trying to cozy up to Tokyo at a time when ties with Washington and Seoul have gone into deep freeze over its nuclear and missile ambitions."
This sentence says it all. In all likelihood the abductees are all either dead or brainwashed to the point that they no longer wish to return to Japan. North Korea has done this before; threaten war to get aid, if that doesn't work then release some "new"information about a possible abductee sighting which leads to aid and more interviews with the Yokotas. In no way does North Korea want the abductee issue resolved. On the other side, long term Japan residents may also remember that Prime Minister made his political name by "confronting" the abductee issue and doing little else. With Abe's TPP policy threatening the very existance of some powerful people on the eve of a big election, you can bet Abe wants an attention-diverter.
Personally, I think Ms. Fujimura knew she was going to be found sane and be forced to stand trial. She probably deduced that killing your elderly mother because she didn't want the burdern of looking after her would not go over well with the jury and that she was looking at 10-plus years in prison. She saved herself a long stay in prison and the tax payers a big bill.
“If it’s invaded, enslaved and bullied by others, it should not hide that history but should demonstrate it to the world and let its descendants remember that forever.”
Three thoughts on this quote.
1.) Japan committed horrible acts during WWII. This cannot be denied.
2.) I believe China uses "progressive" acts to deter attention away from the Chinese government's bullying of it's own citizens. Persons interested in reading an excellent example of how insulated from law and order the Chinese government is should read "A Chinese search for justice" from the Saturday, May 11th edition of the Japan Times.
3.) I believe China uses "progressive" acts to deter attention away from the Chinese government's bullying of it's neighboring countries (as already pointed about by Harry Gatto).
"I have not forgotten the moment when all NYY players rushed to Matsui and congratulated him for his MVP award even he was traded to Angeles. He was truly respected and loved by the team players."
Same here. I am a Redsox fan due to my father being from the Boston area but even I liked the Yankees---just a little!--during Matsui's tenure. Matsui was a guy who never had a bad thing to say about anybody and whom few people had a bad thing to say about.
"Why are people that chase their own dreams called hero`s?"
Because through their own accomplisments they often give others permission or inspiration to do the same. It's not so much the hitting of a baseball that is important but rather working hard and long to become among the best in the world at something. In Matsui's case, he also brought humility to the arrogant world of US sports.
"Just curious, how much foreign aid does Japan actually give N. Korea?"
I cannot provide a link or guarantee that it's true but I remember a NHK report saying between 15-20 million US dollars worth of yen was given to North Korea during the Koizumi years. Again I cannot prove that but that's what I heard.
@some14some. "During 6-party talks era NK had clearly stated that they do not want any aid from Japan."
But during the 6-party talks era NK received and spent a lot of aid from Japan.
I also agree but let's add that inspectors from the IAEA also be given unfettered access at anytime to assure that any nuclear activity is being directed towards creating electricity and not weapons. Not one more dollar and/or yen to this regime until they meet OUR demands. The gravy train has arrived at the station and it's no longer running.
"China and Russia share a close-knit history of socialism and have recently reaffirmed close political and military ties."
Nonsense. China and Russia are Communist countries, not Socialists. Shame on whoever wrote this article for not checking the most basic of facts.
While we could question the logic of a civilian attacking a potentially dangerous criminal, the courage of this unnamed civilian just made my day. More people like you needed, sir!
"The number of Japanese women who are struggling with food and living expenses is reported to be on the rise..."
@Souldave. This and the title is what I was responding to. You are responding to Miss A. I am sure there is a Miss B, C, etc.
"samwaters, the parents said the older brother never left their sight during the trip unless he was with cousins. I find that and that the family isn't bent on extremism extremely hard to believe."
@Viking68. Me, too!
Let's look at what has already been proven:
1) Family emigrated from Russia and brothers had ties to Chechnya and Dagestan (Muslim areas).
2.) Sunni Islam was practiced in the household.
3.) Older brother spent six month in Causasus which is a hotbed of radical Islam.
4.) Upon returning one or both of the brothers began posting pro-jihad videos on YouTube.
5.) Older brother meets the mysterious "Mishia" and begins attending a Boston area mosque.
3
samwatters
I am long on record as saying that China and Korea need to move past war-time grievances. People like Hashimoto are giving me reasons to reconsider my views.
Posted in: Do you agree with Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's comments on comfort women?
0
samwatters
"But the trip has fuelled speculation Pyongyang was trying to cozy up to Tokyo at a time when ties with Washington and Seoul have gone into deep freeze over its nuclear and missile ambitions."
This sentence says it all. In all likelihood the abductees are all either dead or brainwashed to the point that they no longer wish to return to Japan. North Korea has done this before; threaten war to get aid, if that doesn't work then release some "new"information about a possible abductee sighting which leads to aid and more interviews with the Yokotas. In no way does North Korea want the abductee issue resolved. On the other side, long term Japan residents may also remember that Prime Minister made his political name by "confronting" the abductee issue and doing little else. With Abe's TPP policy threatening the very existance of some powerful people on the eve of a big election, you can bet Abe wants an attention-diverter.
Posted in: Abe vows to seek talks with N Korea over abduction issue
0
samwatters
I love it, just love it! Good job, Mom!
Posted in: Mom chases down child abductor in New Mexico
0
samwatters
Anger directed at the world because of personal failure is not, repeat, NOT, mental illness.
Posted in: Defender in Guam crash-stabbing case seeks expert for psychiatric evaluation
1
samwatters
Personally, I think Ms. Fujimura knew she was going to be found sane and be forced to stand trial. She probably deduced that killing your elderly mother because she didn't want the burdern of looking after her would not go over well with the jury and that she was looking at 10-plus years in prison. She saved herself a long stay in prison and the tax payers a big bill.
Posted in: Murder suspect commits suicide in hospital
3
samwatters
Such parents are very, very narcissistic.
Posted in: What do you think about parents who give their children names like Pikachu, Bakudan (bomb), Messiah and so on?
3
samwatters
“If it’s invaded, enslaved and bullied by others, it should not hide that history but should demonstrate it to the world and let its descendants remember that forever.”
Three thoughts on this quote.
1.) Japan committed horrible acts during WWII. This cannot be denied.
2.) I believe China uses "progressive" acts to deter attention away from the Chinese government's bullying of it's own citizens. Persons interested in reading an excellent example of how insulated from law and order the Chinese government is should read "A Chinese search for justice" from the Saturday, May 11th edition of the Japan Times.
3.) I believe China uses "progressive" acts to deter attention away from the Chinese government's bullying of it's neighboring countries (as already pointed about by Harry Gatto).
Posted in: Buildings constructed in Manchukuo by occupying Japanese forces get official protection from Beijing
2
samwatters
"I have not forgotten the moment when all NYY players rushed to Matsui and congratulated him for his MVP award even he was traded to Angeles. He was truly respected and loved by the team players."
Same here. I am a Redsox fan due to my father being from the Boston area but even I liked the Yankees---just a little!--during Matsui's tenure. Matsui was a guy who never had a bad thing to say about anybody and whom few people had a bad thing to say about.
Posted in: Matsui, Nagashima receive People's Honor Award from Abe
1
samwatters
"Why are people that chase their own dreams called hero`s?"
Because through their own accomplisments they often give others permission or inspiration to do the same. It's not so much the hitting of a baseball that is important but rather working hard and long to become among the best in the world at something. In Matsui's case, he also brought humility to the arrogant world of US sports.
Posted in: Matsui, Nagashima receive People's Honor Award from Abe
1
samwatters
"Just curious, how much foreign aid does Japan actually give N. Korea?" I cannot provide a link or guarantee that it's true but I remember a NHK report saying between 15-20 million US dollars worth of yen was given to North Korea during the Koizumi years. Again I cannot prove that but that's what I heard.
Posted in: Japan says no aid for N Korea until it resolves abduction issue
5
samwatters
@some14some. "During 6-party talks era NK had clearly stated that they do not want any aid from Japan." But during the 6-party talks era NK received and spent a lot of aid from Japan.
Posted in: Japan says no aid for N Korea until it resolves abduction issue
5
samwatters
I also agree but let's add that inspectors from the IAEA also be given unfettered access at anytime to assure that any nuclear activity is being directed towards creating electricity and not weapons. Not one more dollar and/or yen to this regime until they meet OUR demands. The gravy train has arrived at the station and it's no longer running.
Posted in: Japan says no aid for N Korea until it resolves abduction issue
1
samwatters
"China and Russia share a close-knit history of socialism and have recently reaffirmed close political and military ties." Nonsense. China and Russia are Communist countries, not Socialists. Shame on whoever wrote this article for not checking the most basic of facts.
Posted in: 'Iron Man' shows Hollywood's bent to take on China censors' steely grip
0
samwatters
"Numerous women posted pictures of themselves wearing bright red lipstick on social media websites to protest at the measure.."
Good for you, ladies! Stick to your guns and stand up to the bullies.
Posted in: Turkish Airlines bans bright lipstick on hostesses
9
samwatters
While we could question the logic of a civilian attacking a potentially dangerous criminal, the courage of this unnamed civilian just made my day. More people like you needed, sir!
Posted in: Would-be robber wielding toy gun chased down by local man in Hachioji
0
samwatters
"The number of Japanese women who are struggling with food and living expenses is reported to be on the rise..." @Souldave. This and the title is what I was responding to. You are responding to Miss A. I am sure there is a Miss B, C, etc.
Posted in: Women use smartphone games to lure men into paying for their food expenses
16
samwatters
Doesn't have enough money for food but has enough money for a smart phone?
Posted in: Women use smartphone games to lure men into paying for their food expenses
1
samwatters
"samwaters, the parents said the older brother never left their sight during the trip unless he was with cousins. I find that and that the family isn't bent on extremism extremely hard to believe." @Viking68. Me, too!
Posted in: Boston Marathon bombs triggered by remote-controlled detonator
1
samwatters
Let's look at what has already been proven: 1) Family emigrated from Russia and brothers had ties to Chechnya and Dagestan (Muslim areas). 2.) Sunni Islam was practiced in the household. 3.) Older brother spent six month in Causasus which is a hotbed of radical Islam. 4.) Upon returning one or both of the brothers began posting pro-jihad videos on YouTube. 5.) Older brother meets the mysterious "Mishia" and begins attending a Boston area mosque.
Does anyone else notice the reoccuring theme?
Posted in: Boston Marathon bombs triggered by remote-controlled detonator
1
samwatters
@nigelboy. Thanks for the links. I'll check them out soon. People like you who are willing to provide links make the discussion more meaningful.
Posted in: S Korean FM shelves Japan trip over Yasukuni shrine visit