JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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tkoind2
If we want a stronger America where people are able to work, contribute to society and remain competitive on the global stage, we need to spend the money and pay the taxes to make that happen.
And we need to change how we live. We cannot drive up personal debt the way we have. We need to live within our means.
We also need to encourage local production, jobs and economies. That means maybe paying more for some items made at home in the US or in your town rather than expecting everything to be imported and cheap. Local products mean local people working to produce them. That means more local people contributing to the welfare of the community and the nation.
We need to apply regulations that punish companies for moving jobs offshore only for lower paid labor. Or tax such companies tarrifs if they wish to import those goods to the US that were previously made here.
I also think that salary limitations needs to be looked at. There is no rational reason why any worker at any level should make thousands of time the average educated worker's salary. This is sheer greed and needs to restricted. If not through limitations, then through significant taxes for people earning over a certain amount each year. These people get rich off the labor of others and should help carry a greater burden to care for society.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
" ordinary patriotic Americans"
I don't like the word patriotic as used in current vernacular. It implies that there are Americans who are not-patriotic or somehow less American. This is a dangerous use of the word.
For me, a patriotic isn't a necessary description. I am happy to see all American's work to make the county better and to call out for leadership that pays attention to their needs. No party necessary and no antics either.
As for the "same old shell game" This applies to both sides in American politics. The right for serving the interests of corporations and the rich over working class people. For leveraging religion and "morality" to blind poor conservatives to their anti-working class agenda.
To the left for failing to provide leadership and solutions that create jobs and truly empower people to break the cycle of poverty.
Politics in America have failed. What is needed now is a willingness to take on the responsibility to make things better. That means investing in jobs, investing in education. Sorting out real, non commercial healthcare for people to maintain their health. And working on programs that put people to work or on the path to work when they complete retraining or new education.
These things take money and that needs to come from taxes. And not only on the mainstream of America, but on the rich and on the companies too. You don't get something for nothing, we all want a better stronger America and that is going to cost money and taxes to make happen. But it will raise us all up and prepare our nation for a stronger future.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
I think we should welcome comments from our friends all over the world. I welcome your input, no matter where you are from. American policy impacts the entire world. From my point of view, that entitles anyone to have and express an opinion. A fundamental human right in my eyes.
As an American, I feel the right to disagree with the political parties and to have my own views. Afterall that is a freedom we are supposed to have. But the right wingers seem to think that if we disagree with their vision or their policy that we are anti-American. This is not the thinking of people who value freedom or who have read the constitution and the writings of our founding fathers.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
SushiSake3. Exactly!!!!
One more. Conservatives just want to make money for themselves. Period! If that is at the expense of the people, then so be it. Greed. Unbridled greed.
And don't forget that you and I are anti-American for disagreeing with them.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
"He dismissed arguments made by senior Republicans, including John Boehner, speaker of the House of Representatives, that taxing higher earners more would damage investment and job creation in the US.
"I have yet to see anyone... shy away from a sensible investment because of the tax rate on the potential gains," he said."
Superlib. Exactly. The right wants us to believe that new taxes would kill off jobs and harm people. But in reality we need taxes that help build our nation through projects, education, healthcare and job creation.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
Brei..... "I find blanket statements as dismissive as that one most often come from non-Americans."
BS! Complete and utter BS. I was born in a working class neighborhood in the US. Grew up there. Went to college there, worked there for decades before going out to see the rest of the world and to learn about the world outside the US. What gives you the idea that someone who doesn't agree with your GOP Disneyland vision of reality must be an outsider? Are we to that point of exclusion in the US now that we think only non-American's disagree with the idiotic politics at home?
"You don't make a very good case for any of us believing you have the nation's best interests in mind." And just who are you to judge who has the US best interests in mind. That sounds like the kind of repressive thinking that is the very root of the problem. Dismissive of others you disagree with and ready to show they are anti-American because they don't buy your vision of reality.
Well bad news buddy! A lot of American in the US and abroad look at the dog and pony show you call politics these days and we are sickened by it. We see people suffering, needing jobs and needing hope for their families while these bone headed politicians fight like a bunch of high school jocks at homecoming as if winning the debate for their team equals taking home the trophy.
People want real leaders who care about their needs. About JOBS, about HEALTH CARE, about SECURITY, about FAMILY and about the well being of working people. They don't want to be sold another pack of lies by any party or politician. They want solutions to their problems. And so do I.
Now if that makes me anti-American, Red, Communist, against the interests of America..... Well so be it. Because what I care about first and above all are people not your parties or your definition of America. To me the people are America and the only thing that matters!! We clear now?
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
"Sad that when a country falls under the lawlessness of thugs..." Come on, really the UK is under the influence and control of lawlessness and thugs? There were a few isolated uprisings last week. Were they bad? Sure. Do they demonstrate that the government of the UK is not in control? Of course not. That is sensationalistic BS!
Come on, stay with me in the real world here. The government is in control of the UK and do not need some cop from the US to sort out their problems. They can and will handle the problem. And the UK world will go on turning without US help.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
bass4funk. what is this need you have to put things in neat little boxes? What makes you assume I have any party in mind in Europe any more than I do in the US?
As far as I am concerned there is no "ideal party" out there waiting to save humanity. And I sincerely doubt there ever will be one. In any case party is not really the issue here is it? Are we forced to choose up sides and create our opposition? This kind of us/them vision has not worked so far, so what would inspire anyone to place hope in it going forward?
What the world needs are leaders willing to put aside their own ambitions and financial desires to serve the people honestly and fully. What the world needs are political systems focused upon the majority of people and not just serving the interests of the wealthy and powerful. This is the change that is needed. Not a change to a different party.
"the power in the U.S. is with the people and the voters," Nonsense! The people only get to choose from the few options that have the money and influence to gain office. We do not have true peer representation in America. You don't even elect the president. The EC does. You have been reading too much of your own propaganda.
"don't do a good job, you'll be replaced." Again mostly fantacy here. Though to some extent recently we swap people out so quickly that nothing gets done.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
Breit. Just to clear you up a bit friend. So we can avoid wasting time talking about my support for this or that party.
I am not a DEM. 2. I am not GOP. 3. I am not an American Independent. 4. I do not subscribe to any political party or faction, in the US, Japan or anywhere for that matter.
Obama was the less of evils available in the last election. I did not expect my political ideas to be achieved by Obama or any other candidate in the last election. 6. But I was very happy to see George go away!
Now. Do I think the GOP will sweep back into power. Unlikely. This line up is not viable to enough of the US conservative population, let alone the rest, to gain a powerful mandate. Especially your Texan.
Romney and Huntsman are the less of the current list of evils, but their association with the Mormon cult will not sit well with the conservative bible thumping crowd.
So I don't see a viable threat to Obama on the GOP horizon yet. I do see a lot of wishful thinking destined to lead to disappointment.
Would I welcome another term of Obama? Better than the current GOP offerings. But I would only expect another four years of polarized BS in the congress and the inability to make decisions or solve problems.
What I would like to see, just so we are clear there too, is a government that represents the people first and not just the wealthy or the corporations. I would like to see a 21st Century New Deal to put people to work and others on the path to new careers. I would like to see an end to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I would like to see a focus upon the needs of ordinary Americans and a heck of a lot less pointless infighting.
Clear enough?
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
Breit.... no GOP candidate from Texas or anywhere else is going to address the needs of that 1 in 6 you refer to. The pro-corporate/anti-worker policies of both parties for decades have lead to the bleeding off of jobs to cheaper labor markets and the destruction of nearly all of America's production jobs.
The greed by companies to raise profits yet not share that back with more jobs is another issue. And the consumers are equally to blame in their expectation for plentiful cheap products rather than doing their civic duty of supporting local and domestic products and by proxy local and domestic jobs.
Again the polar nature of US politics now is huge dog and pony show with no more depth than a teaspoon. What people need are leaders who are prepared to make the very hard decisions to spend money to create jobs, regulate business to assure that they behave as good citizens and create jobs at home.
That 1 in 6 doesn't need underemployment or charity. They need viable jobs that let them be contributing members of society. That means funding education, funding retraining, making it easier for small business to gain access to money to build jobs.
All in all, if you want to solve problems, you cannot wish them away or talk them away with political BS, you have to be willing to invest and make change happen. What America needs is a leader with a 21st century New Deal to put the nation back on track.
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
bass4funk. Please focus on the world issue and no only on the US. There are actually considerations outside your borders.
"This is not the great depression." Really? How sure are you about that? Since 2008 we have been riding on the edge of a second, and possibly more catestrophic depression. One that we have not yet averted. So you may want to hold back on that statement until things settle down a bit.
I am happy that you "feel" for these people, but that will not put them to work. Investment of money by governments in education, retraining, job creation and internal investment will put them back to work. But first we have to overcome the backwards thinking of people who feel that such investment is charity. When in reality is it a necessary social investment to secure the future of our nations.
As for US politics. To be honest I am disgusted by both the parties in the US. They excell at infighting and dogma and utterly fail to achieve anything meaningful. The polarization of politics in America is your downfall, one that has become increasingly dangerous to our economic future and that of the world.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
Utrack. Focused on radiation are we? The quote is about taxes. And is a wise statement.
Raise taxes during a recession and you reduce spending and put more pressure on consumers. That results in poor sales and profits by companies. That leads to lay offs and salary reductions. That leads to more decline in consumer confidence.
See where this cycle is heading? I wonder if our brilliant leaders here in Japan understand this spiral?
Posted in: Nobody should raise taxes in the middle of a recession. Eventually we have to raise the consumption tax rate — no question about it. But right now I’d wait.
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tkoind2
Wow this thread is infested with the American right wing to whom the concept of balance means "My WAY ONLY!"
The biggest problem with American politics is illustrated here. The polarity that people have fallen into. So narrow minded and fixed on a set ideology that there is no room for compromise, no room for discussion and outright hatred for the other side.
I am saddened to see this, because I have lived long enough to see periods in our history where politicians did come together to address issues and solve problems by working across the isle and recongizing their mutual goals of doing right by the people.
But the new idealogues in the US, on both sides, cannot communicate and thus both fail to serve the needs of the working people of America.
Put your hatred aside. Put the dogma, propaganda and political BS aside. People need jobs, they need opportunities, they need hope for the future. But all the political world is giving them is swift hard kick in the head every time they allow this partisan nonsense to interfere with getting the work done to help get our country back on track.
SHAME ON BOTH SIDES!
Posted in: Obama hits Republicans on anti-tax stance
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tkoind2
What a silly article.
Posted in: The pros and cons of May-December marriages
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tkoind2
This is sad and tragic, but I have to agree a candiate for the Darwin awards. Just does not make sense to take that kind of risk. People need a stronger grasp of reality in this world.
Posted in: Niagara Falls search for Japanese woman turns up man's body
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tkoind2
Mises and his dogmatic, often hateful ideas was marginalized because he was extreme to both spectrums. We are better off for having that kind of hateful, tempermental thinking put in the isolation corner where it belongs!
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
bass4funk. This thread is primarily about the UK. I am sure the referrences to other European countries are not only appropriate but in line with the discussion. Afterall the entire world is not focused on the US alone. There are other nations struggling with these issues.
"Do I hear "Karl Marx?" " I cannot address what voices you may be hearing, but it is pretty clear that not a single person other than you has made any reference to Marx.
" Self-reliance is the only way." Sure, but only to a point. People living in communities where there are no jobs, no opportunties to relocate and no prospects for the future are not empowered to achieve your utopian vision of "self reliance." Look at history, during the great depression legions of "self reliant" farmers, industrial workers and laborers lost their jobs. Most wanted to work and did all they could to find work. Including migrating around the country in search of work. But there was none to be had. And they lacked money to kick off new projects in a depression economy.
The same is true today of many communities who have lost jobs to overseas, seen businesses close and the availability of seed money to kick off new projects unavailable.
So exactly how do you, an obviously middle class and economically secure person, envision that these legions of workers just trust upon "self reliance" alone to invent jobs and new economies. Your thinking here lacks any grounding in reality and sounds far more like a right wing propaganda film. No jobs = No jobs = poverty. How exactly, I yes I do expect you to spell it out in detail, are these people supposed to be self reliant and invent new economies for their communtiies? I bet you could not do it if you lost your means of support.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
Lizz. I don't support the kind of debt and spending that you refer to either. But the problem you describe here is more a middle class issue than a poor one. The poor have had little access to credit all along. It is simply not the case that this class has been driving up debt.
Now some of the middle class may have descended into the poor classes over the past few years taking their debt with them. But the majority of poor just have not had access to credit to contribute to this problem. It is clearly the middle classes that are the issue there.
I will be the first to support your contention that we have, or are on the brink of a depression. No one wants to use that word just yet for fear of where it will lead.
Roosevelt got it right in the 30's with programs to put people to work. This stimulates demand and also rebuilds the labor classes. The US and UK both need to consider this option. And consider the investment one that will pay off over time. It can begin with labor for infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, schools etc...) but it must also extend to programs to re-educated workers who have seen their jobs leave or diminish so that they can again become strong contributors to society.
Train more teachers and make salaries viable. Train more technical people especially in areas of energy and sustainability both industries that the US and UK could be strong leaders in. There are so many areas that working people could be led to working in that would benefit these nations. But we have to be willing to invest in programs to enable them to do so.
More is required, but I firmly believe in the concept of a New, New Deal and in social investment to assure a viable labor class in these countries.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
Superlib. No I am not against arresting people. I am not against charging people for crimes. These are sensible and prudent measures. Nor am I against arresting people who were found to have committed crimes. I am not at all for criminal behavior. I personally subscribe to Martin Luther King's approach to social uprising. But sadly his lessons have been lost in our much more selfish and violent age.
Hatsoff. I do think attitude is a key issue here as well. After so long a period of feeling locked out, it won't be easy to gain trust or cool anger. But it has to start somewhere.
It isn't good enough to just have programs that treat symptoms. We have to have programs that have the opportunity to yield real results. Education, for example, must begin early for children and offer strong pathways to higher eduction opportunities. But this will only work if students are safe, taught by competent teachers and given the resources to assure that home life does not disrupt learning, as is often the case.
For adults we need more means of training people to do work that will help break the poverty cycle. This must include opportunties for retraining and return to education for older people as well.
Many have pointed out that otherwise middle class people are involved here too. I believe that they are the class that has felt the increasing worry and fear over the economy in a very unique way. This community has higher expectations but has seen job loss, decreased opportunities and income and few means of change. We also have to have programs to help people in these classes retool to take new career and work paths. Especially since this class most often is the one most eager to work and learn.
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop
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tkoind2
Lizz "It is created. Redistribute it from the producers, to the parasites, and you can destroy it, too.The basis of wealth is work. If everyone works hard at producing goods and services, wealth increases."
This may have been true in the Industrial growth age of the US, but it is certainly not the case today.
Your argument assumes that there is viable work for every person who wishes to work. But there isn't with a 10% plus unemployment rate in the US and much of Europe, many who want to work and contribute and grow your definition of wealth cannot.
Then there is underemployment. People who work hard at several jobs and yet remain in poverty. They are not gaining ground or wealth.
It is utter nonsense that labor results in wealth in a system designed to concentrate wealth in the already wealthy communities. It is utter propaganda and illusion that the average low or middle class worker will accumulate wealth from working. On the contrary, most workers are losing ground year on year, while the wealthy are becoming increasingly and obscenely rich.
And these "parasites" you refer to are increasingly normal, formerly middle class people who have had their jobs shipped off to cheaper labor markets.
I am sick to death of the rightwing denial that working people all over the first world are losing ground while the rich get richer. We have a world based upon greed that harms every working class and poor person on the planet and it needs to stop!
Posted in: British PM clashes with police over 'zero tolerance' strategy, hiring U.S. cop