Well

[thepumpkinclock]

I would have thought there would have been a protest again the war in Iraq?

[cstaylor]

The war is over... I guess it would be against the occupation of Iraq now.

[Taro Toporific]

Protests against Bush in Manila, Tokyo

In Tokyo, the protestors clashed with the police, demanding that Japan should not send its troops to Iraq to assist the American forces.

"Clashed"? Sheesh. Not hardly. Here's the pix of all 5 protesters.

Via AFP / Oct 17, 2003

The sign says, "Japan is not Bush's ATM", hee, hee. The fact is Japanese protesters are as whimpy as Kozumi is butthead Bush's bitch.

[Big Booger]

Who honestly cares what Japanese think? I am sure Bush lost lots of sleep over their protests.

[kamome]

I've walked over to the US embassy many times. Huge police presence and no more than 5 protesters at a time.

Still, I think bin Laden recently listed Japan on its shortlist of targets, since Japan has been footing part of the bill in Iraq.

[cstaylor]

Speaking of embassies, a friend of mine works at the Peruvian embassy. Totally different perspective... very friendly. The American embassy is nothing but a cash cow for the government, milking American citizens who need various papers filled out (for example, the $100+ form for proving I can get married... sheesh). That and the presence of armed guards is very unsettling.

[kamome]

Speaking of embassies, a friend of mine works at the Peruvian embassy. Totally different perspective... very friendly. The American embassy is nothing but a cash cow for the government, milking American citizens who need various papers filled out (for example, the $100+ form for proving I can get married... sheesh). That and the presence of armed guards is very unsettling.

Absolutely. They charge exorbitant fees for everything. $100 for a tourist visa? $30 for notarial services? Insane. Don't look at the armed marine stationed inside the front door, either: he always looks nervous and seems to have an itchy trigger finger.