Japan Heads to Iraq, Haunted by Taboo Bred in Another War

[cstaylor]

Japan Heads to Iraq, Haunted by Taboo Bred in Another War

Mr. Ota opposes any change to Article 9, which he says is the only safeguard against a revival of Japanese nationalism. "I can't trust Japanese nationalism," Mr. Ota said. "Look at how Japanese are now getting excited about North Korea. It takes only a small incident to get everybody roused. Japanese nationalism is very frightening."

[Big Booger]

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[Caustic Saint]

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Here's a public access one set up by a poster over at BRATS!.

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Free to all!

[Nagged]

Thanks for the tip Caustic. Now I can read the NY times

Sorry if I offend but this seems like one of those tired old stories that the press has always used on a slow news day. Yet another startling revelation into what really goes on behind the scenes in mysterious Japan! The fact that it was written by a national doesn't really help.

I watch the daily news in a lunchroom of about 30 people, mostly typical Japanese. Show high school kid's baseball on TV - everyone watches. Show International news - ho hum. You need something really major like 9/11 to get any reaction at all. You might get more interest if they were all suit and tie wearing businessmen, but to tell the truth, people just do not care.

With a voter turnout of just over 50%, why do I find it hard to believe that anyone here cares about their own country, let alone a foreign one?

Sorry to all the folk who are exceptions to the rule (and there are quite a few), but when it comes to real current events, even the dimwits back home have a better idea of what is going on, albeit not really that much.

Anyway, the JSDF will continue to be a waste of taxpayer's money, mine included, unless it actually serves a purpose. I'm not saying they should fight, but I'm sure they could be put to good use rather than sitting around in constant limbo.

[AssKissinger]

Here's another story that says Japan is still determined to join the latest Vietnamarama!

TOKYO/SEOUL (Reuters) - Japan and South Korea (news - web sites) voiced determination on Monday to proceed with sending troops to Iraq (news - web sites) despite weekend killings of several of their nationals there and popular doubts about taking part in the operation

[GomiGirl]

Thanks for the tip Caustic. Now I can read the NY times

It's free anyway!! All you need to do is sign in..

[jez]

Thanks for the tip Caustic. Now I can read the NY times :)

It's free anyway!! All you need to do is sign in..

still have to purchase the article

[Nagged]

Thanks for the tip Caustic. Now I can read the NY times

It's free anyway!! All you need to do is sign in..

Okey Dokey