ATTN: Americans

[gixxerboy1]

true, the threat is prominent in different areas fore sure... which goes to support what I was saying..."this wasn't the real motive for the US war with Iraq".... All I was saying is that this REAL THREAT was being sold to the American public as the motive.... which is more hostile then terrorist attacks, etc... what was being mentioned above.

Missunderstood you.

[thegodfather]

You guys are completely overlooking the fact that only Congress can declare war, and that they can only do so if the national security is being directly threatened.

"Percieved" threats from a nation who may or may not have been "attempting" to produce WMDs is not even close to fulfilling those standards. This entire idea of pre-emptive warfare needs to be striked!!! There is no provision for pre-emptive strikes in the Constitution. We only goto war when we are threatened, NOT WHEN WE THINK WE "MIGHT" BE THREATENED IN 5 YEARS!

[Panzerfaust]

I like how so many miss my signature quotes, this one applies to this thread now

"Preventive war was an invention of Hitler. Frankly, I would not even listen to anyone seriously that came and talked about such a thing."

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

As far as America not knowing the Japanese were coming, hahaha You definately have done no studying on the subject. We knew they were coming and as a matter of fact, Japan even sent a letter to Washington stating they were coming as the Japanese believed it was dishonorable to attack without notice.

It was just another event used to gain public support to plunge the nation into profitable War.

[Panzerfaust]

Comparing modern day American to the revolution, is a bit of a stretch.

Not at all, sure instead of muskets we have automatic rifles and alot more technology but the principal idea remains the same.

A revolution is generally started by a few men, simply looking back on History reveals this. You do know that our founding fathers were commiting High Treason and if they would have lost, they would have been hung and had their guts ripped out in public?

Luckily for you and I, our people prevailed because they did what people are too scared to do now, and that is stand together united and doing what is neccesary to force real change.

Can you imagine how many people were scared to death to join the revolution, I mean disobey the King? The King's army was one of the best if not the best Army of its time and to fight it would have been terrifying.

Just as Thomas Jefferson said in 1787 in a letter to William S. Smith

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

We can make real change by simply standing together as a nation and stop all this goddamn Black vs White, Democrat vs Republican etc... Until we stop this, they are winning and at an alarming rate.

[thegodfather]

Not at all, sure instead of muskets we have automatic rifles and alot more technology but the principal idea remains the same.

A revolution is generally started by a few men, simply looking back on History reveals this. You do know that our founding fathers were commiting High Treason and if they would have lost, they would have been hung and had their guts ripped out in public?

Luckily for you and I, our people prevailed because they did what people are too scared to do now, and that is stand together united and doing what is neccesary to force real change.

Can you imagine how many people were scared to death to join the revolution, I mean disobey the King? The King's army was one of the best if not the best Army of its time and to fight it would have been terrifying.

Just as Thomas Jefferson said in 1787 in a letter to William S. Smith



We can make real change by simply standing together as a nation and stop all this goddamn Black vs White, Democrat vs Republican etc... Until we stop this, they are winning and at an alarming rate.

Well said my friend... The revolutionary war and present day are a pefect comparison. The people did not leave Britain to goto another country, they want to BRITISH OWNED COLONIES, and therefore were subject to the same laws as a British citizen. They were for all intents and purposes, subjects of the King. What the founding fathers stood up against was OPPRESSION! You should take the time to actually read the Declaration of Independence and look at the long list of grievances they cited against the King.

"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers."


just to list a few...

So anytime a government becomes oppressive, and since governments are instituted by the people in order to SERVE the people, it is our duty to speak and behave in the manor we are now.

[Lemonada8]

Hitler was a genius when it came to terratory siezure... so i cant agree with DDE's quote... cause yeah he was a freak when it came to the jews and such.... but military effectivness was amazing...

[Panzerfaust]

Hitler was a genius when it came to terratory siezure... so i cant agree with DDE's quote... cause yeah he was a freak when it came to the jews and such.... but military effectivness was amazing...

Don't make me school you on German history and WWII. I love it and in particular, German history but lewts keep this focused on American history and the importance of realising just how far this country has strayed off course.

[Voice of Reason]

Alright enough, is ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!!

So who do we have to kill specifically to shake things up and take this country back?

[Atomini]

Alright enough, is ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!!

So who do we have to kill specifically to shake things up and take this country back?

You need to stage another armed revolution if you want to change things.

I'll do it if everyone else is willing.

[rockinred]

You need to stage another armed revolution if you want to change things.

I'll do it if everyone else is willing.

dude, wtf? you live in Canada? Oh, I forgot, we own Canada too... well sorta, kinda... if Canada was ever invaded we would rescue you.

[Atomini]

dude, wtf? you live in Canada? Oh, I forgot, we own Canada too... well sorta, kinda... if Canada was ever invaded we would rescue you.

Yeah I live in Canada, and if there was another revolution in the US, i'd hop right over the border down south and join in.

[rockinred]

Yeah I live in Canada, and if there was another revolution in the US, i'd hop right over the border down south and join in.

lol, you must be crazy or bored or something... I heard they are taking canooks in Iraq to fill in for Americans.

I like Canada, I used to frequent Kingston, Ottowa and Montreal (only a few times to Montreal). good place to drink when over 18 and under 21.... Peace!

[Gators]

Ignorant.

No, this country is great, but yes, like other great civilizations, we've made mistakes also. Do the mistakes outweigh the positive, heck no, not even close, not remotely close. Do i need to list all the great things this nation has done?

These videos are a bunch of Michael Moore level left wing Anti America propaganda. If this place is soooo bad, then where is it better, and why aren't you there? I guess this is the same group that jumped up and hollered "Amen Brother" during Wrights diatribes.

amazing

[Gators]

now i do feel that we have gotten off course, no doubt, and our Federal Gov't is bloated and tooooo controlling (Southerner, we like states rights, like our founding fathers did), and something will need to change, soon, but i don't feel we're 'bad', just in a slump, so to speak. We still have the greatest liberties of any other country, think it's bad here, head to Socialist Europe, or maybe even Cuba, Venezuela, China, North Korea, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Saudia Arabia, so on and so forth.

[DSM4Life]

Well Im afraid to comment b/c ive never heard you say anything to anyone that wasnt shitty. So, wow, great, thanks.

With that attitude your not going to be around her much longer. Read the rules.

[SnaX]

At least our new currency is going to be pretty.

I was told that the currency was being depreciated for the reason that the US wants to able to offer goods to other countries. However we are unable because our dollar is worth more than they can afford, so we are bringing it down to be able to trade, etc.

I am not sure if that is a bunch of bullshit or what... sounds interesting, and needs to be looked into.

Edit: Oh you put up a picture, it didn't load for me last time. I thought you were being sarcastic about our inflation

Are those really going to be used? They look nice

[pumpd4lif]

I like how so many miss my signature quotes, this one applies to this thread now




As far as America not knowing the Japanese were coming, hahaha You definately have done no studying on the subject. We knew they were coming and as a matter of fact, Japan even sent a letter to Washington stating they were coming as the Japanese believed it was dishonorable to attack without notice.

It was just another event used to gain public support to plunge the nation into profitable War.

lmfao...new they were coming,hahah this is an understatement.

[pumpd4lif]

I was told that the currency was being depreciated for the reason that the US wants to able to offer goods to other countries. However we are unable because our dollar is worth more than they can afford, so we are bringing it down to be able to trade, etc.

I am not sure if that is a bunch of bullshit or what... sounds interesting, and needs to be looked into.

Edit: Oh you put up a picture, it didn't load for me last time. I thought you were being sarcastic about our inflation

Are those really going to be used? They look nice

the dollar is being crushed so it will be easier for the united states to introduce the NEW NORTH AMERICAN UNION currency.the amero..for those of you that dont believe...Well you didnt believe in the north American union and now look.It is sad all the so called propaganda seems to be turning into fact hmm!

[pumpd4lif]

No, this country is great, but yes, like other great civilizations, we've made mistakes also. Do the mistakes outweigh the positive, heck no, not even close, not remotely close. Do i need to list all the great things this nation has done?

These videos are a bunch of Michael Moore level left wing Anti America propaganda. If this place is soooo bad, then where is it better, and why aren't you there? I guess this is the same group that jumped up and hollered "Amen Brother" during Wrights diatribes.

amazing

There is that word again ..propaganda,interesting how people just throw that word around to disprove facts.

[Overhaulz]

Do i need to list all the great things this nation has done?

Actually, yes. I asked for that list on the first page.

[Gators]

There is that word again ..propaganda,interesting how people just throw that word around to disprove facts.

What exactly was factual about a bunch of Democrats saying how Bush has screwed things up? Why don't you lay out for me the facts, i really don't have time to watch it.

So you think America is evil and bad?

[Gators]

Actually, yes. I asked for that list on the first page.

You are serious? You, an American, don't understand what great this country has done? Seriously? So the American people are bad, and the hundreds of thousands that died for YOUR RIGHT TO SPOUT YOUR NONSENSE are bad? Was out stopping the Nazis, Japanese, and USSR bad? What about the hundreds of billions in aid we give to other countries each year, bad?

This is the greatest country in the world, if it's so bad, tell me where you would rather be, and why aren't you there?

[Overhaulz]

What exactly was factual about a bunch of Democrats saying how Bush has screwed things up? Why don't you lay out for me the facts, i really don't have time to watch it.

So you think America is evil and bad?

How can you have the audacity to argue these points when you haven't even watched the videos? Honestly man, take the time and actually watch, please. I baffled to the fact you called these left wing, Michael Moore movies and you haven't taken the time to watch

Me personally, I believe Americans, like other country's people are GOOD! I just believe we're under horrid leadership.

I'm not flaming you Gators, I'm really NOT! Just take the time and sit down and quietly watch this stuff. You really will be surprised. I just want to open your eyes to this stuff, man!

[Overhaulz]

You are serious? You, an American, don't understand what great this country has done? Seriously? So the American people are bad, and the hundreds of thousands that died for YOUR RIGHT TO SPOUT YOUR NONSENSE are bad? Was out stopping the Nazis, Japanese, and USSR bad? What about the hundreds of billions in aid we give to other countries each year, bad?

This is the greatest country in the world, if it's so bad, tell me where you would rather be, and why aren't you there?

Stop the nonsensical flaming already. You're arguing without your information. If you want a serious debate, watch the movies and then you can argue all you want. You're so far up there on the patriotic scale, but that's a good thing! It means you care!! Watch these videos already and get MAD! More people need to know this stuff.

It won't make you less of an American if you watch these movies. It will make you more educated on the topic, and that's all! I'm happy you care so much about America. We need more people that care as much as you do, but we also need more people that will act to help change America. I'd be willing to help out as much as I possibly could to help change this nation.

Now stop reading this, and go watch!

[Overhaulz]

http://forums.steroid.com/showthread...=1#post3977130

Gators, you said you don't have time, here is just a quick 10 minute clip dude.

Enjoy!

[CSAR]

Master Chief Chalker told us that opinions are like assholes - everyone's got one and they all stink.

Yeah, the US has dropped the ball as of late, but go live in other countries or serve in the military and see what life is really like without any rights. American citizens have it WAY better than anywhere else. I'm not saying our government hasn't made mistakes, but having lived around the world and experienced life without any rights has made me appreciate how great the US truly is.

CSAR out. Carry on.

[gixxerboy1]

Im sick of everyone saying how much rights we have and are free then everyone else.

No you think you have alot of rights. You dont realise how many of them are already lost.

BTW yes there are alot of bad countries. But alot of them are free also. We arent that execptional

[DNoMac]

Master Chief Chalker told us that opinions are like assholes - everyone's got one and they all stink.

Yeah, the US has dropped the ball as of late, but go live in other countries or serve in the military and see what life is really like without any rights. American citizens have it WAY better than anywhere else. I'm not saying our government hasn't made mistakes, but having lived around the world and experienced life without any rights has made me appreciate how great the US truly is.

CSAR out. Carry on.

Word.

[Panzerfaust]

Master Chief Chalker told us that opinions are like assholes - everyone's got one and they all stink.

Yeah, the US has dropped the ball as of late, but go live in other countries or serve in the military and see what life is really like without any rights. American citizens have it WAY better than anywhere else. I'm not saying our government hasn't made mistakes, but having lived around the world and experienced life without any rights has made me appreciate how great the US truly is.

CSAR out. Carry on.

Of course you don't have the same rights as a native Japanese citizen, why should you? You are the immigrant, not them.

I have heard you speak of Japan and how you are treated yet you remain there? Interesting to say the least, it can't be too bad huh?

I'm just wondering how you expect to be treated? I can understand you being treated like an outsider to some extent because you are but I think you have mentioned that it has gone further than that. Care to elaborate?

[kirk3624]

I watched the full video and thought it was well done. Although, I think Alex Jones documentary's are a little more professional.

I think most that feel America is great are missing the point. There is a slow decay of our rights. If you wait until they are completely gone, you are a slave. The mere fact that our rights are decreasing so severely should set off massive alarms.

It is also not easy to move to another country. Some make it sound like it is just switching toothpaste or something. There will eventually be a revolution. The only question is how long will our rights deteriorate before it begins.

[CSAR]

OK Murilo, I'm game. But only 'cause I think you're a swell guy.

1. I don't expect to have the same full rights as a native Japanese citizen, but as a tax-paying permanent resident I would like to be afforded some rights, I'd even settle for some basic human rights. A bearded seal named Tama-chan has more rights in Japan than I do and he's not even human. Unlike US permanent residents, I can't even vote. Taxation without representation?

2. I have to pay into the national healthcare system and yet I have been refused medical treatment because the medical staff didn't want to treat a foreigner. My wife was rejected by 4 of 5 OB/GYNs because they didn't want to treat "a slut carrying a 'half' demon" (in the exact words of one of them). When my wife delivered 2 months premature, we were rejected emergency care at 7 of 8 hospitals because they wouldn't deliver a "half" baby. We drove around in an ambulance for almost 2 hours while one of the EMTs phoned various hospitals asking if they would accept a "half". We even had to find a pediatrician willing to treat "half" children - despite having 3 pediatric clinics within 5 minutes walking distance, we have to travel 20 minutes by train. Is it too much to ask that I receive the medical care that I'm paying for (and it ain't cheap either). Oh, and I still have to pay 30% of the total bill from my own pocket. Where's Michael Moore when I needed him?

3. All over Tokyo and other cities in Japan, "NO FOREIGNER" signs are posted on restaurants, bars, clubs, hot springs, and other establishments. Imagine going to Hooters and seeing a "NO BLACKS" sign or going to your local gym and "NO SPICS ALLOWED" is posted on the door. I can file a lawsuit, but it won't go anywhere because the Japanese legal system doesn't recognize me.

4. The first year I was in Japan, I found a wallet on the train. I got off at my station and turned the wallet into the Koban (police box). I had to give them my foreign registration card (fair enough), which they then photocopied multiple times, and they made me give my fingerprints. If I had refused they could have arrested me. A few days later, the police called my university and asked my department to have a "guarantor" accompany me to the police station. The police had called the man whose walled I found and he came to pick it up. But when he examined the contents of his wallet, he claimed that his money (about $500) was missing. Guess who was accused and ended up having to pay? If I didn't pay, he was going to file charges against me, I would have been arrested during the investigation, I would have had to pay for my own attorney, I had no chance in hell of winning (in Japan, you're guilty until proven innocent and 100% guilty if you're a foreigner), I would have lost my job, all my personal effects/property would have been confiscated and auctioned, and I'd be deported straight from the jail to the airport. Oh, but there's a silver lining - he had to pay me $50 as part of the 10% legal finder's fee. So my good deed only cost me $450.

5. When my wife and I filed the paperwork to get married at our city office, I thought maybe the clerk would say congratulations or something nice. Instead, the bitch threw our papers over the counter at us and walked away. We could have gotten married in the US, but the Japanese government wouldn't have recognized it anyway, so there was no point.

I could go on and on. Like the time my wife and I were assaulted from behind by two Japanese guys who didn't like the sight of a Japanese woman and Caucasian man together. Let's just say their version of Pearl Harbor went south pretty quickly. The only thing that saved me from a long prison term was her being pregnant. Other than some bumps and bruises, those two turds got off without so much as a warning. I'm just getting angrier and angrier typing this.

You asked why I live here and that's a fair question given my frequent bitching about this place. My wife and kids are the primary reason why I stay. If it were just me, I would have left several years ago. But it's not so easy to just pack up the family and move to a different country. Every decision I make involves them. I want my kids to be fully bilingual in English and Japanese, which would be nearly impossible given the lack of exposure in the US to the tens of thousands of kanji they would need. I'm also trying to teach them that just because something is difficult or unpleasant it doesn't mean you should quit. Also, my job pays pretty well and I'm off 5.5 months out of the year which gives me time to travel back to the States and abroad. Can't really beat that. Despite my bitching, I am involved with rights groups and organizations dedicated to improving the existing deep and profound racism and social inequality in Japan. If all I did was complain, I'd be a sorry excuse for a man, husband, and father.

Honestly, I don't know everything that's going on in the US as I haven't lived there for nearly a decade. But I've read your posts and I trust you when you say things are getting worse. I am truly and honestly sorry at the state of affairs in America. However, I will always maintain that US citizens and especially immigrants to the US enjoy many more rights than anywhere else. I feel I can say that as a person with extensive experience living abroad and as someone who went over to the other side to see if the grass was really greener or not.

Cheers Murilo!

[Johnny_Rotten]

^^^damn man, some of that sh*t is really f#cked up!

A demon baby? That just makes me sick!

[Lemonada8]

hey look at that, someone who doesnt live in the US that wants to come back, and there are people here b*tchin about the US and making it seem that they want to leave... but never do...

sucks about ur fam csar... that has gotta suck!

that is a perfect example of how lucky we are to live in the US... everyone b*tches about the pres, and yet after all the b*tchin and moanin, hes still the pres... so why get all worked up and hussy? oh i forgot cause a bet a majority of the population would rather blame someone else than to see what they can do to help... its always easier to give blame then to take it...

as for my opinion, i have split views... yes bush isnt perfect... but for what we had at the time of election? bush was definately the best choice... as for his policys... i agree with some, and disagree w/some...

as for loss of freedoms, well thats due to people "using their rights" and then other people whine, and expect the gov to do something about it, when they do... noone is happy...

our rights havent detiorated(sp), they get infringed from other people, and then the comnplaining starts...

and no i bet its not easy to move to another country, but they way some of this whining is going on... why not move, and then boast how great your country is...

ok i'm done now...

[Panzerfaust]

OK Murilo, I'm game. But only 'cause I think you're a swell guy.

1. I don't expect to have the same full rights as a native Japanese citizen, but as a tax-paying permanent resident I would like to be afforded some rights, I'd even settle for some basic human rights. A bearded seal named Tama-chan has more rights in Japan than I do and he's not even human. Unlike US permanent residents, I can't even vote. Taxation without representation?

Not sure how to respond to this one as I do not know Japanese law nor will I concern myself with it as I am an American living in America. It is important I know my countries laws and my rights.

2. I have to pay into the national healthcare system and yet I have been refused medical treatment because the medical staff didn't want to treat a foreigner. My wife was rejected by 4 of 5 OB/GYNs because they didn't want to treat "a slut carrying a 'half' demon" (in the exact words of one of them). When my wife delivered 2 months premature, we were rejected emergency care at 7 of 8 hospitals because they wouldn't deliver a "half" baby. We drove around in an ambulance for almost 2 hours while one of the EMTs phoned various hospitals asking if they would accept a "half". We even had to find a pediatrician willing to treat "half" children - despite having 3 pediatric clinics within 5 minutes walking distance, we have to travel 20 minutes by train. Is it too much to ask that I receive the medical care that I'm paying for (and it ain't cheap either). Oh, and I still have to pay 30% of the total bill from my own pocket. Where's Michael Moore when I needed him?

Many will call this wrong but I am not surprised by some of this due to the fact that Asians are not very big on race mixing, nor am I personally. I do though have an issue with them refusing healthcare to your child. It is your decision and your wifes decision to have had this child, sure some might not agree with it but like it or not, that is a child and it deserves healthcare. This is a very difficult topic and I completely understand you on this one.

3. All over Tokyo and other cities in Japan, "NO FOREIGNER" signs are posted on restaurants, bars, clubs, hot springs, and other establishments. Imagine going to Hooters and seeing a "NO BLACKS" sign or going to your local gym and "NO SPICS ALLOWED" is posted on the door. I can file a lawsuit, but it won't go anywhere because the Japanese legal system doesn't recognize me.

Once again, sounds like Asian culture and I am not surprised. I think what is shocking is the blunt "No Foreignors" right out in the open. Is it wrong or is it right? I don't know, it is Japan afterall and they have a right to their own laws and opinions in their own country and should not be forced to cater to immigrants etc. I would find out if it is a law or if they are simply breaking the law by posting signs like this? My guess would be they simply put them there regardless?

4. The first year I was in Japan, I found a wallet on the train. I got off at my station and turned the wallet into the Koban (police box). I had to give them my foreign registration card (fair enough), which they then photocopied multiple times, and they made me give my fingerprints. If I had refused they could have arrested me. A few days later, the police called my university and asked my department to have a "guarantor" accompany me to the police station. The police had called the man whose walled I found and he came to pick it up. But when he examined the contents of his wallet, he claimed that his money (about $500) was missing. Guess who was accused and ended up having to pay? If I didn't pay, he was going to file charges against me, I would have been arrested during the investigation, I would have had to pay for my own attorney, I had no chance in hell of winning (in Japan, you're guilty until proven innocent and 100% guilty if you're a foreigner), I would have lost my job, all my personal effects/property would have been confiscated and auctioned, and I'd be deported straight from the jail to the airport. Oh, but there's a silver lining - he had to pay me $50 as part of the 10% legal finder's fee. So my good deed only cost me $450.

Just a ****ed up situation from top to bottom. I wanna keep saying "Hey, you are the foreignor and immigrant" but some of this seems harsh, but then again it is the Japanese and I know you know that they think completely different than Americans and even Europeans.

5. When my wife and I filed the paperwork to get married at our city office, I thought maybe the clerk would say congratulations or something nice. Instead, the bitch threw our papers over the counter at us and walked away. We could have gotten married in the US, but the Japanese government wouldn't have recognized it anyway, so there was no point.

I could go on and on. Like the time my wife and I were assaulted from behind by two Japanese guys who didn't like the sight of a Japanese woman and Caucasian man together. Let's just say their version of Pearl Harbor went south pretty quickly. The only thing that saved me from a long prison term was her being pregnant. Other than some bumps and bruises, those two turds got off without so much as a warning. I'm just getting angrier and angrier typing this.

You asked why I live here and that's a fair question given my frequent bitching about this place. My wife and kids are the primary reason why I stay. If it were just me, I would have left several years ago. But it's not so easy to just pack up the family and move to a different country. Every decision I make involves them. I want my kids to be fully bilingual in English and Japanese, which would be nearly impossible given the lack of exposure in the US to the tens of thousands of kanji they would need. I'm also trying to teach them that just because something is difficult or unpleasant it doesn't mean you should quit. Also, my job pays pretty well and I'm off 5.5 months out of the year which gives me time to travel back to the States and abroad. Can't really beat that. Despite my bitching, I am involved with rights groups and organizations dedicated to improving the existing deep and profound racism and social inequality in Japan. If all I did was complain, I'd be a sorry excuse for a man, husband, and father.

I can understand that you want your kids to live in Japan and completely learn their culture but in your situation, they also have American roots. Is it not important they learn and respect that as well? You really put yourself in a tough spot buddy. I don't know what else to say, Live in Japan and be an outsider or move home and do the best you can?

Honestly, I don't know everything that's going on in the US as I haven't lived there for nearly a decade. But I've read your posts and I trust you when you say things are getting worse. I am truly and honestly sorry at the state of affairs in America. However, I will always maintain that US citizens and especially immigrants to the US enjoy many more rights than anywhere else. I feel I can say that as a person with extensive experience living abroad and as someone who went over to the other side to see if the grass was really greener or not.

I think you should try to keep up as you are an American and you were a member of our armed forces and swore an Oath to protect it at one time. We cannot afford to lose patriots at this time. We need free thinking people to help force real change in policies. Do you consider yourself Japanese? Where does your loyalty lie?

Cheers Murilo!

In bold!

[Lemonada8]

dude... all your rebuttals are in a direct correlation of the people you are trying to 'argue' against here... you are fighting the same arguement on both sides in 2 situations... thats a pretty d*mn high level of hypocrosy(sp).... and how can you have any 'valid' thoughts if you are on both sides?

[CSAR]

Thanks for your responses Murilo. I'll try to address them as best I can.

1. I agree that it is important to know your rights. I have tried my best to learn and understand my rights and responsibilities as a legal tax-paying permanent resident in Japan. The Japanese laws that are in place apply to legal immigrants, like myself, and Japanese nationals...in theory only. In reality, my rights are secondary to those of the Japanese. If there were legal problems between myself and another immigrant of a different race, say African-American or Indian, then their rights would be secondary to mine as Japanese identify race with superiority. If I compare the rights afforded to legal immigrants to the US with those afforded to legal immigrants to Japan, then I would have to side with the US.

2. I stopped seeing races a long time ago and I have no problem with interracial marriages. My best friend was Japanese American and this was growing up in the 1970s in Idaho, which isn't exactly known for it's liberal thinking. I can't do anything about people who dislike race mixing and refuse contact with people from other races. However, I am legally obliged to pay into the healthcare system because of my employment at a university. The laws that are supposed to apply equally to legal immigrants paying into the social health system are routinely violated without any real recourse. So, although hospitals and healthcare workers are required by law to provide medical treatment to me as legal immigrant paying into the healthcare system, they can deny me and my Japanese wife by association without fear of legal action. I'm pretty sure that legal and illegal immigrants in the US could enter an ER and receive emergency medical treatment - the waiting and billing would be another matter, but I feel pretty confident they would not be turned away. Again, when I compare the rights afforded to legal immigrants (with health insurance) in the US with those afforded to legal immigrants in Japan, then I would have to side with the US.

3. Japan already has laws prohibiting discrimination, but they are not enforced. A UN investigator noted that Japan needed to enact anti-discrimination laws, but failed to notice that such laws are already in place, although not enforced. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4671687.stm

4. Yes, it was my decision to immigrate here and my decision to stay here. But again, as a legal tax paying immigrant, shouldn't I be afforded the rights that are mine according to Japanese law? The reason why my wife and I chose to raise our children here in Japan, rather than America has to do with acceptance. This might not make sense and sound hypocritical, but it's not. It will be much easier for our children to learn Japanese (especially the 3 different writing systems of kanji, hiragana, and katakana) and English in Japan than in America. Their pronunciation will be fully native in both languages and they will receive better treatment in both countries. If the situation were reversed, I can almost guarantee their Japanese language skills and pronunciation would not be native and would only serve to marginalize them further from Japanese society. Japanese are very adept at identifying differences, especially with respect to language and pronunciation. The "half" and even the full-blooded Japanese friends/colleagues I have that were raised and educated outside Japan have a much more difficult time than those who were raised in Japan and lived abroad in their later years. You can bet that I do everything I can to ensure they are exposed to their American roots. We celebrate American holidays the same as if we were in the US. I read them many of the same books I grew up with and we visit the US as much as possible to visit family and friends, which allows them to interact with their cousins and gain valuable exposure to US culture. I'm willing to put up with the present situation for the sake of my kids and the greater acceptance they will have in the future. We could choose to go the easier route and raise them in America, but that would make life more difficult for them if they chose to live in Japan later in life.

5. Of course I am an American and identify myself as such. You're right, I did swear an oath to defend the rights of Americans - regardless of race, color, creed, or religion. I am very proud of our country, especially the rights that we afford to others and the measures we take to ensure that everyone receives equal treatment. I'm not saying it's a perfect system and that injustice doesn't occur, but the beauty of it is the dynamic and rapid changes that can occur. I think that's one of the best things about the US and a major reason why we have a high level of immigration. I wish it were all legal immigration, but that's a discussion for another time.

6. Once our children finish elementary school and have a solid linguistic base in Japanese (their English will also be fluent, I can guarantee that), we plan to live in the US. My wife is pretty happy about that, especially because she knows that as a legal tax-paying immigrant to the US, she will enjoy far greater equality and legal protection under US laws than I do as a legal tax-paying immigrant in Japan.

[rockinred]

CSAR,

On your last post last paragraph... The US has many diverse cultural pockets in many cities... you can find plenty of large Japanese communities in the US too... that will help keep the balance of the cultures that you value and cherish....

[CSAR]

CSAR,

On your last post last paragraph... The US has many diverse cultural pockets in many cities... you can find plenty of large Japanese communities in the US too... that will help keep the balance of the cultures that you value and cherish....

Thanks, I'm already familiar with Japanese sections in urban areas, but Japanese use those types of areas to isolate themselves rather than diversify. In addition, the Japanese attained in those areas would be immediately identified as non-native like in Japan, which is why we have chosen to raise our children here first. I appreciate the input though.

[Panzerfaust]

Thanks for your responses Murilo. I'll try to address them as best I can.

1. I agree that it is important to know your rights. I have tried my best to learn and understand my rights and responsibilities as a legal tax-paying permanent resident in Japan. The Japanese laws that are in place apply to legal immigrants, like myself, and Japanese nationals...in theory only. In reality, my rights are secondary to those of the Japanese. If there were legal problems between myself and another immigrant of a different race, say African-American or Indian, then their rights would be secondary to mine as Japanese identify race with superiority. If I compare the rights afforded to legal immigrants to the US with those afforded to legal immigrants to Japan, then I would have to side with the US.

2. I stopped seeing races a long time ago and I have no problem with interracial marriages. My best friend was Japanese American and this was growing up in the 1970s in Idaho, which isn't exactly known for it's liberal thinking. I can't do anything about people who dislike race mixing and refuse contact with people from other races. However, I am legally obliged to pay into the healthcare system because of my employment at a university. The laws that are supposed to apply equally to legal immigrants paying into the social health system are routinely violated without any real recourse. So, although hospitals and healthcare workers are required by law to provide medical treatment to me as legal immigrant paying into the healthcare system, they can deny me and my Japanese wife by association without fear of legal action. I'm pretty sure that legal and illegal immigrants in the US could enter an ER and receive emergency medical treatment - the waiting and billing would be another matter, but I feel pretty confident they would not be turned away. Again, when I compare the rights afforded to legal immigrants (with health insurance) in the US with those afforded to legal immigrants in Japan, then I would have to side with the US.

3. Japan already has laws prohibiting discrimination, but they are not enforced. A UN investigator noted that Japan needed to enact anti-discrimination laws, but failed to notice that such laws are already in place, although not enforced. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4671687.stm

4. Yes, it was my decision to immigrate here and my decision to stay here. But again, as a legal tax paying immigrant, shouldn't I be afforded the rights that are mine according to Japanese law? The reason why my wife and I chose to raise our children here in Japan, rather than America has to do with acceptance. This might not make sense and sound hypocritical, but it's not. It will be much easier for our children to learn Japanese (especially the 3 different writing systems of kanji, hiragana, and katakana) and English in Japan than in America. Their pronunciation will be fully native in both languages and they will receive better treatment in both countries. If the situation were reversed, I can almost guarantee their Japanese language skills and pronunciation would not be native and would only serve to marginalize them further from Japanese society. Japanese are very adept at identifying differences, especially with respect to language and pronunciation. The "half" and even the full-blooded Japanese friends/colleagues I have that were raised and educated outside Japan have a much more difficult time than those who were raised in Japan and lived abroad in their later years. You can bet that I do everything I can to ensure they are exposed to their American roots. We celebrate American holidays the same as if we were in the US. I read them many of the same books I grew up with and we visit the US as much as possible to visit family and friends, which allows them to interact with their cousins and gain valuable exposure to US culture. I'm willing to put up with the present situation for the sake of my kids and the greater acceptance they will have in the future. We could choose to go the easier route and raise them in America, but that would make life more difficult for them if they chose to live in Japan later in life.

5. Of course I am an American and identify myself as such. You're right, I did swear an oath to defend the rights of Americans - regardless of race, color, creed, or religion. I am very proud of our country, especially the rights that we afford to others and the measures we take to ensure that everyone receives equal treatment. I'm not saying it's a perfect system and that injustice doesn't occur, but the beauty of it is the dynamic and rapid changes that can occur. I think that's one of the best things about the US and a major reason why we have a high level of immigration. I wish it were all legal immigration, but that's a discussion for another time.

6. Once our children finish elementary school and have a solid linguistic base in Japanese (their English will also be fluent, I can guarantee that), we plan to live in the US. My wife is pretty happy about that, especially because she knows that as a legal tax-paying immigrant to the US, she will enjoy far greater equality and legal protection under US laws than I do as a legal tax-paying immigrant in Japan.

Very nice CSAR, I completely understand. You gotta do what is best for your family. Wish you the best buddy.

[Panzerfaust]

Thanks, I'm already familiar with Japanese sections in urban areas, but Japanese use those types of areas to isolate themselves rather than diversify. In addition, the Japanese attained in those areas would be immediately identified as non-native like in Japan, which is why we have chosen to raise our children here first. I appreciate the input though.

Extremely true! Asians and Hispanics are about the worst when it comes to adapting or unwilling to adapt to the country they move too. They all live in an area and make it as Hispanic or Japanese as possible.