Overall on the topic I think that we need to go back and revisit Japans history. If you look back at how they were invaded first by the Chinese, then the Chinese and the Koreans, both times swiftly and soundly defeated you can see why Japan was eager to have a military and conduct a conquest. Nevermind the fact that apan is a pretty small island in the grand scheme of things. They needed territory. So in this respect I have to come to the conclusion that Japans past militarism is quite legitimate on it's own.

I find it very difficult to swallow Marine16's assessment that this shrine means nothing. Because this is OBVIOUSLY not the case, seeing how there is an argument over it.

Keep your assumptions to yourself and let amp decide what he thinks.

First, let it set in that I, Marine16, has returned.



Arlington National Cemetary was land owned by General Lee. I guess ampmaster thinks that Arlington is a way to pay tribute to General Lee and the issue of sucession.

The shrine means nothing in Japan, notsojoey is right.

unless portraits of General Lee have suddenly become the equivelent of Arlington National Cemetary they don't compare to the Yasukuni shrine

There are pictures of Robert E Lee all over West Point, they have about as much meaning as this memorial in Japan. There comes a point when going trough the motions is more important than remebering why you are going trough the motions.

included with the majority of naval surface combatents as I recall

CIWS?

and various Naval cruisers and patriot missle systems, anything else were missing?

Oh, Amp, lets not forget about ICBM interceptors.

Not having a large standing army does not necessarily mean one doesn't have a military at all.

and tanks and guns when they ask...

quote:

Originally posted by Bushsupporter:

quote:

japan does indeed have a military force (kinda)

"Kinda" being the appropriate word in that quotation. They aren't allowed to have a miltary like other sovreign states.

Well seeing how they are going to be starting up nuclear research I suggest you re-evaluate that statement. And show me where they can not have a military force. Last I checked we still sell them fighters.

quote:

japan does indeed have a military force (kinda)

"Kinda" being the appropriate word in that quotation. They aren't allowed to have a miltary like other sovreign states.

quote:

Well, their ancestors did die in shame,

The majority that did die, died honorably by their standards in all truth and japan does indeed have a military force (kinda) look up the "Japanese Self Defense Force"

Well, their ancestors did die in shame, but that is not the point. The point is that we have CSA (Confedrate) memorials and I am sure Presidents have visited them. I know that it is not quite the same because CSA soldiers were not war criminals but it is a matter or pride. I think that it is not my business what the PM of Japan (a great man by the way) does in his own country. They cannot build a military because of previous treaties and there is no possibility of that. Japan is perfectly content with thier exceptional economic power and they are fine know that America will protect them in any military conflict.

He has to go as Prime Minister because it's a matter of respect and honor. The families of those soldiers need to know that their ancestor did not die in shame. Their ancestors died as soldiers, and they always deserve to be honored.

If he went as just an "average" person, it would be no different than a random tourist walknig the grounds.

Haha but my answer to your question is yes it is too much to ask if the people are asked to stop visiting it .. But now the issue is the Prime Minister not the people .. I think it should be ok if he go as an individual but not using the title of Prime Minister .. Like not using the Gov money to pay the flowers and travel bill (like what some previous PM does) !

the awnser to your question is yes it is to much to ask

Hehe .. Try replying my question first .. Then i'll answer yours ..

after all we did to vietnam and countless other nations is it to much to ask people stop visitng Arlington National Cemetary? that's the equivlent of what your asking