Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 2, 2009 at 20:18

Hey there, Sesport!! Nice to "see" you!!

Well, up until now, Japanese students usually started studying English (which is mandatory in the public school system) from the time they entered junior-high school. That lasted throughout high school and was needed to pass many of the tests to get into colleges and universities (focus on memorization). There is a new law going into effect that makes English mandatory from elementary school.

I like that US schools do not focus entirely on memorization but also on creating spontaneous dialogue. The Japanese school system could learn MUCH from our way of doing that. As such, that may be the reason, the Japanese are changing their educational system (at least when it comes to English study) to look more like ours. They are hoping that by starting the kids out earlier and focusing less on memorization drills and focusing more on actual comprehension skills, they will foster a learning environment where they kids actually THINK more about issues instead of simply spitting out what they have memorized.

Japan is known around the world not only as a culture that copies things others have made, but as one that works overtime like you couldn't imagine to make the initial product even better. Now there is a push for the younger generations to become the inventors of incredible things.

Permalink Reply by sesport on March 3, 2009 at 0:26

Thanks, Antsu ... that's what I thought. Japanese don't mind acquiring skills in more than one language ... being bilingual, if you will. Kind of helps the communications process, and ultimately their economic progress I'm sure.

Rote memoriztion and thinking skills ... I'll save that soapbox ... until I see what kind of programs the lawmakers & new admin want to advocate.

Have a glorious day - sesport :0)

Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 1, 2009 at 6:23

KB:

Are you trying to lable any white person who goes after Obama a racist? I am sure you are not. So, why do you bring it up? Kinda like Eric Holder saying we are cowards for not discussing race. BS. Holder played the race card by that statement.

Just wondering,

Jay

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Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 1, 2009 at 6:19

Antsu: Are you trying to spread a lie or are you just not aware of who wrote the Stimulus Bill?

Hint:

It was not Obama.

Get your facts straight sport before you come around inciting a riot.

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Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 2, 2009 at 20:38

Oh, come on Jay...are you letting them pull the wool over YOUR eyes or pull your finger...? Seriously...which on??

Yep...it was the finger. Smelled that all the way here!! (hahhahaa!!)

Hey...my expertise is in Public Relations and Journalism. I KNOW how the industry uses words and pictures to spin certain versions of its "truth." NOPE...not falling for that. By the way, If you had to put ONE person's face on this stimulus bill (yeah I know it was written by congress folks!!), whose would it be?

Yeah, you're right! That darn APE'S...

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Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 3, 2009 at 1:25

It would be Nancy Peolisi and Harry Reid. Why do you insist on spinning this into something racial, when it is not.

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Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 3, 2009 at 2:32

Fine, Jay!! Your opinion has been noted!! (Twice I think...)

I could easily reverse this to ask: Why do YOU insist on spinning this into something non-racial when it has been openly noted as such an issue for so many people?

I'm all for chatting about the issues...but frankly, I don't see anything productive coming out of our discourse. So let's spare our fellow shale friends the repetitive beating of this little dead horse (or more correctly noted: ape). Obviously, your opinions matter to you...just as much as our opinions matter to us. I can leave it at agreeing to disagree...

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Permalink Reply by Grillin' - MmmMmm on March 1, 2009 at 15:57

Antsu: The editorial cartoon you refer to was not depicting Prez as an ape...the point was that a monkey could have put together a better stimulus bill than what we got. The fact that the monkey was dead meant that CONGRESS would have to find another way to put the stimulus package together. The package came from Congress, not Obama. And that place is run by two white folk, Ms Pelosi and Mr Reid. And put that together with the fact that the very day before, an monkey was shot as it attacked someone, so monkeys were in the news, and you got yourself a very good editorial cartoon. Seeing it as racist indicates that some may, in fact, be afraid of race, but its not from the side our AG is thinking. Just a tad bit too darned sensitive. Everytime we use a monkey for anything I guess we are racists.

And over the last 8 years, have you not been watching the editorial cartoons and Doonesbury? How have they portrayed President Bush? Some actually portrayed him as, yes, a monkey!! Was that racists? Was it disrespectful? Some town in California voted to name their sewage plant after him. Again, where was the outrage?

My point: being prez means being the target of criticism. comes with the territory. Quit screaming racism everywhere. Maybe its just plain dislike for policies or positions, not pigment.

I think I've been pretty clear: I don't like Prez Obama's policies and his direction that he wants to take the country. I've also said he is a good man at heart, just has ideals that I'm not square with when it comes to taxation and government intrusion. I won't be naming a sewage plant after him, and until he's caught doing something criminal, I'll not call him such. I have called him a liar as he has over the last 8-12 months made many comments that he has gone back and not backed up. The stimulus plan broke many of his campaign promises. But you know what, that's D.C. He wasn't under oath and I already knew he (and all politicians R and D) would never live up to all of his promises. Just wish he would be backpeddling on his taxation promises!!

So, off to another week!! New topic maybe?? Probably not. We'll be arguing about this for at least 4 years. People will be calling people racists forever, I just consider the source.

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Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 2, 2009 at 20:58

You know Mmmarkkk...you may see that cartoon as innocent, and that is cool, in my opinion. Some of us, particularly the ones picketing out in front of the company's doors, do not...and that should be fine, as well. (By the way, I get US news here in Japan. I know who wrote the package....but thanks for the info.)

Sure, some of us are afraid of race...while others use it to oppress certain people and stir up trouble. Some of us MAY be a little sensitive , while some of us in here MAY be a little insensitive (actually I thought that cartoon was insensitive to the woman who was attacked!!). No, I do not believe that every time we use a "monkey" inference we are racists. In the same breath, there are certain people who at certain times will use monkeys to make racist taunts towards certain races of people. Fine...when they do, wouldn't it at least be nice if they had the balls to stand up for what they believe in, instead of hiding behind cartoons. I do!

Yes, you're clear about your point. I feel I've been equally clear about mine. I'm more concerned with the state of our country than political party crap, as well. Stay well...

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Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 3, 2009 at 2:07

Antsu wrote:

"Sure, some of us are afraid of race...while others use it to oppress certain people and stir up trouble."

That would be Eric Holder and Al Sharpton, et al. Right?

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Permalink Reply by Antsu-in-Japan on March 3, 2009 at 2:41

This just may surprise you, Jay...but NO, I am not fond of Al Sharpton at all. NOT AT ALL. He is comparable to Rush L., in my opinion.

I haven't heard much here about what's going on with Eric Holder.

PS...Please feel free to ask your questions without presuming to know my answers. We'd probably have a better chat that way.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Murrell on March 3, 2009 at 3:26

Didn’t say you were fond of either one of them.

My point is that they, and others like them, are responsible for racial divisions and the lack of an honest dialog.

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