As someone who was once stationed in Okinawa, my heart aches at the news of the silence surrounding US base sex crimes in the area. The people of Okinawa have always been kind and welcoming, and the thought of them being exposed to such risks is unacceptable. The Japanese government’s failure to address these issues is truly disappointing and shows a lack of respect for the local government and the residents of Okinawa.
It is clear that accountability is severely lacking within the US military when it comes to addressing crimes committed by service members. When a soldier commits a sex crime, there should be no hesitation in investigating the matter, taking the individual to court, and, if convicted, ensuring they face the consequences.… Continue reading
Blaming a 12-year-old child for being sexually assaulted is not just despicable; it’s a clear sign of the depths to which some individuals are willing to sink in order to defend the indefensible. The argument that the child somehow initiated the inappropriate behavior completely deflects from the fact that adults are responsible for setting boundaries and maintaining appropriate behavior, especially when it comes to interactions with minors.
It’s alarming to see how some lawyers will go to great lengths to defend their clients, even if it means using victim-blaming tactics that are morally repugnant. The notion that a child could be at fault for being taken advantage of by an adult is not only legally baseless but also ethically bankrupt.… Continue reading
As a Japanese Canadian who frequently visits Japan, the recent news of US military personnel committing sex crimes in Japan is truly appalling. Hearing about incidents of assault, rape, and other heinous crimes being committed by those who are meant to protect is deeply disturbing. It is disheartening to see individuals exploit their positions of power and privilege to prey on innocent civilians. The fact that some perpetrators view local women as easy targets due to their nationality is not only abhorrent but unacceptable on all levels.
The call for justice and accountability is crucial in cases where US military personnel commit crimes in Japan.… Continue reading
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court declaring US Presidents as monarchs has sent shockwaves through the nation. The implications of this decision are staggering, as it essentially grants presidents immunity from criminal liability for any acts deemed “official”. This sets a dangerous precedent, effectively paving the way for unchecked power and authoritarian rule.
The fact that this ruling makes it practically impossible to hold a president accountable for any wrongdoing committed while in office is alarming. The lack of transparency and accountability in this system is a direct threat to our democracy. It feels like we are witnessing a slow-motion coup being perpetrated on our republic, with the Supreme Court acting as the arbiter of what constitutes an “official act”.… Continue reading
When I read about the allegations made by the ex-Trump staffer regarding the campaign settling seedy suits in a bombshell filing, my first reaction was disbelief. How can it be possible that such serious accusations keep surfacing, yet nothing seems to stick to Trump and his cohorts? It makes me wonder about the state of morality and accountability in our political landscape.
The fact that these settlements are made using funds from MAGA donors is truly appalling. Republicans love to preach about family values and God, yet they are willing to finance rape settlement suits without blinking an eye. It’s a disturbing symbiotic relationship where conservatives are essentially enabling and condoning such reprehensible behavior by their continued support.… Continue reading
I find myself deeply disturbed by the recent news of a judge’s abrupt decision to release the transcripts of the grand jury in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Reading through the accounts of the victims, who were shamelessly accused of “prostitution” by the prosecution, my heart aches for the injustice they endured. These underage girls were coerced, exploited, and abused by a man who operated a sophisticated pyramid scheme of sex trafficking, yet the authorities had the audacity to threaten them with jail time instead of providing the support and justice they deserved. It is profoundly troubling to think that in a case as egregious as this, the focus was shifted away from the abuser and onto the victims themselves.… Continue reading
As I sit here contemplating the state of our democracy, the news that a New York Democrat will introduce an amendment to reverse a Supreme Court immunity ruling fills me with a glimmer of hope. The Supreme Court’s power to interpret statutes can be challenged and changed through legislative action, and this move is a step in the right direction. It is up to us, the voters, to elect a Congress that will prioritize passing this crucial amendment.
The idea of Amendment 28, which proposes that no member of the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial branches of government should be exempt from abiding by the law, resonates deeply with me.… Continue reading
The recent news regarding the Trump Hush-Money Judge ominously warning that a sentence may never come has left me speechless, frustrated, and deeply concerned for the state of our democracy. The Supreme Court’s decision to potentially never render a sentence on Trump’s convictions is a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play and the erosion of accountability in our political system.
It is disheartening to witness how a confident, tall, white, broad-shouldered narcissist like Trump can manipulate the legal system to evade consequences for his actions. The delay in sentencing to assess the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Presidential immunity raises questions not only about Trump’s culpability but also about the integrity of our judicial process.… Continue reading
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court granting former President Donald Trump immunity for ‘official’ acts has sent shockwaves through the American political landscape. As someone who values democracy and the rule of law, this decision is deeply concerning. It raises questions about accountability and the limits of presidential power.
The notion that the President enjoys immunity for official acts, as defined by Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion, seems to be a dangerous precedent. It sets a troubling standard that could potentially shield future presidents from legal repercussions for questionable actions taken while in office. This immunity could embolden leaders to act with impunity, knowing that they are beyond the reach of the law.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the case of Alec Baldwin and the tragic shooting incident on the set of ‘Rust’, I can’t help but feel a sense of confusion and frustration at the layers of negligence and incompetence that led to this devastating outcome. The debate surrounding who is ultimately responsible for the death of Halyna Hutchins seems to be a tangled web of accusations and finger-pointing, with everyone involved trying to shift blame onto someone else.
The recent news that the judge rejected Alec Baldwin’s motion to dismiss the case over the damaged firearm raises serious questions about accountability and justice in this complex situation.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood