Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

  1. #1
    Senior Member AirborneSapper7's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    South West Florida (Behind friendly lines but still in Occupied Territory)
    Posts
    117,696

    Obama In Asia - Bows, Talks Of Green Tea Ice Cream

    Barack Obama bows and talks of green tea icecream as he pushes US ties in Asia

    President Barack Obama has bowed to the Emperor of Japan and revealed his childhood affection for green tea icecream as he pushes stronger US ties with Asia.

    By Danielle Demetriou in Tokyo
    Published: 8:37AM GMT 14 Nov 2009



    President Barack Obama is greeted by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko upon arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Photo: REUTERS

    There was talk of green tea ice cream, memories of a childhood visit to Japan and even a reference to the remote fishing town Obama as the US President set out his vision for US relations with Asia in a keynote speech.

    He later bowed deeply to Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, upon arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for a private lunch before he headed to Singapore on the next leg of his Asian tour.

    Beneath the signature charm and rhetoric, President Barack Obama's message was clear: the US fully intends to deepen dialogue with China and pursue greater cooperation with countries across Asia.

    Speaking before 1,500 people in a central Tokyo concert hall on the second day of his whistlestop tour of Asia, Mr Obama also pledged his "unshakeable" commitment to Asian security and insisted that the US would not be "cowed" by North Korea's nuclear tests.

    Calling himself "America's first Pacific President" during a 40-minute address, Mr Obama said: "I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region, because what happens here has a direct effect on our lives at home.

    "This is where we engage in much of our commerce and buy many of our goods. And this is where we can export more of our own products and create jobs back home in the process."

    The president reaffirmed the alliance between Japan and the US, which spans nearly five decades and has recently been overshadowed by a dispute over the relocation of American troops in the southern Okinawa region, and their continued presence in Japan overall.

    Tension over the issue have been ignited following the landslide victory of Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama in August with his popular promises of a more independent foreign policy stance from its powerful post-war ally.

    However, keen to emphasise the strength of their ties, Mr Obama said: "I am beginning my journey here for a simple reason. Since taking office, I have worked to renew American leadership and pursue a new era of engagement with the world based on mutual interests and mutual respect.

    "And our efforts in the Asia Pacific will be rooted, in no small measure, through an enduring and revitalised alliance between the United States and Japan."

    Referring to the controversial troop relocation plans, Mr Obama said: "We have agreed to move expeditiously through a joint working group to implement the agreement that our two governments reached on restructuring US forces in Okinawa."

    But among the talk of foreign policy, nuclear weapons and recovering economies, there were lighter moments: Mr Obama charmed the audience with his memories of a childhood visit to Japan with his mother, during which he visited an ancient Buddha statue in the seaside town Kamakura – but recalls being most interested in consuming the “matchaâ€
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

  2. #2
    Senior Member butterbean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    11,181
    He also referred to the small Japanese fishing town Obama, which launched a presidential campaign at the time of his election and is now home to a thriving industry of Mr Obama-themed chopsticks, traditional cakes and kimono, saying: "I could not come here without sending my greetings and my gratitude to the citizens of Obama, Japan."
    Thats the only reason Obama visited Japan.
    RIP Butterbean! We miss you and hope you are well in heaven.-- Your ALIPAC friends

    Support our FIGHT AGAINST illegal immigration & Amnesty by joining our E-mail Alerts at http://eepurl.com/cktGTn

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •