Former PM Abe Assassinated
#16
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TV Asahi had some amateur footage of the attack itself. The guy got really close to Abe. I think he was about five meters away with his first shot, and then walked closer still and was about three or four meters away when he fired the second. He probably had to be that close to make contact with that crappy gun of his.
Can you imagine someone being able to just walk up within 10 feet behind Bill Clinton while he was giving a campaign speech for Hillary? With a gun??
Can you imagine someone being able to just walk up within 10 feet behind Bill Clinton while he was giving a campaign speech for Hillary? With a gun??
#17
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That's how a democracy should be. The people should be allowed to get close to the politicians, but sadly, there is always the risk of violence.
#19
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Grave <- worst
Critical
Serious
Fair
Good <- best
#20
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Now being reported that he has died. This is absolutely terrible.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...nara-shooting/
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...nara-shooting/
#22
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Watching coverage now in Nagato with my wife's family -- everyone is in shock (Abe is from Yamaguchi) -- both that he is dead and that this could happen in Japan...
#23
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A few years ago at the Women In Business Summit in Tokyo hosted in association with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the speaker, I believe it was then U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, finished her remarks and the attendees in the large hall were asked to remain seated and not leave the room. We all looked at one another with curious eyes not knowing why this request had been made. The doors were all shut and security personnel appeared quietly at each entrance. The lights dimmed and then, to the surprise of all, out came the next, and unscheduled, speaker, Prime Minster Shinzo Abe. He was impressive, engaging, warm, and most of all he made it clear that he was truly an ally of women in business. He impressed me mightily that day and on several occasions afterwards as well. Today I stand with my friends and colleagues here in Japan in sadness at the horrible loss. Such a tragedy. May his leadership long be remembered.
#25
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Very shocking and sad.
Not trying to make light of the situation at all, but it reminds me of that 90s movie In The Line of Fire where the bad guy fabricated is own gun in order to shoot the POTUS. it was the first thing I thought of when the news reported the the shooter has a homemade gun.
Not trying to make light of the situation at all, but it reminds me of that 90s movie In The Line of Fire where the bad guy fabricated is own gun in order to shoot the POTUS. it was the first thing I thought of when the news reported the the shooter has a homemade gun.
#28
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There's a video on YouTube showing the shooting. The suspect got really close, but it's probably necessary for his homemade gun. I find campaigning to be much different in other parts of the world. With guns being so easily accessible, security for the presidential candidates will be different.
#29
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A few years ago at the Women In Business Summit in Tokyo hosted in association with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the speaker, I believe it was then U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, finished her remarks and the attendees in the large hall were asked to remain seated and not leave the room. We all looked at one another with curious eyes not knowing why this request had been made. The doors were all shut and security personnel appeared quietly at each entrance. The lights dimmed and then, to the surprise of all, out came the next, and unscheduled, speaker, Prime Minster Shinzo Abe. He was impressive, engaging, warm, and most of all he made it clear that he was truly an ally of women in business. He impressed me mightily that day and on several occasions afterwards as well. Today I stand with my friends and colleagues here in Japan in sadness at the horrible loss. Such a tragedy. May his leadership long be remembered.
I feel like Abe was overall well liked in Japan. Folks told me he was Japans version of Obama from a voter popularity perspective but I dont understand Japanese politics enough to know if that makes sense or not.
This will change Japan forever for certain, since its so unprecedented. Mental health in Japan (and every country especially the US) really needs to be better managed in general. We have some crazy goddam people doing insane stuff and I feel like we need to be better at recognizing troubled individuals before things like this happen. Granted sometimes you cant because they hide it so well but sheesh, these young male US shooters in hindsight now we know often basically said what they were going to do online or to others beforehand and nobody thought to be worried. Thats what Im talking about. Of course in Japan its less likely anyone would say anything. But still, we as a society in general across the globe need to do better. Do more.
Such a tragedy.
Thanks for your thoughtful post mjm.