text:
When Japanese P.M. Abe said there wasn't enough evidence to prove Japanese Imperial Armies coerced 200,000 women and girls into WWII rape camps, I wanted him to meet Liga ng mga Lolang Pilipina, the League of Filipina Grandmothers (LILA Pilipina). They are living evidence. So I created LABAN! Fight for Comfort Women! Now I join FRIENDS OF the Lolas as they continue their fight for justice. FRIENDS OF LOLAS supports the mission of the women of LILA Pilipina and all "Comfort Women." Read on.
Friday, August 3, 2007
An Image of Lee Yong-Soo
above: 121 Coalition leader Annabel Park, surviving "Comfort Woman" Lee Yong-Soo and myself, M. Evelina Galang after the historic House of Representative vote to pass House Res. 121.
Inside the carpet was royal blue. The high domed-ceilings bore historic images the colors of antique America. We looked down into the room and saw rows of empty seats, places where the House of Representatives sat. A handful of them were scattered among the floor, sitting under bright pockets of light, settled into dark wood desks and thick carved chairs. From the gallery, I could see the back of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, senior ranking member on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, my Coral Gables representative.
We joined fifty more coalition members on the right balcony facing the Speaker of the House. Across from us were another fifty Asian Americans. A series of tourists shuffled in and out of rows, sometimes whispering, sometimes pushing loudly on doors and backs of chairs.
Across from me, a football field away, with the House of Representatives below us Annabel Park, 121 National Coalition leader, crawled from seat to seat, strategizing with other coalition members. Lee Yong-Soo, the only surviving "Comfort Woman" present was sitting in the second row directly across from me. A pink shawl wrapped around her torso as if to mark her as our special angel. It seemed to me, there was light all around her. She looked so much smaller than the rest. A young Korean woman rested her head on the old woman's shoulder, and whispered translations in her ear.
Below us the Representatives began to rise and speak.
The tourists came and went.
My eyes went back and forth – from the shock of Chairman Tom Lantos' white hair, to the movement of Congressman Mike Honda running back and forth across the floor, to the steady form of Representative Ros-Lehtinen as she delivered her address. And in between the movement on the House Floor, I kept my eye on Lee Yong-Soo.
I watched the way her body shifted and the way the pink shawl fell and dipped about her body. Were the words moving her? Was she uncomfortable? Could she hear? I wondered what it was like to have these American words turned inside out and shaped into Korean and hissed into your ear? Now and then she dabbed her eye with a white handkerchief.
What would it be like to fill these empty seats up with 200,000 spirits – young girls, old women, some of them alive and breathing like Lee Yong-Soo and some of them shapeless forms of white light, now spinning balls of energy, now ghosts. What would it be like to fly the remaining lolas of LILA Pilipina to Washington DC – maybe twenty of them -- and seat them closest to the railings parallel to the Speaker of the House? They would know from the way the Congresspersons delivered their words what was the truth, if they were supporting them or fighting them.
As I listened to the speakers rise, I imagined their words loose and dancing across the room, transforming into each of the 200,000 women's mother tongue – Tagalog, Kapampangan, Ilocano. Chinese, Korean, Japanese. Dutch, Malaysian, English.
How long they've waited to hear these words – in any language, at any time. How long. How long they've waited for Japan to wake up, to hear them, to apologize. Will it happen now?
Later that afternoon, I stood next to Lee Yong-Soo amid the other 121 Coalition members. Under the hot Washington sun, we held a press conference, with our spokesperson, Daniel Lee before us and the others surrounding us. I looked into her eyes and squeezed her hand. I leaned into her and I whispered as if praying, "Thank you." I did not know her Korean words, nor did she speak my English or my mixed up version of Tagalog. Still, she pressed her face against mine. She kissed my cheek.
Call by U.S. House for Sex Slavery Apology Angers Japan's Leader (NYT)
By NORIMITSU ONISHI
Published: August 1, 2007
TOKYO, Wednesday, Aug. 1 — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed some irritation on Tuesday at the resolution approved by the House of Representatives in Washington that calls on Japan to acknowledge its wartime sex slavery. His reaction indicated strongly that the Japanese government would not offer surviving victims an official apology.
"The resolution's approval was regrettable," said Mr. Abe, who caused a furor in Asia and the United States in March by denying that the Japanese military had directly coerced women into sex slavery in World War II.
News of the approval, which had been expected, came as Mr. Abe faced more calls to resign as prime minister after the crushing defeat of his governing Liberal Democratic Party in the election on Sunday for the upper house of Parliament.
On Wednesday morning, Norihiko Akagi, the scandal-ridden agriculture minister, resigned, admitting that he had contributed to Mr. Abe's loss on Sunday.
Asked whether he would comply with the House resolution's demand for an official apology, Mr. Abe said: "The 20th century was an era in which human rights were violated. I would like to make the 21st century into an era with no human rights violations."
On Monday, the House unanimously passed the nonbinding resolution strongly urging the Japanese government to "formally acknowledge" and "apologize" for its military's "coercion of women into sexual slavery." Japan had lobbied hard against the resolution in Washington, warning that it could harm relations.
Mr. Abe has expressed sympathy for the former sex slaves. But he has consistently refused to acknowledge the military's role in directly coercing women into sex slavery despite historical evidence and the testimony of many of the women.
Some of the former sex slaves, known euphemistically as "comfort women" in Japan, and their advocates welcomed the resolution. But they expressed anger at Mr. Abe's response.
"Abe denies that they were the ones who violated the women," said Jan Ruff O'Herne, 84, a Dutch woman who was forced into sex slavery in Indonesia. "I didn't expect anything better from him than that."
"But this resolution puts enormous pressure on the Japanese government," Ms. Ruff said by phone from her home in Adelaide, Australia. "I'm still hoping that something will happen because the women are getting old, and we deserve a proper apology."
Gil Won-ok, 78, a South Korean who was forced into sex slavery in northeast China, said from Seoul, "Truth survives and lies never win."
Parliament has never endorsed an official apology and acknowledgment of its sex slavery, the central demand in the House resolution, though past prime ministers have issued letters of apology to some former sex slaves.
This spring, Mr. Abe rejected any demand for an apology. But since then, he has avoided discussing the issue in detail. He has repeated that many human rights violations occurred in the last century, angering former sex slaves and their supporters who say his comments were meant to play down Japan's crimes.
"Abe really does not know his history," said Nelia Sancho, leader of Lolas Kampanyera, a group supporting former sex slaves in Manila. "In order to create a world without human rights violations, each state has to learn from its past mistakes and, most importantly, it has to redress its past violations. Until that is done, the 21st century will not become an era with no human rights violations."
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Statement from Congressman Mike Honda
15th District - CALIFORNIA
For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer VanderHeide
August 1, 2007 202.225.2631
Washington DC - This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed unanimously H.Res. 121, a resolution calling on the government of Japan to deliver an apology for its sexual enslavement of "comfort women" during World War II. The House of Representatives has never before considered such a resolution, which garnered 168 bipartisan cosponsors and was not opposed on the House floor during its consideration.
Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), sponsor of the bill, made the following statement upon the bill's passage:
"Today is a truly historic occasion. I am thrilled that the Members of the House of Representatives passed H.Res. 121. In doing so, this deliberative body sent a clear message to our good friend, the government of Japan, that historical reconciliation is not just a concept to be championed, but has very real consequences in the lives of the many women institutionally victimized during World War II.
"The Japanese Imperial Armed Forces coerced some 200,000 'comfort women' into sexual slavery. The women endured gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death, or eventual suicide. To this date, they have still not received a proper apology from the government of Japan. The passage of H.Res. 121 marks an important step forward in the healing process for these women, and brings us closer to demanding accountability and justice for present-day crimes against women and young girls. One need only look to Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor for contemporary examples of such abuses. Historical reconciliation is crucial to prevent future atrocities.
"Supporters of H.Res. 121 flew to Washington, DC for this momentous occasion from all over the country. Community advocates, joined by Ms. Yong-Soo Lee, a survivor of the 'comfort stations,' watched with strong emotions from the House gallery as Members of Congress spoke in support of their cause. I myself witnessed the beginnings of the reconciliation and healing process as I embraced Ms. Lee after the voice vote.
"This has been a long personal journey for me, as I have advocated for reconciliation since my time in the California State Assembly. In 1999, I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 27, which called on Congress to urge the Japanese government to issue an apology for the victims of the Rape of Nanking, 'comfort women,' and POWs who were used as slave laborers. That resolution was ultimately passed. I also want to recognize the hard work of my former colleague Mr. Lane Evans, who has been a longtime advocate on behalf of the 'comfort women.'
"Stronger friendships among nations are also forged when we remind each other of our mistakes and share our lessons learned. The twentieth century was full of human rights atrocities during times of war. Only by honoring the memory of these atrocities will we be able to continue challenging nations of today to abide by shared human rights norms. I sincerely hope that the government of Japan will formally, officially, and unambiguously apologize to the comfort women with an open mind and an open heart."
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 07/30/07 Pages H8870-H8876
On Monday, July 30, 2007 I sat in the gallery with 100 other members of the 121 Coalition and I listened to our House of Representatives remark on the need to pass House Res. 121.
After knowing the women of LILA Pilipina for 8 years, after hearing the testimonies and visiting the sites of abduction in the Philippines -- the churches and schools, the town halls and private homes taken from Filipino citizens during the Japanese occupation and turned into "comfort stations," after witnessing the passing of nearly twenty lolas, and fighting in my own private way for the justice of the lolas, I sat and I listened to our leaders express their own understanding of the "Comfort Women" experience.
My heart swelled with the understanding that came from our men and women in Congress. I knew that at the very least, this historic moment was one where the 200,000 women and girls all over Asia were being recognized and honored. I knew that what we were creating a historical record denouncing these inhumane atrocities of war -- abduction and sexual abuse for the comfort of soldiers. No matter how desperately the government of Japan denies the truth, the truth is now on record.
I urge you to read the Congressional Record on House Res. 121, to hear the words of our leaders, our Representatives who have witnessed the testimonies of three women and have explored the history of the "Comfort Women" system and have read the letters and petitions of thousands of their constituents.
It is important to begin the documentation of this history of the "Comfort Women" of World War II.
It was a good day to be in Washington.
Thank you House Speaker Pelosi for bringing House Res. 121 to the floor.
Thank you Chairman Tom Lantos for your leadership and for "ushering" this bill from the House Committee on Foreign Affairs through Congress.
Thank you Congressman Eni Faleomavega, Chairman of the Asia, Pacific and Global Environment Subcommittee for your compassionate leadership.
Thank you Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, ranking senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and our Congresswoman from Florida for your keen insight and steady leadership on this matter.
Thank you Congressman Mike Honda for never giving up on this issue, for authoring House Res. 121 and honoring all 200,000 women and girls who were taken against their will.
Thank you to the 167 bi-partisan co-sponsors of this most historic bill.
Your words are powerful tools. Thank you.
Read the transcripts and see what I mean.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE pgs. H8870-H8876 July 30, 2007
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 121) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ''comfort women,''during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 930s through the duration of World War II, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows:
Whereas the Government of Japan, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II, officially commissioned the acquisition of young women for the sole purpose of sexual servitude to its Imperial Armed Forces, who became known to the world as ianfu or ''comfort women'';
Whereas the ''comfort women'' system of forced military prostitution by the Government of Japan, considered unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude, included gang rape, forced abortions, humiliation, and sexual violence resulting in mutilation, death, or eventual suicide in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century;
Whereas some new textbooks used in Japanese schools seek to downplay the ''comfort women'' tragedy and other Japanese war crimes during World War II;
Whereas Japanese public and private officials have recently expressed a desire to dilute or rescind the 1993 statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the ''comfort women'', which expressed the Government's sincere apologies and remorse for their ordeal;
Whereas the Government of Japan did sign the 1921 International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children and supported the 2000 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security which recognized the unique impact on women of armed conflict;
Whereas the House of Representatives commends Japan's efforts to promote human security, human rights, democratic values, and rule of law, as well as for being a supporter of Security Council Resolution 1325;
Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of United States security interests in Asia and the Pacific and is fundamental to regional stability and prosperity;
Whereas, despite the changes in the post-cold war strategic landscape, the United States -Japan alliance continues to be based on shared vital interests and values in the Asia-Pacific region, including the preservation and promotion of political and economic freedoms, support for human rights and democratic institutions, and the securing of prosperity for the people of both countries and the international community;
Whereas the House of Representatives commends those Japanese officials and private citizens whose hard work and compassion resulted in the establishment in 1995 of Japan's private Asian Women's Fund;
Whereas the Asian Women's Fund has raised $5,700,000 to extend ''atonement'' from
the Japanese people to the comfort women; and
Whereas the mandate of the Asian Women's Fund, a government-initiated and largely government-funded private foundation whose purpose was the carrying out of programs and projects with the aim of atonement for the maltreatment and suffering of the ''comfort women'', came to an end on March 31, 2007, and the Fund has been disbanded as of that date:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan—
(1) should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as ''comfort women'', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration
of World War II;
(2) would help to resolve recurring questions about the sincerity and status of prior statements if the Prime Minister of Japan were to make such an apology as a public
statement in his official capacity;
(3) should clearly and publicly refute any claims that the sexual enslavement and trafficking of the ''comfort women'' for the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces never occurred; and
(4) should educate current and future generations about this horrible crime while following the recommendations of the international community with respect to the ''comfort women''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, let me first commend my good friend and our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. HONDA), for introducing this very important resolution and for all his hard work to give voice to the so-called ''comfort women.''
Mr. Speaker, the true strength of a nation is tested when it is forced to confront the darkest chapters in its history. Will it have the courage to face up to the truth of its own past, or will it run from that truth in the foolish hope that truth will fade with time.
The Government of Japan's unwillingness to offer a formal and unequivocal apology to the women forced by its Army to be sex slaves during World War II stands in stark contrast to Japan's positive role in the world today.
Japan is a proud global leader and a valued ally of the United States, which makes its unwillingness to account honestly for this part of its past all the more perplexing.
The U.S.-Japan relationship, Mr. Speaker, is the bedrock of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Our reliance and friendship are based on mutual respect and admiration. And together, we have helped promote our shared values of democracy, economic opportunity and human rights throughout Asia. Yet Japan's refusal to make an official government apology once and for all to the women who suffered as so-called ''comfort women'' is disturbing to everyone who values the U.S.-Japan relationship.
No nation can disregard its own past, neither the actions of a few nor the actions of many. Inhumane deeds should be fully acknowledged, a spotlight shined on the whole truth. This is essential to national reconciliation, and it helps the victims to heal. Withholding that acknowledgment only compounds the cruelty.
Post-war Germany, with the most horrendous crimes in its history, made the right choice. Japan, on the other hand, has actively promoted historical amnesia.
The facts, Mr. Speaker, are plain. There can be no denying that the Japanese Imperial military coerced thousands upon thousands of Asian women, primarily Chinese and Koreans, into sexual slavery during the Second World War.
The continued efforts by some in Japan to distort and deny history and play a game of blame-the-victim are nauseating. Those who posit that all of the ''comfort women'' were happily complicit and acting of their own accord simply don't understand the meaning of the word ''rape.''
On June 14, members of the Japanese Government took out a shocking advertisement in The Washington Post that attempted to smear the survivors of the comfort women system, including those who bravely testified before our own House Foreign Affairs Committee. The ad suggested that these women, who were forcibly and repeatedly raped by soldiers, were engaged in ''licensed prostitution that was commonplace around the world at the time.'' This is a ludicrous and infuriating assertion.
Our resolution calls on the Government of Japan officially to acknowledge and to apologize for the appalling acts that Imperial Japan committed against the so-called ''comfort women.'' It seeks admission of an appalling truth. Failure to do so would signal to others around the globe that such horrors can be perpetrated again and treated just as cavalierly as they have been in this case.
But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, it speaks out for the victims of this monstrous system who were terrorized and brutalized by men at war. It gives voice to these courageous women whom others have tried to silence through shame, bigotry, and threats of further violence.
It is appropriate that this House stand up for these women who ask only that the truth be honored. The world awaits a full reckoning of history from the Japanese Government.
I strongly support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise also in support of this resolution, which strikes an important balance, protecting the integrity of history and recognizing present-day reality. It also addresses an issue of great significance for the peoples of the Asia Pacific region.
The tragedy of the ''comfort women,'' the thousands of Asian and European women forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during the first half of the 20th century, was a horrific crime. For the surviving ''comfort women'' these issues are not historical; they are profoundly personal. Some of them were in our Foreign Affairs Committee when this bill was marked up. Attempts to deny or minimize these facts are a disservice to future generations.
The case of Darfur, which we spoke about earlier today, Mr. Speaker, reminds us all that the issue of the use of military force to abuse women, to abuse children through rape and exploitation is one which we need to look at and one which unfortunately continues to this very day.
At the same time, the resolution makes clear that Japan has been a vital ally of the United States and a generous benefactor of the international community through several decades. It has been a strong ally of the United States on issues relating to, for example, nonproliferation.
It was recently reported that three Japanese banks have stopped engaging in any new business with Iran and that Japanese financial institutions are restricting loans and rejecting an Iranian request to pay for oil imports in currency other than dollars.
So we are proud of the U.S.-Japan alliance and grateful for the friendship of the people of Japan. At the same time, we should also recognize that the issue of unresolved historic grievances from the Pacific war is one that cannot be ignored. It is through reconciliation of these issues that our Asian allies can work constructively together, as is the case with our European allies, and the achievement of regional harmony is in America's vital national security interests.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good friend and our distinguished colleague from California (Mr. HONDA), the principal author of this important resolution.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unconditional and heartfelt support for those euphemistically known to the world as "comfort women.''
Let me at the outset thank Chairman LANTOS; the vice chair of the subcommittee, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA; and the ranking member, ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN. I really appreciate your support and your strong, clear statements. Today, the House will make history as we consider the passage of H. Res. 121, a resolution I introduced which seeks an official apology for what the ''comfort women'' endured under Japan's Imperial Armed Forces during World War II.
On this day, I must recognize my good friend and mentor and former colleague, Representative Lane Evans, whose irreproachable character gave these women hope. The legacy of his spirit has remained with me throughout this incredible journey, during which it has been my personal honor to have carried this torch, and I know that his spirit is with me today too. If he is watching, I would like to thank him for his unparalleled courage and tireless efforts to bring justice and the restoration of dignity to the ''comfort women'' survivors. Lane, semper fi.
I would also like to recognize Ms. Lee Yong-Soo, a survivor of the comfort stations who is here today with us. Ms. Lee has been a stalwart and passionate advocate for herself and her fellow survivors.
On February 15 of this year, Ms. Lee was joined by Ms. Jan Ruff-O'Herne and Ms. Kim Koon-Ja as witnesses in a hearing before the Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment Subcommittee, chaired by my good friend ENI FALEOMAVAEGA. I would also like to thank him and Chairman TOM LANTOS for their outspoken support for these women.
The survivors' riveting and gut-wrenching testimony about the horrors they endured as former ''comfort women'' brought us all to tears and impacted me profoundly. Their courage and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire me every day.
Mr. Speaker, today the House will send a message to the Government of Japan that it should deliver an official, unequivocal, unambiguous apology for the indignity the ''comfort women'' suffered.
Too many times we've seen women victimized by war and conflict. The experience of these women is a vivid reminder that the human rights of women around the world are never fully secure. We know that rape, sexual abuse and sometimes murder of women and girls in war are still committed by armies in various countries. One thinks of Darfur, Bosnia, and East Timor. We must teach future generations that we cannot allow this to happen.
Mr. Speaker, encouraging our good friend and ally, the Government of Japan, to officially and unequivocally apologize is, in my mind, my heart and the minds and hearts of all those concerned about protecting human rights, the right thing to do.
I have always believed that reconciliation is the first step in the healing process, and I am proud to be here today on this truly historic occasion to continue to advocate with every fabric of my being for that principle.
I urge my colleagues to join me in support of protecting and defending the human rights of ''comfort women'' by voting ''yes'' on H. Res. 121.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. TOM DAVIS).
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 121. I want to thank Mr. HONDA, the chief sponsor for this legislation, Chairman LANTOS, Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGAand others who have helped bring this to the floor.
This resolution is long overdue. I'm a proud cosponsor of this resolution because it is time for these women to tell their story to the world. It is time for the world to know how horribly humans can treat other humans in times of war and conflict, and it is time for the Government of Japan to own up to the wrongs that it committed toward these women.
During World War II, between 100,000 and 200,000 women were abducted from their homes in Japan and occupied lands, including Korea and China and the Philippines, and forced into the sex trade for the benefit of the Japanese Army. To deny this tragedy is to allow it to happen again. We prevent history from repeating itself only when we actually learn from history, not when we try to deny and obfuscate the truth.
When U.S. Government placed Americans of Japanese descent into internment camps in World War II, we were wrong; and we have since apologized to the families of those victims. This is the measure of responsible leadership.
When we implore our friends across the Pacific to apologize for their many mistakes, we ask for no more than what we as Americans are willing to do ourselves.
Japan has been a strong ally of the United States for years, and I believe both countries have benefited greatly from that relationship. However, it is a true friend that will tell another when it is wrong, and I believe the United States has an obligation as an ally to Japan to stand up against this atrocity and to reveal to the world in appropriate fashion.
It is time for the stories of the ''comfort women'' to be told. It is because these courageous women are speaking out and refusing to be silenced that the United States and the world can finally learn why this issue is so important and why we must never allow it to be repeated ever again on this planet. I urge support for this resolution.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my good friend, the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee of Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished chairman of our House Foreign Affairs Committee, my good friend and chairman, TOM LANTOS, and also our senior ranking member, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for their leadership and efforts in bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. I also want to thank our colleagues, and the gentleman from California especially as the chief sponsor of this legislation, which has the support of some146 Members, both Republicans and Democrats, fully supporting the provisions of this resolution.
I also want to note, this resolution was previously passed by the International Relations Committee in the last Congress, under the able leadership of our previous chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. HYDE.
And I would be remiss if I did not also mention the name of another gentleman from Illinois, my good friend Mr. Lane Evans, who was also a champion of this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to express the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces coercion of teenage girls and young women into a sexual slavery, euphemistically known as ''comfort women,'' system during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific islands from the late 1930s throughout the duration of World War II.
On February 7 of this year, the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on H. Res. 121, the first time ever in the history of the United States Congress that three surviving ''comfort women'' testified for the record.
Ms. Lee Yong-Soo is with us today, and I want to especially commend her and Ms. Koon Kim Lee and Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne for their courage and their faith and their belief that one day their story would be told and, in part, their suffering would be set right. I encourage the world to read their moving testimony, which has brought us to this moment when the United States of America will stand arm in arm with these noble women in demanding an official apology from the Government of Japan.
The comfort women system organized, managed and administered by the Imperial Army of Japan is considered one of the 20th century's most extensive cases of human trafficking and ignored violations of human rights. It was unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude as teenage girls and young women were raped, systematically beaten, tortured, drugged, mutilated and sometimes even murdered.
According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army abducted and forced some 200,000 young teenage girls and young women from Korea, from China, from the Philippines, from Indonesia, from the Dutch Indies, and other women, forced them into sexual enslavement and abuse.
Today the Government of Japan contends that it has apologized and accepted responsibility for its atrocities. But it wasn't until 1980s and the 1990s that major publications in Japan began to describe the details of the comfort women, and it also wasn't until 1992 in response to these developments that Japan's Chief Secretary, cabinet secretary, Yahei Kono, issued an official statement. After a 2-year period, the foreign ministry of Japan conducted this research, and it did make the admission.
I would include for the RECORD the full statement of Chief Secretary Kono regarding the 2-year study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1993, after a two-year study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the supervision of the Chief Secretary of Cabinet, an equivalent to the Chief-of- Staff of the White House, Mr. Yahei Kon stated:
The Government of Japan has been conducting a study on the issue of wartime ''comfort women'' since December 1991. I wish to announce the findings as a result of that study.
As a result of the study which indicates that comfort stations were operated in extensive areas for long periods, it is apparent that there existed a great number of comfort women. Comfort stations were operated in response to the request of the military authorities of the day. The then Japanese military was, directly or indirectly, involved in the establishment and management of the comfort stations and the transfer of comfort women. The recruitment of the comfort women was conducted mainly by private recruiters who acted in response to the request of the military. The Government study has revealed that in many cases they were recruited against their own will, through coaxing coercion, etc., and that, at times, administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments. They lived in misery at comfort stations under a coercive atmosphere.
As to the origin of those comfort women who were transferred to the war areas, excluding those from Japan, those from the Korean Peninsula accounted for a large part. The Korean Peninsula was under Japanese rule in those days, and their recruitment, transfer, control, etc., were conducted generally against their will, through coaxing, coercion, etc.
Undeniably, this was an act, with the involvement of the military authorities of the day, that severely injured the honor and dignity of many women. The Government of Japan would like to take this opportunity once again to extend its sincere apologies and remorse to all those, irrespective of place of origin, who suffered immeasurable pain and incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women.
It is incumbent upon us, the Government of Japan, to continue to consider seriously, while listening to the views of learned circles, how best we can express this sentiment. We shall face squarely the historical facts as described above instead of evading them, and take them to heart as lessons of history. We hereby reiterated our firm determination never to repeat the same mistake by forever engraving such issues in our memories through the study and teaching of history. As actions have been brought to court in Japan and interests have been shown in this issue outside Japan, the Government of Japan shall continue to pay full attention to this matter, including private researched related thereto.
The Kono statement is often cited as Japan's official apology, although it was never endorsed officially by any of Japan's prime ministers and members of cabinets. At the time the chief cabinet secretary was considered part press secretary, part chief of staff but never an official member of cabinet, nor can he ever present himself as an acting prime minister.
2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a statement. However, only statements approved by the cabinet and not the prime minister, are a definitive expression of government policy in Japan. Without the approval of the cabinet, all declarations of contrition are considered only personal views.
I want to close my statement and to say this: Someone once said, ''The greatness of a nation is not necessarily measured by its accomplishments, by its ability, but by its ability to face honestly its mistakes of the past and then take appropriate action to correct them.''
I sincerely hope that this will be taken seriously by our good friends and the leadership of the Government of Japan.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman TOM LANTOS of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and our Senior Ranking Member, Ms. ROS- LEHTINEN, for their leadership and efforts in bringing H. Res. 121 to the floor today. I also want to thank our colleague, the gentleman from California, Mr. HONDA, for his sponsorship of this bill which has the bipartisan support of some 146 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
I also want to make note that this resolution was previously passed by the International Relations Committee in the last Congress under the able leadership of our previous Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Henry Hyde. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the name of our former colleague and friend, Mr. Lane Evans also from Illinois, who championed this bill for years.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 121 seeks to express the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery, euphemistically known as the ''comfort women'' system, during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from 1930s and through the duration of World War II.
On February 15, 2007, the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Global Environment held a hearing on H. Res. 121, and, for the first time ever in the history of the U.S. Congress, three surviving comfort women testified for the record.
Ms. Young Soo Lee is with us today and I want to especially commend her and Ms. Koon Kim and Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne for their courage and their faith and their belief that one day their story would be told and, in part, their suffering would be set right. I encourage the world to read their moving testimony which has brought us to this moment when the United States of America will stand arm in arm with these noble women in demanding an official apology from the Government of Japan.
The ''comfort women'' system, organized, managed and administered by the Imperial Army of Japan, is considered to be one of the 20th century's most extensive cases of human trafficking and ignored violations of human rights. It was unprecedented in its cruelty and magnitude as teen-age girls and young women were systematically raped, beaten, tortured, drugged, mutilated, and sometimes murdered. According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army, abducted and forced some 200,000 young teenage girls and young women from Korea, China, the Philippines, Indonesian, Dutch, and other women—forced them into sexual enslavement and abuse.
Today, the Government of Japan contends that it has apologized and accepted responsibility for its atrocities. But it wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that major publications in Japan began to describe the details of the ''comfort women'' system and that countries occupied by Japan also began to speak out about it. I wasn't until 1992, in response to these developments, that Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono issued a statement.
This ''Kono Statement'' is often cited as Japan's official apology although it was never endorsed officially by any of Japan's prime ministers and their cabinets. At the time, the Chief Cabinet Secretary was considered part Press Secretary, part Chief of Staff, and never an official member of Cabinet, nor can he ever present himself as an Acting Prime Minister.
In 2001, Prime Minister Koizumi issued a statement. However, only statements approved by the Cabinet, not the Prime Minister, are a definitive expression of government policy in Japan. Without the approval of the Cabinet, all declarations of contrition are considered only personal views.
Interestingly, as this topic has gained widespread attention as result of February's hearing, both the Japanese government and press have ignored the fact that Members of Congress now understand both Japan's legislative system and history of the Comfort Women tragedy. We are not ignorant, as some reporters have suggested. We know what does and does not constitute an official apology. We are also aware of the propaganda being churned out by the Japanese press intent on revising history by denying the validity of the ''Comfort Women'' controversy.
This year, Prime Minister Abe denied the existence of sexual slave camps. Then he retracted his statement because of pressure from leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. Now he says that he ''respects'' the finding of the Kono Report of 1993. What does this mean? I have a special love and affinity for the people of Japan. But more sacred to me is our obligation to emphasize the fact a systematic abduction and raping and abuse of women as a weapon of war is totally unacceptable, and I believe the people of Japan agree. In fact, it can be argued that H. Res. 121 reflects the will of the Japanese people. In the only survey that the Japanese press appears to have published on the Comfort Women issue, in 2001, Fuji TV's Hodo asked respondents if they thought Japan has apologized sufficiently. 43.8 percent answered no, 37.2 percent answered yes.
Some may say the past is the past and that the U.S. is also an offender and violator of human rights. Maybe this is so. But nowhere in recorded history has the U.S. military command as a matter of policy issued a directives allowing for the coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery or forced prostitution. On the other hand, this is exactly what the Japanese military high command did and it is an affront to truth for any government to downplay its history.
Civilized society cannot allow history to be revised or denied under any circumstances. Regardless of what bearing this, or any other issue, may have on bilateral relations, or U.S. foreign policy, civilized society has a moral obligation to remember, to give voice to those who have suffered, to pay living tribute to victims past and present, to defend human rights.
Otherwise we run the risk of holocaust. Today, I want to commend my colleagues for their support and to call upon the Prime Minister of Japan and his Cabinet to issue a formal apology. No amount of money, not even payments set up by private Japanese contributions or the Asian Women's Fund, can atone for the suffering of the thousands of women victimized at the hands of Japan's Imperial Forces before and during, World War II.
While I support any woman's right to lay claim to these funds, I do not believe the Japanese government should suggest that a monetary payment can make right a moral wrong.
So, for me, any and all discussions about the Asian Women's Fund sufficing as an act of apology falls short of what is relevant. What is relevant is that Japan acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of teenage girls and young women into sexual slavery during its occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands during WWII.
Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by sharing with my colleagues this statement—someone once said that, "The greatness of a nation is not necessarily measured by its accomplishments, but by its ability to face honestly its mistakes of the past, and then take appropriate action to correct them.''
Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. PEARCE).
Mr. PEARCE. I thank the gentlelady from Florida for yielding time and also thank Mr. LANTOS.
Mr. Speaker, we have to ask ourselves exactly why would we be interested in this particular thing today. Some might claim that it's an old circumstance, that it existed too far in the past. Others might say that it simply is not our right, not our position, to enter into the discussion.
As far as it being too far in the past, many times I go into the district of New Mexico, the Second District of New Mexico, and I bump into people from the Vietnam era, people my age. I was there in the 1970s, I flew in Vietnam. Many, many have hearts broken by the way a Nation treated them, and just a word of encouragement, just a word of saying welcome home, brother, brings tears that flow down men and women's cheeks from long ago past.
We have a responsibility to impact those circumstances which were not right, which were not just, and no better person than Mr. LANTOS to be talking about this today, because he understands that. He's a steady, quiet voice for reason. Regarding Ms. LEE, who is with us today, I would remember the words of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who said that the simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie. One word of truth outweighs the entire world.
He went on in that same talk to say that one person of truth impacts the whole world. So I think that we are called to quietly visit with our friends, the Japanese, and I think they are very good friends. I think that we, as good friends, should quietly say, Friend, it's time to acknowledge; it's time to apologize; it's time to speak. Because the healing just doesn't occur on the recipient's part, on those persons who were wronged; the healing begins in the heart of those who have perpetrated the actions.
Admission brings a certain humbleness that each one of us begins to recognize that we are not above righteousness, we are not above rightness, that we are not above justice, truth. No single one of us is. So if we find ourselves at this curious point saying to a long-time trusted friend, It's time to acknowledge; it's time to apologize; it's time to recognize what we have done and to change, it's not a very harsh statement. It's not one taken in anger, but it is one taken with the noblest of objectives, and that is the recognition and the healing of a long-overdue act.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished colleague from California (Ms. WOOLSEY), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 121, and I thank my colleague, MIKE HONDA, for his leadership on this issue. I particularly thank Representative Lane Evans, who was with us up until this year, and I hope he is watching today, because he was right when he first introduced this legislation, and his reasons and his legislation remains correct and right today.
Many may claim that the exploitation of the comfort women should be left in the past. That could not be further from the truth. Anyone who has met these brave women knows that they live with the haunting memories in the present every single day. The sexual exploitation, some would say enslavement, must be marked, and it must be remembered. The acts of violence the comfort women faced were inhuman, and it cannot be erased.
This should not be a day of sadness.
Today is about accountability and hope for the future. We will remember that those who did not live to see this day and, yet, are still celebrated for their courage. In their honor, we will speak for all of the world here: Never again. The lesson will be learned. Women are not prizes of war. This has been a long time coming, but there is no statute of limitations on courage and on dignity, and that is what we honor today. We honor the perseverance of comfort women. We call on governments worldwide to accept responsibility for past deeds and work towards a just future.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of our time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE), a distinguished member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank the ranking member of this committee for creating the forum to recognize atrocities that many have tried to forget.
Let me thank Mr. HONDA, the moving force of this legislation and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, for his leadership, and I am so glad we have all mentioned Lane Evans because of the spirit and the enthusiasm and the determination in which he authored this legislation earlier before he left Congress.
Let me also speak to Ms. LEE, who remains as a steadfast anchor for all the women who cannot speak for themselves.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take a different approach. I hope that people do not take lightly what acknowledgment, apologies and accepting historical responsibility means. This is about sexual slavery.
I ask my colleagues to just think that if we were addressing the question today, which we have done in our Foreign Affairs Committee on sexual slavery, the holding of women, the debasing of women, the degrading of women, would most of us be rushing to the floor of the House to be able to condemn those actions that might be around us and around the world?
This is no less degrading, and its historical perspective does not diminish the responsibility of Japan and of this Congress to be able to say to these comfort women, women who were sexual slaves, that we apologize or ask Japan to apologize and hold the nation historically accountable for those actions.
Do you know that today textbooks in Japan, many of them diminish the actions of Japan and the activities that held the comfort women? These were women engaged in sexual activities allegedly to give comfort to the military. So I would simply say, having gone through a number of debates about apologies regarding slavery in America, that apologies do count. It means something for those who have suffered in a way that they can never, never find an expression for.
So I rise today to support H. Res. 121 and place it in a historical context but in the context of today. We know that if any of those issues arise before us, we would stand here in condemnation.
The comfort women's plight is no less deserving of our Nation, and, of course, a recognition by Japan that an apology, accountability, will go a long way in soothing the deeply embedded pain for those who no longer live but for those who live and suffer.
I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 121.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 121, which calls on the Government of Japan to formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility for its role in the coercion of young women and girls, euphemistically known to the world as 'comfort women', to serve as sex slaves in Japanese military comfort stations from the 1930s through World War II.
I would especially like to thank Mr. HONDA for his leadership on the issue of 'comfort women' and for his expression of solidarity with these exploited women and urge each and every one of my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, as you well know, the friendship and alliance that exists between the United States and Japan establishes stability and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific and is essential to our security interests in that region. This resolution calls on the Government of Japan to strengthen that tie by acknowledging the facts forever enshrined in history and by publicly denouncing these past heinous human rights abuses in one of the largest cases of human trafficking in the 20th century.
Only in recent years have these victims of Imperial Japanese brutality relayed their stories to the world. In fact, just this year, on February 15, 2007, three women who knew firsthand the unequivocal pain, suffering and horror of sexual servitude at the hands of the Japanese military testified at a subcommittee hearing chaired by Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. These women relayed heartbreaking real life accounts of years of torment, disease, and separation from their families. These women are still plagued today by the physical and emotional scars of the horrendous human rights abuses committed against them.
On April 26 of this year, my good friend and the former chairman of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, Henry Hyde and I co-authored an op-ed in the Washington Times urging 'the Japanese people to courageously acknowledge and redress the wrongs perpetuated by Imperial Japan' on these women and 'to come to grips' with the history of their past. In light of Japan's recent wavering on the accuracy of historical fact regarding comfort women, I stand with my colleagues in urging the Japanese Government to very clearly acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear, unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 121, which calls on the Government of Japan to accept formal historical responsibility for one of the darkest chapters of World War II history in Asia and the Pacific, the Japanese military's use of ''comfort women'', the practice of coercion of young women into sexual slavery.
I would first like to acknowledge our distinguished colleague, Mr. HONDA of California, for introducing this important resolution and for his persistent efforts in giving voice to the victims of these crimes against humanity. Japan, a loyal ally and one of U.S.' closest partners, plays a critical role in maintaining the geopolitical balance in a still volatile region.
The Japanese government's refusal to acknowledge the despicable wartime practice of its Imperial Army known as ''comfort women'' stands in stark contrasts to the courageous humanitarian stand the Japanese government has taken in a number of humanitarian crises around the world and to its role as guarantor for peace in the region.
Facing up to one of the darkest chapters of its history is a genuine test for the maturity of a nation. In the aftermath of World War II, the German nation and its government found the courage to account for war crimes that the Third Reich committed during the war and occupation.
There can be no denying that the Japanese military committed those crimes involving thousands of women, mostly of Chinese and Koreans descent. It is particularly disturbing that some in Japan are still trying to distort the historical record and are denying that these crimes took place. The same parties are going even a step further and blaming the victims for engaging into prostitution.
It is up to this House to call for the Japanese government to set the record straight, not just for the sake of the past, but also because rape has been used across the globe today as a weapon of war. By supporting this resolution we send a strong and unambiguous signal to the Japanese Government to acknowledge its historical responsibility. We will also state Congress' strong l condemnation of rape as weapon of war.
While support of the resolution will finally give voice of the numerous victims of these despicable crimes, the Congress' intent is to assure our ally Japan that the resolution aims at forging the process of healing by facing certain historical experience and is not intended as retribution against a partner and ally.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me In supporting this important resolution.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 121, the Comfort Women Resolution—a resolution that I have supported since its initial introduction in the 109th Congress. Beginning in the 1930s, the Imperial Government of Japan orchestrated the enslavement of up to 200,000 young Korean women. Many were abducted from their homes and sent to Japanese military brothels. Others were lured from their homes under the false pretense of employment. In what was one of the worst cases of human trafficking of the 20th century, the trauma that these women suffered drove many to conceal their past, either too embarrassed or scared to speak of it.
The surviving victims deserve the recognition that they so desire.
To this day, Japan maintains that this issue is closed and the sufferings of individuals inflicted in the war have already been dealt by treaties normalizing its ties with other Asian countries. Some have pointed to Prime Minister Abe's April 27th statement as a formal apology, yet both the Prime Minister himself and Japan's Foreign Ministry went on record to disavow any alleged apology. It is important that the Japanese government confronts this dark part of Japanese history.
This resolution is as much about today as it is about yesterday. The world's strength to oppose killing today is made greater by accountability, for actions present, but also past. It's weakened by denial of accountability and obfuscation of past acts. History is a continuum that affects today and tomorrow. It's much harder to get tomorrow right if we get yesterday wrong.
I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House today is considering H. Res. 121 which rightly recognizes the plight of Korean comfort women during the 1930s and World War II. I was proud to co-sponsor this resolution which calls on the nation of Japan to formally recognize and apologize for these crimes.
After the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s, the army forced young women to work in brothels. In some cases kidnapped women were transported overseas for sexual servitude. At the end of World War II, these women were left scarred and in many cases far from home with no resources.
Sadly, there are some in Japan who still insist that the army was not formally involved with these crimes or that the women chose to become involved in prostitution. The evidence clearly demonstrates that this was not the case. It is far past time for the Japanese government to recognize the role the army played in these crimes.
Today, we call on them to apologize to the few women who continue to live with the shame of the crimes committed against them. While the relationship between Korea and
Japan has improved as both countries turned into thriving democracies, the issue of the comfort women continues to come between them. I hope that this resolution will promote reconciliation so that both countries can move together into a future of cooperation and friendship.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time and yield back the balance of our time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. HINOJOSA). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 121, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
The title was amended so as to read: ''A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Forces' coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as 'comfort women', during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II.''
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
121 Coalition Statement on the Passage of H.RES.121
Monday July 30, 2007
With the passage of H.Res. 121, the United States House of Representatives reaffirms its promise as a powerful advocate for human rights.
We commend the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Mike Honda, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Tom Lantos, as well as all 167 cosponsors for their passionate, bipartisan support for this resolution.
We also want to thank Congressman Lane Evans and Congressman Henry Hyde who championed and supported H.Res.759. When H.Res 759 failed during the last Congress, many supporters felt defeated; but others did not give up. The 759 campaign became the foundation for a national movement behind H.Res.121.
We highly commend survivors Ms. Lee Yong Soo, Ms. Kim Koon-Ja, Ms. Jan Ruff O'Herne, as well as all survivors, living and deceased, who advocated for truth and reconciliation, and testified courageously about their agonizing captivity in military rape camps, also known as "comfort stations" during WWII.
We extend our gratitude to the American electorate who supported this resolution by sending thousands of letters and petitions to Congress members from all over the United States.
The so-called "comfort women" issue is not only about the past. It is also about the present and the future. Tragically, Japan's wartime military rape camps were the precedent for human trafficking, rape, and sexual slavery that continue to this day. H.Res.121 delivers a strong message that we must protect civilians left vulnerable to violence and exploitation during armed conflicts, especially girls and women. The perpetrators of these deeds must now take notice: the world will hold you accountable.
This resolution is in no way an insult to the great nation of Japan. Rather, it is a challenge to leaders of all nations who would deny historical truth for political gain. The people of Japan have long understood that this issue can only be resolved with openness, honesty, and mutual respect. Leaders who deny history, like those who deny facts, serve no one but themselves. The people of Japan deserve an opportunity to put this terrible chapter of human history to rest, and reconcile with the world community in peace and in friendship.
Ethnic and sectarian conflicts in the Middle East serve as reminders that crimes such as these become fodder for future violence if the wounds they cause are allowed to fester without reconciliation, justice, or acceptance of responsibility.
Today, we stand with the United States House of Representatives to urge the people and the government of Japan to accept an invitation from their friends, the citizens of the United States, to officially acknowledge, apologize, and take responsibility for Imperial Japan's role in the atrocities committed during WWII. We thank those who have sent us messages of support from around the globe, and we express our support for the citizens of Canada and Australia as they seek to pass similar resolutions. We see the success of H.Res 121 not as the end of our campaign, but as an auspicious beginning — one that will continue in partnership with human rights advocates in this country, in Japan, and around the world.
Galang Statement on the Passage of H.R. 121
Statement From M. Evelina Galang,
Filipino American Coordinator, 121 Coalition
The passage of House Resolution 121 is an invitation to transcend past crimes against humanity, and a boon to the efforts of surviving "Comfort Women" who have been seeking justice for over 15 years. It is an opportunity for healing and reconciliation as well as a statement that defines what is and is not acceptable even during times of war. It is my hope that Japan accepts the invitation to bear witness to the women's experiences and to honor and respect them by delivering a formal and unequivocal apology to all surviving "Comfort Women" of WW2.
Through the efforts of the Asian Women Human Rights Council and Gabriela, Rosa Maria Henson was among the first Filipina "Comfort Women" to step forward on September 18, 1992 and ask the Japanese government to accept full responsibility for the WWII systematic rape and abduction of over 200,000 women and girls throughout Asia.
Following Lola Henson's lead, 173 of the estimated 1000 Filipinas subjected to the Japanese Imperial Army's "Comfort Stations" also came forward and began to reclaim their dignity through organized campaigns designed by feminist grassroots organizations such as Liga ng mga Lolang Pilipina-Gabriela (LILA Pilipina), Malaya Lolas and Lolas Kampanyera.
Of the 173 Filipinas who have come forward, approximately 84 have died. Today, only a handful of women in their 80's and 90's are actively involved.
The passage of House Resolution 121 demonstrates that the United States Congress and their constituents have heard these women. It is a great sign of respect and support. Let Japan follow the example of the United States House of Representatives as they pass House Resolution 121. Let them look to the women, see their faces and hear their stories. Let them acknowledge the past and take responsibility.
Novelist and University of Miami Professor M. Evelina Galang served as Florida Coordinator and Filipino American Outreach Coordinator for 121 Coalition
LILA Pilipina MAKES AN APPEAL TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
On July 30, 2007, the House of Representative of the United States of America will be voting on House Resolution 121 which calls on the Government of Japan to "formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Forces coercion of young women into sexual slavery.
Lila Pilipina, an organization of Filipino women survivors of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery and Advocates and Gabriela National Alliance of Women in the Philippines welcome this development in the quest of all victims of wartime sexual slavery for their long-sought justice. While we are fully aware that the passage of this resolution cannot compel the Government of Japan to make the rightful reparations for its wartime crimes against the women abused during the Second World War, it is heartening to know that there are individuals in the government of the United States whose concern for women goes beyond time and borders.
For the people of the United States who uphold the rights and welfare of women all over the world, we urge you to support the comfort women's fight for justice – a fight that goes beyond public apology and reparations. It is a fight, essentially, to learn from history so that it may never happen again.
We urge you to go beyond their issue. Systematic rape and abuse of women is a tool of wars of aggression. The harrowing experience of Filipino, Korean and Chinese women in the hands of Japanese Imperial Army was repeated in various other wars of aggression after WWII. Thus, we urge you to support all efforts to put a stop to the current atrocities being committed against women in wars of aggression including the ones you government is sponsoring.
Echo the Shouts of the Elderly Lolas of Lila Pilipina:
Contact: Rechilda Extremadura, Executive Director, LILA Pilpina email@example.com
011639155379579 (cell)
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
While plenty of high-yield opportunities exist, investors must always consider the safety of their dividend and the total return potential of their investment. It is not uncommon for a struggling company to suspend high-yielding dividends which could subsequently result in precipitous share price declines.
TheStreet Ratings' stock rating model views dividends favorably, but not so much that other factors are disregarded. Our model gauges the relationship between risk and reward in several ways, including: the pricing drawdown as compared to potential profit volatility, i.e. how much one is willing to risk in order to earn profits?; the level of acceptable volatility for highly performing stocks; the current valuation as compared to projected earnings growth; and the financial strength of the underlying company as compared to its stock's valuation as compared to its stock's performance.
These and many more derived observations are then combined, ranked, weighted, and scenario-tested to create a more complete analysis. The result is a systematic and disciplined method of selecting stocks. As always, stock ratings should not be treated as gospel — rather, use them as a starting point for your own research.
The following pages contain our analysis of 3 stocks with substantial yields, that ultimately, we have rated "Sell." ARMOUR Residential REIT Dividend Yield: 15.90% ARMOUR Residential REIT (NYSE: ARR) shares currently have a dividend yield of 15.90%. ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. invests in and manages a portfolio of residential mortgage backed securities in the United States. The company is managed by ARMOUR Capital Management LP. The average volume for ARMOUR Residential REIT has been 2,400,700 shares per day over the past 30 days. ARMOUR Residential REIT has a market cap of $1.1 billion and is part of the real estate industry. Shares are down 18.5% year-to-date as of the close of trading on Thursday. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: See inside Jim Cramer's multi-million dollar charitable trust portfolio to see the stocks he thinks could be potential winners. Click here to see his holdings for 14-days FREE. TheStreet Ratings rates ARMOUR Residential REIT as a sell. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its unimpressive growth in net income, disappointing return on equity, weak operating cash flow, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share. Highlights from the ratings report include:
- The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 534.4% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from -$19.78 million to -$125.47 million.
- The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) industry and the overall market, ARMOUR RESIDENTIAL REIT INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- Net operating cash flow has declined marginally to $73.10 million or 4.68% when compared to the same quarter last year. In conjunction, when comparing current results to the industry average, ARMOUR RESIDENTIAL REIT INC has marginally lower results.
- Despite any intermediate fluctuations, we have only bad news to report on this stock's performance over the last year: it has tumbled by 30.10%, worse than the S&P 500's performance. Consistent with the plunge in the stock price, the company's earnings per share are down 428.57% compared to the year-earlier quarter. Naturally, the overall market trend is bound to be a significant factor. However, in one sense, the stock's sharp decline last year is a positive for future investors, making it cheaper (in proportion to its earnings over the past year) than most other stocks in its industry. But due to other concerns, we feel the stock is still not a good buy right now.
- ARMOUR RESIDENTIAL REIT INC has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. The company has reported a trend of declining earnings per share over the past two years. However, the consensus estimate suggests that this trend should reverse in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, ARMOUR RESIDENTIAL REIT INC reported poor results of -$0.55 versus -$0.53 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.43 versus -$0.55).
- You can view the full ARMOUR Residential REIT Ratings Report.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Privacy Protection Act – And Dont Forget a Proxy server
Unless you are a resident of California, you may not … Read the rest
Unless you are a resident of California, you may not … Read the rest
Anti-virus software is one of the best ways to protect yourself, when you're using your computer … Read the rest
It is very difficult keeping up with the law around privacy policies … Read the rest
Update 12th January 2017. Have just had the need to … Read the rest
A basic comment – if you are not making money on proxies now the chances are you wont. Traffic is … Read the rest
Well I suppose it had to happen one day – Pirate Bay co-founder Hans Fredrik Lennart Neij has been arrested … Read the rest
I know Blackberry has been going through some tough times but it is still my favorite because privacy is still … Read the rest
Google now posts statistics for transparency reasons – in this case showing how may take down requests they get for … Read the rest
As said elsewhere in this forum, one of the easiest ways to get into proxies is to buy one. That … Read the rest
Has anyone seen an increase in traffic for their proxies yet? Believe some already back from summer break.
Based on … Read the rest


text:
Still sore, Clay Buchholz puts off bullpen session until at least Thursday
Credit: AP
Dan Duggan is in New York to cover the All-Star Game for the Herald. After the players were made available to the media today, Dan filed this report on the latest stall in Clay Buchholz' timetable to return to the Red Sox.
NEW YORK -- Clay Buchholz won't return to the Red Sox rotation until he is 100 percent healthy. When exactly that will be is anyone's guess.
Buchholz threw a bullpen session Sunday in Oakland and still felt soreness in his neck and shoulder area. The Red Sox were hopeful that Buchholz would be able to throw off a mound before the All-Star Game, but instead, he won't throw another bullpen session until Thursday after the All-Star break.
"I'm not going to go out and do something that's going to cost me the rest of the season," said Buchholz, who hasn't pitched since June 8. "I want to be 100 percent the next time I get on the mound, so that's what I'm going to do."
Buchholz was at Citi Field today after earning his second All-Star selection on the strength of a 9-0 record and a 1.71 ERA built mostly before the injury became a factor. Buchholz initially was not expected to miss an extended period of time, but he hasn't been able to get comfortable enough to return.
Buchholz said he wants to pitch a simulated game before making a rehab start. Although the Sox doctors have told Buchholz he isn't at risk for further injury, he is determined to proceed cautiously.
"I just don't know what it would lead to if I did just keep throwing, throwing, throwing on it," Buchholz said. "It's like picking a scab. I don't want to be messing with this forever. I don't know how long it's going to take, but regardless of how long it takes, I want it to just be done in one time and not have to keep going back two starts and then going back on the DL. In a frustrating way, that's sort of my mindset."


text:
Uncyclopedia:Pee Review/Pegasus
From Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia
edit Pegasus
PigeonOfTheAppil 16:57, March 27, 2010 (UTC)
|You have an article here. You've got the hang of entering wiki code and it looks like an article, but there aren't really may laughs for those of us who have worked out how to make a toilet flush.
Quotes - OK, these are actually pretty good. Whether you stick with them depends upon what concept you finally adopt, but for me they were the funniest part of the article.
Lede - you mentioned Hitler and penis in the same sentence. That set off alarm bells telling me that I wasn't going to get anything new here. See HTBFANS and get rid of this. Actually, get rid of the whole paragraph and focus on a concept (see below) that hangs together. Saying that the plural of Pegasus is Pegasausages is a joke that will work once in passing "Pegasus (pl Pegasausage)" but not enough to sustain an article.
Birth - this is mostly a rehash of established facts, and without a concept not funny. The picture takes away from the paragraph, but I liked the phrase "somewhat immortal"
Personality - the article feels like its running out of steam here - you feel that you need to add more, but without a concept, you have little to add. No laughs here.
|You're absolutely right in assuming that Uncyclopedia should have an article on Pegasus, but your article lacks a central theme. There are so many concepts that could work here, but you've gone for a pretty random approach which is hardly ever successful. Let me nudge you in some directions that could (pardon the pun) "have wings". Number 1 - Pegasus is born and he is a horse with wings... there are a lot of potential parallels with Dumbo here, and this could "really fly". Number 2 - Pegasus is just a regular horse who somehow achieved an elevated status - think Life of Brian - he is called upon to serve various masters to defeat Greek monsters but is never quite up to the job. Number 3 - Pegasus is a reluctant hero - he just happens to be born with wings, but he'd rather just be in the paddock eating grass and rutting with the ladies... There are many possibles here, but your scatter-gun approach hasn't nailed any of them.
|Prose and formatting:
|I'll give credit for the fact that most things were spelt ok and made sense. There are a lot of red links however, and you should remove most of them.
|As ever, I tend to focus on concept when judging articles, but there are a couple of OK images here that have raised your score above average. The Thatcher image is OK, but doesn't really relate to the article, and I did laugh at the constellation picture and its caption. The "photograph" should die horribly in a ditch (head to RadicalX's corner - we can wield that Potatochopper) and whilst the "Pegasus enjoying being alive" picture was OK, it didn't really tie in and had no laughs
|This is an article with potential and I've bumped this up a little to reflect that. You have the hang of wiki formatting, can string a sentence together and have the potential to make this worth reading. Making funny articles is an art worth pursuing.
|Final Score:
|A good start. Learn from the masters.
|Asahatter (annoy) 22:10, March 29, 2010 (UTC)


text:
American Doom Rock outfit MOUNT SALEM are premiering their brand new video for "Lucid" with Classic Rock
- August 18th, 2014 – Watch the brand new video from Chicago's Mount Salem, directed by Dave Skwarczek...Read More
REVOCATION Announce Details for Metal Blade Records Debut "Deathless"
- August 13th, 2014 – REVOCATION have spent the last eight years converting fans to their cause with four full length albums, an EP...Read More
Goatwhore Wraps Up Summer Slaughter 2014
- August 13th, 2014 – Headlining Takeovers Commence + Band To Support Samhain On Select Dates Following a near month-long run of...Read More
Debut Wovenwar album lands on #36 on the Billboard Top 200!
- August 13th, 2014 – Wovenwar's self-titled debut was released last week and has landed at #36 on the Billboard Top 200...Read More
Suicide Silence and The Black Dahlia Murder Announce N. American Co-Headlining Tour!
- August 11th, 2014 – California based extreme metal titans SUICIDE SILENCE, and Michigan's unstoppable sons of molten...Read More
Rivers of Nihil announces tour dates with Black Crown Initiate!
- August 8th, 2014 – Pennsylvania's Rivers of Nihil will be touring this September-October with fellow Reading natives, Black...Read More
The Black Dahlia Murder announce September shows with Lorna Shore
- August 7th, 2014 – The Black Dahlia Murder will be returning to the road in September for a select number of shows. These dates,...Read More
WOVENWAR debuts new video for "All Rise" exclusively with All Music!
- August 7th, 2014 – Band gearing up for Southern California album release dates kicking off tonight, in Anaheim at the Chain...Read More
DragonForce Premiere "Ring of Fire" Cover at the A.V. Club
- August 6th, 2014 – New Album Maximum Overload Available August 19th On Metal Blade Records "Frontman Marc Hudson's...Read More
Rivers of Nihil joins Death (DTA Tours) "Swamp Leper Stomp '14″ Tour
- August 5th, 2014 – This November, Pennsylvania's Rivers of Nihil will embark on the biggest tour of their career so far!...Read More


text:
MUST CREDIT E! NEWS AND LINK BACK TO: http://www.eonline.com/shows/mariahs_world/news/814025/watch-mariah-care... Watch a brand new episode of Mariah's World Sunday at 9 p.m., only on E!
Bryan Tanaka stops by Mariah Carey's dressing room this Sunday!
On the upcoming episode of Mariah's World, Tanaka wants to spend some time with Mimi and reunite with her after being apart for 10 years.
"I mean so much has happened," Tanaka says to Carey after they hug in the clip above. "Congratulations on your engagement."
"Ohhh thank you," Carey replies.
Tanaka then says he wants to meet Carey's two twins Moroccan and Monroe.
"You gotta meet the twins," Carey tells him.
"I want to kick it with them, I gotta teach them some moves," Tanaka says.
Carey then tells Tanaka that she's "so happy" to see him.
"When I was on tour with Mariah the first time, I just remember she's always been supportive of me as a dancer, as a choreographer, as a person," Tanaka reveals. "This is like a dream come true when you work with someone like Mariah Carey you know, she's a legend. But I'm happy because it's natural, it's what it's always been."
Take a look at the Mariah's World clip above to see Carey and Tanaka reunite and to see their sexy secret handshake!


text:
What is JotForm?
JotForm is a free online form builder which helps you create online forms without writing a single line of code. No sign-up required.
At JotForm, we want to make sure that you're getting the online form builder help that you need. Our friendly customer support team is available 24/7.
We believe that if one user has a question, there could be more users who may have the same question. This is why many of our support forum threads are public and available to be searched and viewed. If you'd like help immediately, feel free to search for a similar question, or submit your question or concern.
Can I change the file name of the attached PDF in the notification?Asked by dsautomotiveltd on June 16, 2016 at 08:43 AM
When you submit a form to a email recipient with the PDF Attachment ticked on setting can the file name of the pdf file be different?
Would like the exported pdf name to tie in with form name is this possible?
JotForm Support
Unfortunately, you cannot rename the attached PDF file in the notification. By default, the file name of the PDF is the submission ID.
However, you can use Google Drive integration and use custom folder name. Here's a guide: How-to-Integrate-a-Form-with-Google-Drive
Thank you.


text:
Intern, Audience Growth
Are you a social media wiz fascinated by the world of online video?
Does the prospect of helping YouTube stars optimize their channel, develop their brand, and create content and audience growth strategies excite you?
Do you want to get in early at a quickly growing tech startup and make a meaningful impact on our business?
Then you've come to the right place! The future of entertainment is moving online, and soon 90% of web traffic will be video.
We are a YouTube Multi-Channel Network based in Century City, representing over 55,000 YouTube creators and social media influencers.
We are seeking creative, social media savvy interns to assist our team of Audience Growth professionals. Data analysis skills are a plus. You will be trained on and gain experience in all aspects of the best ways to grow an audience online, operate YouTube's CMS, and build a successful YouTube channel. As bonus, you'll be offered the opportunity to take and complete the official YouTube certification course in Audience Growth.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Marketing majors preferred
- Detail oriented with a great attitude candidates
- Good, up-to-date understanding of social media
- Strong ability to analyze social media insights data
- Problem solving skills
- Previous experience with YouTube CMS is a plus
This is a part-time unpaid internship position with a flexible schedule.
The Spring 2016 internship is a 3-month program beginning in March. Looking for IMMEDIATE availability. Please attach your resume to the email you send.


text:
What is JotForm?
JotForm is a free online form builder which helps you create online forms without writing a single line of code. No sign-up required.
At JotForm, we want to make sure that you're getting the online form builder help that you need. Our friendly customer support team is available 24/7.
We believe that if one user has a question, there could be more users who may have the same question. This is why many of our support forum threads are public and available to be searched and viewed. If you'd like help immediately, feel free to search for a similar question, or submit your question or concern.
Responsive problemAsked by StudioCorvus on December 06, 2014 at 04:00 PM
The other issue is the responsive problem. This seems to work PERFECTLY on desktop (when I resize my browser window). However, on actual devices such as iPad and iPhone the form is not completely visible and seems to get cut off.
JotForm Support
Please try adding the Mobile Responsive widget at the bottom of your form:
Let us know if that helps, we will be glad to assist you.


text:
Is an accounting clerk a bad job and embarrassing one? If you meet a person who is an accounting clerk, how do you see her?
Most Helpful Guy
I don't think so. Kind of view it the same as a law clerk or anything like that, respectful. I think they pay well to? As far as the job goes for you, it might be a boring one depending on your personality and what you enjoy doing? I wouldn't worry about what others will think though.00|00|0
Most Helpful Girl
Nah, I don't think so.00|00|0


text:
Welcome to
Our website is best viewed with the Flash Player Plugin.
Click here to Get Flash!
Or scroll down the page to enter our website.
Welcome To
Balance Life Systems Ltd. has a mission to create and integrate an environment of wellness, balance, harmony and overall well being for each client, enabling them to take charge of their emotional thoughts and manage their stress more efficiently. This will serve to facilitate easier problem resolution ultimately placing the responsibility of the client's health in their own hands.
My ultimate goal is to assist you in balancing your health, your stress levels and your life, and to once again return you to a state of wholeness which will in turn dramatically improve the quality of your life. I believe in the power of the body to naturally heal, repair and regenerate itself. I believe that you can take greater control of your health and wellbeing. After all, the quality of your life now is the sum of your past actions and inactions.
Allow me to assist you in rediscovering the joys of living and to show you how you can live your Balance Life today!
May God Bless You On Your Harmonious Journey.
Take A Look At This Video Explaining The Scientific Basis For Biofeedback Energy Healing.


text:
Jennifer Lopez at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards
2009 Golden Globe Awards: Jennifer Lopez
When you're at the Golden Globes wearing a gold dress, chances are that you'll wear golden makeup to accessorize your look.
And that's just what Jennifer Lopez did, although I've got to applaud her for not going overboard with the theme. Her coppery shadow, warm bronzer, and neutral-hued lip gloss are warm and glowing. And her signature long locks are pulled back into a slick bun.
How do you feel about Lopez's look? Is it gilded greatness or not? Vote on all of my Golden Globe Awards polls here!


text:
I feel that the article I posted last month is definitely relevant to this comic.
http://www.gamekiller.net/spamzilla/69074-mind-fuck-copypasta.html In reply to what you posted last month.
Pokémon: The Other Side :lol:
http://jiggmin.com/threads/58477-Pokemon-Conspiracy-Theories This comic supports one of those. Sorry I couldn't find the exact one that makes sense with the comic.
Dueling Analogs


text:
Norcraft Cabinet Process in Norcraft Cabinets Reviews
Norcraft is one of the recognized quality cabinet, cabinet building process they always make a lot of people curious even for those who have never bought the Norcraft. Norcraft Cabinet Process in Norcraft Cabinets Reviews might be helpful to anyone who wants to come in Norcraft including you, is essential before you make the decision to come to the other companies. In Norcraft Customization program, the combination of well-designed products, built to the right standards, delivered complete, when you need them to make Norcraft best value in the cupboard for the home.
Making cabinet here is to meet the appropriate quality standards, there are a variety of solid material used to make the best of the best with the most respectable carpenter engineering innovation is always well developed. The process starts from making doors; they ensure quality and meet the demands of the short production cycle. After that proceed to the frame, all made with native species that grow in the U.S. Frame is a special machine for them to appropriate standards.
After that there is a functional hardware, drawer glides and hinges are built for us by some of the best manufacturers in the industry. For those of you who are interested, they finished cabinets made with the best techniques in the industry, and car stain is applied by hand. Oven cured finish layer for strength, durability, and clarity of the best wheat. Cabinet packaged individually, the team they will send a truck to the local dealer for the product remains safe.
Entire Norcraft Cabinet Process in Norcraft Cabinets Reviews is a form of their dedication to the customer; even you can be helped when it comes to getting a collection of kitchen cabinets from this company. Reviews are not just about making their cabinet, but also the process when you come to book the best one for your kitchen cabinet. Norcraft is a cabinet customization for you, because it's probably going to take a lot of time and process. To make it easier, then you need a few steps to reach the best decision.
The initial process is to plan your dream, then organize your ideas. Do not forget two things: size and appearance, when hiring a contractor then find the experience of working in the kitchen, consider the services, and accreditation. When it has reached the design process, Norcraft will help you to measure and layout, product selection, design review and revision. Then you can order materials, conduct manufacturing agreement and delivery time, and then take delivery.
The Best Or The Worst Through Norcraft Cabinets Review
Norcraft cabinets review in this writing can be your guideline to purchase the amazing cabinets for your spaces. You can set up the kitchens, the offices, the working rooms, and so on. The norcraft cabinet design is a unique design. This is made all from the hardwood and it is built with the drawer. This is suits for any room than you require. For the example is in a kitchen. It can be managed there because you can use it as the eating table. Based on the testimony, people are really helped because they do not spend some money to buy other table.
In fact, they also have a space under the table. Then, they can save something there. As like the example on the website, they fulfill the drawer with the small threes on the right side and left side. Then, they put some porcelain and the glasses. It will support you to serve your family in which they are sitting in front of you. In this norcraft cabinets review also present the standard quality that you will get.
Norcraft cabinets review mentions that practically you will get the standard items designed in the norcraft cabinet. Still for the cabinet in the kitchen, they will send you the items with the 3/8′ 45lb. It is the grade for the industrial board and it is ended with the panels. The surface structures are laminated with the embossed of chemical grade paper and the coat stained on the top with the color of nature, brown.
Other opinions in norcraft cabinets review is 3/4′ kiln. It is the dried wood. Then, it is combined with the precisely aligned gathering with the adhesive. For the high wall and the tall are 39′ and 93′. Then, the drawer is constructed with the undermount glides and the drawer slides are 75 lb. The drawer will allow you have the light weight.


text:
Empowering people with memory loss through artistic stimulation
Arts 4 Dementia's London Arts Challenge in 2012 is developing a pioneering programme of arts workshops London for people in the early stages of dementia and their carers, now part of the London 2012 Inspire Programme.
We are seek volunteers to re-energise inspire people with dementia and their carers by joining our Poetry and Communication workshops at Putney Library. The course will consist of eight weekly poetry-writing sessions led by Cheryl Moskowitz, for six people with dementia and carers. They will take place on Wednesdays, Volunteer training 2 May, poetry sessions 9, 16, 23, 26 & 30 May, 6 & 13 June, 2-4pm.
Volunteer sessions will involve:
Arts 4 Dementia will give you training and support but it will be your passion and artistic talent that will help stimulate the minds of our participants, elevating them above their symptoms.
Arts 4 DementiaPhoenix Yard65 King's Cross RoadLondonWC1X 9LW
Telephone: 020 7239 4954Email: email@example.com
Registered Company No: 7511427Registered Charity No: 1140842
Find out how you can help
Our sponsor: Besso
Our Patrons


text:
Images are generic.
Planted Technology Passenger Side Bottom Mount Seat Bracket - Pontiac GTO 04-06
Product Details
Passenger Side Bottom Mount Seat Bracket - Pontiac GTO 04-06
The Planted Seat Bracket is made with 3/16" thick steel for superior strength. It is built to accept sliders from most major seat manufacturers like Bride, Cobra, Corbeau, Momo, OMP, Racetech, Recaro, Sparco, Status & more. Extra material or surface area is provided for direct seat or side mount applications where eliminating sliders is preferred. They are finished with a black powder coat and applications are available for most cars.
- Base has enough material for the end user to create their own mounting points.
- No additional hardware other than base is included
- Inclusion of sliders or rails may raise the overall positioning of seats.
Product Reviews and Ratings
This product has no reviews at the moment.
Have a review for this product? Sign in to leave a review


text:
Easy to Build Home Bar Plans
The Easy Home Bar Plans ™ collection of Home Bar Designs will help you build a beautiful and functional home bar that will last for generations. These plans deliver professional looking results without the need of fancy woodworking tools or techniques. Save time and money using our easy to build plan sets. Easy access membership includes all available plans, project support and more. Register to Download Plans
Site Membership Includes:
- Over a dozen easy to build projects.
- Complete material and cut lists.
- Easy to understand 3D assembly diagrams.
- Affordable home bar designs.
- Free online project resizing tool.
- Project support and design ideas.
- Instant access to plans.
This is the original "Easy Home Bar Plans™" website. Avoid sites that imitate our clearly copyrighted mark.
Instant Plan Set Access - Start Building Today
All plans are delivered INSTANTLY by digital download in globally printable PDF format. Plans include material list, numbered cut list and step-by-step assembly diagrams. Designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to ensure accuracy. Download plan sets through your personal Download Dashboard. One time payment. Bundled offer includes full access to all projects and more.
Easy to Build
Unlike the"look-a-like" bar plan sites, these plans require no advanced woodworking skills or equipment. Our plans use simple dimensional lumber and sheeting. Their plans require fancy "dado"and "rabbet" cuts that are beyond the scope of most weekend woodworkers. In addition, these types of cuts require solid 3/4" finish grade lumber and sheeting which would skyrocket your project cost.
Project Variety
Our projects offer more variety in design and type. All plans are symmetrical for left or right handed layout. With our plans and site support you can modify projects easily without a bunch of technical cut changes. Our home bar designs can also be wired for electrical and plumbed for running water and drains.
Natural Beauty
Other designs we've seen are either too wide or too narrow and look odd. Our plans are based on design principles using golden ratios that represent the simple mathematics of nature to create more proportional and visually appealing designs.
Help Create a Better World
Drinking at home has the added advantage of keeping you and those on the road safe. Our main mission is to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road by helping them build a home bar. Makes sense, right? Oh, and there's no rule that says you can't use your project as a healthy juice bar. We've have several gym businesses install them so serve healthy drinks to their thirsty clientele.
Get Started Building Today!
Membership include two full years download and site support and lifetime usage license.
Existing members can LOGIN HERE or SIGNUP HERE for instant site access.
Entertain in the safety and comfort of your own home.
12 great home bar designs for less than the cost of a few beers at your local pub.