Our next Governor - Jim interviews Takeshi Matsumoto

Our school blog is not the place for a political debate, nor a place for politicians to get up on their soapboxes. However, I think it is very important that we in the international community get involved as much as we can with events and issues locally. Unfortunately, we are not able to vote.That is something that really annoys me personally, having lived here for 20 years or so and been a good boy most of the time...I certainly pay my taxes and sometimes even clean up the neighbourhood at 6am on a Sunday morning.

Anyway, main point here is that I was able to have an hour of Takeshi Matsumoto's time last week. He is standing in the forthcoming election to become the next Governor of Nagano prefecture. He has a good chance of winning, too. He won't admit that but there is a buzz around his campaign and from people who have a 'nose' for these things. I thought it would be a fairly unique opportunity to hear what the man has to say in a non-political environment (we met at Luna over a cup of tea) about his background and his ideas for the future, should he be elected.

Please read a synopsis of the interview and my own opinions at our Podbean site, which hosts our podcasts. You will also be able to listen to the whole interview - unedited and unscripted - or download it if you prefer. It is very important to realise that Mr. Matsumoto was very able to manage this discussion in English, which is impressive itself. Please have a listen to the interview and leave "comments" either below here, or at Podbean. Why not subscribe to the podcast, so you won't miss future exciting installments? Feel free to contact Takeshi Matsumoto yourself with your reactions.

UK Election night

Unfortunately, I am disenfranchised. I can't vote in the UK now as I have been overseas for more than 15 years. I think that is fair enough...but I care about the way 'my' country is run whether I'm there or not, and do try to keep up with political developments as best I can. As a matter of fact, that is a lot easier  now than it was say, 15 years ago. not just the internet & online news, but some great blogs and podcasts too many to mention. (My favourite selection from The Guardian probably give away my allegiances?)

I would rather boil my bollocks in bitumen than vote Tory. Ever.

I have always been a socialist at heart, but have never found "New Labour" fit for purpose. Electable, importantly, yes. Palatable, no. Smarmy Tony Blair & his bloody awful preachy prose? Worse now, Gordo Broon's transexual drag act - I dunno, just can't watch him on TV without imagining his gusset riding up or a Pythonesque aside about dishy aides. So what if his temper flares (and about "Bigot gate" - if the woman was a bigot, call her on it. Nothing to loose and a lot to gain - exorcise a few demons.)

If I could vote, would I still vote Labour? No, I don't think I could. The only Labour I could have voted for died with the likes of John Smith and Robin Cook, the latter I actually saw speak once (very impressively) at Lancaster University. Kinnochio? No - especially "Double No" now as he is the supremo of The British Council. As useless an organisation as I have ever come across (OK, the UN).

Am I a defector, then? If you want to put it that way, yes. Tactical voting? No. Would that that were possible. My uni had a proportional voting system (single transferable vote) that made every vote count (and continue to count). I believe it (or something similar) has to be implemented to make elections fairer in the UK and ensure every single ballot carries the weight it is due. Elections are never single issue, but being able to register your preferences means that you really can vote for - and against - certain positions/parties.

Lib Dem perhaps? Absolutely. Vince Cable was calling the financial meltdown two years ago and has continued to propose sensible, fair & groundbreaking initiatives to reel in the preposterous City Slicker mentality. I, like many, thought the live debates between the leaders would be dreary. Glad I'm wrong. For me, "the moment" was Nick Clegg (oh, he's from Sheffield by the way) calling out David Cameron on his party "joining forces in Europe with nutters, homophobes..."

The night Maggie was done a la Ceasar, with a knife in the back, I shouted drinks all night in the old Suissei Club. Pity being Norma Major moving into No.10 & Labour blowing the next election  (also in Sheffield).

The current government has presided over:

• political corruption on an unprecedented scale
• war crimes, rendition, unlawful war
• unlawful provision for servicemen & their families
• financial institutions run riot, meltdown, illegal bailouts 
• inaction over global warning etc
• broken promises eg G8
• poodling to 8 years of an insane Bush White House
• illegitimate spinning, 
• abandoning the working person
• failure to secure the rights of immigrants, legal or not
• failure to kill off the 'Lothian Question'

And a bunch more...but I'd rather watch the election unravel now on BBC World/Guardian Unlimited. Colour me orange? Go on then.

Oh, wait. I nearly forgot. If I can't vote in the UK because I haven't lived there for the last 15 years, wouldn't it kind of make sense that I would be allowed to vote in the country where I have lived in that time, paid taxes, run a business, contribute to society & raise a family? Just a thought...