Political Discourse in 2016

Ah, political discourse in 2016. 

*The sarcastic jabs of an Oscar Wilde? - “There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.”

*The dry, acerbic wit of a Mark Twain? - "Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” 

*The down-home wisdom of a Will Rogers? - "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people that they don't like.”

*The cutting, angry attacks of a George Carlin? -  “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” 

Nope.

"Shut up, faggot." 

Wow. He really got me there. Just tore me a new one;  proved me wrong; persuaded all, including me, of the error of my philosophy. Made me realize how we can make America great again; showed the moral superiority for which we are so famed. Held the moral high ground; showed the depths to which I have sunk.

And this is my "friend". The candidates are even worse.

Coming of Age Day - 成人の日

"Coming of Age Day" celebrates all those who have become legal adults, turning 20 during the year running April through March. Young men wear suits or the traditional hakama (kimono tunic with baggy trousers). The women wear brightly flowered kimonos with obi (waist sash), and furred stoles on cold days.

College students return home, workers have a holiday. Their city or town has a ceremony where they try not to sleep through numerous speeches about their rights and responsibilities as newly-fledged adults.

Many who, like my son, went to private secondary and senior high schools, will see elementary school classmates they haven't seen in eight years.

After the ceremony, many will visit their elementary school, opening time capsules or meeting teachers from long ago. Then they will meet groups of friends and go out, maybe singing karaoke, maybe tossing back a few.

A few photos:

My son leaving for the Coming of Age ceremony.

With our neighbor.

The obi sash from behind.