The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.7.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 6; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening.html

The Corona of Serfdom.

This section of the Opening Ceremony saw the awarding of the Olympic Laurel Award. Introduced in 2016 this is given to people who have;  

"Made significant achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport."

This year it was awarded to the Economist Muhammad Yunus. Winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his development of Microcredit. 

Something which, since 2006, he has been using to work with Olympic athletes to build business after they retire from sport. 

Other sections of the Opening Ceremony introduced us to another famous figure from the world of Economics.    

John Locke. Who through his work; "Of Property" laid much of the foundation for Economics as we know it. 

The ceremony also introduced us to the Freemasons.

Freemasonry came into being in Medieval Europe in the 13th Century. A period which heavily influenced the famous TV show; "Game of Thrones."

However a more accurate portrayal of the era is probably found in the TV show; "The Pillars of the Earth." 

Which is loosely inspired by efforts to build a Cathedral in the English city of Salisbury. Amid a historical period known as; "The Anarchy."

The TV show that Britain was attempting to reference. 

Through its Chemical Weapons attack on the Bishops Mill pub and other locations in Salisbury. In that gap between the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics.

The social and economic system which existed at the time was Feudalism.

It was believed that there was a small group of people, Monarchs, who had been anointed by the Christian God to rule over everything. All the land, all the water. All the people living on that land.

They were able to anoint another group of people, Lords. To rule over parts of their Kingdoms.

Very often the Christian God would show his anointment of these people by giving them victory in battle. Making Monarchs very dependent on their War Lords.

Everybody else were Peasants or Serfs. Their role was to work to enrich the Lord. Who, in turn, would work to enrich the Monarch.

The Freemasons objected to this system. They decided they would work for whoever paid them the most. Using their labour to enrich themselves.

This triggered some 400 years of debate. Over what is property and who owned it.

At the time debate, like everything else, was a very slow process. If you wanted to debate with someone you had to speak to them in person.

If you part of the very small group of people who could read and write. 

Then you could handwrite your argument in a letter. If you could find someone prepared to travel to take that letter to the person you were arguing with.

Debate was sped up in the 15th Century with the invention of the printing press. 

Rather than having to handwrite an argument for every person you wished to debate with. You could make many copies of your argument and send it to lots of people.

This also had the advantage of making the written word much more widely available. Massively increasing the number of people who could read and write.

It still though took another 200 years for the debate of what is property and who owned it to be settled. Through John Locke's 1690 essay; "Of Property."

This led to the acceptance that the natural environment was not the Christian God's gift to a small group of people. It was the Christian God's gift to all people.

The only way any person could turn that gift into their property. Was through applying their labour to it. 

Although the practice began long before Locke's theory. This notion that the people who produced the property owned the property gave rise to markets. 

Markets in which people were able to sell their labour and property to whomever they liked. Instead of just having to give it to the Lord and Monarch.

As more and better roads were built. These markets became bigger. As people were able to quickly travel over much larger distances to find the best price for their labour and property.

Earlier in the Opening Ceremony we were introduced to probably the most famous trade road of all. The Silk Road. Which stretched from Japan in the East, through Asia and Europe to the West and down to Sub-Saharan Africa in the South. 

Curiously during this time Japanese society went in a completely different direction.

They too had their Game of Thrones era. The "Sengoku" or; "Warring States" Period.

You can quite easily draw comparisons. Between Medieval, Feudal Europe or Japan's Sengoku Period and modern Afghanistan.

Japan emerged from its Sengoku Period into the Edo Period. However unlike in Europe this saw a tightening of social restrictions. The Tokugawa Class System.

This saw society divided into two groups. The Ruling Class (Aristocracy) and the General Population. Each of those two groups were themselves divided into four classes (Shinokosho).

For the Aristocracy there was;

1. The Emperor. Essentially the anointed Monarch. However unlike European Monarchs the Japanese Emperor wielded very little power.

2. The Kuge. Essentially the Royal Court of the Emperor. Although extremely wealthy and influential they also wielded very little real power.

3. The Shogun. The War Lords. It was these military generals who wielded the real power at the time.

4. The Daimyo. Lower ranking military officers. Rather like European Lords they controlled specific local areas. Answering to their superior Shogun.

For the General Population there was;

1. The Samurai. The highly trained rank and file of the armies of the Shogun and Daimyo. 

2. The Peasants. Farmers, essentially. They were actually held in quite high regard due to the importance of the food they produced.

3. The Artisans. Such as the Daiku carpenters we were introduced in the previous section. They were considered less important than Peasants because what they produced was not seen as essential.

4. The Merchants. They were actually considered the lowest of the General Population. As they did not produce anything themselves. Merely trading what others produced.

Beneath the Ruling Class and the General Population you had the Untouchables, the "Burakumin (literally; "Village People")." 

The Burakumin were outcasts due to their work in professions that were seen as tainted with death. The executioners, the undertakers, the butchers, the tanners. 

All of these 9 social classes were hereditary and strictly enforced. 

So if you father was a Peasant you would become a Peasant. You didn't have the option of training as an Artisan or a Samurai.

The Tokugawa Class System remained in place until 1868. 

When the military humiliation of Commodore Perry's Black Ships. Along series of devastating Earthquakes. Saw the collapse of the Shogun's reputation. 

Emperor Meiji was returned to full power and the Imperial system was restored. The Meiji Restoration.

Throughout the Edo Period Japanese society was dominated by the Sakoku (Locked State) Policy. Essentially isolating the nation from the rest of the World.

The rest of the World however was becoming increasingly interconnected. 

Forging new transportation links. Such as ever faster maritime routes which made the Silk Road suddenly seem painfully slow.

As travel became quicker and easier the markets on which people could trade their labour and property got even bigger. 

As they got bigger the markets became more irrational and unstable. Prone to devastating and unpredictable collapses.

One of the most famous examples was the "Tulip Mania." That gripped The Netherlands in the 17th Century. 

This pretty and nice smelling flower, the Tulip, suddenly became very fashionable within European high society. 

As demand increased the price increased. Meaning that the profits for those who sold them increased.

Everyone assumed that this popularity and price increase would go on for ever. 

So started buying Tulip bulbs, or "Tulip Futures" for increasingly higher prices. 

Thinking that by the time the Tulips had matured into flowers the sale price would be even higher than the cost of the bulb.

However like the flowers themselves the popularity of Tulips suffered from mono no aware. Their beauty was fleeting and shortlived. 

The market crashed and fortunes were lost.

This inherent volatility of markets has driven calls for them to be centrally controlled. To remove irrationality and create stability.

Not only did John Locke's Labour Theory of Property create property, and therefore markets of which property can be bought and sold. It also laid part of the ideological basis for European Colonialism.

The natural environment is the Christian God's gift to all. It is only through the application of their labour that someone could take ownership of that gift. Turning it into property.

So if someone isn't a Christian and therefore ineligable for the gift. Or is not applying labour turning it into property. 

As the indigenous populations of Africa, the Americas, the "Indies" (East Asia) tended not to be.

Then it doesn't belong to them. Meaning European Christians can come in and take ownership of it, by applying their labour.

Another key ideological cornerstone of European Colonialism was laid by Bernard Mandeville. Who argued that Christian Protestant greed created good within society.

An argument he put forward in a rambling 400+ page poem; "The Fable of the Bees." In case you thought I was bad.

The main mechanisms of European Colonialism were the; "Company States." Such as the British East India Company, the Royal Africa Company and the Dutch East India Company. 

These Company States have got to be the ultimate examples of controlled markets. 

They would operate almost as national governments. Passing laws, enforcing them with police and Courts. Along with building infrastructure such as roads. 

However this was done not for the good of the people who lived under their rule. 

It was done to maximise the profit for the company. By controlling the supply and therefore price of raw materials and export goods.

If a rival Company State was undercutting their profits by offering the same goods at a cheaper price. They would simply go to war with them. Often cutting their supply chains by sinking their ships.

At around 18:50 on 14/9/21 (UK date) I'm going to have to pick this up tomorrow.

Edited at around 16:30 on 15/9/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;

However European economists didn't see Company States as being part of the market.

So much as examples of European labour being used. To civilise the savages and turn unused natural resources into property to be brought to market.

By the time that property was brought to market. European economists were very opposed to any form of central control of those markets.

Adam Smith is generally considered to be the founding father of Liberal Economics. Which is not to be confused with the US political doctrine of; "Liberalism."

Adam Smith felt that there was no need for central control of markets. As markets were controlled by the inherent rationality of the people who participated in them. The; "Hidden Hand."

Essentially. If someone is selling their property at to high a price. Then everyone will just buy from the competitor selling at the lower price. 

Likewise if someone isn't paying enough for labour. Then everyone will just go and work for the competitor who is paying more.

European Colonialism was really brought to an end by the First World War and the Second World War.

The Russian Empire collapsed in 1917. Brought down by a revolution driven by the political ideology of; "Communism."

The work of Karl Marx Communism isn't, strictly speaking, an economic model. 

So much as a belief that economics and markets are inherently evil. So must be replaced by a system where everything is centrally planned for the good of society.

Russia adopting Communism and becoming the Soviet Union created a New World Order.

The nations - western Europe, North America - which didn't reject economics became known as; "The First World."

Nations which adopted Communism became; "The Second World."

All the poor nations, the former colonies of the collapsing Empires, became known as; "The Third World."

While the Second World was adopting Communism the First World went through a series of economic shocks. 

Each, individually, being far more dramatic then the Tulip Mania of The Netherlands in the 17th Century.

Ruined by the reparations imposed at the Paris Peace Conference (1919-1920) the economy of the German Empire imploded. Hyper-inflation took hold and money become worthless.

The British Empire attempted to re-adopt the Gold Standard. Linking a nation's currency directly to the price of Gold. 

They had abandoned the Gold Standard as a way to fund their wartime spending. Attempting to re-adopt it triggered massive inflation.

In 1929 American stock markets crashed. Causing mass panic.

In this panic US banks started calling their loans to European nations. Who were really in no position to repay them. Leading to defaults and further losses.

These shocks all combined to create The Great Depression (1929-1939).

This lead to deafening calls for markets to be centrally controlled. To remove irrationality and create stability.

Looking for solutions the First World then turned to the man who'd caused most of the problems. John Maynard Keynes.

Amid all this talk of Asian Animist religions, such as Buddhism. 

You could almost describe John Maynard Keynes as the reincarnation of Karl Marx. He was actually born on the day that Karl Marx died.

John Maynard Keynes spent much of his early career working as an administrator for the British East India Company. The Company State the British Empire used to exploit its India Colony.

John Maynard Keynes then went onto be an adviser at the Paris Peace Conference. Making him really one of the main architects of The Great Depression.

Having being raised in the Colonial Company State system, the ultimate Controlled Market. John Maynard Keynes advocated massive government control over markets. 

Essentially John Maynard Keynes believed in two different classes. The all knowing, self-appointed, Ruling Class and the inferior General Population.

It was the duty of the Ruling Class to take on the role of Adam Smith's "Hidden Hand." Controlling markets to protect the inferior General Population from itself.

John Maynard Keynes was particularly focused on controlling markets through the money supply.

Essentially. If too much demand is causing inflation then governments will raise interest rates. Removing money from the market. Literally leaving it sitting in the vaults of Central Banks.

If there is not enough demand governments will spend money. Employing people in huge public works programs. If governments didn't have that money they would simply borrow it.

John Maynard Keynes ideas were particularly popular with Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). 

The pro-racist lynching Democrat US President who established the New Deal Program.  The person Joe Biden models himself on.

As the Second World War ended. FDR set about establishing John Maynard Keynes' ideas as the economic model for the entire First World. 

This was done at the Bretton Woods conference. 

Which established two new international bodies. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Created to allow national governments to borrow money to fund interventionist spending.

The Bretton Woods conference also established the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT). To consolidate control of international markets. GATT led to the creation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The First World War and the Second World War did away with Colonialism. However FDR and John Maynard Keynes created a new colonialism. "Neo-Colonialism."

Third World nations were told that to become rich they needed to spend money to stimulate demand. 

Money that they should borrow from the World Bank, the IMF or First World nations directly.

The objective though was not for the Third World nations to become rich. 

It was to keep them poor. Trapping them into debts they could never repay. 

Allowing the World Bank, the IMF and the First World nations to plunder their natural resources. Simply to service the debt repayments. 

Under Colonialism what became the First World nations simply went into what would become the Third World nations. Declaring that they were not using their fields, so did not own them. 

Meaning the First World nations could simply take ownership of them. To plant Cash Crops such as tobacco or sugar cane.

Under Neo-Colonialism the First World nations would declare that Third World nations owned them huge amounts in debt repayments. 

So should give control of their fields over to the First World. To plant Cash Crops such as tobacco and sugar cane. 

If want to do something crazy. Like having food to feed their populations. Then they'll have to borrow more money in order to import it.

If Third World nations weren't stupid enough to take out the loans in the first place. Then the First World nations would find a way to force them to.

Normally by gifting two religious or ethnic groups a first dose of weapons with which to fight each other. 

Then, once the fighting has started, lending both groups money to buy more weapons.

Loans which must be paid for through the (often illegal) sale of valuable natural resources. At far below the market price.

Did I mention? How easy it is to compare modern, resources rich, Afghanistan with Japan's Sengoku (Warring States) Period.  

Much of the First World was dazzled by the brilliance of FDR and John Maynard Keynes. Dropping to their knees in worship of their new saviours.

However there were a small group of people who were not fooled. The Austria School.

They argued that markets are nothing more than the result of hundreds of, often irrational, decisions. Taken by billions of individuals each and every day.

Central control of markets, be it Marxist or Keynesian, involves replacing all of those individual decisions with one central decision.  Doing so would require Social Control, Coercion and Violence.

Also no single individual, government committee or other ruling class would ever be able to understand all of those individual decisions. 

So would lack the information needed to correctly replace them.

That would inevitably lead to failure. 

Requiring ever more social control, coercion and violence in an attempt to correct or cover up the failure.

A vicious cycle of failure and violence. That inevitably leads to Totalitairianism.

At around 16:45 on 14/9/21 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up later. 

Edited at around 19:10 on 16/9/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;

As the Olympic Cauldron will eventually reveal. Japan is very big into robotics. 

Which also means they are very heavily involved in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Teaching robots to think like humans.

As a result Japan leads the World in research into Slime Mold. Particularly through the work of Toshiyuki Nakagaki at Hokkaido University.

Slime Mold is an extremely simple, single-celled organism. 

However these single cells can come together to form a collective intelligence. Making decisions about how best to obtain food and avoid danger. 

Arguably human intelligence is just a network of simple, single-celled organisms (braincells). Working together to form a collective intelligence. 

Therefore you can almost think of Covid cells. As humans operating within an economic market.

They're gifted a natural resource. The Proteins in other human cells. Which they use their labour to refine into a product, more Covid cells. 

They're dedicated to expansion. Always looking to spread out to expand into new markets. Other humans.

If the market conditions change to pose a threat to them. They adapt. 

So if there is a scarcity of resources.Such as too many people becoming immune. 

They mutate to become more infectious. In order to better seek out the remaining resources. Those who lack immunity. 

If vaccines cause a shortage in the labour supply. Neutralising the Protein spike used to manufacture more Covid cells. Then they adapt, or re-train the workforce. To avoid the labour shortage.

Thinking in that way. The response of governments to the pandemic. Very much proves the Austria School's point.

Governments and the 'experts' advising them. Very clearly do not understand COVID-19. All the individual decisions being made by an incomprehensibly, almost infinite number of individual Covid cells.

However that did not stop governments from intervening to control the market.

Firstly with a very minor piece of social control. The quarantining of arrivals from a small group of countries.

When that, inevitably, failed. Governments responded with even more intrusive social control. Mandating the use of masks and social distancing.

When that, inevitably, failed. Governments responded with Lockdowns. Probably the most severe form of social control ever seen. 

Obviously Totalitarian Fascist and Communist regimes killed tens of millions of people. However they never went so far as to make it illegal for all ordinary citizens to leave their homes. 

When Lockdowns, inevitably, failed. Governments responded by introducing even tighter social control. Vaccine passports. Creating a centralised record of everyone's health status. 

Again, the Nazis and Communists only made people prove their identity. Their name, address and date of birth. They didn't literally look at every drop of blood.

Now vaccine passports have, inevitably, failed. On top of every other piece of social control. Governments are now mandating that people take vaccines.

Suddenly the natural environment is now longer a gift to all. Humans no longer own their own bodies. They are simply the property of their governments.

A position so Totalitarian. It makes the Medieval concept of "Jus Prima Noctis (Right to the First Night)" where all women's virginities belong to the Feudal Lord. Seem positively moderate in comparison.

The vaccine booster doses are the Neo-Colonial debt we must keep paying to service. After we were given the first batch of weapons for free.

To avoid the inevitable tyranny of Keynes and Marx. The Austria School devised a new economic model; "Neo-Liberalism."

While this sees a role for governments of the people, for the people in regulating wider society. It opposes government intervention in economic markets.

By the 1970's people beyond the Austria School could see that Keynes' ideas were failing. And that increasing coercion and violence was being needed to cover-up those failures.

By the late 1980's the argument was over. When the Soviet Union and its allied Communist states collapsed.

China, along with its regional allies such as Vietnam. Was only able to survive by adopting economic market principles.

In China you have companies competing against each other. In what, on the surface looks like a free market. However all of those companies are owned by the government - State Owned Enterprises (SOE's).

One news site I read daily is China's Xinhua. Occasionally they will mess up. A link will take you straight to the article of a supposedly 'rival' Chinese news agency.

China uses the information it gathers from these SOE's to centrally control its economy. Along with massive amounts of social control, coercion and violence.

It was Neo-Liberalism principles which drove the "Jubliee 2000" debt relief campaign. It sought to end Neo-Colonialism by cancelling Third World debt. 

Ending a system where Third World governments would borrow money from First World governments. Along with institutions like the World Bank/IMF. 

Replacing it with a system where private citizens and institutions were free to do business with other private citizens and institutions anywhere in the world.

The Jubliee 2000 campaign culminated in the 2005 G8 Summit, made famous by the Live 8 concerts. The one just after Britain was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics and all those bombs were going off.

The 2005 G8 Summit agreed that the IMF would establish the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Initially to cancel some US$40bn of Neo-Colonial debt held by the IMF.

What Muhammad Yunus has done is apply the Neo-Liberal approach to economic development at the smallest, most basic level.

His Grameen Bank (Village Bank) makes loans/credit directly available to private individuals in the Third World. People who are so extremely poor that no commercial bank will touch them. 

This "Microcredit" bypasses the system of Third World governments borrowing from First World governments.

The amounts of money are absolutely tiny. 

The type of customers Grameen Bank serves is someone like a subsistance farmer's wife who makes some extra money selling clothes. It will lend her something like US$15 to buy a sewing machine.

Even at market interest rates the return on a loan that size is far too small to be profitable. Grameen Bank often charges below the market rate. 

Its objective is not to profit from its loans but simply to cover its costs.

Rather than just simply providing loans Grameen Bank also provides advice and support to its customers. 

In order to help them make their business a success. Not only able to repay the loan but deliver a profit.

Grameen Bank then helps its customers to use those profits to access other financial instruments to improve their lives. Initially things like savings accounts and onto insurance schemes.

Its ethos is really summed by it; "16 Decisions." Which its customers are expected (but not forced) to sign up to.

Interestingly Muhammad Yunus is a Muslim. His main focus continues to be in very Muslim Bangladesh. His home country where he established Grameen Bank in 1983.

There has long been a stigma within the Islamic world over money lending and credit. Due to the Qu'ran forbidding; "Riba" or; "Usury."

Obviously this is an issue best addressed by a Muslim, like Muhammad Yunus. Rather than myself.

However there seems to be a general agreement that Islam doesn't forbid the lending of or borrowing of money. Nor does it forbid the charging of interest.

What it forbids is predatory or exploitative lending. The Neo-Colonialism of the World Bank/IMF. 

It is actually supportive of the ethical lending of Grameen Bank. Lending that improves the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

By tackling Muslim stigma towards money lending and credit. Muhammad Yunus has also gone some way to tacking Muslim stigma towards insurance. Which some Muslims view as a form of gambling and therefore forbidden.

Micro-Insurance schemes are an important tool in adapting to Climate Change. 

Allowing small scale farmers, in very vulnerable areas, to absorb some losses from extreme weather events. Without being completely wiped out.

Proving though that there is often a world of difference. Between theory and practice. 

The success of Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank led to something of a Microcredit boom. In the mid-2000's. The UN declared 2005 to be; "The Year of Microcredit."

That boom saw widespread deregulation of Microcredit markets. Giving in rise to predatory Payday lenders. Exactly the sort of loansharks Grameen Bank was trying to put out of business.

Companies like; "Wonga" in the UK. Who would happily lend you US$15. But charge you 2000% above market interest. 

To ensure you're caught in a Micro Neo-Colonial trap. Having to pay them interest every day until you die.

Under the British Empire Bangladesh was part of the Colony marked; "India." Controlled by the British East India Company, Company State.

Certainly prior to the pandemic India was gripped by Farmers Protests. At the heart of that issue is the struggle between Marxist/Keynesian market control and Neo-Liberal market freedom.

This parade of the history of western economics. From the Freemasons to Muhammad Yunus. 

Also serves as a stern rebuke to Black Lives Matter. Particularly the "Critical Race Theory (CRT)" they keep trying to impose.

Critical Race Theory actually first emerged in the 1970's. 

When everyone was starting to see the inevitable failure of Marxist/Keynesian thought. Along with the increasing social control, coercion and violence that was needed to cover-up those failings.

This was particularly alarming to one group; 

The self-appointed, all knowing Ruling Class. The "Progressive" politicians who saw it as their duty to take on the role of Adam Smith's Hidden Hand.

The collapse of their Marxist/Keynesian ideology proved that they are simply not needed. Wholly surplus to requirements.

So had to set about inventing new ways to justify their existence.

Critical Race Theory attempts to re-write history. To explain American history as racist system designed to disempower and oppress minorities. 

The list of minorities seems to grow as fast as the old "LGTB" acronym. Which I believe is now slightly longer than the English alphabet.

The founding principles of America are, largely, the principles laid out by John Locke. In "Of Property" and his wider Treatise of Government.

If you take even a brief glance at the historical context in which John Locke reached his conclusions. The ones that actually happened.

It's obvious to see that it was not an attempt to create a system of oppression of disempowerment. It was an attempt to empower people by overthrowing a system of oppression. Feudalism.

The problem is not with John Locke's system. It is that, for various reasons, non-White and non-Protestant Christians were not seen as human at the time. So John Locke's system wasn't extended to them.

Under the Edo Period Japan operated its own strict Feudal system. The Tokugawa Class System.

When the Meiji Restoration brought the Edo Period to an end. Emperor Meiji wanted the Tokugawa Class System to continue. 

What prevented it was the import of John Locke's Theories of Property. Carried aboard Perry's Black Ships. That drove massive land reforms with tenant farmers demanding fair rents from the Daimyo.

So in 1868 there was absolutely no problem applying John Locke's system to people who were non-White and non-Protestant.

Just as how in 1861 the US Republican Party had no problem expanding John Locke's system to people who were non-White and non-Protestant. 

Other than the four year war they had to fight against the US Democrat Party, who resisted.

The purpose of Critical Race Theory is to create the myth that people are the victims of a system.

So they need a self-appointed, all knowing Ruling Class to control that system to protect them. 

Not the Hidden Hand of Adam Smith but the Clunking Fist of Progressivism.

It's simple to say that Progressives, both the US Democrats and beyond, want to create a Totalitarian system similar to China's. Where the State owns the Corporation.

The truth is I think they want to create a system much worse than China's.

There have long being complaints about corporate control over politics. 

Companies able to pay lobbyists to get elected representatives to listen to them. When they should be listening to the people who elect them.

This has actually worsened under Neo-Liberalism. Taken beyond removing Keynesian intervention it has seen private companies taking over traditional government roles. Such as refuse collection, Courts and Prisons etc.

These multi-national service companies - Veolia, Mitie, G4S, etc - provide services to many national governments. So are much larger than any one national government. Potentially giving them more influence over elected governments than the electorate.

The 2020 US Election though gave us probably the most blatant example yet. Of Government by the Corporation, for the Corporation.

By any recognisable legal definition President Trump won the 2020 Election. Securing a second four year term as US President.

However a small group of corporations, led by Big Tech companies simply changed the result. Attempting to pass Joe Biden off as America's President.

Presumably thinking that as a, clearly, senile old man. He would be the easiest puppet for them to control. 

That creates a situation where the Corporation owns the State.

A return to the Company States. The main mechanism for European Colonialism. 

With a business model built around "Ecosystems." That through the pandemic has monetized our emotions and human interaction. 

Along with their support for vaccines and the notion that humans no longer own the bodies they inhabit.

You get the feeling that the Company States of Amazon, Facebook and Twitter. Will be so much worse than the Royal Africa Company or the Dutch East India Company.

Overlapping with the previous "Rhythm of Tradition" sequence. This long parade through the history of western economics introduced us to a number of financial instruments.

Carbon Markets, Microcredit. Micro-Insurance. Which can be used to combat Climate Change.

If only we were able to get rid of those embarrassing old relics.

Like the Paris Agreement. 

Joe Biden. 

That Green New Deal he keeps threatening people with.

 

To be continued in Part 8.

20:10 on 16/9/21 (UK date)

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt 6.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 5; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-2020-summer-oiympics-opening.html

The Rose of Allendale.

The sequence featured a work gang of carpenters. Who marched into the arena carrying their lumber as Jesus Christ is said to have carried his wooden cross.

Picking up the recurring theme of improving rights for women within Japanese society.

Along with Endocrinological basis for homosexuality. Which should have dominated the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

The site foreman/project manager was a woman.

I suppose you could even make a talking point. Out of the fact that this woman and her work continue to go uncredited.

Specifically these were Daiku carpenters. A school of carpentry which came into being during Japanese Edo Period. 

The hosts are very keen for people to learn about the Edo Period. With it still being cherished as Japan's golden age.

The earlier "Strength From Within" sequence touched on the entertaining Internet conspiracy theory. That Jay Z and Beyonce are the leaders of a global secret society of celebrities. The; "Illuminati."

The Illuminati were a real organisation. Dedicated to bringing scientific and cultural knowledge to Europe during the 17th Century. An era known as; "The Age of Enlightenment."

Due to their opposition to abuses of state power the Illuminati were banned in 1790. Alongside another group which continues to this day. The Freemasons.

Also often at the centre of strange Internet conspiracy theories the Freemasons actually began life as almost an early Trade Union. 

An organisation for master craftsmen (masons) who were free. Rather than being tied to a single employer.

The master craftsmen of 13th century Europe tended to work in stone. Hence the term; "Stonemason."

Japan however is, still, about 70% covered in forest. As I'm sure people who attended the Olympics have noticed. It is also a very hot and humid country. 

So their master craftsmen tended to work in wood.

They were able to develop this extremely complex Daiku school of carpentry. Which specialises in joining pieces of wood together without nails, screws or glue.

So sophisticated is this type of joinery that it results in extremely tough structures. Some of the oldest wooden buildings still standing today were built in the Daiku school.

You could certainly work that contrast in the type of building materials up into a discussion. About how we have to adapt our built environment to our natural environment.

Something which is only going to become more important. As Climate Change alters our natural environment. Forcing us to work even harder to adapt.

Daiku carpenters are also famous for singing while they work. So elaborate are their work-songs that they developed into a distinct school of choral singing. Daiku Choir.

That is something the performers here set out to showcase. Singing the traditional song; "Kiyari Uto" as they set to work on their work benches.

In what is probably a break from traditional Daiku work-singing. These performers also downed tools and started performing an elaborate dance routine.

Eventually all the work benches were brought together to form a stage. On which Kazonuri Kumagai performed a Tap Dance solo. He also arranged all the music used in this sequence.

This dance routine was another show of solidarity with South Korea and the Opening Ceremony for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

That Opening Ceremony introduced us to the five elements of the Wu Xing. All of which are represented by a colour.

The sequence that dealt with the Wu Xing element Fire, represented by the colour Red, took aim at the Black Lives Matter movement in America. Specifically the thought crime of; "Cultural Appropriation" that it has invented.

The sequence featured the South Korean dance group; "Just Jerk." As viewers of the 2017 season of the US TV show; "America's Got Talent" would know. They specialise in a form of dance known as; "Jerk Dancing."

Jerk Dancing was invented in the Black American community in the 1960's. As part of the Motown/Atlantic Soul soul music scene. It is from Jerk Dancing that Break Dancing evolved.

Having Asians perform Jerk Dancing would obviously have Black Lives Matter more foaming at the mouth than usual. Due to that thought crime of Cultural Appropriation.

That is unfortunate. Due to Jerk and Break Dancing being extremely popular in Asia. They've been instrumental in it being included as an Olympic Event. Starting at the 2024 Summer games.

I suppose you could also develop the reference into a discussion about the "Boogaloo" movement in America.

More a loose ideology than a group the Boogaloo movement has looked at the likes of Black Lives Matter and has concluded that American society is inevitably going to collapse. So are preparing for life afterwards.

The movement takes its name from the 1984 US Break Dancing movie; "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo." Which is generally considered to be one of the worst sequels there has ever been.

Although the return of the Biden regime seems intent on making it a close run thing.

The link to the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics also highlights the potential global cultural significance of such events. An impact Japan would no doubt like to repeat.

In Britain a lot of effort goes into the big Christmas TV commercials. It is almost the equivalent of America and its Super Bowl commercials.

For Christmas 2019 the department store Marks & Spencer ran a commercial featuring Jerk Dancing. Set to the House of Pain song; "Jump Around." 

It was very clearly inspired by the Jerk Dance sequence of the 2018 Opening Ceremony.

Rather predictably the British confederates of Black Lives Matter instantly attacked it. For the horrific thought crime of Cultural Appropriation.

The joke was that the House of Pain song features a sample from the 1963 Bob and Earl song; "Harlem Shuffle." Which is very much part of that 1960's soul music scene. 

It specifically celebrates the Harlem area of America's New York City. Where Jerk Dancing was invented.

So rather than appropriating Jerk Dancing. The commercial was actually giving you a lesson in its history. More than acknowledging its roots.

Also, the first line of the House of Pain song goes;

"Pack it up. Pack it in. Let me begin."

Which sounds like what Jeff Bezos mutters to himself. As Amazon and other online retailers set about destroying traditional retailers like Marks & Spencer. 

A trend that has been accelerated by the pandemic and its Lockdowns.

All that though went straight over Black Lives Matter's heads. As they were ranting and raving about Cultural Appropriation.

The more they talk. The more convinced we all become. That the collapse of American society is inevitable.

Japan and South Korea had best start preparing for life afterwards.

There has been some debate over what the Daiku were supposed to be building during this sequence.

Some have said that it was supposed to be an Olympic village. Which would make the workers; "Sukiya-daiku."

Others have suggested they were building a Japanese Animist shrine. Which are often central to Japanese summer festivals; "Matsuri." That would make the workers; "Miyadaiku."

From the way the female gang boss came bursting into the arena. Like the Figurehead sculpture that has adorned the bows of sailing ships since the days of Ancient Greece.

It was obvious to me that they were building a ship.

A point that was underlined towards the end of the sequence/process. When they brought out the ship's sails. 

Although some people may have mistaken those for traditional Japanese paper lanterns.

Obviously Japan's Edo Period was defined by the; "Locked State (Sakoku)" policy. Leaving them with little need for ship builders. So they never developed a term for that specific type of Daiku.

This was actually something which really impressed me about the way the Opening Ceremony was structured.

The first "Fun With Flags" sequence took place pretty early in the ceremony. Giving us an early introduction to the nautical themed protocol stage.

If the Olympics had been able to go ahead as scheduled. This would have allowed me to cover the nautical history of Japan and the Asia-Pacific quite early on.

As you can see. It's certainly a topic that takes more time to explain than the Fun With Flags sequence lasted.

It was followed up by this much longer sequence. Which allowed the nautical history topic to breathe. Giving us time to enjoy and properly reflect upon it.

Due to the pandemic. There was really only one cultural event in all of 2020. 

Britain's; "Henry Wood Promenade Concerts." Which are more commonly referred to as; "The BBC Proms."

These took place in the Summer. Back when the mask-nutters thought they'd got the pandemic beaten. 

Forgetting that Wu Xing truism. That Autumn follows Summer. Just as surely as Winter follows Autumn.

To really maximise the attention on themselves. Britain created a faux Black Lives Matter outrage. Surrounding the famous "Last Night of the Proms" concert.

Apparently people were objecting the traditional inclusion of the songs; "Rule Britannia!" and; "Jerusalem." As they were celebrations of Colonialism and Slavery.

As always with Black Lives Matter outrages there were quite a few logical problems with that.

Jerusalem is not a celebration of Colonial thought at all. 

Instead it is really calling for the abandonment of the Colonial conquest of faraway lands. In favour of improving life at home in Britain. Clearing away the dark, satanic mills and slums of the poor. 

Likewise Rule Britannia! is not a celebration of Britain's Colonial Naval power. 

It was written at a time when Britain was at one of its weakest points as a sea-faring nation. It was urging Britain to once again go out and try to rule the waves.

Rule Britannia! has also never been used in the Last Night of the Proms.

Instrumental elements of the song are used in part of a much longer medley. The; "Hornpipe Medley." Which, itself, is only used as part of an even longer musical sequence. "Fantasia of the Sea."

Also the Last Night of the Proms isn't really a Proms concert. 

It's really the drunken after-party. For all the really talented and creative musicians who've worked so hard during the Proms concerts.

It is most certainly not to be taken seriously. 

If you do not like the original lyrics of one of the songs. You are more than encouraged to invent your own. Rather than complain and moan.

One of the most famous alternative lyrics to Rule Britannia! are the; "Nelson Farewell Medley!" by Irish folk band The Dubliners.

One of Britain's most famous landmarks is Nelson's Column. Which stands in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London. 

It celebrates Protestant Christian Admiral Nelson's victory over the combined Catholic Christian Spanish and French. In the naval Battle of Trafalgar. 

Britain's return to naval glory. Some 60 years after they were urged to pursue it by the song Rule Britannia!

When Ireland was nothing more than a British colony. Another Nelson's Column was erected in Dublin's Sackville Street.

After Ireland won independence from Britain, in 1921. Dublin's Nelson's Column became a lot less popular.

Efforts to remove it though were hampered. By a complicated arrangement that saw the land owned by a trust, which had a legal duty to maintain the monument. 

By March 1966, the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Veterans of the original Irish Republican Army (IRA) had had enough. So just blew it up.

They used so much explosive. The joke at the time was that the statue of Nelson had become Ireland's first astronaut. The country's attempt to join the Space Race between the USA and the Soviet Union.

Set to the tune of Rule Britannia! the song Nelson's Farewell Medley celebrates that event.

Britain had two objectives in creating the fake Black Lives Matter outrage.

The first was the Brexit negotiations. Which almost dominated life in Britain in 2020 more than the pandemic.

Rule Britannia! sets out a sort of idealised vision of post-Brexit, Global Britain. A return to the Gunboat Diplomacy of Commodore Perry and his Black Ships.

The Nelson's Farewell lyrics highlight the longstanding historical links between Ireland and Britain. 

Admiral Nelson may have been British but you can bet most of the sailors at the Battle of Trafalgar were Irish. It's always really been the Irish colony that propped up the British Empire as a sea-faring nation.

It also highlights the potential for violence. Which has really been the history of the Irish Sea over the last thousand years.

There's actually an ethnic group know as; "Black Irish." However this does not refer to Irish people who have Black skin. Such as the actress Ruth Negga, from the 2016 Oscar nominated movie; "Loving."

It refers to Irish people of Hispanic heritage. 

Specifically descendents of survivors of the Spanish Armada. Who were shipwrecked in Catholic Ireland. 

Suffering under British, Protestant occupation. Ireland, particularly its women, were very welcoming to those Catholic sailors.

It was actually the threat of Ireland being used as a base for a Catholic Naval invasion of newly Protestant Britain. That spurred the Tudor invasion of Ireland in 1540.

All the sort of noise that makes for an extremely pressured negotiating environment. Particularly if you're not an expert on Irish and British history.

Of course 2020 did not just see Brexit trade negotiations between Britain and the European Union (EU). It also saw Brexit negotiations between Britain and Japan. 

The UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement (UK-Japan FTA) being reached on October 23rd 2020 (23/10/20). More than two months before the deadline for an agreement between Britain and the EU.

The UK-Japan FTA really just rolls over the EU-Japan FTA. While giving Japan slightly more favourable terms. The British taxpayer really now pays for Japanese companies to operate factories in Britain. 

However the UK-Japan FTA is entirely dependent on Britain being able to agree a Free Trade Agreement with the EU.

So if Britain had gone for a No Deal Brexit, as it was promising to do. Then the UK-Japan FTA would have slammed down on them like a hammer. While the EU's trading relationship with Japan would remain unaffected.

Obviously. We take it as a given that no-one in Britain understands the UK-Japan FTA. However, it is a little disappointing that no-one in the EU bothered to read it.

It must be very frustrating for Japan. To side with the EU over Britain on Brexit. Only to see the EU somehow manage to screw it up for themselves.

Britain's second objective in the fake Black Lives Matter outrage. Was to secure Donald Trump a second term as US President.

It is a symptom of Britain's complete withdrawal from reality. That they believe they played some sort of elaborate Jedi mind-trick on me. Getting me to swing the 2016 US Election in favour of Donald Trump.

It is also a symptom of Britain's complete withdrawal from reality. That they thought they could repeat the same elaborate Jedi mind-trick in 2020.

Giving support to numerous fake Black Lives Matter outrages. Which I would then rail against. Swinging US public support behind President Trump, securing him a second term.

One of the key demands of Black Lives Matter has been the removal of Confederate statues.

Their motivation behind this is quite simple. They are the paramilitary wing of the US Democrat Party. The Confederate Armed Forces were the military wing of the US Democrat Party.

So this is just Democrats demanding that statues of other Democrats be removed. To erase the history of the Democrat Party. 

To stop voters being reminded that the Democrat Party is the party of slavery.

There are though some similarities with the arguments over the removal of Dublin's Nelson's Column. 

I think one of the most famous of America's Confederate statues is the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, Virginia. 

The centre of the 2017 Unite the Right Rally. Along with the extreme violence of the Democrat 'anti-racism' rally the following day. 

The land the Robert E. Lee statue stands on was donated to the city. On the condition that the city maintains the statue. It's been a long legal argument over whether the city can break that contract and remove the statue.

A knowledge of Irish history also reveals the ideological fallacy of Black Lives Matter.

Black Lives Matter are just the latest incarnation of the Black Panther Party (BPP). Who were famous for their 'uniform' of a black beret, a black trench-coat and, often, a pistol holster worn with a bandolier of bullets.

This was the 'uniform' of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). 

Although we use the term; "uniform" loosely. The Irish War of Independence is really recognised as the first Guerrilla war. With the IRA being the first irregular, guerrilla force. 

A black, beret-like, hat and trench-coat was really just what men in Ireland were wearing in 1919. When some of them chose to strap on pistol holsters and bandoliers of bullets. Becoming the IRA.

The look was so iconic within Ireland. That the Provisional IRA (PIRA) adopted it as their uniform when The Troubles began in the late 1960's.

The Troubles began during the Cold War between the NATO nations and the Soviet Union. So the Soviet Union didn't waste any time in grasping the opportunity to destabilise a NATO rival.

So the Soviet Union backed a rival to PIRA, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). Which also adopted the uniform, as an attempt to gain credibility.

The INLA were merely part of a much wider arc of Soviet interference in NATO. The Black Panther Party being the American branch. 

Which is why they too wear the 'uniform' of a black beret and black trench-coat, along with a pistol holster and bandolier of bullets. 

All while making the raised fist salute of the Communist Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The pan-Africanist nonsense of Black Lives Matter was provided by Libya's Muammar Qaddafi. He even managed to get them to fly the black, red and green tricolour of the (hated, by him) Libyan Monarchy. 

As a way to mock them.

There is no ideological validity to anything Black Lives Matter says or does. They're simply a Soviet plot to destroy America from within. What you wish upon your worst enemy.

So you can certainly see why Britain would think I would have a lot of ammunition. With which to rail against Black Lives Matter.

However their elaborate Jedi mind-trick did not work.

Joe Biden has been able to (illegally) seize power in the US.

While, through Britain's promotion of it. The ideological and intellectual poison that is Black Lives Matter has become even more entrenched within western society.

Two facts which should help Britain see how utterly detached from reality it has become. The little bits of reality starting to penetrate through the cracks in their golden walls.

Of course, if you really want to talk about "Cultural Appropriation." 

The Star War movies are just complete rip-offs of the 1954 Japanese movie; "Seven Samurai." 

The Jedi robes are just Samurai robes. To the point I think the costume department just raided a load of Japanese washing lines.

It is testament to how little happened in 2020. How bored everyone became.

That the Last Night of the Proms received so much attention. That it spawned the "Sea Shanty Craze." Which swept TikTok and other social media platforms.

That craze was picked up by the 2021 US Super Bowl. One of its main themes was America's great racial divide. How music proves that chasm may not being as unbridgeable as it seems.

Both the Rap music enjoyed by America's Black community. Along with Country music enjoyed by America's White community. Are really just someone telling a lyrical story over a rhythmic baseline.

In many ways this is true of all forms of music. You can trace it back to Sea Shanties and Work Songs. Traditions that go back, at least, as far as Ancient Greece.

Japanese Daiku and their work-songs. Show that no one culture can claim a monopoly on that tradition.

Sea Shanty memes were also heavily embraced by users of the "WallStreetBets" Reddit forum. In their efforts to make money and humiliate large hedge funds by buying stock. Particularly of GameStop.

They became another target of America's big, bold move. The thing that would make us all drop to our knees in worship of the new saviour, Joe Biden.

As with everything else this involved Miley Cyrus. With her tacky, desperate efforts to advertise a Robinhood-like stock trading app on Instagram. 

Along with her appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Alongside Elon Musk and his ramblings about cryptocurrency.

If you don't know what America was trying to achieve with all that. Don't worry.

Japan is only mentioning here. To highlight that it failed to launch, never getting off the ground.

Well. It smashed face-first into the tarmac. 

In the sort of embarrassing face-plant that would humiliate even the worst Olympic skateboarder.

It is a matter of IOC Protocol. That every Opening Ceremony must include an unveiling of the hosts take on the Olympic Ring logo.

That was the climax of this sequence. Revealing Olympic Rings made of wood.  

Presumably these Olympic Rings were made by Sashimono-shi, daiku who specialise in furniture. Or Tateguya, daiku who specialise in ornate furnishings.

Officially the 2020 Summer Olympics pick up the baton from the 2016 Summer Olympics. Which were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The nation with the largest ethnically Japanese population outside of Japan.

The 2016 Opening Ceremony included the compulsory Athletes Parade. In which athletes were given a seed and asked to plant it in a planter as they entered the arena. 

The sequence ended with these planters opening to reveal Olympic Rings made of grass. 

That was intended as a reference to the 1964 Summer Olympics. Which were held in Tokyo, Japan.

There the athletes were each asked to plant a tree. Which would grow into an Olympic forest.

The wood used to make the 2020 Olympic Rings was taken from that Olympic forest. 

Climate Change and other Environmentalists can discuss, at length, how it was sustainably harvested.

Officially this sequence was entitled; "Rhytmn of Tradition." It certainly showed the mutual appreciation between Japan and Brazil.

As the Olympic Rings were brought out. Alongside the sails/lanterns.

The traditional Daiku dancers were joined by dancers representing modern Japan. Predominately women.

Some were wearing the housecoat, apron, sunhat combination. That Japanese housewives stereotypically wear while tending to their vegetable gardens and chores.

They were also joined by women in business suits. Along with young women, presumably university students, wearing all the latest fashions.

In an effort to give the Para-Olympics a space within the Olympic Opening Ceremony. There were also some wheelchair dancers.

I though was particularly taken by the fashionista Goths. Who seemed to enjoy their time at the centre of proceedings.

A clear reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In case Miley Cyrus still hasn't got the message. About my long relationship with Japan. Including Japanese conglomerates. Such as Sony Music.

To show that they were made of wood. The Olympic Rings had not been painted. So did not have the colours of the Olympic Ring logo.

Those colours were provided by the firework display which ended the sequence.

That contrast between sustainable harvested wood and smoke being released into the sky. Provided a neat talking point for efforts to combat Climate Change.

Particularly Carbon offsetting. 

In which Carbon Credits are created by things which absorb Greenhouse Gases (ghg) such as forests. They are then sold to ghg emitters to offset those emissions. Creating a carbon neutral system.

The mechanism that was finally developed to overcome the problem created by John Locke's Labour Theory of Property.

Although one that was sadly abandoned with the Paris Agreement.

To be continued in Part 7.

19:35 on 9/9/21 (UK date).

 

 

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.5

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 4; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-2020-olympic-opening-ceremony-pt4.html 

Memento Mori.

It is tradition, rather than a rule. That at least one of the Olympic Ceremonies features an In Memoriam section. To remember those who have died since the last Olympics.

It is a universal truth, shared amongst Asian Animist religions. That age, sickness and death are the inevitable fates of all living things. 

So Japan decided to continue that tradition.

They also decided to include the section early in the Opening Ceremony. 

Normally it tends to come in the Closing Ceremony. For the rather macabre reason of making space for any Olympians who may get killed during the games.

The stadium announcement invited us to use this section to remember all those who had died from COVID-19. Along with the traditional invitation to remember Olympians who had died.

Officially Japan is picking up the baton from the 2016 Summer games. The 2016 Para-Olympics were marred by the death of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad.

The stadium announcement also invited us to remember the Israeli athletes killed in the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre.

Obviously some will be unhappy with Israel being given such prominent, almost special status, in the Opening Ceremony. 

However I think it was important for the Japanese hosts to acknowledge it directly.

The 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre was the first massacre of Jews on German soil since the Nazi Holocaust.

During World War Two Imperial Japan was allied with Nazi Germany. 

So while Japan didn't participate directly in the Nazi Holocaust it certainly aided and abetted it. While committing many horrific crimes of its own.

Something which is important for modern Japan to acknowledge. More to highlight its own past, rather than to particularly celebrate Israel.

The 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre was also, by far, the worst loss of life ever to occur at an Olympics. 

Whenever you submit a bid to host an Olympics. It is the first question you must address in the security section of your application.

It was also a huge turning point in military and police Special Operations Forces (SOF). 

It saw the creation of the German Federal Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG9) S.W.A.T force. Along with existing S.W.A.T and SOF's such as Britain's SAS adopting a hostage rescue role.

Israel certainly reacted to the first massacre of Jews on German soil, since the Nazi Holocaust. Launching Operation: "Wrath of God" or "Kidon (Bayonet)."

This set out to kill anyone and everyone involved in planning and carrying out the massacre. Regardless of where they were in the World or what nation may be protecting them.

Wrath of God lasted between 1972 and 1988. Assassinating 15 members of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Black September faction which carried out the attack. 

Across a range of NATO and European nations. Including Britain, Italy, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Norway (Soviet) Poland. Even Switzerland.

Israel also carried out letter bombing campaigns across Europe and North Africa. To maim rather than kill Palestinian activists and journalists.

The largest single operation of Wrath of God was the; "Spring of Youth" attack. Which saw Israeli commando forces infiltrate the Lebanese cities of Beirut and Sidon. To assassinate 4 PLO leaders along with 100 or so of the forces protecting them.

This operation was commanded by Ehud Barak who went on to become Israel's Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001. For the mission Barak dressed as a woman.

As far as we can tell. There was no operational reason for Ehud Barak to dress as a woman. Nobody told him to dress as a woman. He just seems to have decided that he really, really wanted to dress as a woman.

As I've mentioned. My paternal grandfather had something of a sketchy military career. Including accompanying Lord Mountbatten as he inaugurated the 1st Special Service Force. Really the first ever Special Operations Force (SOF).

As far as we can tell though. He never served in Britain's SAS. Which seems rather fortunate.

If you look at the missions the SAS carried out during World War Two. They do seem to be of limited military value. Really only serving as an excuse for men to dress up in women's underwear and dresses.

I'm really surprised that this long tradition of cross-dressing within Special Operations Forces. Hasn't come up more in discussions about Transgender people serving in the military.

Although the 1972 Munich massacre was the worst attack to directly affect the Olympics there have certainly been some recent challengers.

The 2020 Summer games officially pick up the baton from the 2016 Summer games.

Two weeks to the day (22/7/16) before the start of the 2016 games. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched a terror attack in the German city of Munich.

A gunman killed 5 and wounded 27 at the Olympic Shopping Mall. Built on the site of the 1972 Olympic Village. Scene of the massacre. The shooting began at a restaurant belonging to key Olympic sponsor McDonalds.

Munich is located in the German State of Bavaria. This directly borders Austria, making it central to the Balkan Migrant Route which was extremely contentious at the time.

This prompted Germany to frantically go into cover-up mode. Attempting to deny that the attack was an Islamist attack carried out by a migrant. Instead trying to blame it on; "White Supremacy."

A rather laughable claim. Given that the gunman, Ali Sonboly, was a Persian Muslim. The son of immigrant parents from Iran.

Germany's attempted cover-up became even less credible on July 24th (24/7/16). 

When an irregular migrant from Syria launched a maruading knife attack in Reutinlingen, killing one. Then another irregular migrant from Syria carried out a bomb attack in Ansbach. Wounding 15.

Then there was Britain's hosting of the 2012 Summer games. A privilege Britain was awarded on July 5th 2005.

This occurred during a rather blurry period for me. As I was preparing for the G8 Summit held in Gleneagles, Scotland. The one that was made famous by the "Live 8" series of global concerts.

The 2005 G8 Summit was attended by US President George W. Bush. Who, due to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, was really at the peak of his global unpopularity.

So the weeks ahead of his arrival were full of 'British' 'Police' kinetically raiding any and all properties which may have posed a threat to him. By 'British Police' we mean US SOF's.

Two days after the awarding of the 2012 Summer games, July 7th 2005 (7/7/05). Al Qaeda launched co-ordinated bomb attacks against the British capital, London. Killing 52 and wounding 784. The so-called; "7/7 Attacks."

The then Israeli (Chief) Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanayhu was in London that day. He must have heard a whispered rumour. Delaying his exit from his hotel room until after the bombings had finished.

Since then I've lived with the knowledge that if I put a foot wrong. Or even if someone else puts a foot wrong. Then needs to blame someone else to cover it up. I'm getting Israel's response to the 1972 Munich Massacre.

I guess I mustn't have put a foot wrong. When I got a little bit involved in Israel's 2006 Lebanon War. Or when I got a little bit involved in the Israel's 2008/9 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

It was the year after the award of the 2012 Summer games and the 7/7 Attacks, 2006. That Britain made the strange decision to completely withdraw from reality. 

Retreating into a world of cures for cancer, leadership in mental health care and global domination in the field of geriatric healthcare.

One of the key elements of Britain's delusional state. Has been the belief that it has been protecting me for Israeli aggression.

After all. That is what Operation Wrath of God taught the World. 

Israel very much respects being told it can't kill citizens of other countries, in those other countries. If Israel considers that person to be a threat.

Another key element of Britain's delusional state. Has been the belief that it's intimidating.

The 2012 Summer games marked the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Munich Massacre. 

There was something of a controversy when Britain refused to acknowledge this in the In Memoriam section of the Opening Ceremony. Despite that section specifically referencing the 7/7 Attacks.

A later section suggested Britain's reason for choosing not to honour the Israeli dead. 

A sequence which saw an older Pakistani/Indian Muslim man 'grooming' a young Pakistani/Indian Muslim man in the ways of anti-Semitism. To the strains of Emilie Sande singing the soldier's hymn; "Abide With Me."

Britain was so afraid of anti-Semitism within its own ethnically Pakistani/Indian Muslim populations. That it thought honouring Israeli dead would provoke a repeat of the 7/7 Attacks, on the Olympics themselves.  

Alone in the centre of the Tokyo arena stood a small stage. Resembling the sort of cauldron which would house an Eternal Flame. In memory of the dead.

Atop the stage lay a figure in a funeral shroud. Still a popular way to bury the dead, particularly in the Middle-East.

This particular shroud seemed to be a reference to the shroud used to wrap Jesus Christ. The Christian Messiah who famously rose from the dead after three days.

The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Israel. The hosts used the opportunity to introduce us to the somewhat Animist concept of the Tree of Life within Judaism.

They also used it as an opportunity to declare me to be their new Messiah. The king of those Jews.

I publish under the name; "Sovereign" or; "King." I also have scars on my hands in the shape of the Stigmata. Used to nail Jesus Christ to the cross.

I once even found myself being dragged to Court on Maundy Thursday. Surrounded by Jews.

So it seems harder not to do the joke. 

"Oh, Jesus Christ!" seemed to be what every Londoner was quietly muttering on that London Underground (metro) train. On that Maundy Thursday.

The joke also allowed the Israel hosts to dismiss claims that I'd been anti-Semitic in my coverage of their 2018 Song Contest win. 

While introducing everyone to the concept of the Messiah within Judaism. One of the key areas of difference with Christianity.

The shrouded figure then began to rise. In a way that was very reminiscent of the "Samara" character. The vengeful ghost in the 2002 movie; "The Ring."

At the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest Belgium were represented by Hooverphonic. Who are probably one of the biggest Belgian bands there have ever been.

Hooverphonic were particularly famous as part of the US "Campus Cool" era of the late 1990's - early 2000's. An era marked by movies such as; "I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and TV shows like; "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

There was an offshoot of that era which saw something of a western fascination with Japan and Japanese culture. 

Movies like The Ring and its sequel. Alongside "The Grudge" which featured Sarah Michelle Geller and Clea Duvall. Both of whom featured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

There was also the import of Japanese movies such as the 1998 original version of The Ring and the 2000 Takeshi Kitano movie; "Battle Royale." Alongside animated "Manga" comic books, TV shows and movies.

I can't help but feel I'm a little bit responsible for all that.

In 1999 a Delusional Schizophrenic launched a sword attack against my childhood Catholic Christian Church. Genuinely believing that he was living in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Or something close to it.

I'm now convinced this was staged as an attack on the TV show.

It was also an attempt to issue a general warning about the threat of Islamist terrorism. 

Posed by NATO backed fighters in the Albanian attempt to steal Serbia's southern Kosovo Province. Many of those fighters also fought at part of the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan.

The attack was actually re-publicised at the start of 2001. As a general warning about other former Mujehadeen elements based in Afghanistan. Such as Al Qaeda who became very famous in September 2001.

The fact this Delusional Schizophrenic used as Samarai sword. Along with my familial links to the USS Missouri. Made it Japan's problem.

In Buffy the Vampire Slayer there is actually a recurring story involving a Claddagh ring. That the Angel character gives to the Buffy character. 

That ring is actually a metaphor for a tattoo I have in Japanese script.

Despite the appalling libel. In The Offspring song;"Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)." I know exactly what that tattoo means. Including the deliberate grammatical error.

It was actually something me and my lesbian best friend, Sam Hall, used to do. Get really, really stoned and try to teach each other Japanese.

It. Did. Not. Work.

Although we did discover. That the Japanese word for Hemp/Marijuana. Is the same as the Japanese word for Analgesic. "Ma."

Further highlighting my longstanding links to Japan all served as another justified criticism of Miley Cyrus. Particularly her belief that collaborating with me would harm her in negotiations with Sony Music. A Japanese conglomerate.

As the figure rose, Jesus Christ-like. The shroud began to fall. Revealing it not to be the girl from The Ring but a man. Mirai Moriyama.

Mirai Moriyama then performed an expressive dance in the Butoh style. Which was developed in Japan in the wake of the Second World War.

The essence of the Butoh style is to resist fixity. Defy definition. 

However it tends to focus on slow, hypercontrolled, meaningful movements. Addressing topics which are considered taboo, grotesque and distressing. Such as death.

Butoh also tends to have an obsession with the absurd. Similar to the Situationist school of art it attempts to subvert our perceptions by highlighting their absurdity. 

You could almost define it as; "The Theatre of the Absurd."

With the performer appearing to change genders. From young girl into an adult man. 

This particular performance seemed to be highlighting the absurdity of treating Transgender athletes as an ongoing discussion within the Olympic movement.

It particularly targeted the slower nations - America, Canada, New Zealand - who had sent Transgender athletes. 

Driven by their obsession with nonsense concepts. Such as Gender Fluidity and Self-Selecting Gender Pronouns.

Mirai Moriyama's movements seemed to be deliberately Christ-like. With arms outstretched as if nailed to a cross. With hands open, palms exposed, showing where the Jesus' Stigmata are said to be.

The performance also featured lots of dust being cast into the air. In reference to the line from the Christian Order of Burial of the Dead. "Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust."

Something which seems to be betray Christianity's roots in Judaism. Along with Judaism's roots in Animist concepts. 

That God is the Universe and the Universe is God. So nothing ever really lives or dies. It merely changes state.

 

To be continued in Part 6.

16:35 on 8/9/21 (UK date).

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.4

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 3; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_29.html

Fun With Flags I.

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol that each Opening Ceremony must feature the welcoming of dignitaries. Representing the host nation, the IOC and a selection from the participating nations

It is also IOC protocol that each Opening Ceremony must contain a flag ceremony. In which the host nation's flag is raised and its national anthem played. Along with the raising of the Olympic flag and the playing of the Olympic anthem.

The Japanese hosts decided to combine these pieces of protocol. Meaning that the flag ceremony took place quite early in proceedings.

At the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyongChang in the Republic of Korea (RoK/South). The welcoming of the dignitaries was unusually spectacular.

Included amongst the dignitaries was Kim Yo-jong. The; "Director of Propaganda and Agitation" representing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North).

As North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong is a member of the mythical Mount Paektu Bloodline. Which sees her have almost Royal status within North Korea.

Both North Korea and South Korea are still, technically, at war.

So Kim Yo-jong was the first member of the Mount Paektu Bloodline to ever set foot in South Korea. 

When South Korean President Moon Jae-in shook her hand. It was the first ever handshake between a South Korean President and a member of the Mount Paektu Bloodline.

The same sequence at the 2020 Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony was much less dramatic.

Covid restrictions limited the dignitaries to just the IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC Vice President Anita DeFrantz. Japan were represented by Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Moving the flag ceremony forward in the Opening Ceremony gave us an early look at the protocol stage. Which was present throughout the Opening Ceremony.

The protocol stage had a very nautical theme to it. Essentially a wooden deck with two mast-like flag poles in its centre. On to which were hoisted sail-like flags.

Japan is an archipelago made up of 6,852 individual islands. Including the five main islands of Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa and Honshu, where the capital Tokyo is located.

So ships and boats have always been important in Japan's history. Both to travel and trade with other nations and simply to move around the country.
 
Between the 13th Century A.D and the 16th Century A.D Japan really excelled at maritime piracy. The "Woku" or; "Japanese Pirates" terrorised commercial shipping routes in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) between China and the Korean Peninsula.

The ceremonies of the 2018 Winter Olympics frequently referenced the Korean Joseon Dynasty.

The flag ceremonies at the Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies were performed by the Royal Guard, modelled on the Joseon Royal Guard. While the Opening Ceremony of the Para-Olympics featured a version of a traditional ceremony welcoming important visitors to the Joseon Royal Court.

Lasting from 920 through until 1910 the Joseon Period is considered one of the most important in Korean history.

Amongst a host of scientific, technological and cultural advancement it saw the development of; "Hangul" the written Korean language. Along with much of the social order that continues to exist today.

One key technological development of the Joseon era was the; "Geobukseon (Turtle Ship)." Recognised as one of the first ever armoured warships.

Using Geobukseon Joseon Korea was able to almost put an end to the Woku.

In response Japan invaded Joseon Korea. Twice, in 1592 and 1597. However on both occasions it was the dominance of the Geobukseon which allowed Korea to cut Japan's maritime supply lines. Forcing Japan to retreat.

Joseon Korea was not able to use that naval advantage when it was invaded by China. First in 1627 and again in 1636. These defeats saw the remainder of Joseon Korea retreat into what's known as its "Hermit Kingdom" era.

The battles of this era continue to be relevant to this day.

Such as through the argument over what to call the sea between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. The; "Sea of Japan" or the; "East Sea." A dispute still so far from settled that it relies on the compromise of parathenesis; "Sea of Japan (East Sea)".

Likewise there is the ongoing dispute over the; "Liancourt Rocks." A small group of barren rocks which are seperately known to both North and South Korea as "Dokdo" and to Japan as; "Takeshima."

Within the South China Sea China has recently become increasingly exercised by the so-called; "Nine Dash Line." A network of nine island groups and barren rocks including the Sprately Islands, the Paracel Islands, Pratas Islands, Macclesfield Bank and Scarborough Shoal.

This Nine Dash Line is seen as important to China as a way to defend its coastline from attack. The way that it was attacked by Woku Pirates. Or how Joseon Korea Geobukseon were able to attack the Woku and cut Japanese maritime supply routes.

By picking up the theme of naval history from the 2018 Winter Games. Japan was able to show solidarity with South Korea. While at the same time introducing the World to some of the current challenges to security with the Asia-Pacific region.

It is extremely frustrating for Asians of all stripes. To hear western 'experts' lecture them on regional security issues. While referring to North Korea as the; "Hermit Kingdom." A term which refers to a completely different period of Korean history.

The Woku piracy and the invasions of Korea occurred during a period of Japanese history known as; "Sengoku." Which was essentially like the TV show; "Game of Thrones."

There was an Emperor, nominally in charge of the country. However, in reality, the country was being ravaged by fighting between local Emperors, Lords and Warlords (Daimyo).

"Sengoku" literally translates as; "Warring States."

Into this chaotic period sailed the first of the; "Black Ships." Portuguese trading Carracks, with hulls painted black with pitch. The first arrived in the port of Nagasaki in 1543.

At the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest Azerbaijan were represented by Efendi with the song; "Mata Hari."

Through Efendi's close links to Kazakhstan her entry was attempting to highlight the; "Silk Road."

Based around the trade in silk this is probably the most important thing in human history. Between the 3rd Century B.C and the 19th Century A.D.

Originating in China it was a network of trade routes. Spreading to Japan in the east and down through Europe into sub-Saharan Africa in the west and south.

Absolutely all exchanges between different cultures for over 2,000 years spread on the Silk Road.

The arrival of the Black Ships in Japan marked the beginning of the end of the Silk Road. With quicker maritime trade routes opened up it became easier for European nations to bypass China and landlocked central Asian countries like Kazakhstan.

China is now trying to re-open the Silk Road. Through it's; "One Belt, One Road Initiative" (Belt and Road Initiative). Choosing Kazakhstan to launch the initiative in 2013.

The purpose of the Belt and Road Initiative is to build modern transport infrastructure. Roads, Railway Lines, etc. In 70 nations on the path of the Silk Road. Japan in the east through to sub-Saharan Africa in the west, south.

It seems though China has learned the lesson of the Black Ships. Including sea ports as part of its new silk road. Including in Tanzania. Remember that detail, it will be important later.

The Portuguese Black Ships were quickly followed by ships from the Dutch East India Company.

Alongside similar Military-Commercial enterprises or; "Company States." Such as the British East India Company or the Royal African Company. 

The Dutch East India Company were one of the main mechanisms of European Colonialism. Including the African Slave Trade and the creation of America.

Much of the ideological basis for European Colonialism was laid by John Locke. Through his; "Labour Theory of Property."

Steeped in Christian thought the Labour Theory of Property states that the natural world is a gift from God. The only way that humans can take ownership of and profit from natural resources is through their labour. Refining them into products.

As the indigenous populations of Africa, North America and the so-called; "Indies" (East Asia) weren't refining their natural resources into products they didn't own them. So it was fine for Europeans to come in and just take it from them.

The Labour Theory of Property continues to be a cornerstone of Economics to this day.

It has been a longstanding problem within efforts to combat Climate Change. It dictates that no-one can be paid for simply not cutting down a tree.

It has also caused a particular problem during the pandemic.

Dictating that people cannot be allowed to natural develop immunity to COVID-19. Instead we must Lockdown until we can pay a Pharmaceutical company to provide us with less effective immunity, in the form of a vaccine.

The "Mata Hari" of Azerbaijan's song was the Dutch woman Margretha Geertrudia Zelle. Who went on to be possibly the most famous female spy in history. Under her stripper/exotic dancer stagename; "Mata Hari."

In 1897 Mata Hari moved with her Dutch husband, Rudolf McLeod, to Java, Indonesia. McLeod was a Captain in the Dutch East India Company.

The end of the first Black Ships period came to an end in 1639 A.D with the Shimabara Rebellion.

This saw Portuguese traders and the Japanese they'd converted to Catholic Christianity rebel against Matsukura Katsuie, the Daimyo of Shimabara District. It was brutally put down with some 37,000 people killed on both sides.

The Japanese were assisted in crushing the rebellion by the Dutch East India Company. Who were Protestant Christians. Bringing the European conflict between Catholic and Protestant Christians to Japan.

It was another 30 years before the Protestant Dutch invaded Ireland. Marking the start of 230 years of British Protestant rule in Ireland. Up until the 1919-1921 Irish War of Independence. The 100th anniversary of which is taking place this year.

However the Irish War of Independence only resulted in the Partition of Ireland and the creation of Northern Ireland. Leading to the Northern Irish Troubles. Along with arguments that have continued to rage beyond Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) - The "Brexit."

Between the arrival of the Black Ships and the Shimabara Rebellion Japan had emerged from the Sengoku period.

With victory in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 the Shogun (warlord) Tokugawa Ieyasu was able to unite Japan under his rule. Eliminating rival Daimyo and moving Japan's capital to Edo. Which later became known as Tokyo, the Olympic host city.

This "Edo Period" is considered and cherished as one of the most important in Japanese history. Rather like the Joseon Period in Korea it was a time of great economic, scientific and cultural advancement.

Formed from the chaos of the Sengoku Period the Edo Period was governed by the over-riding principle of; "No More Wars."

Edo Japan looked at the Shimabara Rebellion and decided that foreign traders were more trouble than they're worth.

So Japan adopted the policy of; "Sakoku" or; "Locked State."

This saw foreigners banned from all of Japan, with the exception of Dejima Island near Nagasaki. It also saw almost all Japanese people being banned from leaving the country.

After 200 years the western nations had grown frustrated in not being able to share in the prosperity of Edo Japan. Dutch King William II urged them to reopen trade links in 1844 but was rebuffed.

In 1852 the US Navy dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry to conduct the; "Perry Expedition For the Opening Of Japan."

On July 8th 1853 Commodore Perry steamed four battleships - USS Mississippi, USS Plymouth, USS Saratoga and USS Susquehanna - into the bay at Edo. Belching black smoke and once again bearing westerners these were also known as; "Black Ships."

Commodore Perry threatened to burn Edo to the ground unless Japan signed a trade agreement with America.

Under the Sakoku policy Japan didn't really have any need for ships. So its naval power was reduced to just small coastal patrol boats.

This left them with no way for them to force Commodore Perry and his Black Ships to leave Edo bay. Or to stop him following through on his threat to burn the city to the ground.

After a five year stand-off Japan finally capitulated and signed the Harris Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States. The signing ceremony took place aboard the deck of the USS Powhaten.

Within five years of the Harris Treaty Japan had signed similar trade agreements with most of the western powers. Bringing to an end the Sakoku policy.

It is through things like the Perry Expedition that we have the expression; "Gunboat Diplomacy." Where you would literally sail a gunboat into someone's territorial waters and threaten to open fire if they don't give you exactly what you want.

It is a diplomatic strategy that post-Brexit Britain seems to be attempting to revive. With its gunboats stalking the Irish Sea Border between the Northern Ireland Protocol and the British mainland.

During the games we were even treated to HMS Tsimanouskaya attempting to sail into the EU harbour of Belarus. Via Tokyo's Haneda airport.

Having been forced to end its policy of Sakoku. By overwhelming American naval power. Japan began investing heavily in its own Navy once more.

The Imperial Japanese Navy was founded in 1868. By 1920 it had become the third largest Navy in the World. By far the most dominant Navy in Asia.

On its rise to regional dominance the Imperial Japanese Navy played a key role in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). This was fought between Japan and China for control of the Korean Peninsula.

As US President Trump knows. As US talk-show host John Oliver clearly doesn't. The border between China and the Korean Peninsula has always been somewhat flexible.

Unlike in the wars of 1592 and 1597 Joseon Korea was not able to defeat the Imperial Japanese Navy. Leaving them unable to cut Japan's maritime supply lines.

The resulting defeat saw Joseon Korea move from China's sphere of influence into Japan's. Ultimately being absorbed as part of Japan in 1910. Bringing to an end the Joseon Period.

In 1904 Imperial Japan went to war with the Russian Empire. In the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

This saw the two empires battle for control of Port Arthur. Which is located in Liaondong Province which is now part of China. Just on the border with North Korea.

The Russia Empire wanted control of Port Arthur as a warm water port for their Pacific fleet. However they were unable to overcome the might of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The Imperial Japanese Navy also played a crucial role in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).

Not content with absorbing the Korean Peninsula Japan began expanding deep into China. Particularly the then Chinese capital Nanjing.

After Nanjing fell to Imperial Japanese forces massacred the civilian population. Killing an estimated 200,000 - 300,000 people. 

Something which is recognised as one of the most appalling atrocities committed by Imperial Japan. A continuing source of tension between Japan and China. 

Particularly when Japanese politcians visit the Yasukuni Shrine. Honouring the perpetrators of the Nanjing massacres.

Following the Rape of Nanjing China moved its capital to the now very famous city of Wuhan. That though fell shortly afterwards. Seeing the Chinese capital being moved to Chongqing.

Throughout the Second Sino-Japanese War America, Russia and Britain all backed China against Japan. This forced Japan to ally itself with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

In 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the US Navy at its Pearl Harbour base. Formally bringing Japan and America in to World War Two.

The World War Two conflict between Imperial Japan and America was primarily a maritime one. With huge Naval battles such as the Battle of Midway. Which saw the US Navy put all of the Japanese Imperial Navy's Aircraft Carriers out of action.

The conflict was also marked by amphibious landings on islands. Such as the famous flag raising by US Marines on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima.

In 1945 America dropped two nuclear, Atomic bombs on Japan. The first and only time that nuclear weapons have ever been used in anger.

This forced Japan's surrender. The official signing of which took place on the deck of the USS Missouri. As it was anchored in Tokyo Bay. In almost exactly the same spot where Commodore Perry had anchored his Black Ships 92 years earlier.

The USS Missouri actually has something of a personal significance to me. It featured heavily in the 2012 movie; "Battleship." Which also provided an early acting role for Rihanna.

Also I never got to meet my paternal grandfather. He died before I was born. Family legend has it though that he enjoyed something of a sketchy military career.

A large part of this was being a bodyguard from Britain's Lord Mountbatten. Including when he inaugurated the 1st Special Service Force, the so-called; "Devil's Brigade." The forerunner to the Canadian Special Air Service (SAS) and all of America's Special Operations Forces (SOF's).

It was Lord Mountbatten who represented Britain at the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. However my grandfather did not accompany him. Suddenly developing an ear infection that kept him out of all the photographs.

A habit he seemed to continue with throughout the rest of his career.

Having defeated Japan the World War Two Allies, primarily America, occupied the country. Between 1945 and the outbreak of the Korean War in 1952.

During this time America imposed a new constitution on Japan. Sometimes referred to as the; "Peace Constitution (Heiwa-Kenpo)" this has never been amended in the 74 years since. Making it the oldest unamended constitution in the World.

One of the main changes of the Peace Constitution is that does away with the Emperor as the Head of State. Leaving him merely as a symbol of the State and the unity of the people.

This ended Japan as quasi-Monarchical Empire. Turning it into a Parliamentary Democracy.

Probably the most famous article of Japan's Peace Constitution is Article 9. This sees Japan give up the sovereign right of belligerency. In short the right to resolve disputes through war.

Instead it commits it to pursue peace through an international order based on justice. A commitment all other nations went on to agree to through their membership of the United Nations (UN).

In practical terms Article 9 means that Japan is limited to only maintaining a military dedicated to its own self-defence. The Japanese Self Defence Forces (JSDF).

The Japanese Self Defence Forces are only permitted defensive weapons. Rather than purely offensive weapons. Such as ballistic missiles and Nuclear weapons.

In return America has promised to protect Japan. Bringing it under the umbrella of America's ballistic missiles and Nuclear weapons. While operating US military bases in Japan.

Article 9 has always been problematic. Some interpretations see it as being so restrictive that it only allows for military action when Japanese lives are directly at risk.

That could create a situation where North or South Korea could invade the Liancourt Rocks. Or China could invade some similarly unoccupied Japanese islands. As it has been known to do along the Nine Dash Line.

However because no Japanese lives would be directly in danger. Japan could do nothing militarily to repel the invasion.

In recent years there has been much discussion within Japan over the need to scrap or amend Article 9.

In 2014 they decided not to formally amend Article 9. Instead reinterpreting it's meaning so; "Self Defence" can include military action where territory rather than life is threatened and where an ally is under attack.

One of the main drivers behind Japan's rethinking of Article 9 is US policy. Specifically the; "Pivot Towards the Pacific" policy of former US President Obama. Along with former US Vice President Biden.

The Pivot Towards the Pacific policy was intended to contain the rise of China. It was designed with two tracks. The economic track and the security track.

The economic track saw the US opening up trade links with China's neighbours. 

The intention being to undercut Chinese manufacturers. By providing global corporations with cheaper alternatives to Chinese suppliers. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) being the main mechanism for this.

The security track of the Obama's Pivot Towards the Pacific saw the US build North Korea into the regional nuclear bogeyman.

The objective being that nations in the region would turn to the US to protect themselves from this threat. 

As a direct neighbour China cannot afford to be as aggressive in its rhetoric towards the DPRK. Due to the risk of the nations collapse triggering a massive refugee crisis. Amongst other problems.

Turning North Korea into a nuclear state, with the ability to launch nuclear missiles at Japan. While encouraging North Korea to threaten its neighbours is just insanely dangerous.

Perhaps unsurprisingly then this had the opposite effect to the one Obama and Biden intended.

Rather than see more Asian nations ally themselves with America and its defensive umbrella. It saw existing Asian allies view America as a threat rather than a protector. Seeing the need to protect themselves rather than rely on an increasingly unstable and untrustworthy America.

For example Japan changing its interpretation of Article 9. Along with South Korea drawing up plans to unilaterally and pre-emptively strike North Korea.

Japan has continued to expand its military independence from America.

The Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), it's not allowed to call itself a; "Navy". Has long operated Amphibious Assault Ships. These are defensive weapons, essential for landing ground troops on a Japanese island if it had come under enemy occupation.

They are now converting those Amphibious Assault Ships into what very closely resemble Aircraft Carriers. The type of offensive weapon you would use to project air power far beyond your borders.

With its frequent references to South Korea and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Japan was attempting the showcase the unity between the two nations. Against US policy in the region.

The Japanese flag was brought into the arena by a procession of flag-bearers.

Firstly six children. From Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures. The worst affected by the March 11th 2011 (11/3/11) Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear disaster.

The decision in 2013 to award the 2020 Summer Olympics to Tokyo was in part driven to mark and chart Japan's recovery from the 3/11 disaster.

The flag was then handed to six new flag-bearers. Four of whom were Japanese champion athletes;

Yoshinaru Miyaki: Two time Olympic weightlifting champion.

Naoko Takahasi: Olympic marathon champion.

Honata Tanaka: Youth Olympic curling medallist.

Keita Doki: Youth Olympic sport climbing champion.

They were joined by;

Hibiki Sakai: A drummer who is Visually Impaired (Blind). 

Although I'm not familiar with his medical history. Sakai also appeared to be suffering from some sort of Cerebral Palsy like disorder. Giving the Para-Olympics a place within the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Mizuki Asaba: A rescue worker who was part of the rescue operations following the 3/11 disaster.

As a woman Mizuki Asaba's inclusion also contributed to the debate about Japanese attitudes towards women in the workplace.

Misuki Asaba is a Paramedic. A role which is similar in stature to that of a Nurse. A traditionally female role. However Misuki is also a Firefighter. A traditionally male role.

To really emphasis the issue of Article 9 the flag was actually raised by members of the JSDF. 

All three branches; The Japan Ground Self-Defence Forces (JGSDF), The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) and The Japan Air Self-Defence Forces (JASDF).

Further highlighting the recurring theme of improving rights for women in Japan. The JSDF flag detail was strictly gender-balanced. With male service members on the right and female service members on the left.

The Japanese National Anthem was performed by Misia. However it was her dress that was the star of the show.

This resembled a white flower blossoming into bloom

As this is Japan you could certainly interpret that as a reference to the Chrysanthemum. Used as the seal of the Emperor of Japan. Not to be confused with the Paulownia. Used as the seal of the Government of Japan.

You could certainly also interpret it as a reference to Cherry Blossom. The national flower of Japan.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms are hugely important within Japanese culture. Not least because they look and smell nice.

Dating back to the Nara Period (710-794) there is the practice of; "Hanami (Flower Viewing)." Gathering under Cherry trees as they blossom. To enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The type of picnic where alcohol seems to play a large part.

As a sign of friendship, an expression of gratitude for support in absorbing the Korean Peninsula in 1910. Japan gifted America 3,020 Cherry trees. So it to could enjoy Hanami.

Those trees continue to grow in Sakura Park in New York City and East Potomac Park in Washington D.C. Where they are a major tourist attraction during the spring National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossoms are also hugely symbolic within Japanese culture. Although beautiful their beauty is fragile and shortlived.

Encapsulating the concept of; "Mono No Aware (The Suffering of Things)." Similar to the concept of; "Memento Mori (Remember That You Must Die)." The ever present inevitably of death.

This fragile and shortlived beauty is something Cherry Blossoms share with the Lotus Flower. 

The Lotus Flower is used within Buddhism as a metaphor to explain the journey to enlightenment. Key to Buddha's own enlightenment was the realisation that age, sickness and death are the inevitable fates of all living things.

So you could also certainly interpret Misia's dress as a reference to the Lotus Flower. As the Lotus Flower and Cherry Blossom frequently overlap in Japanese/Asian culture.

The bottom of Misia's dress was coloured in the colours of the rainbow. The rainbow of the Rainbow Flag of gay-rights.

It was intended as a statement about Japan's journey to enlightenment on gay-rights.

That journey passed a big milestone in March 2021. When Sapporo District Court ruled that Japan's ban of gay marriage was unconstitutional. 

Reinterpreting Article 24's requirement for; "mutual consent between both sexes (in marriage)" to forbid forced marriage. Not same-sex marriage.

However due to the principle of; "Legislative Supremacy" the Court was not able to legalise gay marriage. Instead only being able to refer the matter back to the legislature (Parliament) to change the law.

For reasons that are slowly revealed throughout the Opening Ceremony. I have enjoyed a long relationship with Japan.

Legislative Supremacy is one of my favourite topics. It's one I wrote about extensively during the British Parliament's attempts to block Brexit. Particularly the UK Supreme Court's entirely unlawful ruling over the prorogation of Parliament back in October 2019.

It is a topic that it is probably best not to get me started on. As I can normally keep talking about it for the rest of the week.

So the Sapporo Court ruling and this sequence of the Opening Ceremony seems to be a celebration of my gay-rights activism in Japan.

Success that has come inspite of, not because of, western gay-rights activists.

Most of my gay-rights activism seems to involve attempting to apologise for western gay-rights activists. Or simply trying to pretend that they do not exist.

Within the Olympic movement one of the greatest humiliations of western gay-rights activists was the 2014 Winter Olympics. Held in Sochi, Russia.

These games were awarded to Russia's gay capital specifically to improve gay rights within Russia. The "Legacy" element of the games that the IOC used to be so interested in.

As was touched on in the opening animation. The Sochi games were set to focus on the Endocrinological cause for Homosexuality. 

To demonstrate to a sceptical Russian public that homosexuality is biologically pre-determined. Not a choice nor a mental illness.

However western gay-rights activists decided to throw that decade of hard work away. 

Choosing to heed the call of former US President Obama to boycott the games. To help support the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). One of the most viciously homophobic groups there have ever been.

By rejecting the cause of gay rights. In favour of support for a group that murders them by throwing them off tall buildings. 

Western gay-rights activists succeeded only in convincing people that they are suffering from mental illness. One which leaves them prone to suicide.

Not the sort of people you would want to expose your children or society to.

Away from the Olympics western gay-rights activists have continued their campaign to prove that they are mentally ill.

Such as with the gay community's decision to force the EU into an extremely bloody fight with itself. Over pandemic recovery funds.

The gay community's decision to force the EU into another extremely bloody fight with itself over Belarus. During the pandemic year. During the Brexit year.

It is things like that. Which is why my gay-rights activism tends to start with a long sigh. Followed variations on the phrase;

"Yes. I know they're all completely mentally ill. However that has nothing to do with the fact that some of them are also homosexual."

It also served as a justified criticism of Miley Cyrus. A woman who thinks collaborating with me would hurt her in negotiations with Sony Music. A massive Japanese conglomerate.

It served as a particular criticism of the way the US has attempted to hijack any potential relationship she might have with me. 

As their big, bold move of 2021. The thing that would see us all drop to our knees in worship of the new saviour, Joe Biden.

Miley Cyrus clearly thinks she has spent 2021 engaging in gay-rights activism. Promoting and normalising homosexuality in America in beyond.

In reality though Miley Cyrus has been doing something very different. The image she's really been projecting to the World is that of;

"Vile perverted men in dresses exploit emotionally unstable straight girl. Filling her head with nonsense."

I wouldn't go so far to say that Miley Cyrus cuts a tragic figure. But it's hard not to look and see a life going to waste.

That has been the main part of Miley Cyrus' sickening, violent and unpleasant attacks on the gay community. Which were much criticised at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. Essentially the highest echelon of the global gay community.

Or at least that would have been the image Miley Cyrus would have projected. The attacks on the gay community she would have carried out.

If I hadn't gritted my teeth and quietly neutralised them. Preventing them from ever really getting off the ground.

As I said;

The majority of effective gay-rights activism is either apologising for western gay-rights activists. Or simply trying to pretend that they do not exist.

Obviously we are only being critical in the hope it helps Miley Cyrus move forward on her own journey towards enlightenment. Growing as a person.

Japan's Sony Music certainly don't want her beauty to be fleeting. Now they've taken the risk of investing in her.

I'm sure we've also all picked up on the similarity. Between Sapporo District Court reinterpreting Article 24 of Japan's Peace Constitution. In much the same way has Article 9 has been reinterpreted.

Really driving home the connection. Between the sloppiness of western gay-rights activists and the need for Asian nations to distance themselves from American regimes that encourage them.

The dress was designed by Tomo Koizumi. A man who'd clearly understood the assignment.

To be continued in Part 5.

17:55 on 7/9/21 (UK date).