I read the story "Tourist 10-day detention rapped" (Sept. 5 issue) and it made me so frustrated. I have no idea what point should be "rapped."

You say police detained a 74-year-old American carrying a knife for violating the Firearm and Sword Control Law, but?is there any problem for arresting a man with a knife on Japanese land? No matter what nationality or how old he or she is, the police's action seems quite legitimate.

And you say police delayed his release and neglected to tell his son what happened right away. But in a case like this it often happens. For example, if police have trouble identifying a suspect, or a suspect refuses to state his name or address (I can't say this is the case with the 74-year-old man, though). Is 10 days in jail so rare? Is contacting his family the following day so questionable? I guess there were some unavoidable reasons police had to do that.

What's more, your story consists of quotes from only three people, the American tourist, his son and his lawyer. If you say police should be blamed, you should provide more reports, such as another similar case or interviews from other law professionals to enforce your point that police were wrong. An article should not be written by only hearing from one side.

It looks like what you are doing is the same as what bankisha did. I feel your story is just an invalid criticism of the police.

The Democratic Party of Japan won the Aug. 30 election. When I was trying to decide who to vote for I was looking for a party with a plan to decrease government debt. I couldn't find anyone with solid plans, even though the amount is nearly equivalent to ¥6 million per capita.

The United States is in a similar situation with its budget. Now the Obama administration wants to increase national debt to build a new health insurance system.

A friend of mine sometimes says:

The government should help the poor and elderly. But 33 percent of Americans are obese. Some 66 percent of them are overweight. This should be the concern and responsibility of each individual. It's crazy to put tax money toward them. They should take care of their health, eat better and exercise.

However, tax money should be used for education, so that teachers may teach students about the importance of maintaining good health.

I agree with him.

I was extremely shocked by the article "U.S. mom exposes exchange-student abuse" (Aug. 8 issue). I studied in America during my college years and the chance to experience a foreign culture was very positive. Never did I imagine that things like what were described in the article happen.

Instead of letting a negative experience end on a sour note, I hope the presence of someone like Danielle Grijalva will brighten things up, even just a little.

I'm thankful that The Japan Times gave me the opportunity to read about an issue that I haven't seen covered anywhere else.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 3, 2009
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