Re: Politics

[Charles Beauchamp <beauking@earthlink.net>]

Dale Carlson wrote:
> 
> Could we keep personal, non-sumo, political views
> off this list, please?
> 
> Thanks,
> Dale
Certainly any discussion that is non-sumo related should be discarded
from the list.  However, when one uses an analogy that is nonsensical it
is simple debate/discussion technique to point out the error.  The view
that I mentioned of President Clinton was not a personal opinion.  It
was a historical fact of the 1992 election. It is definitely on topic. 
At least as on topic as Xenophobia in Japan and how it effects foreign
born Rikishi (isn't there a current ban on recruiting outside of Japan?) 

No discussion of the non ascension of Konishiki to Yokozuna can be had
without an honest reflection of how public relations was hit by the
supposed (though I think incorrectly) racism invovled.  At the time it
was more of an issue with American media who knew nothing about the
sport at all then reality (one more time...his record wasn't quite up to
snuff for promotion IMO).  A discussion of dignity is what was
addressed.  I simply stated the obvious.  Those that are of a apologetic
liberal bent may be offended, but again, I'm not a revisionist regarding
history so I have nothing to apologize for.  The truth stands only when
honest men keep it.

Konishiki did not deserve promotion to Yokozuna in my opinion.  And
that's the bottom line.  I think he knew it also, but covered from a
loudmouthed younger Rikishi who actually made the comments at the time. 
He is the reason I started paying attention to Sumo back in 1987 in
Japan.  He was also the topic of many heated "discussion" while living
in Japan until 1991.  Often times I would get off of work in time to see
Konishiki's match live on television.  He was an enigma.  When he was
healthy he was awe inspiring in a way that Takanohana is not.  But too
often he was injured and rarely was in the hunt for Yusho past day 10. 
Much like Wakanohana eh?  A great Ozeki yes.  Hopefully a long standing
member of the Kyokai who will compete with the Futa boys very soon as a
stable master.  

v/r Beau