Governments

This is a very nice and entertaining work on a fascinating subject. Cushing has done his homework, preserving a bit of Cuban heritage that otherwise might have been lost to history. A fine book for any artist's collection, or just to flip through on a rainy day at home.

Composed of a beautiful assemblage of colors, organic contours, prideful expressions of international solidarity with various exploited peoples, cutting edge graphic design techniques, and politically charged subjects, most of the posters presented by Cushing draw artistically from both the traditions of the broadly based, international design styles popular during the late sixties and early seventies as well as those historical subjects, civic concerns, pedagogical projects, and cultural traditions specific to the newly articulated aims of a developing Cuban socialism. Readers familiar with the design styles popular during the time periods in which the posters were produced will recognize that many of the posters reflect the coloring schemes and typographical advances developed internationally during this time. For example, the San Francisco style of design, comprised of bubbling fonts and vivid color arrangements that graphically mirrored the visual experiences of LSD users and hippy culture, can be found in the work of Fernandez Reboiro and Raul Oliva. Aside from overt political proclamations and anti-capitalist polemics, there to exists a wide range of stylistic inventions, visual juxtapositions, humorous 'in jokes' and embedded satire. In describing the thematic cohesion of the selected posters, Cushing also brings attention to the surprisingly "low quotient of socialist realism-the relative absence of heroic, amped-up superworkers and production equipment so prevalent in the revolutionary artwork of the Soviet Union, China and other communist countries." Not only an intensely beautiful collection of historically significant poster art, Revolucion: Cuban Poster Art presents an important work that deepens our understanding of Cuban culture, politics, and artistic achievement at a time when the Bush administration intensifies its venomous attacks upon all things public, collective, non-commodified, and autonomous of U.S. militarism, aggression, and imperial supremacy.

This beautifully compiled text constitutes a rethinking about Cuban aesthetics that expands and challenges rather than limits our understanding of the role of poster art in the social transformation and historical trajectory of a problematic yet dynamically contoured socialist project; the meaning and significance of which is of vital importance to those deeply concerned with the articulation and formulation of an ethico-political vision rooted to the struggle to obtain basic social provisions, expanded forms of dignity, and socioeconomic justice for those people and countries historically rendered silent under the cacaphonic chorus of imperial capitalism's triumphalist babble.

The pedagogical importance of such a work derives in many ways from its potential to rejuvenate and widen our understanding of the cultural and political life of Cuba. Secondly, having been archived, researched, and designed by a librarian whose active commitment to transforming both the library profession and reorientating reductionist perceptions regarding Cuban culture toward a richer, more nuanced reading, we're better able to appreciate the quality of the book and its contents from multiple perspectives.

In these intellectually uncritical times where the shallow end of ideologically suspect, Manichean binaries continue to render pluralistic and reflective forms of dialogue and investigation mute, Cushing's book represents a refreshing rupture with conveniently amnesic and unreflective standpoints regarding Cuba/U.S. relations. In order to further our knowledge of Cuban political and artistic culture without the cemented weight of baseless hysteria and moral absolutism's as is commonly constructed and circulated by those Yankee imperialist supporters and pro-globalization apologists in both the "politically quarantined" academy and corporate media; scholars, journalists, cultural workers and educators must begin to extend their understanding of Cuban/U.S. relations beyond merely the accented points of the dominant, either/or rhetoric that ultimately functions to mute alternative and radical readings that bring to bare the complexity of ideological and material factors.

I'm a Reagan-loving conservative, but I've got an enormous fondness for communist propaganda art. I went to see Mr Cushing's talk at Black Oak Books in Berkeley on June 30, and his passion for the subject in person was infectious. Certainly, in his brief talk to give some historical context to the posters, many in his audience -- largely Berkeley radicals -- shuffled uncomfortably in their seats when he suggested that "things aren't perfect" in Cuba, but while Mr Cushings general support of the Revolution in Cuba was really quite secondary to his brilliant -- and inspired -- explanation of the history of these fantastic works of art.

The book itself is simply beautiful -- with scores of pictures representing each of the major poster styles produced in Cuba since the Revolution. There is sympathy for the Revolution, but no preachyness about the glory of equally available state-rationed asprin or the easy equality of justice in the tropical gulags.

But the book is only about the revolution to give these art works context. It is a book about the brilliant visual artists who provided the color and design splash to their Communist revolution. Each of the posters is a visual treat -- I especially like the Army Chess Tournament poster (a hand-grenade forming the body of a Knight) and a few of the abstract Vietnamese-solidarity posters.

Mr Cushing has done a fabulous job learning about the authors of the posters and he has made a brilliant first effort to understand and celebrate communist poster art in an increasingly non-communist world.

Once you get beyond the tedious and slavish devotion to French Belle Epoch posters among the poster art chattering class, there are too few great poster books as it is -- even of WW2 propaganda posters -- this clearly ranks among them. And to have it be about such a great and underrepresented area of poster knowledge is doubly terrific.

This is a first rate art book and a first rate history book. And if you like poster art at all, this ought to be on your shelf.

Viva Cushing!

I have looked through a lot of books on the former Soviet Union and its collapse. Very often, Western authors show clear misunderstanding of the process and how it evolved. I was pleasantly surprised to find a very good analysis in this book. Being a Russian citizen, I discover that it truthfully depicts the history of my country and gives a very thorough picture of what has happened in it before, during, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The authors go to great lengths in order to convey their knowledge to the reader and I very much appreciate their work and effort.

review by illinois reader missed the main points of the book in my opinion. 1-gorbachev tried to reform system thru democratizing(he succeeded)the system and retaining some aspects of socialism(he failed) 2-Democatization allowed the option for a return to capitalism,formerly outlawed,to be considered as an option. 3-The elite opposed early moves toward perostroika because they feared loss of priveleges when decentralization was attempted 4-The elite then embraced the move to capitalism, despite the opposition of 60+percent of the citizenry,hence the title "Revolution From Above" 5-The USSR did not collapse because it was moribund,but because the elite felt that they could enrich themselves more under capitalism than they already had under the soviets. 6-Socialism may not be dead because it failed in the USSR.The author considers that as a first attempt from which future generation can learn. 7-This is well documented academic work well written and with an unconventional view point.

Kotz and Weir start this book with a long detour through Soviet economic history, which is worthy on its own in explaining an often mythologized subject, but really pays off when it explains how the Soviet Union had a very distinct class structure that laid the grounds for the current era. With intelligent sociological analysis they show how the coordinators and bureaucrats who inhabited an allegedly "socialist" system did so for predominantly personal gain, and how they eventually sought and found even more gain in ending that system altogether. Crucial reading for understanding class conflict in Russia today.

RFK: In His Own Words gives the listener a taste of the atmosphere during the turbulent and dynamic times of the 1960s. It depicts RFK as one of those rare leaders who had the ability to inspire an entire generation not only in the United States but around the world with his eloquence and appeal for a better life for all. He challenged the way we think about ourselves and each other and sought to close the gaps between rich and poor, black and white. RFK: In His Own Words begins with his memorable speech in tribute to his brother at the 1964 Democratic National Convention and contains several speeches addressing the many societal issues of the 60s, mainly the divisions resulting from racial tensions and the public opposition to the war in Vietnam. You begin to get a grasp of RFK's political views and you witness his maturation as a politician and statesman. From his statement announcing his candidacy for president to his touching and largely impromptu announcement of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to a stunned audience in Indianapolis and his appeal for compassion and love and not hatred and division. It concludes with an emotional eulogy at his funeral by his brother Senator Ted Kennedy that leaves you with thoughts on what could have been if not for the tragic loss of yet another Kennedy brother who has been taken from us at a time when his leadership was most needed.

This is a single CD approximately 50 minutes long that provides highlights of some of RFK's best, and most memorable speeches. There are 12 tracks including RFK's speech at the democratic national convention in 1964 and his speech announcing the assasination of Martin Luther King.

This is an excellent introduction to the RFK's political beliefs, and reminds the listener why he continues to captivate the nation's hopes. The CD jacket provides a brief historical background to each of the speeches and is helpful for those with less knowledge of the current events of that time. I would also recommend a compilation of speech excerpts put together by his son Maxwell Kennedy entitled "To Make Gentle the Life of this World." Neither source provides the complete text of his speeches, but they distill the essence of what he offered America in his time.

This book is an excellent compliation of Robert Kennedy's speeches. The speeches give an excellent overview of the times and issues Robert Kennedy was living in and his responses to same. His frequent references to classical literature not only serve to augment his points, but to include the listener/reader in his knowledge base. Robert Kennedy was a man who was universally recognized as a diligent worker and one who not only set, but met personal goals. His determination was evidenced from the football field (where he played with a broken leg in college to secure the coveted Harvard letter) to the presidential platform, where he held his own with some rather formidable competitors/opponents. His knowledge of and appreciation for classical literature is a true nod to his intelligence. He became self-educated in adult life classical works. He also became self educated and personally involved in the lives and issues of minorities and persons living below the poverty line. The contrast between these areas of his self education further emphasize the complexity of this man. Robert Kennedy comes across as sincere in his efforts and his work record will certainly support that finding. Robert Kennedy was by far the most interesting of the brothers of his generation and his work record was exceptional in his tenacity and dogged determination.

I thought this book was magnificent. Roemer is is genuine in depicting the power that the mob had over anything and everything...He talks in detail about Accardo, giancana and the master fixers..aka the curruption squad of Murry Humphreys, Gus Alex..It's full of murders and double crosses..all in all it makes you feel like your right there...A must read

This book covers everything. Tells all about Sam "MO" Giancana to everything about Tony "Batters" Accardo. The details are fascinating and chilling. Really interesting and unbelievable. Makes you feel like you are Roemer himself. Great book!!!!!

This book covers everything. Tells eveything about Sam "MO" Giancana to everything about Tony Accardo. The details are fascinating and chilling. Really interesting and unbelievable. Makes you feel like you are Roemer himself. Great book!!!!!

_The Rulers of Russia_ by Rev. Denis Fahey, an Irish Catholic priest, is about the Jewish government of Russia imposed by the Bolshevik takeover of Russia after the overthrow of Nicholas II. It was originally published during the Second World War as a supplement to Fahey's main book concerning the conflict between the Roman Catholic Church and Judaism, _The Mystical Body of Christ_. Ever since Christ's Crucifixion, explains Fahey, the "supernatural order" of Christ has been opposed by the "natural order" deriving from the race/religion of the Jews and various offshoot cults such as the Freemasons. The Jews are in a conspiracy to overthrow the Mass and the authority of the Church in all areas of the world. The reasons for this conflict is because the Jews rejected Christ as the supernatural Messias and seek of their own will the "natural" Messias, who will place the world under the power of international Jewry. Various anti-Christian campaigns have been launched to further this plan. International finance and liberal, capitalist democracies and republics are controlled from above, which are apparently opposed by radical, communist and socialist revolutionaries from below. The trick is Jews and the demonic force behind them control both sides of this conflict.

This book is rather unique because it is anti-Nazi as well as anti-Jewish. Fahey divides the powers of the world into two categories: the "Judeo-Masonic" democracies (including the Soviet Union) that have their economies under the thumb of Jewish bankers versus the reactionary fascist nations of Germany, Italy and Japan. These fascist countries were free from Judeo-Masonic control of their economies, and Nazism in Germany was militantly anti-Jewish. What is unusual about German National Socialism is it followed the same "naturalistic" principle, which is behind Jewish world power. Nazism seeks to supplant the Christian view of the world with the deification of the Aryan race. Furthermore, mention is made of the secret occult lodges that sought to emulate the heretical Knights Templar and that formed the Nazi movement based on the 19th century German Idealist philosophers. Although Hitler made statements in public that the Third Reich was not persecuting Christians, in particular Catholics, Fahey quotes high ranking Church officials who attest to the Nazi deception of Christians. Fahey remarks that the Third Reich and Herr Hitler are doomed in the face of overwhelming hostility from the combined might of Jewish finance which has the arsenal of Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union at its disposal. The only countries for whom Fahey has much sympathy are Francisco Franco's Spain and Poland's Catholic nationalism, which resisted both Nazi and Soviet encroachments, despite Poland's being a pawn of the Britain and France to stir up trouble with Germany. The conclusion to this pamphlet is a traditional Catholic take on democracy. The current "Judeo-Masonic" democracy in America is illegitimate because it does not rest on God for its ultimate authority, but instead refers to the "common will" of the people as if it was infallible. Regrettably, no mention is made of Orthodox Christianity itself inside Russia in the face of Bolshevik persecution.

_The Rulers of Russia_ is an examination of some of the Bolshevik leaders and Russian party chiefs who created the Soviet disaster and attempts to show how these forces are linked to international finance and various Judaic elements. Rev. Denis Fahey contends that the modern world is headed in the direction of greater servility, communism, and "naturalistic" supplantation of true religion. Opposed to this tendency stands the great tradition of Christ's Catholic Church. The author examines some dictatorships such as Hitler's Germany which attempted to oppose international finance based on a false religion of racial worship. Against this the author proposes that we must return to the mystical Body of Christ in an effort to achieve a truly Christian society. This essay is also interesting for its discussions of banking, the gold standard, and the role of international finance and racial idolatry in the affairs of the modern world.

This outstanding and remarkable book written by Father Dennis Fahey is a «classic» among the literature related to Jewish plans for World domination... On his work, the author pointed out the real rulers of Russia since the bolchevism revolution of 1917 have been the jews... showing proofs of all types in order to get to his thesis: names of komintern and politburo figures, comissairs, ambassadors, and tracking the jewish origin of people such as K. Marx (Mordekai), V. I. Lenin (Ulianov Blank), Trotsky, etc. etc. Moreover, the book deals with the question about jewish naturalism and how far it can ruined christian society; as for many centuries history facts have been demonstrated... To sum up, and following Catholic Doctrine, Father Dennis Fahey show us the only way the world should be rule is under the principles of Christ the King, joining his Mystical Body. Reading this book will find you all the time wasted not learning about the jewish danger all over the world!

This book is required reading for anyone interested in the ex-East Germany. From the very beginning, Naimark shows how the Moscow Germans (Ulbricht, et al) were apologists for everything and anything the Soviets did to their conquered German "friends." This more than anything else painted the Communists and their "United Front" Party, the SED, as little more than stooges for the hated Russians. Thus, the GDR leadership had no legitimacy in the eyes of the average worker. Naimark's study also describes how complete Sovietization was in the arts and education, though he only peripherally describes the Lutheran Church's involvement in the social transformation being wrought. This is curious, since it was the Church that provided a haven for dissent in the future years, but Naimark clearly had to prioritize his subjects of focus. This is a "must-have" for anyone interested in the Cold War, the GDR and the Soviet Union.

This is a quite outstanding piece of research into a subject that was once all but closed off to scholars, thanks to East German and Soviet secrecy. The author seems familiar with all the available source material in German and Russian and as a result writes with complete authority. Among his conclusions are that even the East German Communists found it hard to accept some of the sheer brutality and bullying of the Soviet occupiers. At the same time, the Soviet authorities were not too impressed with the East German comrades' plans to accelerate the imposition of a Soviet-type political and economic system. Meanwhile, rape and rapacity on the part of the occupiers proceeded apace. A remarkable work that leaves a lasting impression.

Because history is written by the victors, one seldom hears of the plight of the vanquished. The author desribes the rape, plunder, murder, and indoctrination of ordinary Germans after WWII. by the Russians and their communist allies. This book documents the terror these people indured and how they survived.

Charles Fuss has penned an exhaustive account of the maritime drug war (predominately marijuana) of the 70s and 80s. With accounts from law enforcement personnel from the Coast Guard, US Customs, DEA and others, Mr Fuss presents a very readable text with many exciting narratives. Included is insight from "bad guys" as well. Mr. Fuss stays away from partisan politics, which is not easy in any volatile suject, such as drug interdiction. The men and women who have fought, and still fight, the war against drugs deserve our admiration. This book recognizes the efforts of these ardent warriors. As Mr. Fuss states toward the end of "Sea of Grass", "We persevered, comitted more resources, ignored defeatist media advice, and prevailed against the grass boats. That should be a lesson."

Two thumbs up to author Charles M. Fuss, Jr. With his years of experience and knowledge of maritime drug enforcement, and his past history as a mariner, Fuss gives great insight into the drug war of the 1970's. His acounts of actual cases are entertaining and informative . I especially enjoyed reading accounts from smugglers as well as enforcement personel. This book should be a must for the men and women who were directly involved with maritime interdiction during this period. It's also great for anyone interested in the subject. With the changing times and administration, I believe it is extremely important to take heed of Fuss's warning!

Since I am his son, I would be expected to say good things about this book. Actually, I am also a BM3 USCG, and can say from experience that this book will be an asset to any member of a maritime law enforcement agency, or anyone interested in the subject. It is an easy read and is well written. Would be a good souvenier for anyone involved in the major maritime drug busts during the 70s and 80s. Also a good tool and reference for future cases

You'd have to expect that mothers of children who were willing to be activists during an opressive military dictatorship would be strong women themselves and they were. These courageous women were willing to risk their lives to bring the world's attention to the junta's human rights abuses and to find their lost grandchildren. They even stood up to the Catholic church which sat by while these abuses occured. I particularly enjoyed how Arditti brought out the importance of identity and connecting with your roots. This explained the urgency in reuniting these stolen children with their rightful families.

Very well researched, this book is a must for anyone concerned about human rights. It raised my level of social consciousness 5 notches. It was heart wrenching to hear how much the victims who disappeared suffered and the mental anguish of the defient grandmothers who still hold their viligent marches to pressure the Argentine government for answers to the disappearences. Ms. Arditti has really opened my eyes and the facts she presents about how the Catholic Church reacted to the grandmother's is absolutely astounding! Her style in telling this horrible tragedy by hearing from the grandmother's in their own words is very effective.

The history in this book is amazing. I can't believe that this was only 22 years ago. Very well written....you feel the grandmothers pain. Throughout, you have actual quotations from both the grandmothers and the survivors of this terrible time in Argentinas history.

This is an extremely educational and informative piece of work, especially regarding the details of the Nixon, Ford, Johnson and Carter administration, along with extensive information about the Vietnam War, WWI, WWII and the Watergate crisis. The literature section was fascinating. It was exciting to read the brilliant poetry of Adrienne Rich and John Ashbery. Rich's poetry touched my heart because it focused on the suffering of women who lacked a voice in their defense against discrimination. Rich emphasized what women desired socially and in the workplace. Her poem titled, "Sources," begs for women's freedom and democracy. It plans to break away from the silence and to end female discrimination. What was inspiring about poet Ashbery was that he instructed his students to write poems based on paintings. For example, Ashbery's poem titled, "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror," was very intriguing, due to the idea that one does not see one's reflection when looking in the mirror. The painting depicts how we long to change, yet we must accept ourselves as we are. Sometimes we feel trapped with ourselves and isolated from the exterior world. We are on a constant strive for acceptance to be in unison with the outside world. What impressed me a great deal was artist, Jasper John's crosshatching paintings. For example, his painting titled, Cicada, (1979), encouraged individuals to analyze a painting, uncover the mystery and meaning behind the drawing and to focus on the unseen. I especially enjoyed reading about the unique fashion of the 1970s, the beginnings of disco and punk music and popular films like: Carrie, Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, Jaws and Saturday Night Fever. The book grabs the attention of readers who have experienced the 1970's and those of a later generation who wished that they were there. I liked the idea behind Toni Morrison's book titled, The Bluest Sky, because it reeducates away from white ideals and beauty that imprison African Americans. Stephen Paul Miller's work help readers remember the early forms of self-expression in the 1970's and the courage of women on their road to freedom. The title of Stephen Miller's work, The Seventies Now: Culture as Surveillance, is appropriate because the 1970's was a time of renewal and change and an exchange of new ideas, freedoms and individualism. American culture was under surveillance because people wanted to be themselves by stressing their uniqueness. Alteration in people's speech, behavior, and in other forms of expression is the reason why our culture was under surveillance. Stephen Miller demonstrated a creative style of writing by gradually moving from one topic to another, which added variety to my reading. This is an excellent source of relevant information for students who want to relate to or explore the era of the 1970's. Stephen Paul Miller has displayed his imaginative side. His splendid choice of words describes the 1970's in full accuracy and makes this piece a true learning experience.

Dr. Miller has succeeded not merely in creating a wholly fresh analysis of America in the 1970's, but in developing a new set of critical aparati. Very impressive and useful work.

Miller elucidates his thesis brilliantly and concisely in the book's introduction. His "micro-periodizing" of American culture deconstructs and relocates the seventies decade with reference to the sixties cultural revolution and the Reaganomics of the eighties. Now that we have the hindsight of the nineties...this book was just waiting to be written! Miller micro-periodizes cultural phenomena within the political context of the Nixon Era. While Miller is indebted to Foucault's theory of periodization, he takes his departure from Foucault's grid to account for changes between epistemes. The first chapter defines the concept of "rippling epistemes" to account for the fact that epistemes are always in transition. This serves as a very coherent and insightful thesis for the book.

Specific strengths of the book are the critiques of literature, painting and cinema. The points of view regarding the works of John Ashbery, Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns are radical and creative. Miller's sophistication with poetry and painting is truly impressive. Also, the feminist critiques of the works of Toni Morrison, Adrienne Rich and Sam Shepard present new ways of looking at the texts which would benefit students and scholars alike.

It should be emphasized that the book will have value to the public at large (and not just scholars and students). The references to popular culture make the book quite appealing to the general public.

Miller knows his subject! Clearly, the book is the result of a lifetime of enthrallment with the subject matter. Highly recommendable! A tour de force!

This is a far better book than the more theoretical approach by Karel van Wolferen in 'The Enigma of Japanese Power'.
After reading this book there is no enigma anymore.

Jacob M. Schlesinger reveals extremely clearly how the Japanese system worked and who pulled the strings. He shows that Japanese politics in the last half of the 20th century was firmly controlled by four men, with Kakuei Tanaka as the most predominant tycoon.

Tanaka's tactics were very simple: use his home base as a platform for his political career by lavishy spending state money in his election district and by buying votes; use his financial clout to control the Japanese majority party; become still richer by corrupting the state bureaucracy, bid-rigging (200 % and more margin) and briberies (by private companies).

In fact, the author shows clearly that the whole system was controlled by a corrupt oligachy.
The men in power were not afraid of racket type interventions. One example: the ruling government proposed stiff taxes on automobiles. After the automobile industry paid heavy contributions to the party in charge, the bill was watered down.

This book is an exemplary analysis of a corrupt political system. Not to be missed.

Why has Japan changed its prime ministers with such frequency through much of the post-war period? Why did those prime ministers seem powerless to affect real change to the political system? "Shadow Shoguns" answers these questions by way of a brilliantly told story of the Liberal Democratic Party's most powerful political faction called the "gundan".

The story of the "gundan" - which means "army corps" -- is primarily the story of the man who created and ruled over it for much of the 70s and 80s, Kakuei Tanaka. Jacob Schlesinger spends more than half of "Shadow Shoguns" examining Tanaka's life, including his roots in the construction business, his entry into politics, how he made money work for him in consolidating political power, and finally, his fall from power.

Tanaka was a fascinating figure. In many ways he was a combination of LBJ and Boss Tweed. His appetite for power and money was huge, and his experience in the construction industry gave him the ability to amass both. Coming from one of the poorest prefectures in Japan, he fought hard to bring huge pork barrel construction projects back to his constituents, and they in turn gave him unflinching support even when he was charged with crimes and became a national symbol of corruption.

A scandal removed Tanaka from the prime minister's seat in 1974, but due to his constituents' support, it did not remove him from the parliament. From then until the mid-80s, Tanaka would be the power behind the throne, using money from construction projects to strengthen his faction, and his faction to strengthen his hold over national politics.

What finally removed Tanaka from his position as leader over Japan's most powerful faction was not angry voters, other factions or their political leaders, but his own underlings. Tanaka had attracted some of the most talented politicians in Japan to his faction, and handling those egos was a full-time job. After a stroke in 1985, Tanaka was unable to reassert his power, and three of his protégés (Shin Kanemaru, Noburu Takeshita, and Ichiro Ozawa) wrenched the faction away from him.

The final third of the book focuses on those protégés, their strengthening of the faction, and finally the fall of their machine as Japan's economy began to flounder. As Schlesinger tells it, the success of the faction was always predicated on continued strong economic growth. When the Japanese economy faltered throughout the early 1990s, so did the mechanism by which the "gundan" governed Japan.

This is a book that gives vivid life to a political system and to politicians many people find boring. Schlesinger shows that because Japan's most capable and interesting politicians operated out of the limelight for much of the last three decades, their story is a compelling one as well as the key to understanding the history of the modern Japanese political system.

Concise and well written, it opens up postwar Japanese politics. Incredulous happenings! Maybe we should send some of our congressmen to Japan to check this out.-- Short shrift is given, however, to the all-pervading involvement with, and use of, the criminal organisations where the police seem powerless. Also, it should have photographs of the main actors to make it more three-dimensional.