I don’t know what are the banking agreements between Japan and the United States, considering what a fan japanese are of the US, i wouldn’t be surprised if they had some pact similar to the EU-USA agreement. But i don’t like this thing. Where’s privacy? Is “against terrorism” becoming the same kind of slogan as “for the socialism” was in the last century? Seriously, people! At least i’m somewhat relieved that on this occasion (apparently) Hungary displayed some independence and didn’t vote (exceptionally nose not in the “big boys’ ass”), although i’d have favoured it if we’d voted against it. It’s a nice thing to share banking data, okay, have the whole world data in one place, okay, one step closer to planetary union, but heck, this thing is not reciprocal! As far as news sources covered it, the States will have access to EU banking data, but EU won’t have access to US data. I’m considering opening an account in some offshore bank possibly without such restraints. I hate to be monitored. Especially if i’m not even notified of that fact.

Change of subject, there’s a really funny little detail about the otherwise terrible south philippines war. The islamic rebel organization is commonly abbreviated MILF. Thus, in the Philippines, MILF rebel. If you don’t get what’s funny about that name, Google it.