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 We're glad that there're signs of spring in the air. Everything starts April in Japan; 
 school yeay begins, freshmen start studying at their favorite class.

Report of the 45th meeting;

Today's word

 Today is the day when the Abraham Lincoln was assasinated and also
the Tinic was sank. To think about the Lincoln's activity to the society,
today's word is "discriminate".

Opening thought: by TM Brazil

"Spring is in the air." Thinking of how the birds migrate - They kmow 
the seasons change and when to set out. Amazing!

Table Topic Session: by TM Osaki

 The last Sunday was the day for election in Japan. Especially in Sapporo, four
elections were held; Hokkaido governor, Sapporo City mayor, municipal assembly members
of Hokkaido and Sapporo city. 
 
Q; Why do you go to the election?
Answers; 
- Because our duty to go voting. 
- Duty, obligation, right to participate in the local poliitical matters.

 We discussed whether the current election system is effective or not. Some member
pointed out electioneering is one of the waste system since candidates devote lots of
energy for these and the sound trucks screaming from morning till night might be 
a sound pollution to the residents.
 TM Ando told her idea that if we can vote at the public place such as department store,
 it'll be very useful.
 
 In Japanese election, the supporting group is very strong and it takes an important
role in electioneering.  One of the characteristics of this election is
"Ainori-Senkyo"; leading party and other party got together to win the election.  The
ruling party joined hands with the opposition party for any candidate.

 Actually the change happens in Japan these days, but Japanese people don't want to
change.  Mr.  Ishihara has elected as the Tokyo governor, he will overcome the
bureaucratic barriers however former Tokyo governor Mr.  Aoshima couldn't perform
because of that barriers; TM Firkola and TM Ando mentioned.

Current Issue Session: by TM Ando

"The conflict between Serb military and NATO forces over KOSOVO."

 KOSOVO is under attack by NATO forces now.  We hear the information from the NATO
side, thus we don't know the real information.

 What is the cause of this bombing?
 
TM Brazil told that this case isn't just the ethnic problem, it may include
religious differences in KOSOVO.  We had the same thing in Yugoslavia five or six
years ago.  TM Wennberg said, "If the hatred between two ethnic groups or
countries is continuing each generation, from grandfather's to father's and from
father's to son's, it may cause fighting."  Japan already chose to support NATO
nationally and the government released the humanitarian aid programs.  But if
accepting refugees to Japan, it'll be very difficult in terms of immigration system.

 He introduced himself in short.  He's now studying regional planning at the Hokkiado
University Graduate School and interested in toastmasters activities.  He wants to
communicate with people in English and wants to know the difference between
university(ivory tower) and general world through attending to toastmasters meetings.
 His research is basically based on people's behavior in Sapporo city; using some kind
of sociological knowledge and techniques, consruct a plan for any city.

"History of immigration in Sweden and some problems." 

 His country Sweden has long history of immigration.  50's was the gold age to Sweden
- Large labor market existed and lots of people immigratedd there.

 Sweden and Germany are the countries most generous in accepting refugees.  In 1965,
language education for immigrants started in Sweden.  Immigrants are able to learn
language and get new friends. There're growing problem about assimialtion, resentment
against immigrants and getting the right to work.

 Sweden people think immigration is good for the future since immigrants are young and
will be the help for high aged societies.

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