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Americans Now Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Japan.

Japan is slowly reopening its doors to international tourists, with stricter rules and regulations in place.

On June 10, over two years after closing its borders, Japan began welcoming travelers from 98 countries, including the U.S., Unlike in pre-pandemic times. However, Americans must now secure a tourist visa before stepping foot in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“Currently, foreign nationals/people who will enter Japan need a visa newly issued by embassies or consulates or consular office of Japan,” stated the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its latest entry requirements.

That means anyone considering a trip to Japan must apply for a visa by mail or make an appointment as soon as possible at the closest Japanese embassy or consulate.

With foreigners having been barred from the country for so long, there is a sizable backlog of visa applications at various Japanese embassies and consulates across the U.S. getting a visa may take longer than usual, and travelers should plan accordingly.

The new visa requirement comes besides several other hoops that international travelers must now jump through to visit Japan. The new rules include purchasing medical insurance covering all COVID-19-related expenses and wearing a mask. Japan has divided countries and regions into three categories depending on the COVID-19 risk in that area. Travelers from some countries must present proof of vaccination and COVID tests and are still quarantined for a period. In contrast, others from areas with lower COVID risk may only have to submit a negative COVID test.

All foreign tourists must also travel with an organized tour group. These tour operators have been pre-approved by the Japanese government and must supervise travelers at all times. Spots on these group trips are minimal and may pose the biggest hurdle for tourists visiting Japan. However, it is still a sign that the country is returning to normal as it also recently increased the daily entry limits from 10,000 foreign arrivals per day to 20,000.

Roe vs. Wade: The Garden And The Wilderness Now becomes One — Right-wing Judges Overrun the Supreme Court.

The Marriage of Church And State.

Should anyone here (present) know why this couple (Church and State) should not join in (un) holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace?

Exactly 235 years to date: after the Constitution of the United States was ratified on June 21, 1788, and guaranteed the separation of the Church and the State, on June 24, 2022, a radical bunch of right-wing religionists on the High Court, ripped the concept of the Constitution apart that forbids the marriage of church and state.

According to the latest polls, sixty-three percent (63%) of Americans believe this couple, Church and State, should not join because it is unconstitutional for Church and State to wed. According to “founding father” Thomas Jefferson, that is illegal and non-binding for the two to copulate. “As written in the first clause of the Bill of Rights, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Friday’s decision is rooted in religious sectarianism and norms. The American Supreme Court has become a stronghold of religious fanatics.

Liberals are now yelling, “My body, my choice,” unless it comes down to vaccinations? And they’re right to a certain degree, my body, my choice. There is a valid reason for the government to regulate abortions. Because some women will seek to abort a six or seven-month pregnancy. 

On Friday, June 24, 2022, a radical group of partisan religionists on America’s High Court voted along party lines to overturn Roe vs. Wade. The 5 / 4 ruling/decision took away the protection women enjoyed for the past 49 years — since 1973 — that allowed them the right to choose what to do with their bodies and the babies they carry inside their bodies.

Didn’t have to keep it
Wouldn’t put you through it
You could have swept it from your life
But you wouldn’t do it, no, you wouldn’t do it. The need inside you, I see it showin’
Whoa, the seed inside ya, baby, do you feel it growin’?
Are you happy you know it?

You’re havin’ my baby
What a lovely way of sayin’ how much you love me
Havin’ my baby
What a lovely way of sayin’ what you’re thinkin’ of me
I can see it, your face is glowin’
I can see it in your eyes, I’m happy you know it

That you’re havin’ my baby
You’re the woman I love and I love what it’s doin’ to ya
Havin’ my baby
You’re a woman in love and I love what’s goin’ through ya. Paul Anka.

Songwriters: Paul Anka
(You’re) Having My Baby lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Since Congress or the Senate sanctions and approves “Supreme” Court justices, the actions taken by the High Court are, by extension, the acts of Congress. The state of Florida holds that, up to the fifteenth week of pregnancy, someone can perform legal abortions. 

Most white religionists (Church goers) applaud the court’s decision to make each state responsible for its abortion laws. With the increased gerrymandering and large sums of donations in the bank accounts of the right politicians, local constituents can easily manipulate their local politicians into fulfilling their will.

Many believe the Court went down a path that is contrary to the Constitution. To bolster their theory, they point to what Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1802: “I believe that religion is a matter that lies solely between a man and his God. And that he owes account to none other for his faith or worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, not opinions. I contemplate with sovereign reverence that the act of the whole American people, which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.”

One of Jefferson’s contemporaries, Roger Williams, wrote a similar proclamation in 1802, admonishing the government to keep the separation of church and state intact.

Black America’s Loyalty To The Democratic Party Casts Them As Non-bargaining Pawns Without Leverage. Blacks And The Democrats.

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Blind Loyalty.

None in America are more loyal to the Democratic party than Black people. Tell most Black voters they are “Block-voters,” and they will vigorously deny it — some will get angry at the suggestion. For generations, “African Americans” sat in a corner like a faithful teddy bear with an invisible chain around its neck, waiting to perform every election cycle for their master plantation democrats. Get out the vote chant paid celebrities whose social consciousness lives in a perpetual state of a brain fart.

The Republicans have given up on courting Black voters because of their established historical support for Democrat Carpet Baggers. Each Presidential election cycle, the Republicans, get between eight and ten percent of the Black vote. Subsequently, Black people have no leverage or bargaining chip with the Republican Party or the Democrats. A pimp never respects his whore. However, he gladly accepts the goodies and free labor she provides. No one is asking Black people to become boot-lickers, or to cast your dignity and self-respect aside like those minstrels appearing on Fox “News.” This is about gaining political leverage that will lead to a better future for the current generation and generations to come. 

Exodus

Do Not Squander What Many Stood in, Sat in, Blead and Died For

It took a hundred years for us displaying a preference toward the Republican Party to now a full-fledged exodus into the arms of the drug induced stupor of the Democrats/Dixiecrats. For the past fifty-seven years, Black Americans have become block-voters, blindly throwing their support behind any politician with a political affiliation of a “D”onkey next to their name. Once the Donkey wins his race, he bolts the hood. Their action reminds me of a Bob Dylan song that says, “You never turn around to see the pain and the frowns on the face of the jugglers and the clowns who did all those tricks for you.” Understandably, some want to show their appreciation to LBJ, but you shouldn’t a grateful dead forever.

God bless the Preachers, but too many of these men are jugglers and clowns: The T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollars, Pat Robertsons, Joel Osteens, etc.

We guarantee Democrats ninety percent of the Black vote — all day, 365 and 1/4 days per year. Thus, we have no leverage with them. The wino has no bargaining power with the liquor store’s owner, nor does a crackhead have any influence over the drug dealer. After every election cycle, Democrats leave Black voters sitting on the wayside with their mouths full of gunk like a cheap $10 crackhead whore. Black people have no leverage with the Democrats or Republicans because of their blind loyalty to the Democratic party. That has to change.

Of course, a few politicians turn around to slip the preachers a bone under the table, but the masses take away nothing. Throwing an Agent Ketanji Brown-Jackson on the high court is only symbolic and of no substance. She makes clear what a quota-fill is, and the problem with quotas. During her Senate confirmation hearing, she couldn’t answer the simple, elementary questions posed. “You went to the finest schools alright, but you only used to get juiced in it.” Judge Michelle Childs is imminently more qualified, along with thousands of other Black female jurists who they did not consider for the post.

Blind loyalty — Voters of Yesteryear — But With Good Intentions. Today Most Black Voters Are Just Blind to Their Surroundings.

Two well-known poster children for the above strategy were Senators Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd — the latter in whose seat sits today, Senator Mole Manchin of Virginia and Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona — two modern-day Dixiecrats. Mole Manchin had inculcated the advice of his mentor Robert Byrd when he said, “Be sure you avoid the Ku KLUX Klan. Don’t get that albatross around your neck. Once you’ve made that mistake, you inhibit your operations in the political arena.” Senator Joe Manchin will never publically declare that he’s a Klansman, but his actions speak louder than words.

Sen Mole Manchin w Kyrsten Sinema
Sen Mole Manchin

Sens Mole Manchin And Undercover Kyrsten Enema. Mask or Hood? Pick Your Choice. Robert Byrd Proteges.

Black America needs a sound political strategy because the one we are using of the 90/10 ratio in favor of the Democrats spells doom year after year and elections after each election. Donald Trump asked Black people an interesting question during the 2016 presidential election. “What do you have to lose?” He said.

Fox "News" High Price Propagandist: Laura Ingraham.

Bob Dylan’s song Like a Rolling Stone made the same statement. “When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose.” So, are we better off today than we were four years ago? Reggae icon Bob Marley reminded us, “They (Democrats) have trodden us on the winepress much too long, rebel, rebel. He says, “We’ve been taken for granted much too long by the democrats — rebel, rebel. It’s time for a change. Janet Jackson asks, “What Have You Done For Me, LATELY?” We are not talking about your symbols like Agent Ketanji Brown Jackson. You can keep that, Mammy., “It’s Time I Do Something For Me.” Mary J. Blige.

 

The U.S. Virgin Islands Eases Entry Requirements For Domestic Travelers.

As of May 31, the U.S. Virgin Islands has dropped all its pandemic-related entry requirements for domestic travelers, making it easier for Americans to visit these idyllic beach destinations.

The islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas have transitioned into what government officials describe as an “Open Door Phase.” Nearly two months ago, USVI officials dropped the pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, leaving only unvaccinated domestic travelers to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within five days of travel. All conditions have been eliminated, and domestic visitors no longer need to fill out the USVI Travel Screening Portal.

“The health and well-being of our residents and visitors alike continue to be our biggest priority,” said Joseph Boschulte in a statement provided to Travel+Leisure. “The Department of Tourism, along with Governor Bryan’s Office and the Virgin Islands Department of Health, have worked together to monitor the COVID cases in the territory closely and strategically to ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors.

“Our measures have proven successful and give us the confidence to continue to ease travel and testing requirements to the territory to safely welcome visitors.”

The U.S. Virgin Islands aren’t the only American territory easing travel restrictions for domestic visitors. Puerto Rico dropped all of its pandemic-related entry requirements for domestic travelers in March. Previously, the island nation required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and a travel declaration form. Now, Americans can enter freely regardless of their vaccination status.

The elimination of these travel requirements adds an extra appeal for travelers interested in Puerto Rico and USVI. Americans do not need a passport to visit, but they also don’t need to test for COVID before returning home as they would if traveling internationally.

The U.S. Drops Pre-Departure Testing Requirement For International Travelers.

As of Sunday, June 12, the Biden administration officially dropped the mandate requiring all international travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test before entering the U.S. The decision comes just in time for the surge in summer travel—both for Americans going abroad and foreign visitors headed to the U.S.


An official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the decision to lift the testing mandate was based on the latest science and the current state of the pandemic. Though the CDC has deemed pre-arrival testing unnecessary, the health agency also stated that it would reassess the decision in 90 days and continuously reevaluate as necessary.


“If there is a need to reinstate a pre-departure testing requirement — including because of a new, concerning variant — CDC will not hesitate to act,” the CDC official told Reuters.
Leaders across the travel industry have applauded the decision as a critical component in the recovery process for the tourism industry.


“The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and speed up the recovery of the U.S. travel industry,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.


While pre-departure testing is no longer required, non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents still need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country via air. This rule does not apply to U.S. citizens and residents.

Survival Tips For This Summer’s Busy Travel Season.

Summer has always signaled the beginning of a seasonal boom in travel. This year that is truer than ever as many travelers make up for the lost time by finally going on their postponed trips or splurging on bucket list destinations. If you’ll be among the millions of people expected to travel this summer, it’s important to note that things have changed since the pre-pandemic days. More preparation and forethought are necessary to make for a smooth trip. From the airport to hit the road, these are some things to keep in mind as you head out into the world of travel this summer.
Don’t wait until the last minute to book flights, hotels, or car rentals.


This summer is not the time for spontaneity. Though the travel demand is higher than ever, the supply is still limited. Hotels are fully booked, flight prices are rising, and rental cars are scarce. If you haven’t made your summer reservations yet, don’t wait a minute more, or you’ll have to do with the leftover scraps from the travelers who booked early.
Check COVID-related protocol in your destination.

Rest And Relaxation Can Add Years To One’s Life.


Whether traveling internationally or domestically, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the pandemic-era regulations in your destination of choice. While many cities and countries are easing restrictions, others still have mask mandates or vaccine requirements. This is especially important when planning an overseas trip, as some destinations require pre-arrival COVID testing regardless of a visitor’s vaccination status.
Don’t avoid destinations with higher regulations.


It might seem easier to go to destinations with looser COVID regulations in place, but the benefit of going to those recently opened places with a few rules still in effect is that you’ll likely have the place to yourself. There will probably never be another time when typically overcrowded destinations are empty, so take advantage of this opportunity to explore. The extra steps will be worth it.
Arrive at the airport even earlier than usual.
Between airline staff shortages, inclement weather, and fundamental errors in flight scheduling, experts believe this summer will see longer-than-usual wait times at the airport and more flight delays and cancelations. You might not avoid these issues, but you can be prepared by arriving earlier than you usually would just in case something goes wrong.
Avoid short layovers.


Direct flights are always best, but if you must book something with a layover, make sure there’s plenty of cushion time between arrival and the subsequent departure, just in case your first flight gets delayed.
Buy travel insurance.


Even in pre-pandemic times, this was always good advice, but it’s imperative now. With more flight delays, cancelations, and the risk of a trip being interrupted by a COVID-19 infection, you’ll want to protect your investment by getting travel insurance. As you look into which insurance to buy, pay special attention to the trip interruption and trip cancelation policies. In case you get COVID while overseas, these are the things that will cover you and you need to quarantine. Medical coverage is equally important.

These Are the Top U.S. Airlines For 2022.

Between staff shortages, unruly passengers, and rising ticket prices, consumers’ overall satisfaction with the air travel experience has decreased in the last year. Despite the dip in ratings, a new survey conducted by J.D. Power showcases airlines are still keeping their customers happy—at least, mostly. 

According to the recently released J.D. Power 2022 North American Airlines Satisfaction Study, Southwest Airlines is the best carrier in the U.S. for the economy and essential economy flights.  

JetBlue Airways takes the top spot for customer satisfaction for those dishing out extra bucks for premium economy, business, and first-class seats. The carrier also scored well for the economy and basic economy fares. 

Over 7,000 travelers took part in the J.D. Power survey, which looked at ticket costs and extra fees and satisfaction with aircraft, baggage, boarding, check-in, flight crew, in-flight services, and reservation experience. 

For this survey, J.D. Power did not explicitly consider airline disruptions like cancellations or extreme delays; it’s possible that these factors influenced the travelers who took part in the survey.  

According to Mike Taylor, J.D. Power’s managing director for travel, hospitality, and retail, as more and more people returned to travel, it was to be expected that passenger satisfaction would decrease after last year’s record high. 

“When you get an aircraft that’s half to a third full, you think this is a great experience, but you can’t maintain an industry flying plane around that are only one-third of capacity,” Taylor told USA Today. “There’s been a greater demand, which means higher prices, less satisfaction, and that middle seat is more likely to be filled than it was a year-and-a-half, two years ago. And that, of course, diminishes satisfaction among airline travelers.” 

The overall rankings of the survey are: 

Economy/Basic Economy 

  • Southwest Airlines (849 out of 1,000 points) 
  • JetBlue Airways (828 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Delta Air Lines (813 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Allegiant Air (803 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Alaska Airlines (794 out of 1,000 points) 

Premium Economy 

  • JetBlue Airways (851 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Delta Air Lines (837 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Alaska Airlines (825 out of 1,000 points) 
  • American Airlines (818 out of 1,000 points) 
  • United Airlines (801 out of 1,000 points) 

First/Business Class 

  • JetBlue Airways (878 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Alaska Airlines (876 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Delta Air Lines (862 out of 1,000 points) 
  • Air Canada (832 out of 1,000 points) 
  • United Airlines (822 out of 1,000 points) 

In Texas, “An Angry Young Man With A Gun In His Hand” Left 21 Dead At Robb Elementary School.

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Texas Shot Gun Massacre. Again?

Concerned Relatives of Victims of Robb Elementary School Shooting Wait For Word From Authorities. 

At about 11:30 a.m., Tuesday morning, a border town of 25,000 residents lost nineteen of its tiniest citizens and two Public School teachers to gun violence. According to Texas officials, police have engaged and killed 18-year-old Salvador Ramos of Uvalde, the man they say is responsible for the Robb Elementary School shooting. A US Customs and Border Protection police officer sustained a wound caused by shrapnel that contacted his head. He’s expected to survive his injury.

Before attacking the school, Ramos shot his grandmother — leaving her in critical condition. — then drove to the school where he crashed his grey pickup truck and carried out his violent assault on the elementary school children.

“Tuesday’s shooting was the deadliest at an elementary school since the Sandy Hook massacre in Connecticut in 2012 that left 26 people dead, including 20 children between 6 and 7 years old.”
According to Uvalde Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, the eighteen-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos acted alone.

“Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Erik Estrada told CNN’s Anderson Cooper the gunman wrecked a vehicle while driving near the school after shooting his grandmother.” “The suspect did crash near a ditch nearby the school. That’s where he exited his vehicle with what I believe was a rifle, and that’s when he attempted to enter the school where he was engaged by law enforcement.”

“The gunman had body armor, the rifle, and a backpack, Estrada said. The shooter made it into several classrooms.” Ramos worked at an Uvalde Wendy’s restaurant but quit last month, according to his former Wendy’s manager Adrian Mendez. Most Since the horrific Uvalde school shooting, Democratic politicians and the rest of the usual suspects began their nightly television prowl, trolling of gun control. While lying on “the take,” Ted (Cruz) stands in opposition to anything Democrats say. The same old jig.

Japan Finally Moves Towards Welcoming Tourists After More Than Two-Year Border Closure.

After over two years of keeping its borders closed to all tourists, Japan is finally taking steps toward welcoming leisure travelers.
On May 17, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) announced that the country would undergo a “test tourism” program before further decisions about reopening to international travelers.

Japan’s “test tourism” trial will allow visitors to enter the country solely as part of the government let small group tours.
“This venture will allow us to verify compliance and emergency responses for infection prevention and plan guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation operators to keep in mind,” JTA said in a statement, according to CNN Travel.
To take part, potential tourists must be triple-vaccinated and come from Australia, Singapore, Thailand, or the U.S. The number of travelers allowed into the program has yet to be decided, but a Japanese government official told CNN that they consider allowing 50 tourists to take part.

Other requirements for these trial tourists include contracting private health insurance before arrival and following the current entry rules for Japan, including providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before departure. Travelers must also re-test upon arrival.

JTA will work with travel agencies throughout Japan to curate fixed travel itineraries in this test tourism trial. Tour leaders will also be required to accompany their tour groups.
If successful, all signs point to the test program being the beginning of Japan’s larger, phased reopening. There is no exact timeline for when Japan will fully reopen, but Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the country will reopen this year to match its fellow G7 nations.

For now, only citizens, residents, researchers, students, residents’ family members, and business travelers with prior approval can enter the country.

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