Palin's Wasilla church Sword Ceremony

[trof]

A ceremony in which male 3-year Masters Commission students were presented with Samurai swords, in a ceremony which mentioned the Samurai code of honor. Special note made of the specific uses of the Samurai swords gifted to the students, such as cutting down opponents from horseback, ground-level combat, and in very close combat - as an auxiliary blade to be plucked out for a sudden, killing blow.

The one female 3-year graduate of the program present in the ceremony was presented with a western-style broadsword that appeared larger than the Samurai swords presented to the male students.

below: 3-year graduates of Masters Commission Wasilla Alaska program given swords
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2009/7/17/111343/893

Creepy.

[C_U_L8R]

1. Considering that the Samurai are pretty much extinct

perhaps this is appropriate symbolism.

[Buzz Clik]

2. It was all symbolic. It's not a big deal.

[Paladin]

5. You're Being Sarcastic, I Hope...... (n/t)

[Buzz Clik]

6. No.

It's not for me, but it's just a ceremony.

[formercia]

3. Rule .357 trumps a sword any day.

Samurais who fail:

Seppuku - A Practical Guide.

By Nick May

It is hanami time in Japan and readers thoughts turn naturally to ritual disembowelment. Here in handy cut out form is the Gleaner guide to elegant self-immolation - please don't call it hari kiri..

Seppuku is highly ritualistic, exquisitely precise and earns you maximum respect from students and potential job interviewers alike. However, to avoid excessive pain, thoroughly internalise this fact: seppuku is all about RITUAL. Often one was not even required to DO anything, merely reaching for the knife was considered to be the act initiating your second's coup-de-grace (the famous "47 ronin" were despatched thus). In almost all cases death occurred from having the head almost separated from the body. (Never describe this as beheading, traditionally reserved for common criminals and quite beneath the dignity of gentlefolk.)

Obviously you have to decide well in advance why you are doing it as precise etiquette varies. Resistance, remonstrance, show of loyalty, affirmation of the correctness of one's own position, expiation of a crime and the wiping out of disgrace are all perfectly good reasons; being refused a work visa is not (though it might come under funshi, or seppuku to express great indignation). After all, even in matters of self disembowelment a man must retain a sense of proportion. We will discuss "basic" seppuku and leave you to furnish your own flourishes.

Seppuku absolutely requires a minimum of two participants. Waiting to die from disembowelment is a notoriously drawn out process, very messy and trying for the spectator. Since the Empo era (late 17th century) only loonies such as Mishima and characters in Samurai dramas actually waited for hours to contemplate their entrails by- the-light-of-the-rising-sun - there is no need for you to indulge in anything so vulgarly melodramatic. You will require the services therefore of a Kaishakunin, or "second" whose duty it is to despatch you with a sharp sword at your signal. The exact moment he strikes is entirely for you to decide - obviously the later and more painful your death the better your chances with that next visa. For maximum effect and minimum pain we suggest you fake it. Be sure however that your second has no higher ideals than you, and of course better nerves and swordsmanship.
--snip--

[Tanuki]

4. Who would Jesus shank?

Matthew 26:52-
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

[Mrs. Overall]

7. Her church has a pretty cool pastor:

[peekaloo]

9. and now another episode of *gong*

Samurai Batshit Crazy Soon to be Ex-Governor

[Stevenmarc]

8. Next on the program... A Purpose Driven Geisha