BBC (Friday): Japan holds ex-chess star Bobby Fischer

[Jack Rabbit]

Note to Mods: This was discussed last night on a thread anchored by a racist website that was at the time the only source available for this story. I'd like to post this story from a reliable source. If you think I am wrong, please lock this thread.

From the BBC Online
Dated Friday July 16 15:14 GMT (8:14 am PDT)

Japan holds ex-chess star Fischer

Japan is holding controversial ex-world chess champion Bobby Fischer, wanted by the US for more than a decade.
Mr Fischer is accused by the US of breaking international sanctions by travelling to Yugoslavia in 1992 to play against a Russian arch-rival.
Mr Fischer, an American citizen, won the match against Boris Spassky but disappeared when the US authorities announced they wanted to prosecute him.
The 61-year-old says he will appeal against the extradition order.

Read more.

[POed_Ex_Repub]

1. I wonder if he'll get pardoned

He's got enough issues already to be worried about jail time.

[NuttyFluffers]

3. nah, bush and ashcroft are evil and hate intelligence.

i fully expect him to be publicly flogged, crucified, beheaded and have his head upon a stake near the ramparts. there'll be uberpatriots below by a bonfire cheering claiming this is what happens to people who turn their backs on america. they'll place the head near the canadian border as a sign to anyone who wants to flee conscription.

/sarcasm, but only slight sarcasm :D

[Jack Rabbit]

4. Fischer's got issues, that's for sure

Most of them are best explained by a psychologist, not a lawyer.

This doesn't make him alone among past chess greats. Morphy, Steinitz and Rubinstein all did time in mental institutions; Alekhine, in addition to just being difficult to get along with, was an alcoholic, had a habit of marrying and divorcing women much older than he and collaborated with the Nazis during World War II; it is said that during an international tournament Nimzovich once stood on his head in the corner when in a difficult position; Petrosian once threatened the arbiter of a match while the arbiter was eating dinner in a cafe.

Much of Fischer's behavior tops that. He is said to have had his fillings removed in the early seventies because he thought some sinister force was sending subliminal messages.

[toddzilla]

2. give me a break!

Like there aren't more pressing issues to worry about...

[LittleApple81]

5. Distractions. This guy represents no riks to the USA. He is looney.n/t

[lazarus]

6. dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=689254#690388