【ニッポンの新常識】シールズと話せたのは収穫だが、野党のデマを拡散する行動は感心しない
Great Opportunity to Speak with SEALDs, But Cannot Agree with Spreading of Opposition Party Propaganda
http://www.zakzak.co.jp/society/domestic/news/20151003/dms1510031000003-n1.htm
Late Friday night last week (actually early Saturday morning) I appeared on TV Asahi’s “Heated Debate: Live until Morning!” The theme was “Heated Debate: Security Diet Session, Student Demonstrations?!, Japanese Democracy.”
At one point I appeared somewhat frequently on this program, but it would turn into shouting matches, no conclusion would be reached, and it sometimes seemed somewhat useless. I hesitated about accepting the request this time but decided to appear.
It was a great opportunity to be able to speak directly with the leaders of the much-vaulted student organization SEALDs which became famous for carrying on demonstrations against the national security bills. From the internet, I had the impression that they were one and the same with the irresponsible opposition parties and other extremist groups, but when I spoke with the two leaders who appeared on the show, I found they were students seriously thinking about the future. It became clear to me that they had been the victims of image manipulation.
Of course, I cannot accept the fact that instead of believing the serious words and deeds of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe they spread the false propaganda of the irresponsible opposition parties. However, young people tend to find it cool to oppose authority, and anyone can make a mistake.
SEALDs should also interact with conservative groups. I recognize the significance of the demonstrations, but it is not acceptable to spread false labels such as “war bills” and inflated reports on the number of demonstrators.
They are soliciting contributions and publishing materials. I hope they will not become professional demonstrators like the anti-whaling Sea Shepherd group.
I think attorney Makoto Ito’s statements supporting the current constitution and opposing the national security bills had the most impact on the viewers.
He started out, “It is not possible now, but…” and then continued by stressing that the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty should be scrapped and the self-defense forces abolished, Japan should become an unarmed neutral country, and “The country should be protected by other than military means.”
I know Japanese love to view the fundamental nature of other human beings as good, but in reality, bad people exist. Even two very good parties come to blows from time to time. Between countries, “come to blows” means war.
In this world far removed from any kind of Utopia, I cannot imagine any way to protect Japan absent military might. I would like to have heard a more concrete explanation from Mr. Ito.
There was a strong reaction to my comment that “Article 9 itself is unconstitutional.”
Fundamentally, a constitution is to restrict autocracy in the exercise of powers by those in authority as they exercise their duties. Their duties include protecting a country from invasion by another country. Historically, the time-proven effective method for preserving national security has been to possess military strength.
My argument is simple: If Article 9 is an impediment to the exercise of providing effective national security, then Article 9 itself is in violation of the constitution. However, many people are enraged as if I am denying holy scripture.
I think that true constitutionalism requires returning to a consideration of the reason for the existence of a constitution without being too hung up on certain written provisions.
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