Abe's 'Holy Grail' of revising pacifist constitution increasingly elusive

Too bad, as Japan really needs to adjust its constitution with the times we are living in.

There is no doubt that Japan needs to play an active role in pushing back against China's claiming of the sea, as once they do, it will take conflict to get it back.

Unless and until Japan departs from the imperium Americana, it will never be a "normal" country. Fiddle with constitutions as much as you like, it doesn't matter.

His goal not ours.

thepersoniamnowToday  03:59 pm JST

Too bad, as Japan really needs to adjust its constitution with the times we are living in.

There is no doubt that Japan needs to play an active role in pushing back against China's claiming of the sea, as once they do, it will take conflict to get it back.

Umm... what sea are you talking about? Presumably if China tries to enforce any claims to waters currently administered by Japan, the Japanese MSDF can presumably use force to defend Japanese territory against foreign invasion. If it's another country's sea or international waters, isn't that someone else's problem? Soft power works better for Japan, not trying to find excuses to roll the clock back to 1937.

Revising article 9 is far much more than "exertion of force."

As the constitution does not recognize war as a means of conflict resolution, this also means that there are no bills to compensate victims of war or terror and veterans.

Even in the private sector, If you read the fine print on a Japanese insurance policy, it will clearly state "not liable for losses due to war, terrorism, or armed conflict."

Times have changed. Japan needs to realize that as a nation that holds significant influence on an international scale, it must also contribute equivalently to global stability.

For Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe there is a Latin phrase, opus gubernatoris non tam facile est quam videtur, inconsequential to any other than Tomomi Inada and possibility, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba

Their fate is intertwined  in the belief that common events will provide a demonstrative route to leadership. For Tomomi Inada the potential for individual achievement has been an alleged master class of duplicity and deceit.

For Shigeru Ishiba,  a throwback to past political factional failure without a single coherent policy that will motivate or galvanize any form of economic credibility.

What is left is the wet liberal leaning Fumio Kishida. Nice but politically dry rinse dish water dull.  'Holy Grail' do me a favor, it is definitive political mediocrity no more no less, a smoke screen. So mines a gin and tonic, ice and a slice and a nasty tax bill for the pleasure.

As the constitution does not recognize war as a means of conflict resolution, this also means that there are no bills to compensate victims of war or terror and veterans.

How do you come to that conclusion? Even if both points are true they don't appear to be related.

As the constitution does not recognize war as a means of conflict resolution, this also means that there are no bills to compensate victims of war or terror and veterans.

How do you come to that conclusion? Even if both points are true they don't appear to be related.

The constitution was written under the pretense that war simply would never happen. Thus, any mention of veterans or victim compensation was dismissed or protested by the opposition party as pretense for war.

@Civitas Sine Suffragio: your statement reflects a juvenile understanding of geopolitics - who else would Japan ally itself with besides Anglosphere? Russosphere? Sinosphere?

Simon Foster

First of all, comparing things to 1937...cmon man.

Secondly regardless of what I think about Abe and the LDP, I think that Japan's constitution was written by America who swore to protect it and made Japan swear to not arm (to put it simply).

Now 70 years later America is encouraging Japan to defend itself as times have changed.

Japan is surrounded by Russia, Korea, and China. All three countries are rather hostile to Japan and if Japan was weak, they would make a move on it, for revenge for the past or whatever.

You not being Japanese may not care much, but I do care about our fate and I want Japan to be strong and able to defend itself. Nobody picks on the 250lb 6'5 guy do they? Even in the dark alley they leave him be.

Its stupid to not be able to defend yourself if you need to.

You not being Japanese may not care much,

Whoa, hold up there a sec. Unfair statement. There's plenty of us who live here and care deeply. Some of us are worried about an aggressive retrogressive Japan as well as our neighbours kicking off.

but I do care about our fate and I want Japan to be strong and able to defend itself. Nobody picks on the 250lb 6'5 guy do they? Even in the dark alley they leave him be.

Its stupid to not be able to defend yourself if you need to.

And what kind of defence do you personally advocate? Pro-active or reactive?

Are you prepared to go to war? How would conflict benefit this wonderful country?

What would, then, be the best way to prevent war, while preserving what makes this country wonderful?

Toasted heretic

I recommend having the capability to deter any attack by another nation.

This is not about your personal preference for peace. I grew up in places in conflict and I want peace for Japan at least as much as you do.

Can Japan count absolutely and entirely militarily on the US for the next 30 years?

If you have any hesitation or ifs or buts, then you have probably answered any questions you may have. I invite you to look at history as to what happens to those who aren't being able to protect themselves?

Sorry I mistyped. The last sentence of my above post.

I invite you to look at history to what happens to those who cannot protect themselves.

Actually I hope that all people who sit around claiming to want peace realize that on this earth, and with our species (human) that also equates to nobody around daring to mess with you. None of your liberal ideals are going to change that.

What would, then, be the best way to prevent war, while preserving what makes this country wonderful?

Dialogue, sanctions, boycott Chinese goods. Certainly not flag waving and nationalism. That goes for any country.

None of your liberal ideals are going to change that.

Whilst conservative and nationalist ideas will?

I invite you to look at history as to what happens to those who aren't being able to protect themselves?

And I invite you to look at history as to what happened when Japan could defend itself. Not exactly the best of times for all concerned.

Dialogue, sanctions, boycott Chinese goods. Certainly not flag waving and nationalism. That goes for any country.

And when these fail or produce the opposite effect, then what? These have also been the pretext for war or threats of war in many cases.

If two random people on the internet cannot change the other's mind, how much more can you change the mind of a head of state with an agenda and much more at stake.

Certainly not flag waving and nationalism. That goes for any country.

Nationalism put satellites in space, send men to the moon, and invented that computer/internet you're using right now. Maybe you should turn it off if you don't like nationalism

And I invite you to look at history as to what happened when Japan could defend itself. Not exactly the best of times for all concerned.

it was 70 years ago, move on. No one is batting an eye at the large German military and they were just as horrid. Times change and countries change. Japan is much different as well and would not revert if article 9 is adjusted.

Bottom line is that article 9 must be adjusted to give the JSDF a true legal standing. The war renouncing portion can stay. Everyone should be able to agree on that

that flag reminds me of the movie Tora tora tora

japan can protect itself. seen the weapons, we have no problem. this is about attack.

It's obvious that Japan needs to amend, adjust Article 9 in order to remove contradictions and ensure that Japan will be able to defend itself. The post WWII Cold War period has changed. US commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty may change in the future. Threats to Japan's security has grown under China's massive military and territorial expansion and North Korea's full steam nuclearization. Any steps forward in normalizing Japan's military is welcomed by the entire world, The US, Europe, Australia, India, SEA nations, all who are concerned with China's SCS activities. Those against are China and their puppets in South Korea. The latter being completely absurd since China supports NKorea, is against SKoreadefending themselves, and the US relies on Japan for logistical support to carry out any operations in Asia. As they did during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Any comments relating to Japan today to WWII Imperialism are ridiculous CCP propaganda.

safe for 70 years. one of the most advanced self defence armies.

After 4,486 U.S. soldiers died in Iraq and 2,345 U.S. soldiers died in Afghanistan, 1 million U.S. soldiers wounded in both wars, and a potential cost of up to $6 trillion...this is a little old, sorry.

The title and the picture of this topic doesn't match to me...The picture is too outstanding!

I agree it's important but there are other important things. Japan's biggest crisis is population decline, economic decline, debt and the future of it's business and education models. Abe hasn't done enough for people to win carte blanche on this. I think the Japanese people are mistrustful of changing this to begin with and Abe's focus on this pet issue hasn't helped the nation. I don't disagree with the idea in principle but think he should have done more to orientate Japan in more concrete ways that affect every day life. A9 is a seemingly abstract/theoretical problem for most people. There may be very serious consequences either way in theory but they are not in people's everyday lives right now.

How abstract is it to look at the current JSDF and the second paragraph of Article 9 and reach the conclusion that there exists a massive contradiction.

Man if he manages to revise the best constitution to date (after Costa Rico), then idiots all over the world will start bringing tyranny and authoritarianism back. How are supposed to look Einstein and Gagarin in the eyes then, hmm??

thepersoniamnowToday  08:02 pm JST

Simon Foster

Who?

First of all, comparing things to 1937...cmon man.

Well, that's what Shinzo Abe and his Nippon Kaigi friends do all the time.

Secondly regardless of what I think about Abe and the LDP, I think that Japan's constitution was written by America who swore to protect it and made Japan swear to not arm (to put it simply).

Now 70 years later America is encouraging Japan to defend itself as times have changed.

So Japan should keep on doing whatever America wants?

Japan is surrounded by Russia, Korea, and China. All three countries are rather hostile to Japan and if Japan was weak, they would make a move on it, for revenge for the past or whatever.

You not being Japanese may not care much, but I do care about our fate and I want Japan to be strong and able to defend itself. Nobody picks on the 250lb 6'5 guy do they? Even in the dark alley they leave him be.

Its stupid to not be able to defend yourself if you need to.

All of which would make sense if Japan did not actually have any armed forces for Abe to inspect in his top hat and tails, just like they did in the good old Showa days that he obviously yearns for. But the fact is, Japan's SDF does have the troops, the weaponry, the technology and the budget, so where you get this idea that Japan cannot defend itself I just cannot imagine.

Worrying about Nippon Kaigi when you have the Chinese dictatorship next door is like worrying about a paper cut when there's a truck about to run you over. Whining about Japanese "nationalism" and "right wing" is just CCP propaganda, while they grab whatever they want and declare they'll never give it up.

Japanese people live longer. Majority may not like Article 9 change. Abe suggested Article 16 change. This change will be popular. Suppose older people goof and vote ok on both .....,

What would, then, be the best way to prevent war, while preserving what makes this country wonderful?

Keep the pacifist constitution and change the PM.

Citizen2012Today 01:23 am JSTWhat would, then, be the best way to prevent war, while preserving what makes this country wonderful?

Keep the pacifist constitution and change the PM.

Keeping the "pacifist constitution" is really going to stop North Korea from firing missiles at Japan or US bases in Japan or keep China from trying to take Okinawa. Oh wait, that's what you really want...

If pacifist constitution is changed, Japan can get rid of GIs and base occupants creating crimes.

His nationalistic agenda is too neo-conservative to meet modern aspects of world society. It's okay to love one's country, but to kind of gag countries to adopt japanese culture is just a pre-modern utopistic ideal from Abe.

Whether constitution is changed or not, Abe will be PM.. LDP will not oust him.

Strikebreaker555Today 02:34 am JSTHis nationalistic agenda is too neo-conservative to meet modern aspects of world society. It's okay to love one's country, but to kind of gag countries to adopt japanese culture is just a pre-modern utopistic ideal from Abe.

Please give an example of "gaging other countries to adopt Japanese culture". Have no idea what you're talking about.

Opposition parties need to start over. To think that they can't bring this guy down and find a suitable replacement has made it weak and a threat to Japan's democracy. Unfortunately it's not an institution that brings out the best candidates. Add the oyaji bubble and it's a daunting task.

Still, a country of pacifists taking down a wolf by obvious unpopularity is nice to see. Now just get someone who cares about Japan's actual needs that isn't beholden to the right wing

I think Abe will be PM for three Moore years. nlless LDP. looses electiion

Abe is behaving like the allegorical ostrich. If he thinks it in Japan's best interest to remain shackled to an historical American-imposed defence posture in the face of North Korean aggression and Chinese regional expansion, he is putting his own dream ahead of his country's security.

Ossan - I agree as do many, that there is a contradiction in A9 that needs to be rectified. Japan already has the 6th or 7th largest military in the world and that's not changing, so an acceptable to all re-wording is necessary.

But your comment,  "Worrying about Nippon Kaigi when you have the Chinese dictatorship next door is like worrying about a paper cut when there's a truck about to run you over. Whining about Japanese "nationalism" and "right wing" is just CCP propaganda........" is way overly simplistic.

I don't know if you live here or not, but NipponKaigis overbearing presence is in many aspects of life from national to local govt, business, media, etc. Just because you don't see the face of nipponkaigi publicly on a daily basis, doesn't mean it's influence is any less. All this is well documented. And commenting on nationalism and right wing as being representative of ccp is laughable. My father-in-law always speaks disparagingly of Abe Inc & their sabre rattling, based on his and his families terrible war time experience. He also loathes the ccp. Molding peoples opinions to fit your agenda is as equally questionable as the ccp's propoganda.

With all of this though, Abe has been intent on changing the constitution since his younger days. His prime-minister grandfather failed to, as did his politician father and other family members failed to. He sees it as his birthright to re-write the constitution in a way that appeases the soul of his grandfather. He has stated as such.

With the debt problems in the US and the rapidly expanding Chinese military, Japan better get its act together. The US cannot secure the world anymore and it can no longer ensure Japan's security from China. US military spending as a percentage of GDP is at historic lows and destined to decline due to an expanding welfare state.

Japan desperately needs a more capable military and a nuclear deterrent or they are destined to be dominated by China and compelled to move closer to China as their patron.

Don't be shortsighted Japan. Change your Constitution to match present day realities and preserve your independence when the US can no longer provide for your defense.

browny1Today 08:55 am JSTOssan -

I don't know if you live here or not, but NipponKaigis overbearing presence is in many aspects of life from national to local govt, business, media, etc. Just because you don't see the face of nipponkaigi publicly on a daily basis, doesn't mean it's influence is any less. All this is well documented. And commenting on nationalism and right wing as being representative of ccp is laughable. My father-in-law always speaks disparagingly of Abe Inc & their sabre rattling, based on his and his families terrible war time experience. He also loathes the ccp. Molding peoples opinions to fit your agenda is as equally questionable as the ccp's propaganda.

Laughable only to one who has not been following the news for the last 10 years. If your father in law is a Chinese nationalist then that's understandable. If he is Japanese he is the product of his generation's "heiwa boke", those who grew up demonizing war and the Imperial Japanese military (and rightly so) but becoming so detached from the realities of geopolitics that they can't see the changing environment that Japan is now facing.

As far as Abe is concerned, he spoke before both houses of the US Congress in Washington DC and received a standing ovation. The US has been trying to get Japan to remilitarize since the Korean War in 1950, when we forced Japan to create the JSDF indirect contradiction to Article 9. Which we imposed on them just 5 years earlier! IN gthe 1980s Pres. Reagan tried to get PM Zenko Suzuki to agree to let the JSDF help defend Guam and was rejected with Art 9 as the excuse. In 1991 we asked Japan to send the JSADF to join the coalition against Sadam Hussein, and again Japan pulled the Art9 card. It became clear to some J-politicians even then that the world was beginning to see Art 9 as the "excuse" that Japan would use to avoid sharing any security responsibility befitting the second largest economy in the world. The need for change of Art9 was clear during the Koizumi administration during which time Abe was a Vice-Cabinet Secretary. What Abe has pursued has been a sticking point in US-Japan relations for decades, and only China's overt aggressive behavior in the South and East China Seas has provided the fuel to get such changes off the ground.

browny1Today 08:55 am JSTOssan -But your comment, "Worrying about Nippon Kaigi when you have the Chinese dictatorship next door is like worrying about a paper cut when there's a truck about to run you over. Whining about Japanese "nationalism" and "right wing" is just CCP propaganda........" is way overly simplistic.

Every democratic country has right wing and left wing. That's the nature of democratic societies, they aren't like China where you are only allowed to have one political party and it's against the law to express views that counter those of the government. The right wing in Japan may be an annoyance but they aren't posing a threat to peace and stability in the whole region as China is. China has been using the "right wing" "yasukuni" "WWII lack of remorse" "Return to Imperialism" card for the last 10 or so years. While building the biggest military force in Asia and declaring nearly the entire South China Sea as it's own. Yes, the right wing in Japan are NOTHING compared to what the CCP I is actually doing in the region.

Ossan - thank you for your comments.

As I iterated earlier - I agree there  needs to be a redefining of A9. So I don't need to be convinced by repeated rhetoric.

And sorry - but I've been following the Japanese news re all of this for at least 25years and I still find your comment laughable. And yes my in-laws are of the "heiwa" generation and rightly so their experiences have fashioned their beliefs and opinions. Much in the same way as we all are - including you being fashioned by your surrounds. Nothing unique there.  But as they witnessed war horrors first hand - not the least the bombing of their town - they have held strongly to the idea that pacifism is the greatest ideal to hold. Call it naive or ignorant or whatever you like, but I admire them and others who in the face of popular ridicule never waver. Sure the world has changed. Who'd ever think it was static? But govts seeking the same answers to the same quandaries through a barrel of a gun (or other more dastardly means),  killing 95% non-combatants in the process, is flawed.  World history is littered with the carcasses of such and it is realistic to hope that a global conscience will emerge in the future that places control with the many and not the few. 

And disregarding nipponkaigi's grip on power by comparing it to the ccp is surely harvesting straw.

Simon Foston

For someone so concerned about Nippon Kaigai and unconcerned about the warring aggressive nations around us, you should learn a little more about history, Japan, and the times we live in.

Japanese people in general do not support Nippon Kaigai and other nationalist groups. I'd say most people and nearly all young people are opposed to it. Of course some old people are still going to be claiming ancient stuff, that happens in all cultures.

Japan does not need to do whatever America wants it to. Japan needs to be able to do what it needs to do on its OWN terms. It's in a very dangerous neighborhood and it's the right thing to do.

The wrong thing to do is to do nothing, have an outdated constitution, and then realize you have been left to fend for yourself. Look through history at what happens to those who did that.

And I promise you, if there's conflict, it will be quite post 2010 style and none of this pre WWII nonsense.

thepersoniamnowToday  01:36 pm JST

Simon Foston

For someone so concerned about Nippon Kaigai and unconcerned about the warring aggressive nations around us, you should learn a little more about history, Japan, and the times we live in.

Oh really? I don't presume to tell anyone what they should do based on ignorant assumptions about what they know and what they don't, so I have no interest whatsoever in what you think I should do.

The wrong thing to do is to do nothing, have an outdated constitution, and then realize you have been left to fend for yourself.

More than one person here has commented that Japan is actually quite capable of fending for itself, but you haven't said anything about that. Anyway, it doesn't matter what restrictions are lifted on Japan's military capacities if people like Shinzo Abe and Tomomi Inada are spearheading the response to foreign hostility. Anyone who thinks they're up to the challenge is laughably naive.

Nationalism put satellites in space, send men to the moon, and invented that computer/internet you're using right now. Maybe you should turn it off if you don't like nationalism

Nationalism leads to war and conflict. It encompasses racism, sectarianism and bigotry. Look at the nationalism leading up to WW1 & 2. Or more recently, Bosnia. And don't get me started on Ireland because we'll be here all day and night.

I'd rather the old pacifism route and remain tuned in and switched on, if that's agreeable.

browny1Today 12:18 pm JSTOssan - thank you for your comments.

As I iterated earlier - I agree there needs to be a redefining of A9. So I don't need to be convinced by repeated rhetoric.

And sorry - but I've been following the Japanese news re all of this for at least 25years and I still find your comment laughable.

You are free to laugh away while the world deals with China's 9-dash line and building and militarization of artificial islands. Try reading global news sources to see which is a bigger issue in the world, Japanese right wing or China's nationalism and military and territorial expansion. You'll find few people share your sense of humor other than CCP supporters.

Call it naive or ignorant or whatever you like, but I admire them and others who in the face of popular ridicule never waver.

It is both naïve and ignorant, but completely understandable. They are typical of the Japanes post WWII generation educated and ingrained to "hate" war and anything military. Not sure what there is to admire since that's how they were ingrained. Nothing more and nothing less.

Sure the world has changed. Who'd ever think it was static? But govts seeking the same answers to the same quandaries through a barrel of a gun (or other more dastardly means), killing 95% non-combatants in the process, is flawed. World history is littered with the carcasses of such and it is realistic to hope that a global conscience will emerge in the future that places control with the many and not the few. 

Yes yes war is bad. War is evil. Like we don't all know this, Been there since Vietnam.

And disregarding nipponkaigi's grip on power by comparing it to the ccp is surely harvesting straw.

If Nipponkaigi is causing a major destabilization of peace in East Asia, tell me about it. If they make headlines in global newspapers every day then you'll have a point. Otherwise, you don't.

It is both naïve and ignorant, but completely understandable. They are typical of the Japanes post WWII generation educated and ingrained to "hate" war and anything military. Not sure what there is to admire since that's how they were ingrained. Nothing more and nothing less.

War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.

That should about do it, don't you think?

Almost. Preparing for War does preserve the Peace. The struggle to ensure our Freedom does enslave us. But Ignorance isn't strength but a weakness. Hence those who advocate perpetuating ignorance are seeking to perpetuate weakness. And the only ones who gain from it are those who intend to benefit from it.

Ossan - thanks again. A short reply as my longer note suddenly disappeared into the cyber.

Re - laughable - my original stated it was laughable to think one cannot oppose the right wing-nuts while not being a ccp sympathiser. You seem to believe the 2 share the one umbilical cord. I loathe both. Simple.

Re pacifism  - as I stated we all are the sum of our ingrainedness - you are. As I am. What I admire is their resilience in not succumbing to the "we are all about to be bombed (die)" rhetoric espoused by many of the country's leaders. Fanning fear is a great technique of the current masters.

Re war is evil - of course we should know, but unsurprisingly many don't. It's a justification for resource management - human and otherwise - and to accumulate power and profit. So it's business as usual. My point was, it takes a lot of guts, nouse and understanding for a country to go down the pacifist road. Far more difficult than the following the war trail with your buddies. Because with the anti-war approach you have no buddies. But it's got to start somewhere. India lost millions, but Gandhi didn't fire a shot. Freedom came. Naive some may well  say - well historically war has been as naive in it's focus as anything ever created by humans. Japan can travel the neutral/peace road while still maintaining it's Self Defense(not Offense) Force to protect against attack. As I said it is currently the 6th largest military in the world.

Re nipponkaigi - I already stated - your argument in comparing to east asia and global headlines is a deflection - straw harvesting.

browny1Today 08:59 am JST

Re - laughable - my original stated it was laughable to think one cannot oppose the right wing-nuts while not being a ccp sympathiser. You seem to believe the 2 share the one umbilical cord. I loathe both. Simple.

They do share the same umbilical chord. Harping on the "right wing" in Japan is a core component of CCP anti-Japan propaganda. Keeping WWII alive, when all the actual WWII Allied victors have put it past them, is part of their information war strategy.

Re nipponkaigi - I already stated - your argument in comparing to east asia and global headlines is a deflection - straw harvesting.

Only to someone either not looking at the "big picture", or supporting the CCP. If you despise "both" then ask yourself which has the far far greater potential to bring suffering to the global population.

OssanAmericaToday  09:36 am JST

browny1Today 08:59 am JST

"Re - laughable - my original stated it was laughable to think one cannot oppose the right wing-nuts while not being a ccp sympathiser. You seem to believe the 2 share the one umbilical cord. I loathe both. Simple."

They do share the same umbilical chord. Harping on the "right wing" in Japan is a core component of CCP anti-Japan propaganda. 

So in other words, it's only CCP sympathizers who have or express critical views of Japanese right wing politicians and groups like Nippon Kaigi?

Simon FostonToday 10:04 am JSTOssanAmericaToday  09:36 am JST

browny1Today 08:59 am JST

"Re - laughable - my original stated it was laughable to think one cannot oppose the right wing-nuts while not being a ccp sympathiser. You seem to believe the 2 share the one umbilical cord. I loathe both. Simple."

They do share the same umbilical chord. Harping on the "right wing" in Japan is a core component of CCP anti-Japan propaganda. 

So in other words, it's only CCP sympathizers who have or express critical views of Japanese right wing politicians and groups like Nippon Kaigi?

In the real world of course not. On this forum pretty much so.

Ossan - thankyou.

You said - "...If you despise "both" then ask yourself which has the far far greater potential to bring suffering to the global population...."

Who is talking about that - a greater propensity for evil??? Only you. I think it's a dose of that ingrainedness you've been on about.

And for the nth time - bcause I'm (and others are)  critical of many of Abe's policies and leanings, does not a Chinese Communist Party sympathiser make. That's about as stereo-type-cast a comment could be.

We all have our differing opinions - thankfully and to be welcomed - but I try not to make presumptions on knowing others characters / leanings based on what amounts to nothing. The fact that you seemingly detest the ccp and embrace Abe's intentions, doesn't make me believe you are a fascist.

Thanks.

And for the nth time - bcause I'm (and others are) critical of many of Abe's policies and leanings, does not a Chinese Communist Party sympathiser make. That's about as stereo-type-cast a comment could be.

Certainly one can be critical of Abe's policies and leanings without being a CCP sympathizer, but if you use that as a reason to not push a much needed change to Article 9, you have to wonder who is benefiting from Japan's reticence, and what you are doing to help them.

Kazuaki - if you read my posts you'd have your answer and wouldn't need to pose such.

It's all there.

browny1Aug. 3  03:52 pm JST

Ossan - thankyou.

You said - "...If you despise "both" then ask yourself which has the far far greater potential to bring suffering to the global population...."

Who is talking about that - a greater propensity for evil??? Only you. I think it's a dose of that ingrainedness you've been on about.

We are, aren't we? Don't you despise the right wing because of their way of thinking has a propensity for evil? If not, why then do you despise them?

And for the nth time - bcause I'm (and others are) critical of many of Abe's policies and leanings, does not a Chinese Communist Party sympathiser make. That's about as stereo-type-cast a comment could be.

No it doesn't. But anyone who can not accept that one evil is greater than another is either blind, or has an agenda.

We all have our differing opinions - thankfully and to be welcomed - but I try not to make presumptions on knowing others characters / leanings based on what amounts to nothing. The fact that you seemingly detest the ccp and embrace Abe's intentions, doesn't make me believe you are a fascist.

Good, because the United States embraces Abe's intentions. The U.S. also detests authoritarian dictatorships. This country fought fascism in Europe and Asia 70 years ago.

However, Japan never should send Japanese SDF soldiers to Muslim conflict and Islamic Country. Do not make mistake West has been making mistake for over decades. Muslim culture and religion do not fit with Japanese culture and tradition.

Arabian Proverb “If the camel once gets his nose in the tent, his body will soon follow.”

PM Abe must see the stick first and see Oil and Gas later. Today, you can buy Oil and Gas from many source and Middle East was no longer main source of Oil and Gas.

OssanAmericaToday  07:42 am JST

"We all have our differing opinions - thankfully and to be welcomed - but I try not to make presumptions on knowing others characters / leanings based on what amounts to nothing. The fact that you seemingly detest the ccp and embrace Abe's intentions, doesn't make me believe you are a fascist."

Good, because the United States embraces Abe's intentions. The U.S. also detests authoritarian dictatorships.

The U.S. doesn't seem to detest the regime in Saudi Arabia, nor did it seem to detest the regimes of its allies in Persia, Chile, the Phillipines, South Vietnam, Nicaragua or Iraq...

Simon FostonAug. 4 11:10 pm JSTOssanAmericaToday  07:42 am JST

"We all have our differing opinions - thankfully and to be welcomed - but I try not to make presumptions on knowing others characters / leanings based on what amounts to nothing. The fact that you seemingly detest the ccp and embrace Abe's intentions, doesn't make me believe you are a fascist."

Good, because the United States embraces Abe's intentions. The U.S. also detests authoritarian dictatorships.

The U.S. doesn't seem to detest the regime in Saudi Arabia, nor did it seem to detest the regimes of its allies in Persia, Chile, the Phillipines, South Vietnam, Nicaragua or Iraq...

Of course not. The US supports dictatorships that supports it's own goals. During the Cold War that was the bread an butter of U.S. anti-communist policy, especially South America. China however does NOT support U.S. policy and I fact has openly declared itself an adversary.

OssanAmericaAug. 4  07:42 am JST

The U.S. also detests authoritarian dictatorships. 

Hooray for the U.S.! Boo for authoritarian dictatorships!

OssanAmericaToday  01:23 am JST

"The U.S. doesn't seem to detest the regime in Saudi Arabia, nor did it seem to detest the regimes of its allies in Persia, Chile, the Phillipines, South Vietnam, Nicaragua or Iraq..."

Of course not. The US supports dictatorships that supports it's own goals.

Hrmm... somehow that doesn't sound quite so admirable, does it?