Diet discusses steps for lawmakers with severe disabilities

Saw him, Mr Funago on TV this morning very impressive. A politician who can articulate his policies. And seems genuine about change for the publics benifit. He got more than enough votes to enter the Diet, but deferred to the two citing a need for more diversity in government. Can't argue that point.

I am surprised that a deeply conservative politician hasn't said anything highly insensitive yet.

One of the few good things that happened in this election.

Ah_so....wait for it.

wont take too long

I am surprised that a deeply conservative politician hasn't said anything highly insensitive yet.

Wait until August 1st or 2nd, the first time one of these oyajisauruses sees them and gets his hair dye in a twist.

Figure there'd be a robot caregiver. Perhaps they could remotely operate a robot to sit in their seats and vote for them. I'd do it that way.

Diet discusses steps for lawmakers with severe disabilities

Pun intended or not? It seems the point is to remove steps.

I am surprised that a deeply conservative politician hasn't said anything highly insensitive yet.

Aso Taro must still be chained up in the LDP HQ basement. I think they forgot to let him out after the election finished.

My wife and I probably said a few insensitive things today while discussing this. After all, we wouldn't let someone with cerebral palsy drive an ambulance. Is there some kind of "disability limit" that should be applied to elected office? But as we like to jest, diminished mental capacity doesn't seem to be a problem for a number of prominent politicians. But then, should someone with severe autism be allowed to serve in government? Probably not, was our initial thought, but if they are selected by a democratic process, who are we to say? And then we wondered whether their elections were contested? Who would want to stand against such candidates and use the usual nasty talk of election campaigns against the other candidates? And then I remembered the blind politician David Blunkett in the UK who taught us that it's OK to slag the disabled, as long as it's done without prejudice to their disability. The blind, the deaf, the crippled can be just as wrong as the rest of us. But what about the cost - new doorways, steps, etc. Are there limits we should apply?

The best thing is discussing these issues openly.

And finally, memories of Ian Dury and that song that was once banned on the BBC and then performed at the London Olympics with great gusto. (A pity he wasn't around to perform it.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9AI6VAimY

Educator60

my mistake, thanks for putting me straight.

albaleo: Thank You for having the courage to raise questions and expressing concerns regarding the impact of severe neurological and physical disability on the ability to perform in elected office. I doubt, in today's political-correct environment, whether such questions during the campaign were raised.

No doubt the Diet will have to make special arrangements to accommodate their special needs beyond just installing ramps and elevators, widening doors and aisles; They will have to accommodate the special medical equipment requirements, availability of special ambulance and caregiver attendees' needs as well.

What's next? Mandated electoral quota for disabled representation in the Diet just as there is a mandate for gender quota?

Well, the democratic process has been decided. Let's encourage elected officials Funago and Kimura to do the best to their abilities and hope they will fulfill their elected duties.

For a culture and modern mindset that promotes and encourages attacking and bullying the weak and destroying their will to survive and function in a society, I find this hard to believe and to be mere lip service or 'bakeru hada', as they are masters of. But they will do what they can to make people believe otherwise.