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Opposition grills Suga over science council, virus response

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The governability of the science council itself is questioned where old fashioned leftist members have loud voices.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

LDP = oyajis = my way or the the high way.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

So NEW right wing are the go? How about not left not right take responsibility for yourself . Do you really need an agenda from a left or right? How about educated people? I always appreciate an educated persons input, not so much an uneducated politician.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Suga said he considered the council's nature as a body for which taxpayers' money is used, while adding that there was a bias among its members in terms of age and educational background, among other factors.

Right, you just dont want to have to deal with people telling you that you are wrong!

8 ( +11 / -3 )

The governability of the science council itself is questioned where old fashioned leftist members have loud voices.

"Leftist?" Me thinks you have the wrong country! The council and people in general here, are staunchly conservative and has many ultra-conservatives within it's members!

10 ( +11 / -1 )

If the decision was illegal, file a case now

1 ( +3 / -2 )

On the pandemic, Edano said that face mask shortages, the limited number of coronavirus tests and strains on the medical system have caused significant concern among the public.

Hilarious!! The right wing paid lackeys who post here constantly accuse us of Japan bashing when we criticize the lack of testing and they constantly claim that the Japanese medical system is not under strain.

NOW you have JAPANESE lawmakers saying that the JAPANESE public is significantly concerned about the lack of testing AND about the strain on medical system.

Looks like we were right all along.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Scholars are babies. The council is a group of babies and children.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

He underscored that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy

Of course he did, being another LDP US stooge he has no choice but to.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Scholars are babies. The council is a group of babies and children

Sounds to me like someone here is jealous they didnt get the invite!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Looks like we were right all along.

Based on what try-hard opposition leader Edano says?

Japan is doing way better than Europe and the US on coronavirus, and that's with the most aging population.

Although I don't like the subsidy programs that have been going on, I've come around to the approach to try to keep the economy running as best possible while also staying on top of coronavirus. It's a balanced approach. The US approach is a failure. I suspect the approach of places such as New Zealand is a success in terms of preventing deaths from coronovirus, may prove a failure in economic terms (which also matters a lot for people and their health).

As for this academic council drama, if the voting public don't like what the leader has done, they simply vote his party out at the next election. Simple. This is how democracy works. Demanding Suga change his mind is ridiculous - he has made his mind and now it's up to the voting public to make up theirs, and not simply vote him in again even if they don't like his actions and policies.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

As for this academic council drama, if the voting public don't like what the leader has done, they simply vote his party out at the next election. Simple. 

Only said by someone who does not understand the politics of Japan.

"Simple" to write here, but almost an impossibility in reality!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Based on what try-hard opposition leader Edano says?

Japan is doing way better than Europe and the US on coronavirus, and that's with the most aging population.

No its not. Better than the US yes. But the majority of Europe is doing better. Japan is doing better than some countries in Europe. but not all

And that's with abismally limited testing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_by_country_and_territory

Although I don't like the subsidy programs that have been going on, I've come around to the approach to try to keep the economy running as best possible while also staying on top of coronavirus. It's a balanced approach. The US approach is a failure. I suspect the approach of places such as New Zealand is a success in terms of preventing deaths from coronovirus, may prove a failure in economic terms (which also matters a lot for people and their health).

BS. Both OZ and NZ have done better than anyone else.

As for this academic council drama, if the voting public don't like what the leader has done, they simply vote his party out at the next election. Simple. This is how democracy works.

You obviously don't understand how Japan's so called democracy works.

Demanding Suga change his mind is ridiculous - he has made his mind and now it's up to the voting public to make up theirs, and not simply vote him in again even if they don't like his actions and policies.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Suga said he considered the council's nature as a body for which taxpayers' money is used, while adding that there was a bias among its members in terms of age and educational background, among other factors.

Bias? In Japan? It's not only science council have that kind of bias.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The council opposition to the way the government wants to manage the research done using public funds is not going to disappear just because he choose not to nominate candidates, and in the other hand he sacrificed his credibility and supposedly neutral stance by refusing to give an explanation about the whole thing.

People accusing him of just being extremely sensitive to critics (since that is the whole point of the Science Council) and acting autocratically have won by default after he failed to respond with valid reasons. It is very difficult to see how he is going to survive for long if he so easily dilapidates his limited popularity on a decision that brings only very marginal advantages.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

He is, and will always be a dodger, a reflector, a fibber and a spokesman for Nippon Kaigi controlled LDP.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

the prime minister's decision to keep six government critics off the Science Council of Japan as "illegal"

Throw the PM to detention on solitary confinement for 23 days, force him to confession.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

He then challenged anyone who disagreed with him to a sit up contest.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

What is the solution? I love Japan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

someone who does not understand the politics of Japan.

You obviously don't understand how Japan's so called democracy works.

It works the same way as it does elsewhere.

If voters reaaally don't like the government (think Aso's and Noda's election losses) then the government is voted out.

If the voters prefer the incumbents, they stay in power.

Simple!

Moaning about LDP leadership is pointless. Voting them out is the way to get them to understand. If they aren't getting voted out, then perhaps what they are doing is not all so bad, in the context of their overall behavior, in the eyes of voters.

Personally I think Suga has a valid point that he shouldn't be rubber stamping a tax-payer funded club run by vested interests, no matter what their collective views might be.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

People accusing him of just being extremely sensitive to critics (since that is the whole point of the Science Council) and acting autocratically have won by default after he failed to respond with valid reasons. 

But what's the point in being the leader, if you can't do what you want to do?

Aren't leaders supposed to have some ... leadership?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It works the same way as it does elsewhere.

If voters reaaally don't like the government (think Aso's and Noda's election losses) then the government is voted out.

No it doesn't. For one, the opposition is fragmented by design to make sure that the LDP stays in power. Case in point- you referenced Noda's election. He purposefully lost the election to hand it back to the LDP. AND he wrote a book about it.

If the voters prefer the incumbents, they stay in power.

Simple!

Again. You have NO CLUE how the election process works here. It is FAR FROM democratic.

Moaning about LDP leadership is pointless. Voting them out is the way to get them to understand. If they aren't getting voted out, then perhaps what they are doing is not all so bad, in the context of their overall behavior, in the eyes of voters.

As Yubaru has explained to you and which you have elected to ignore, its not that simple.

Personally I think Suga has a valid point that he shouldn't be rubber stamping a tax-payer funded club run by vested interests, no matter what their collective views might be.

LOL! That's ALL the LDP ever does!!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

But what's the point in being the leader, if you can't do what you want to do?

Aren't leaders supposed to have some ... leadership?

The same way as the followers can complain and end their support for a leader that does things that the followers perceive validly as contrary to what they wanted to be done, even if the leader wanted to do them.

As long as he takes the consequences of doing something that everybody took as authoritarian without even giving an explanation to avoid this perception things are working as they are supposed to. Taking responsibility is also a big part of leadership.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Did you vote for Suga? Will you vote for Suga again?

I don’t directly vote, but my voting partner did not vote for the LDP, and I don’t think will be voting for the LDP next time, either. (Won’t be voting for Edano’s clowns either.)

This is how it works! Democracy is about the majority view being reflected in the government!

It is still democracy even if a minority do not like it! If people want change, they will have to vote for it! No point in disputing the governments mandate, it won the last election!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How so? There are no economic restrictions in NZ whatsoever.

I gather that there are not insignificant industries there dependent on selling services to foreigners, such as tourism and education. Those foreigners won’t be paying if they can’t get into the country because it’s borders are shut. No?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No it doesn't. For one, the opposition is fragmented by design

It's often fragmented because they are useless, not by design. If they had some better leadership and popular policies, perhaps they wouldn't be fragmenting and re-amalgamating repeatedly.

you referenced Noda's election. He purposefully lost the election to hand it back to the LDP.

Tell me about it.

But pray tell also, why did Aso's government get voted out? Was it not a democratic decision?

Again. You have NO CLUE how the election process works here. It is FAR FROM democratic.

The election process here is similar to the election process elsewhere. And if it is not democratic, what do you think it is?

As Yubaru has explained to you and which you have elected to ignore, its not that simple.

You both strike me as being disgruntled with the reality that the LDP is in power, without much sign of being voted out in favour of the hapless opposition and their war cries that are 500 years out-of-date.

LOL! That's ALL the LDP ever does!!

Right - so isn't it good to see Suga breaking with that tradition of rubber stamping the status quo?

I'd not vote for him, but I do like to see tradition broken with.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It's often fragmented because they are useless, not by design. If they had some better leadership and popular policies, perhaps they wouldn't be fragmenting and re-amalgamating repeatedly.

It is by design. You want to talk about useless, look at the LDP under Abe.

The election process here is similar to the election process elsewhere.

No. In no real democracy do you see lawmakers forming and disbanding parties so quickly that the public has no choice but to vote for the one party in power.

And if it is not democratic, what do you think it is?

A one party dictatorship masqurading as a democracy. The LDP has been in power for longer than most Mideast dicatorships.

Right - so isn't it good to see Suga breaking with that tradition of rubber stamping the status quo?

I'd not vote for him, but I do like to see tradition broken with.

If you believe that I've got a bridge to sell you that connects Pyongyang and Tokyo.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Useless was Hatoyama's Minshuto. Abe's LDP was not my bag, but at least their organization has been stable, which counts for something.

No. In no real democracy do you see lawmakers forming and disbanding parties so quickly that the public has no choice but to vote for the one party in power.

This household voted for neither Minshuto remnants nor the LDP, but the sad state of the Minshuto and whatever slightly new name they give themselves now doesn't mean there is suddenly no democracy. People still have a choice, and some do vote for the extreme left parties here.

We vote for reform in this household, but always sadly outnumbered. I've never been a winner in an election, ever :) That's democracy though.

The LDP has been in power for longer than most Mideast dicatorships.

The LDP has been dominant, but certainly not an unbroken dictatorship rule. So I think your complaint is with the voters and political players, more than it is with the political system itself.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Useless was Hatoyama's Minshuto. Abe's LDP was not my bag, but at least their organization has been stable, which counts for something.

They were still useless and more so than hatoyama. He had the establishment against him while Abe had it with. They’re only stable because of the Japan conference

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This household voted for neither Minshuto remnants nor the LDP, but the sad state of the Minshuto and whatever slightly new name they give themselves now doesn't mean there is suddenly no democracy. People still have a choice, and some do vote for the extreme left parties here.

When you have an establishment that is clearly backing only one political party and one agenda you cannot call it a democracy under any circumstances

The LDP has been dominant, but certainly not an unbroken dictatorship rule. So I think your complaint is with the voters and political players, more than it is with the political system itself.

If you think that just that one fluke with the DPJ means that Japan is somehow a democracy you are mistaken. Everyone here, the Japan conference, the media establishment particularly under NHK, the bureaucrats all support the one party dictatorship. You need to do some serious mental gymnastics to consider Japan a democracy . Nobody here would

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Mr. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga,

In you answer to Edano’s question about the Futenma relocation issue, you repeated that Futenma must be relocated to Henoko to reduce the danger it poses to area residents. But U.S. bases such as Kadena, Yokota and USMC Air Station Futenma are dangerous not necessarily because they are planted in the middle of densely populated residential areas but because they are taken aim at by Chinese and probably North Korean missiles.

Danger involved with USMC Air Station Futenma will never disappear whether it is relocated to Henoko or not. So please don't repeat your worn-out mantra that Henoko is the only solution for the Futenma issue.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

If you think that just that one fluke with the DPJ means that Japan is somehow a democracy you are mistaken.

I think it's you that is mistaken. Am I mistaken? 

This is no China nor North Korea.

The voters here cast the votes.

Watching NHK tonight (again airing voices critical of Suga) I was surprised to hear one guy saying that it is "undemocratic" for the PM to not give explanations for his decisions. Democracy is about not electing those who we would collectively rather not have in power, including for lack of accountability. That's how it works. It's not like these clowns are elected and we then have to pester them to behave as we want them to. No. We get rid of them when they suck. 

"Voters" in China and North Korea cannot play that card.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Maybe combover doesn't want to believe in science and is trying to curry favour with the man-child who he thinks, in his wildest dreams, will continue to be his boss from January.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think it's you that is mistaken. Am I mistaken? 

This is no China nor North Korea.

The voters here cast the votes.

Watching NHK tonight (again airing voices critical of Suga) I was surprised to hear one guy saying that it is "undemocratic" for the PM to not give explanations for his decisions.

Hilarious that you mention NHK when NHK is also known as Abe’s channel

Democracy is about not electing those who we would collectively rather not have in power, including for lack of accountability.

Well if you have any idea of what Japanese democracy is like he would know that there is zero accountability here.

That's how it works. It's not like these clowns are elected and we then have to pester them to behave as we want them to.

Actually that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Even President Obama said so as much. So it seems to me that you don’t even know how proper democracy works

No. We get rid of them when they suck. 

Again as other posters besides myself of pointed out to you it is easier said than done when the system is rigged towards one main party. That’s why I told you from the very beginning you don’t understand the Japanese political system.

"Voters" in China and North Korea cannot play that card.

The difference between Japan and either North Korea or China is that the latter do not pretend to be democracies. They quite simply see it as a bad system. Here in Japan, the political system is a one-sided one party political system same as China North Korea. The only differences it gives you the illusion of democracy which actually does not exist

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

NHK is always running segments that are casting doubt on the LDP, calling it Abe's channel has what basis?

Actually that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. Even President Obama said so as much. So it seems to me that you don’t even know how proper democracy works

I don't know what you claim Obama said exactly, but a proper democracy will always see politicians with unpopular policies being voted out of power, in favour of politicians who have more popular policies.

I am not an American voter, but can't recall any time when President Obama decided to change his policies because voters asked him to. But I do recall his Democrats losing control of Congress during his terms - why? because the voters decided they wanted some different policies to what the Democrats had been doing. They didn't keep the same politicians and ask them to change the policies. And a similar thing happened during Trump's term too.

So just because the Japanese opposition hasn't had more popular policies than the incumbent for the past 8 or so years does not mean Japan doesn't have a proper democracy. It suggests the opposition is poor and doesn't have popular policies.

Again as other posters besides myself of pointed out to you it is easier said than done when the system is rigged towards one main party.

Just because you don't get the result you want, doesn't mean the system isn't working. And claiming that the Japanese system is rigged is rich, given the changes of government that have occurred, as compared with places such as Belarus, North Korea, etc

North Korea or China is that the latter do not pretend to be democracies. 

The D in DPRK don't stand for Dopey.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

NHK is always running segments that are casting doubt on the LDP, calling it Abe's channel has what basis?

The Japanese public does. Ask your Japanese spouse.

I am not an American voter, but can't recall any time when President Obama decided to change his policies because voters asked him to. But I do recall his Democrats losing control of Congress during his terms - why? because the voters decided they wanted some different policies to what the Democrats had been doing. They didn't keep the same politicians and ask them to change the policies. And a similar thing happened during Trump's term too.

I remember Obama saying in a speech that the public has to push for change to get him to do that.

Not to mention former governer of Minnesota Jesse Ventura who said

in a democracy, you have hold your gov's feet to the fire to get good government

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So just because the Japanese opposition hasn't had more popular policies than the incumbent for the past 8 or so years does not mean Japan doesn't have a proper democracy.

8 or so years?? Try 80 or so years. The LDP has been in power longer than most dictatorships. Not to mention that the

It suggests the opposition is poor and doesn't have popular policies.

They are poor in that they don't have the monetary resources to challenge the LDP since all the Businesses and Beaurcrats and Media are controlled by Nippon Kaigi which also controls the LDP. The opposition can never muster the same amount of resources to challenge the LDP. How can you call that a democracy?

The D in DPRK don't stand for Dopey.

So what? They don't think they are democratic any more than the L in LDP stands for liberal, OR the CCP being communist. Its just a title. They don't pretend to be democratic anymore than the latter two pretend to be liberal or communist.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

NHK is always running segments that are casting doubt on the LDP, calling it Abe's channel has what basis?

Here.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/10/02/national/media-national/nhk-chief-defends-broadcaster-amid-abe-channel-claims/

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I actually never heard of "Science Council of Japan"

From sci.go.jp:

SCJ was established in January 1949 as a "special organization" under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister, operating independently of the government, for the purpose of promoting and enhancing the field of science, and having science reflected in and permeated into administration, industries and people's lives. It represents Japan's scientists both domestically and internationally with the firm belief that science is the foundation upon which a civilized nation is built.

It's supposed to be independent. That much is clear.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The LDP has been in power longer than most dictatorships. 

Not continuously though, because democracy in Japan changes the government from time to time. Not as regularly as in other democracies, granted. But it’s still democracy nonetheless.

The people of Japan are basically conservative in that they favour stability over change, most of the time.

The hapless opposition here need to think about what policies could actually get themselves elected if they really crave the reins.

They can’t change the makeup of the electorate so they have to be realistic. The Japanese Communists will never come to power.

The Minshuto remnants need to somehow demonstrate a better path forward. At least, it’s certain that a time of crisis will present an opportunity. They need to present a vision of a better Japan to aim for when the crisis strikes and an election presents an opportunity for an overthrow. They simply haven’t done that. All I hear is them talking about going into battle for control like it Is the 1500’s.

I’m an Ishin fan myself, I dream that one day they utterly destroy the LDP in an election, but don’t have high hopes for it.

It's supposed to be independent. That much is clear.

Yeah. And if it matters enough to voters then they can express that at next years election. I doubt they care about it that much.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Not continuously though, because democracy in Japan changes the government from time to time. Not as regularly as in other democracies, granted. But it’s still democracy nonetheless. 

I guess this is where you and I fundamentally disagree. I honestly in my heart don’t believe that this country is a democracy. And I believe that the odds are stacked far too high in the LDP’s favor to call it a democracy. We can go back-and-forth on this subject. But I guess the best thing to do is to agree to disagree respectfully

The people of Japan are basically conservative in that they favour stability over change, most of the time.

I don’t know that that’s true. It might be. I haven’t really come to a conclusion about that. My general observance is that people here don’t vote as much because they don’t really seem to think that much will change. And they’re generally apolitical. But that’s not the same as saying they’re conservative. But I can’t really say that I have a opinion on the subject.

The hapless opposition here need to think about what policies could actually get themselves elected if they really crave the reins. 

As I’ve said before, there’s a lot more going against the opposition and just general public opinion. There was a party contributions that the LDP gets from various sources were the opposition cannot even begin to muster. This comes from the history of the LDP and Abe’s grandfather who built it. But that’s a whole other topic that you and I need to get together for a beer to discuss.

They can’t change the makeup of the electorate so they have to be realistic. The Japanese Communists will never come to power. 

The problem for all of the opposition parties is the same. The system is rigged so far so much against them that it is impossible for anyone to really Wrestle power from the LDP

The Minshuto remnants need to somehow demonstrate a better path forward. At least, it’s certain that a time of crisis will present an opportunity. They need to present a vision of a better Japan to aim for when the crisis strikes and an election presents an opportunity for an overthrow. They simply haven’t done that. All I hear is them talking about going into battle for control like it Is the 1500’s.

The problem is is now the LDP Is very wary of what they’re doing. And they’re not gonna let another slip up happen

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As same as Abe govt, Suga govt never answer against criticism straightly, only wait that general public forget it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

One thing that is always stuck in the back of my mind is the government headed by a prime minister, whatever educational background he may have, has more power than a group of the most intelligent minds in Japan including presidents of the institution of higher learning. 

A prime minister and people under him may be the ones who failed to pass an entrance examination and so couldn't enter the university of their choice.

Should politicians be given more power than scholars? This is a universal question, I think, that applies to any country.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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