Governments / Politics
日本社会はこれ以上悪くならないという幻想。そしてＴＰＰの異常さ
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - 22:38 — Sachieオーストラリア国立大学のガヴァン・マコーマック名誉教授が、安倍総理の自己矛盾を突いてます。下に内容を要約します。
www.japanfocus.org/-Gavan-McCormack
国民に忠誠心を求める一方、個人の権利制限・剥奪しようとする、水面下での動き。憲法改悪（９条、教育法、靖国神社公式参拝、国防軍など）のもくろみ。過去の残虐行為・侵略戦争責任の否定、侵略美化。北朝鮮や中国敵視。先の戦争の首謀者であり、Ａ級戦犯で首相となった祖父が、戦前たどった帝国（絶対・国粋）主義の足跡を追う安倍氏は、保守派でなく、過激派で歴史修正主義者である。
同時に、親米外交・同盟国を強調をしながらの対米従属。彼がめざそうとする「新しく」「美しい」国家像というのは、（彼の祖父や仲間の時代に）敵国であったアメリカ（がもたらした戦後民主主義、基本的人権の尊重、国民主権など）への敵意の暗示であると、マコーマック氏が指摘。
日本人も、マコーマック先生のように、政策や（民意を代表するために仕事をし給料をもらっている）政治家を大いに批判していいのだと思いますよ。
TPP世界支配の拡大をもくろんだ大企業独裁
Sunday, March 17, 2013 - 21:13 — Sachie一つ目のビデオは、アメリカのNGO「パブリック・シチズン」のロリ・ワラックさんが訴える「日本のTPP参加は主権の放棄」。この一分ほどのビデオにすべて、語られています。
www.citizen.org二つ目のビデオは、カナダきってのアグリビジネスの批評家ブルースター・ニーンさんと妻のキャサリン・ニーンさん。TPP問題を大変心配しながら、日本人へ心のこもったメッセージです。ブルースターさんが端的におっしゃってるように、「TPPの目的は、人々の幸福ではなく、企業の幸福です」。TPPにサインでもしようなら、日本の食料自給も、国民皆保険も全部つぶされてしまいます。（製薬会社は高齢者が多く、原発事故の健康被害も心配される日本をねらってる訳です）
経団連は「いや、自分たちは大丈夫」とほくそ笑んでいるのでしょう。ですが、９００ページのTPP文書を初めて見れるのがこの夏で、交渉参加の許可が９月というのですから、いまの日本の政治力・交渉力・英語力で、経団連にさえ有利な条件交渉は、到底不可能ですよ。
ramshorn.ca/visible-state-invisible-government三つ目のビデオは、デモクラシー・ナウ！でのロリ・ワラックさんの包括的な説明。自由貿易とはタテマエで、TPPの内実は大企業のむきだしな利潤追求。日本が不平等で屈辱的な条件を受けいれないなら、ビスネスの邪魔をちょっとでもしようなら、日本政府相手に大企業が法廷闘争できるという仕組み。つまり大企業がさらに儲けやすいよう、TPPに合わせて国内の法規制や手続きを変えて、一度決まったらそれが最後(企業の裏には、高給で雇われた優秀な弁護士団が勢ぞろい)、無制限に賠償を求めていくという段取り。地域産業優先と国産品愛好を禁じ、はては地方政治・内政への干渉の権利。なにしろ、そんなに公正で、みんながモウカル協定なら、どこの参加国の国民もそっちのけでコソコソ秘密会議しません。おっそろしく手のこんだ組織的悪だくみです。
Innovation and Luxembourg, Suffering a Brain Drain!?
Sunday, February 17, 2013 - 17:39 — SachieTen years ago, when I started going to the Bibliothèque Nationale de Luxembourg (BNL - the National Library of Luxembourg), the “poverty” of the library (e.g., infrastructure, resources, services, etc.) of the world's richest (if not mistaken) country shocked me. The BNL was so underdeveloped, when compared to many public and private libraries in the USA. More surprisingly, many libraries I had visited in Brussels, Paris, and other cities were not so nice, either.
(Just note that some BNL librarians appear to be cold and distant at first. But, when they get to know you, they can be friendly, very helpful, and even sweet.)
Over the last ten years, the BNL has improved dramatically, and has become one of the best/favorite libraries I know in the region so far. Although I still miss some aspects of American libraries – for example, specialized librarians (e.g., law librarians) and more conducive, competitive, extremely intense, and intellectually stimulating atmospheres for studying, I am OK with the BNL. Hope that it keeps improving in coming years.
However, talent management in Luxembourg concerns me/us greatly.
It is obvious that Luxembourg has an advantage in attracting people because of competitive salaries, benefits, etc. But, it may not be so good at retaining their top talents in some sectors (though, of course, there are really talented people in Luxembourg, but some of friends have been disenchanted. They have moved to other companies and countries with better opportunities).
There seems to be something dysfunctional: something does not ignite, but undermine the passion of people.
この素晴らしき世界
Monday, December 31, 2012 - 22:41 — Sachie先日、日本では衆院選がありました。その翌日、ここフランスでもニュースになるかと思いきや。日本の政権交代はnon-event、つまり公然と無視される、話題にもならない期待はずれの出来事だったようです。
翌朝のラジオ(France Info) が伝えた主なニュースは、オバマ大統領が小学校乱射事件の追悼会で銃規制の強化を訴えたこと、エジプトの国民投票、フランス内政、重税をのがれようとベルギー国籍取得に動きだした俳優ジェラール・ドパルデュー、アフガニスタンの話題、そして最後に天気予報。
一時間ほど聞いてましたが、日本では政権交代があったにもかかわらず、全く報道されませんでした。反対に、その１０日前くらいに東北地方で起きた比較的大きな地震のニュースは、何度も報道されてました。その報道の仕方が、フランスおよびヨーロッパでの日本の政治に対する期待度を物語っている気がしました。
ですが私たち日本人は、政治に無関心ではいられません。日本・日本経済の先行きに不安を抱いている人が多いようですが。ここで二点だけ、私も不安に思うことを書きます。
まず、日本は軍事・外交戦略に対応できる高度なIT（情報技術）専門家を、早急に多数育成する必要があると思います。領土問題で争うのは１９～２０世紀の政治で、緊迫性がやや欠ける過去のことでした。現在、国の中枢機関、陸・海・空・宇宙、機密情報はすべてコンピューターでコントロールされています。銀行も、病院も、企業も、飛行機・飛行場も、交通網も、そして原発も・・・。以前のように直接現場に行かず、サイバー攻撃や遠隔操作で（口にするのも恐ろしいような）大被害・大事故やテロを引き起こすことが可能になってきています。抜きんでたITなくして、日本の経済も危機突破も、国防軍もへったくれもありません。
無駄吠え、警戒吠えする小型犬のように不要な摩擦を起こすのでなく。首相には日本・世界中の優秀な人材を集めたチームをつくり、そのアドバイスに耳を傾け、平和・非戦を維持できる真の外交的・軍事的実力のある世界レベルの政治をなさっていただきたい。
Peaceful solution to the disputed Diaoyu-Senkaku islands
Sunday, September 30, 2012 - 19:16 — SachieYesterday I (Japanese woman) went to two Chinese grocery stores in Luxembourg to buy a bag of Japanese rice from California, Korean seasoned seaweed, imperial-dragon gyoza wrappers, and Taiwan highland (gao shan) oolong tea.
In Mexico and Spain, people mistook me as a local resident and asked me directions in Spanish. Similarly, Chinese and Korean people often talk to me in their languages. Happily, I try to make conversation with them, using some words which I have learned from Chinese, Taiwan, and Korean friends over the years (i.e., hello, 1, 2, 3,..., delicious, so-so, it doesn't matter, thank you, see you, I love you, etc).
Maybe, it was just a figment of my imagination, but yesterday one of the Chinese owners was slightly distant, not as cheerful as usual. Though, later I realized that she put two extra oranges in my plastic bag for free. Then, I thought of the ongoing dispute over the islands among countries.
Today I was reading two articles by Gavan McCormack who presents background information about the territorial disputes (The first article is translated into 中文, 한국어, and 日本語): "Small Islands – Big Problem: Senkaku/Diaoyu and the Weight of History and Geography in China-Japan Relations".
原発に偏執する日本。そしてエネルギー転換に出遅れる日本
Friday, August 24, 2012 - 20:38 — Sachie
３．１１以来、どこの国でも政府の助成なしには、不安定な原子力産業をささえるのは、いよいよむずかしくなってきている。
World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2012は、原発の建設費は推定費をはるかに上まわり、建設工事も大幅に遅延する傾向にあると報告している。
ちなみに、フィンランドのオルキルオト原子力発電所三号機の建設は５年遅れで、必要費は１００〜１２０％予算超過（６０〜６６億ユーロ）。フランスでは、２００７年にフラマンヴィル原子力発電所三号機の建設開始、２０１２年に商業運転開始の予定が、竣工は２０１６年に延期となり超過額はすでに６０億ユーロにのぼっている（World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2012、34ページ）。莫大な予算超過分は、当然、国民にはねかえってくる。
原発は商業的にも技術的にも、もう時代遅れの技術であることを周知している先進国は、風力、水力、太陽光、波力、潮力、地熱等々、再生可能エネルギーの開発をアグレッシブに進めている。唯一、日本とフランスが大いに出おくれた感がある。しかし、原発大国のフランスでさえ、確実に変わろうとしている。
野田政権や「原子力ムラ」の人たち、いつの時代に生きているんですか。もっと勉強してほしい。
写真（横）は、ご近所。船のお家
（下）パリ市内の公営の電気自動車貸出制度「オートリブ（Autolib）」
あじさい革命雑考 ╾╾ おまわりさん。デモの目的を、わかってらっしゃらない？！
Wednesday, July 04, 2012 - 19:21 — Sachie
フランスに住んでいると、デモは日常茶飯事のように見かける。群衆の巨大パーティー、ハレの場という雰囲気が常にあるけど、時には耳をつんざかんばかりのシュプレヒコールが鳴り響き、発煙筒の黄色い煙りが目にしみて、その大混雑から早く立ち去りたくなる場合もある。ヨーロッパには、劣悪な労働条件で働いていた人たちが、デモをして今の社会保障を勝ち取った記憶がまだ生きている。大人も高校生たちも、デモの重要性をよく知っている。
Youtubeで、６月２９日の首相官邸前デモの様子を見た（下ブログ）。なんと警官が「シュプレヒコールをやめてください」と叫んで群衆を制している。誰にも聞こえないような静かなデモをして、どうするんですか（大笑い）。
デモの趣旨は、人々が公の場で声を極限まであげて、憤りや抗議や政治的な主張を訴えることである。そういう示威行為の音量は大きければ、大きいほどよい。あんなに、ごみもつくらず、暴動にもならない秩序を保ちながらの大規模デモ。日本の国民は冷静に怒っているのだ。その怒号や叫び、「人々の声」を聞くのが民主政というものだし、本来ならば、官邸前に２０万人が結集した事実を報道するのも、（民主主義の）マス・メディアの責務である。
Hydrangea Revolution (Ajisai Kakumei in Japanese)
Monday, July 02, 2012 - 21:05 — SachieAnti-nuclear protests are flourishing in Japan like hydrangeas that are in bloom everywhere now. A recent wave of protests is now called Ajisai Kakumei, or Hydrangea Revolution. I do not know who has started to call it, but it is nice as it reflects Japan's ikebana culture. More importantly, I believe that ajisai symbolizes tenacity, and the protesters are as hardy and prolific as ajisai flowers.
Reportedly, 200,000 people gathered outside Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's official residence in Tokyo on June 29, protesting against the restart of a nuclear power plant. It was one of the largest public protests since 1960s. Also, many more people protested in other big cities.
For example:
See 1) the video: people are shouting "Saikadou Hantai, or No Restart (the reactors at the Ohi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture)" and "Noda Koso Yamero, or Noda Quit (It is Noda who have to quit)." www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfyFZ_yk7qQ
Our future energy policies
Saturday, June 02, 2012 - 10:18 — SachieWe the citizens of the world deserve the leaders with a visionary energy policy for the future like Mycle Schneider. I hope that the people of the Japanese nuclear power village watch this video to understand the need of abolition of nuclear energy and the complete switch to renewable energy.
His article last year "Nuclear Fallout Comes With Aura of Arrogance":
www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/nuclear-cloud-comes-with-aura-of-arrogance-commentary-by-mycle-schneider.html
Election, Political Debates, Chess and Sports(hu)manship
Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 10:21 — roladeIt has been a week since France has elected its President and much has been said about this and the impact of the new government’s socialist policies locally and in Europe. I’m not going to use my crystal ball to find out which election promises are likely to be kept and not; like many in France, I now wait and see!
Several countries are having elections this year and one of them is Egypt (May 23-24, 2012). Last Thursday, Egypt had its first presidential debate between candidates Amr Moussa and Abdel-Moneim Abul Fotouh. I missed the live TV coverage; based on media reports, they clashed and traded accusations about their group affiliation, role of religion and democratic reforms.
Whereas, I watched the nearly 3 hours of presidential debate between Mr. Sarkozy and Mr. Hollande and was entertained by their discourse aimed at pitching votes. There were moments when I felt disappointed with their swinging of mud at each other. Three days later, however, their attitude and behaviour changed – no more insults and accusations. Both of them delivered their after-election speeches graciously, with courtesy and without negative, sarcastic remarks. The elected president is not anymore the critical ex-presidential candidate. Likewise, the outgoing president is a good sport inviting the incoming president to join him at the May 8 WW2 commemoration day. The 2 ex-rivals marched side by side laying wreaths appearing like they’ve always liked each other. What a pity that this spirit of sports(hu)manship was not evident before the election.
Presidential Elections, National Issues and Global Concerns
Saturday, April 14, 2012 - 09:55 — roladeIn 2008, I received a letter from the Australian Government telling me to pay AUD$20 for not voting in the 2007 Federal election. I avoided paying it by responding in writing that I now reside in France. Australia is one of about 20 countries (including Belgium, Switzerland, Uruguay and Singapore) where voting is compulsory. The penalty for failing to vote ranges from fine to difficulty in obtaining a public service appointment.
Unlike Down Under, voting in France is voluntary, which is a real draw card in this year's presidential election. The primary election is on April 22 but many French citizens are still undecided to vote and who to vote. There are 10 candidates from political parties that vary from conservatism ('Droite' - Right), socialism ('Gauche' - Left) to communism and issue-based groups, such as environmentalists and anti-capitalists. It's certainly not the lack of diversity in policies and programmes that causes indecisiveness.
The major subjects of political debates are economy, employment, taxes, social welfare, homeland security, immigration, environment and education. There are significant, as well as only slight, differences in what each party promises to do if elected. For instance:
The Socialist Party (PS) of Mr. Hollande would like to employ 12,000 jobs per year in the education sector for 5 years; Impose penalty for companies that retrench workers but give dividends to shareholders; Create public bank of investments; Give right to vote to non-citizens who have been living in France for at least 5 years; Reduce nuclear power plants; Allow homosexual couples to adopt children.
[2011-08-26 Cambria Press] Japan's Shrinking Regions in the 21st Century: Contemporary Responses to Depopulation and Socioeconomic Decline (Peter Matanle and Anthony Rausch with the Shrinking Regions Research Group)
Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 12:35 — Raynald
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures
- List of Maps
- List of Photos
- List of Tables
- List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Note on Romanised Japanese
- Acknowledgments
Amartya Sen's Capability Approach, Democratic Governance and Japan's Fukushima Disaster
Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 21:53 — Sachie
I have just published an article entitled "Amartya Sen's Capability Approach, Democratic Governance and Japan's Fukushima Disaster - アマルティア・センのケイパビリティ・アプローチ、民主政と福島の大惨事" in The Asia-Pacific Journal, Vol 9, Issue 46 No 2, November 14, 2011.
For those who are interested in reading the article, please go to:
http://www.japanfocus.org/-Sachie-MIZOHATA/3648
To print the article:
http://www.japanfocus.org/-Sachie-MIZOHATA/3648?rand=1321820495&type=print&print=1
Rei Shiva's photo shows the deserted town of Futaba, inside the 20-kilometer evacuation zone in Fukushima prefecture. The irony is that the crossroad sign saying “With correct understanding of nuclear, (we have) a yutakana (rich or affluent) living.” Another photographer, Ota Yasusuke shows in his blog the photos of the companion animals unintentionally abandoned after 3.11:
http://ameblo.jp/uchino-toramaru/entry-11009698930.html
Nuclear Disarmament and the Capability Approach
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 20:07 — SachieI have been writing a paper entitled "Amartya Sen's Capability Approach, Democratic Governance and Japan's Fukushima Disaster." So, I think of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Fukushima everyday: three man-made disasters. Here are notes from (about) three people on Hiroshima/Fukushima.
John Rawls (whose work has heavily influenced the philosophy of the capability approach):
50 Years After Hiroshima.
"The fiftieth year since the bombing of Hiroshima is a time to reflect about what one should think of it. Is it really a great wrong, as many now think, and many also thought then, or is it perhaps justified after all? I believe that both the fire-bombing of Japanese cities beginning in the spring of 1945 and the later atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6 were very great wrongs, and rightly seen as such. In order to support this opinion, I set out what I think to be the principles governing the conduct of war—jus in bello—of democratic peoples. These peoples' have different ends of war than nondemocratic, especially totalitarian, states, such as Germany and Japan, which sought the domination and exploitation of subjected peoples, and in Germany's case, their enslavement if not extermination" (Dissent Magazine, Summer 1995).
Connecting politics, economy and individual responsibility
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 19:55 — roladeI'm watching the French news right now and it has just been announced that there's going to be a debate between 2 Socialist candidates afterwards. I used to enjoy political debates but tonight I'm going to opt out because I believe there'll be nothing new. Elections are important and I actually wanted to write a blog about it but since most of what I would like to say are already included in my other article (www.beingintelligentgifted.com), I decided to copy it here.
"In my work, I encounter people of many different nationalities. Some of them moved to Luxembourg because they no longer felt a part of their country's economic life, especially with politicians and bankers putting their personal needs at the forefront to the expense of middle and working classes. They couldn't stand the cuttings of government expenditures (especially in health and education that contribute to the country's deteriorating living standards), introduction of more taxes, prolongation of retirement age and the widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Whose faults are these? Are the culprits the same as in year 2008? Who and what else are responsible for the shrinking of the middle & working classes and bloating of the underclass?
