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发表于 2011-1-25 21:23:26
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VOX POPULI: The key to back stabbing is doing it with honor
2011/01/24
In the NHK television drama series "Saka no Ue no Kumo," actor Shiro Sano played Katsunan Kuga (1857-1907), a journalist of the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
Many years ago in this column, Junro Fukashiro (1929-1975) compared Kuga and Soho Tokutomi (1863-1957), also a journalist.
According to Fukashiro, both men changed their tunes over time, but only Tokutomi was frequently accused of being a turncoat.
To explain what prompted Kuga to be spared that label, Fukashiro cited this observation by philosopher Setsurei Miyake (1860-1945): "Whenever Kuga changed his tune, I think it was fairly obvious that he didn't do it for any personal gain."
Fukashiro noted in conclusion, "Apparently, a change of heart can be honorable or dishonorable, depending on the person."
How does this apply to Kaoru Yosano, who quit the Sunrise Party of Japan earlier this month to join the Cabinet of Prime Minister Naoto Kan as minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy? Was Yosano's action honorable?
One thing is certain: The appointment of Yosano could determine not only the future of the Kan administration, but the future of our country as well.
Yosano is 72 years old. Given his age, the lawmaker must have seen his Cabinet appointment as his last big chance to serve the country.
But, until just recently, Yosano was one of the harshest critics of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. Why this about-face? He should not be under the misapprehension that he can get away without explaining his reasons.
If the people sense something self-serving in his sudden change of mind, he will be just another living proof that politics cannot be trusted.
Yosano's paternal grandmother was Akiko Yosano (1878-1942), a well-known poet. In her poem titled "Asu" (Tomorrow), she laments that hope-filled tomorrow "becomes humdrum today, and then gray yesterday."
This somehow suggests the sorry outcome of the "tomorrow" that the people once hoped the DPJ would bring. But Yosano the poet still had hope for the future, while her grandson now holds a key Cabinet post from which he will shape our future through the nation's taxation and social security policies.
The only way he can dispel the public's doubts about his integrity is to do a good job and produce results.
I will watch him with 60 percent anxiety and 40 percent hope.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 15 |
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