Unserious

DATE: 2012/12/12

(12-12-12! <== Mayan end of the world???!!!)

The Prime Minister of Japan's Chief of Staff is being criticised
after North Korea's recently announced postponement of their latest
ballistic missile test for commenting to the effect that he wished
North Korea would keep their promise and carry out their test
according to schedule. (Punctuality is valued highly in Japan!)

Keep in mind that North Korea is a rogue state that has tested their
own atomic bomb, and that previously ballistic missile tests,
successful and not, have been launched in the direction of Japan
and/or overflown Japanese airspace.

The Chief of Staff's comment is refreshing because it clearly reveals
his true priorities. From his point of view, the missile test is
primarily not an issue concerning Japan's national security, the
safety of the Japanese people, or Japan's role in the geopolitical
community. It is primarily a matter of personal stress and
inconvenience, which I am sure it is.

But he reveals an essential unseriousness in matters of government that
is all-too representative of the Japanese political class.

Local variables:
mode: org
End: