  LDP's outline for constitutional revision shows its dangerous objective -- Akahata editorial, April 6,2005The Liberal Democratic Party's constitutional drafting committee has published an outline of the draft revision of the Constitution. The drafting committee has discussed the following subjects in subcommittees: the preamble; the emperor; security and state of emergency; citizens' rights and duties; the Diet; the cabinet; justice; finance; local autonomy; and constitutional amendment. Their discussions were summed up in the "outline." Although differences remain on some provisions, the "outline" marks a step toward giving shape to a draft revision of the Constitution. What the current Constitution excluded The LDP's biggest aim is to revise Article 9. The "outline" calls for the Constitution to make clear that Japan maintains "self-defense military forces" so as to "contribute to creating international peace and stability." Although it asserts that the "self-defense military forces" will be for "self-defense," the LDP is attempting to pave the way to use force abroad in the name of "contributing to international peace and stability." A number of tricks are used in the "outline" to turn Japan into a war-fighting nation. For example, the "outline" proposes a preamble that call for "love for the country and preservation of independence." As regards citizens' rights and duties, it proposes establishing a clear concept for "maintaining national security and social order," making it "citizens' duty to defend the country." This clearly reveals the aim of giving priority to "national defense" and "national securityA" and restricting citizens' rights and freedom. The "outline" maintains that the state should be allowed to take part in religious activities if they are regarded as "social ceremonies," thus easing the principle of separation of politics from religion. A note to the outline says, "This can be applied to expending public money for offering a sacred tree and for funeral services for public servants who died on duty, apparently with the aim of treating the official visit to Yasukuni Shrine as "constitutional." What is worse, the "outline" calls for the "preamble" to state that this is an "independent" constitution building on the "historic significance of the Meiji Empire of Japan Constitution and the present Showa Constitution." The LDP wants a constitution that will appreciate and revive the Meiji Constitution. The present Constitution in its preamble states that "(we are") resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government," proclaiming that "sovereign power resides with the people." It rejected and revoked "all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and rescripts in conflict herewith." The Meiji Constitution treated the emperor as an absolutist monarch with a divine character, and the people were totally disenfranchised. The suppressive rule and the miserable consequences of the war of aggression are testimony to the Meiji Constitution's failure. The LDP is eager to turn the clock back, revealing its dangerous character that runs counter to the principles of peace and democracy. Let's increase voices in opposition to constitutional revision The LDP is pursuing constitutional revision with extraordinary zeal. However, the more the LDP talks about their plans, the clearer their opposition to peace, democracy and human rights. Many people recognize its dangerous substance as being hostile to the principles of peace, democracy, and human rights. They will inevitably face people's criticism and opposition. Making full use of Article 9 to defend peace will help secure people's lives, rights, and democracy. Let's redouble our efforts to increase our call in opposition to the adverse revision of the Constitution so that pro-constitutional reform forces will become isolated! (end) |