May 24, 2017

Akahata ‘current’ column

Recently, at a meeting of the Health Ministry panel discussing measures to ban passive smoking at restaurants, a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker made an abusive remark. When some panel members argued that cancer sufferers who work at restaurants are forced to endure breathing in someone else’s cigarette smoke, the LDP Dietmember thoughtlessly said, “If they have zero patience, they should quit their jobs.”

The person in question is LDP member of the House of Representatives Onishi Hideo, notorious for making insulting statements. In the past, for example, in a Diet meeting on Japan’s declining birthrate, he jeered a female lawmaker by saying, “You should get married early and have children.” Regarding the latest remark which provoked anger from cancer patients and aid groups, Onishi offered an apology to them.

Onishi cast aspersions on people with cancer who are trying hard to continue on with their lives. Onishi’s attitude is representative of the swellheaded PM Abe-led government. In fact, despite repeatedly making rude remarks, Onishi never received penalties from the LDP and he keeps on sitting in the Diet.

It is evident that Onishi, who repeatedly indulges in insulting behavior, lacks the qualification to engage in politics. In addition, his humanity is called into question.

Past related article:
> Media activists rally to oppose suppression of free speech [July 1, 2015]