Article 9 of the Constitution renounces the defense of the nation, so it is not just a denial of a democratic nation but even of the nation itself.
October 31, 2017
The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.
The emphasis in the text is mine.
What is democracy?
Fujii
The model for democratic government goes back to ancient Greece, and the democratic government of Athens can be expressed in simple terms as "a national military democracy."
In other words, it is a system in which the country's fate is decided by giving one vote to each citizen who can contribute to national defense and be mobilized in the event of an external war.
Takayama
So, it was based on the military.
Fujii
In Athens's heyday, positions were decided by drawing lots.
It was much more democratic than it is now (laughs).
You could even say that "democracy" was "samurai democracy."
That's the logic of democracy.
Takayama
Then, the current Japanese Constitution is entirely absurd.
Fujii
Article 9 of the Constitution renounces the defense of the country, so it's not just a denial of a democratic nation; it's a denial of the nation itself.
Takayama
Well, that's because MacArthur created the Constitution to destroy the country of Japan.
Fujii
First, it's wrong to translate "democracy" as "democratic."
It should be a "democratic nation".
Because "cracy" means a form of national government.
If you translate it as "democratic," it becomes an ideology.
It's OK to have political parties that advocate "socialism," "traditionalism," and "liberalism" within "democracy."
Takayama
So, there are parties representing each ideology.
Fujii
Democracy is a form of national governance system, so it should be translated as "democratic nation."
In the case of a democratic nation, the leading players in national defense are the people.
If there is a constitution that says the people will not defend the country, it is a direct denial of a democratic nation.
That's why Article 9 is the very negation of democratic politics.
What will happen if we equally stop taking on the duty of national defense?
The Americans have said they will protect us (laughs).
Takayama
In Cuba, there is only one US military base, Guantanamo, but in Japan, there are Guantanamos everywhere, including Honshu (laughs).
Fujii
The sneaky thing about liberals is that they say we need to review the Japan-US Security Treaty and the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, but when it comes to the question of how to protect our country, they fall silent.
This article continues.
2024/9/5 in Onomichi
