Despite polls showing vast public disapproval, ongoing protests on a scale not seen in decades, and scores of scholars disputing its constitutionality, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe¡¯s signature security legislation has passed both houses.
Before I go on, a caveat: I understand why Japanese people might object to an American speaking up about their country¡¯s security issues. After all, it was Americans who wrote Japan¡¯s Constitution and now it is Americans calling for rewriting the policy they produced. Clearly, some might prefer we Americans just keep out of it.
So I will. Though writing about the security bill, I will not mention my own opinion. I am, in fact, opposed to the oxymoronic approach called ¡°collective self-defense,¡± but I will not tell you so. Similarly, I will not explain my reasoning. For example, ¡°Japan has few enemies. Active military collaboration with a country with many enemies like the U.S. only increases Japan¡¯s peril¡± is something I will not write. Furthermore, ¡°If Japan wishes to increase its military strength to preserve the balance of power, will it not have to develop nuclear capabilities to contain a nuclear armed opponent?¡± is exactly the kind of pointed question I will not ask.
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