Regarding the Nov. 29 front-page article "Kada's party sets 2022 end for atomic power": There is no way the Japanese government is going to end nuclear power generation by 2022. This pledge reflects the moral and intellectual cowardice that I expect from politicians. If the atomic-power risk or threat is so dire, why push its phaseout to 2022? This is a "responsibility shifting" exercise.
These politicians don't have to intellectually deal with the issue, because the public is not engaged intellectually under the political system. (So why even bother to vote?)
Japan's political system is an extortion racket. It satisfies people's illusion of choice and participation, then gives politicians the power of attorney to act with impunity and derisive disrespect for voters' interests. ... Politicians are held to a nonrational standard. Voters sanction moral cowardice and their own alienation.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.