In "Time to reform Japan's political parties" in the May 23 edition, Ichiro Asahina dismisses the debate about Shinzo Abe's Moritomo and Kake scandals as partisan politics. Which parties does he think need reforming?
The scandals have been fueled by evidence from nonpartisan individuals and organizations, including a formal top bureaucrat and the Ehime Prefectural Government, reflecting the nation's deep anger and fear about the country being eroded by the corrupt administration.
Japan's politics have been bogged down not by the series of scandals but by the egregious lack of integrity in the administration, exemplified by the prime minister making a series of brazen lies in response to opposition lawmakers' inquiries.
Asahina raises Korea and other diplomatic issues to play down the scandals as unimportant. Yes indeed, diplomatic issues are very important and must not be entrusted to such a habitual liar as Shinzo Abe.
We insist on pursuing the scandals because we can't entrust our country to such an inept liar and insecure bureaucrats who can't stand up to injustice.
Asahina presents his personal feeling that Abe and his wife did not influence the handling of new schools in question. What does his personal feeling have to go with the administrative scandal? If his feeling is justified, why do Abe and his cronies continue to tell lies? The credibility of the government is at stake.
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.