We shall not repeat our war-time mistake~Protest against cabinet decision on Japan’s new peace-keeping operation

 

 Hundreds of people gathered early Nov. 15 in front of Japanese Prime Minister’s Residence in protest against the cabinet decision on the nation’s new peace-keeping operation. With the government trying to change the pacifist constitution that people protected for more than 70 years. This shall not, and cannot, be the turning point in Japan’s history. A constitution scholar who joined the protest said, “This is nothing more than violation of constitution,” while a journalist accused the government of its willingness to sacrifice Japan’s Self-Defense Forces by saying, “what they need in South Sudan is to keep peace.” “Are we about to make the same mistake we made 70 years ago? We have not compromised so much as you can take Japan to war,” a religious leader said. “Those of us who lost family members during the war have not been healed even after 70 some years. We cannot send our youths to war ever again,” said a surviving family member of war-time veterans. (excerpts from Facebook page of No War・Protect Article 9 committee)

「戦前と同じことを繰り返すのか」～PKO新任務付与の閣議決定糾弾！官邸前に350人
 

11月15日、首相官邸前にたくさんの方が集まっています。PKO新任務付与などの閣議決定断固糾弾。守り続けてきた戦後の平和憲法をいま、変えようとしている。大きな岐路。「やはり憲法違反としか言えない」憲法学者。「南スーダンで必要なのは平和貢献。自衛隊員の命を捨て石にするのか」ジャーナリスト。「戦前と同じことを繰り返すのか。私たちは日本が戦争することまであなたに委ねていない」宗教者。「肉親を戦争で奪われた痛みは70年たっても癒えない。若者をまた海外に送りたくない」平和遺族会。（「戦争させない・9条壊すな！総がかり行動実行委員会」FBより）