|
Tear down that shrine!
T.P.Jackstraw Updated: 2004-03-05 09:01
I am totally unfamiliar with the Japanese Law and Constitution. However, I think that by the Law of Human Dignity, the shrine should be removed.
I visited the official Yasukuni Shrine web site and even posted a complaining comment. There I discovered that the official line seems different from what other folks are saying.
Perhaps the Japanese people don't really know what others think the shrine represents; after all, we are all a product of our interests.
However, I am sure the old warriors who still hold sway in significant circles of power, know that it must represent (to them, at least) a furtherance of the Warrior Code. Something many of them may have very likely come to adapt, before and during the period of the second world war.
To these people, the shrine is a justification to themselves, I think: a moral indemnification. Because, it is a monument of honor and respect to certain dead warriors that have reportedly participated in atrocious crimes against humanity. They seek acceptance which will provide them with the justification, respect and perhaps the hoped-for honor, that they want so badly!
We have not even arrived at the life strategy of the common bee in our social evolution, as long as this is Warrior Code type of thought frame is allowed to flourish: that loyalty to one's master is greater than the wanton horror and needless suffering one inflicts.
My country, right or wrong! My master, right or wrong! It is absolutely most honorable to do one's duty, which we should all admire. But, whenever we set reason aside, then we have abandoned our greatest gift!
I understand the shrine was originally established as a memorial to the invasion of the West (specifically Commodore Perry's unwelcome intrusion) into the affairs of Japan, but has now come to encompass a whole lot more.
Both Koreas, the US, China (since they are becoming so talkatively chummy of late), as well as many, many others should petition Japan to tear down that shrine!
The US made us rednecks stop singing Dixie and waving around the Confederate Battle Flag, for the same reason -- it was found to be very offensive to some people. If the barbarians can have that much respect for each other, surely others can as well!
So have a care Japan! Tear down that shrine!
TPJ
| The above content represents the view of the author only. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
