Question from a reader:
What impact will the incident where Mr. Tachibana of the NHK Party was attacked have on our democracy? This is very concerning. I believe the foundation of democracy lies in the free expression of opinions and political activities, but when such violent acts occur, it makes me anxious that the very basis of democracy could be shaken.
What do you all think?
The Attack on Mr. Tachibana and Its Impact on Democracy
I have been reflecting on the recent incident involving Mr. Tachibana’s attack. It has become a topic of discussion that he was campaigning in another region despite running for the Chiba Prefectural Governor election. It feels somewhat strange, doesn’t it? Of course, no matter the reasons, acts of violence are never acceptable, but his approach to activism may have contributed to this incident.
The Importance of Free Expression
To protect our democracy, it is essential to express our opinions freely. It is truly terrifying when political activities are hindered by violence. However, it is also true that a stance like Mr. Tachibana’s, where he runs for office for his own benefit, can undermine the electoral system. Reflecting on the possibility that he might not have been attacked had he focused his campaigning in Chiba raises a bit of irony. I’ve recently heard the phrase “you reap what you sow” in comedy shows quite often, and I feel it applies to Mr. Tachibana as well. His actions, aimed at raising his own profile rather than serving the citizens of Chiba, may have ironically led to the violence he faced.
How Do We Protect Our Democracy?
Through this incident, I believe we must reaffirm the importance of “free expression” and “political activities,” which are fundamental to democracy. While violence is absolutely unacceptable, reflecting on Mr. Tachibana’s actions makes us think a little deeper about the context. I’ve had more opportunities to discuss politics with my family recently. I want to teach my children the importance of having opinions and respecting others’ perspectives. I hope for a society where individuals can freely express their thoughts, and I believe we need to continue taking action to ensure that. So, what do you all think? Please share your opinions and experiences in the comments!
