Monday, August 22, 2005

POSTAL PRIVATIZATION ISSUE

▼ “Postal privatization is my principle. I wouldn’t mind even if I were killed.” “Opposing to postal privatization is like demanding me to swim with my hands and feet bound.” During his move to dissolve the Lower House, Prime Minister Koizumi shouted those phrases defiantly.

▼ As a result of his drastic measures, people were excited and his supportive rate has risen. “Arrest him either alive or dead.” “Smoke them out.” Expressing himself like a cowboy in a western film, President Bush of the United States captured the heart of American people following the terror attacks on September 11.

▼ In today’s politics, people are attracted by short emotional expressions rather than persuasive reasoning. “People used to attend gatherings to listen to politicians’ speeches. Politicians took time to work on logics and rhetoric for them.” I was told such a story by Theodore Sorensen, the former special assistant to the late President John F. Kennedy.

▼ Politicians in the TV age are expected to volley exciting words before viewers turn off the switch. Prime Minister’s press conference held on the dissolution day attracted TV viewers more and more in course of broadcasting.

▼ Talking of masterly speeches, I am reminded of Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln, “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He presented the brief discourse following the main speaker, who was ex-president of Harvard University and made a two-hour oration, at the dedication of the National Cemetery, honoring those who died in the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln’s speech was over only in three minutes before photographers were ready.

▼ And yet Lincoln’s speech remained ever after because of his noble idea, but more than anything else it may have remained because he averted the nation from splitting into two and liberated slaves. How will Prime Minister Koizumi’s speech be instilled in people in the days to come?