War Is Over If You Want It

   It is the new year's eve today. We clean both inside and outside the houses and decorate for the coming new year. Children and grandchildren visit their parents to spend  their holidays. It is the busiest and happiest
 season in Japan. I have sent all the new year's cards and presents,  finished(?) cleaning, and prepared some dishes for the new year's meal.
   I had to do some more things this year. Yesterday I sent a comment about the government's new plan for the energy supply in Japan to the government ministry. Abe's Cabinet plans to maintain the nukes as the basic source of energy, though its ex cabinet said we are going to stop relyng on nukes in 2030.  People are trying to send as many comments agaist the plan. Abe won't listen any voices of the people, but we are doing everything.
   I am also joining an action to protest the new law to hide the national secrets from people. We are planning to buy a whole page of a best selling newspaper in this area to advertise the truth and show how many people are against the law. I sent the names and money of my family members and friends who want to join.
   I'm afraid this will be the worst new year for Japan in 68 years since the end of the World War II.  These days I'm thinking  about  such things;  Why couldn't people stop Hitler?  Was there any way to stop him?  What is the intelligence and the civilization?  What is wrong with the Japanese education?     
    Do you know that Japan's Minister of Foreign affairs said,"Why don't we learn the way of Natiz to change the constitution, silently and secretly?" He was  not joking, perfectry serous.  The main officer of LDP, Abe's party, said,"The demonstration is the same as the terror." when people were gathering around the diet building to say "No" to the secret keeping law.
   I hope I can write some good news here next year. The situation is difficult, but I believe we are not alone. Today I suddenly remembered the tune of John Lennon;" War is over if you want it", the song I sang with my students in Chrismas season when I was at school.
    I wish you all have a happy New Year !