Regarding the article "Aso losing grip on LDP lawmakers" (Dec. 13 issue), it is quite frankly incredible that a high-profile Liberal Democratic Party official such as the party's acting secretary general, Nobuteru Ishihara, should choose to reveal that 70 percent to 80 percent of LDP lawmakers have so little confidence in Prime Minister Taro Aso. Yet, paradoxically, he claims to still support the administration.

How is the general public supposed to have any confidence in Aso when he is apparently losing support from the very people who chose him for the job? What does that say about the judgment of LDP lawmakers? If Aso's premiership turns out to be a failure, as is widely expected, people should think carefully about the responsibility of their local LDP representatives when they are next allowed to cast their votes in a general election.

I am very disappointed at the poor management of Prime Minister Taro Aso. This is due to his announcement to distribute public money to all households in Japan. It is not the best way, anyhow. There are many issues to be solved by the government. I wonder who is governing this country.

In a letter in the Nov. 15 issue, I agreed to the idea of postponing the dissolution of the Diet, but now I feel differently. It must be done right now, even if the election campaign will disturb the country in December.

Also, I found the picture of Lady Justice on the Spotlight page of the Nov. 15 issue very attractive. Some people say the Japanese do not have a sense of humor, but this image of a lady wearing a bra designed as the scales of justice is an argument against that idea.

We must watch carefully how the lay judge system will proceed. Government should always strive for justice.

Colin Tyner's article on concrete balls at Atsugi Central Park described as "totems to excess" ("Public art in Japan rarely hits emotional chord," Nov. 22 issue) moved me a lot because I work part time at Atsugi and I pass through the park every week. I completely agree with Mr. Tyner that this monument has no meaning, just a monotonous object. At first sight, I thought it was a gravestone maker's place.

Central parks in urban areas play an important role as evacuation sites for residents in natural disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rain. A sign at the park says that all the balls are quake resistant, but they dominate some parts of the park where nearby residents should evacuate to. It is a kind of obstacle to evacuation. Moreover, parks are one of the important play areas for kids and the balls could cause potential risk to them. Moreover, there is something mysterious and somber about the stone balls.

As the writer pointed out, the Atsugi City Office opted for spending less money and time managing the park. Indeed, they don't need to plant trees or flowers. Mowing is also unnecessary. It is time to rethink what role city parks will play in our daily lives.

Readers' Voice always gives English learners a precious opportunity to write our opinions in English.

Expressing our opinions and exchanging ideas with others in the paper are important. Please don't hesitate to write anything, English learners like me! Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid of errors.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 20, 2008
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