Current location:world >>
VOX POPULI: Voters won’t forget ‘politics of oblivion’ in the next election
world8People have gathered around
IntroductionFictional detective Sherlock Holmes is a genius at forgetfulness.In “A Study in Scarlet” by Arthur C ...
Fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is a genius at forgetfulness.
In “A Study in Scarlet” by Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), Holmes says, “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic.”
But only a fool would cram it with junk of every sort, so that when he really needs an item from the attic, he will not be able to find it, Holmes explains.
He then goes on to advise his sidekick, Dr. Watson: “Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.”
I suppose his point is that smart people are good at forgetting things. And this greatly surprises Dr. Watson.
Could it at all be possible that education minister Masahito Moriyama has been trying to emulate Holmes?
Moriyama has repeatedly insisted he had “no recollection” of receiving election campaign assistance from the Unification Church, now formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification.
But his signature is on a “policy agreement” he exchanged with the Federation for World Peace, an affiliate of the church. How very strange that he still “cannot really remember.”
Even if Moriyama’s words were to be taken at face value, that still would not mean he should just be forgiven for his lapse of memory.
As the Cabinet minister with jurisdiction over religious corporations, Moriyama should have been fully mindful of his relationship with the Unification Church and also made sure to refresh his memory as needed.
Every human thought originates from memory. If politicians pretend to have forgotten all inconvenient past realities, there can be no dialogue or discussion.
I am deeply worried that the ruin of our nation may well be what lies ahead of this “politics of oblivion.”
But at least, we, the people, do not want to forget. We will firmly commit to our collective memory the political farce that is now unfolding before our eyes.
And that memory will surely serve as what Holmes calls “useful facts” during the next election campaign.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 8
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“International Iterations news portal”。http://www.videocameralive.com/article-85e399913.html
Related articles
Court in the Central African Republic issues international arrest warrant for former president
worldBANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — An internationally backed court in the Central African Repub ...
【world】
Read moreRussia says Moscow terror attack suspects planned to flee to Kiev for reward
worldThe Russian Investigative Committee said Friday that it had found evidence showing that the terroris ...
【world】
Read moreChinese Embassy in Britain celebrates UN Chinese Language Day to promote cultural exchanges
worldA woman attends an event named "Evolution of Chinese Characters" in London, Britain, April ...
【world】
Read more
Popular articles
- To fend off tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji
- Wine to five! Dolly Parton 'planning to launch own range of alcoholic drinks'
- Hamas announces openness to any proposals for a permanent ceasefire
- Father of Olympic champion Ingebrigtsen charged with abusing one of his other children, lawyer says
- Former MVP Mike Trout needs surgery on torn meniscus
- Monica Garcia suffers pregnancy loss: RHOSLC star, 39, reveals she lost her baby
Latest articles
Nottingham stabbing victim Grace O'Malley
Presidents' Trophy
Robert Irwin reveals his 'red flags' after splitting from girlfriend Rorie Buckey
Inside seven of Britain's best secret beaches
Audit finds Wisconsin Capitol Police emergency response times up, calls for better tracking
Stocking up on the pick and Little Mix? Jesy Nelson, 32, turns heads in a smiley
LINKS
- Xi, Putin Congratulate Meeting of China
- Xi's Article on Farmland Protection to Be Published
- Dance festival celebrates ethnic unity
- Xi delivers speech at Spring Festival reception, extending festive greetings to all Chinese
- Xi's Speech at the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting Published
- Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to 2023 Imperial Springs Int'l Forum
- Xi Pledges to Work with Milei for Sound Development of China
- China's homegrown C919 jetliner flies to Singapore for airshow
- Dance festival celebrates ethnic unity
- Xi to Attend BRICS Extraordinary Virtual Summit on Palestinian