The Pillars of Postwar Pacifism

An old friend John sends a link of a CNN report on the Japanese changes in their pacifist constitution. The report states:

"TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Japan's conservative government chipped away at two pillars of the country's postwar pacifism, requiring schools to teach patriotism and upgrading the Defense Agency to a full ministry for the first time since World War II."

Not too smart eh? Wanting to assume a large defense burden and role eventually when the USA has been guaranteeing their defence all along. Of course, the Japs may have fears of a diminishing US role in East Asia, hence, the perceived need to be more self-sufficient in their defence.

Ian sees it as the first step towards Japan eventually rearming.

"Yes, at last Japan rearms. Time to put the past behind and balance the rise of China. The N Korean missile tests helped to justify Japanese re-armament as well as face to the truth, that the Threat of China exist and is real. N Korea is just a little plaything of China."