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The limits of free speech
On monday Gen. Tamogami published an essay on a private web site taking first prize and $30,000. The article was not as accepted by government officials, on friday he was dismissed of his duties as Cheif of staff for the Japanese Air Force.
So what was in this sensational article? Tamogami claimed the U.S. had trapped the Japanese into bombing Pearl Harbor.
“Roosevelt had become president on his public pledge not to go to war, so in order to start a war between the United States and Japan, it had to appear that Japan took the first shot,” he wrote.
These hostile statements have opened old wounds in Japan. Many people belonging to the right party believe Japan was not the main aggressor during WWII.
The essay may be explosive, but does Tagomani deserve to be fired for his statements in a private publication? The merits of free speech and sensorship are called into question. We may not agree with his view, but do we have the right to silence his opinion. In Japan this decision has been made.
Comments on The limits of free speech
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Brian said on November 5, 2008 at 09:33
The history of WWII and it's treatment of "what is fact or not" in education are quite familiar to the Japanese. Two years ago, when the Japanese released new school books that excluded many historical facts, the Chinese government used the omissions to stir up anti-Japanese sentiments and dissuade purchase of their goods.
