EDITORIAL : THE DAILY YOMIURI, JAPAN

 

Revise anti-tsunami plans to meet new worst case

The Yomiuri Shimbun

What were the weaknesses in measures taken so far to guard against massive tsunami? The government must analyze the situation thoroughly and make the best use of lessons to be drawn from it in working out future disaster plans.

The government's Central Disaster Prevention Council on Wednesday decided to review conventional tsunami countermeasures. The panel, chaired by Prime Minister Naoto Kan, agreed to set up an expert group to work out a draft review by autumn.

Major tsunami can strike at any time or place in Japan, an earthquake-prone country. Every effort must be made to eliminate unpreparedness on the grounds that certain disasters cannot be foreseen.

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Ferocity underestimated

The combined toll of those dead or missing in the Great East Japan Earthquake has surpassed 25,000.

Previously, the Central Disaster Prevention Council estimated that no more than 2,700 people would die in a tsunami in or near the region that was struck by the March 11 tsunami. But the actual number of victims far exceeded that figure. The estimate prior to the latest disaster was based on data from tsunami disasters of the past, but the council underestimated the maximum possible height of a catastrophic tsunami.

The construction of seawalls and selection of temporary shelters in the event of a major disaster were conducted under the premise of tsunami far less ferocious than those that actually hit. The result was that the tsunami surged over the seawalls in many coastal areas, while temporary shelters were submerged in many parts of the disaster region.

The government must begin crafting stronger anti-tsunami measures using greater estimates of maximum possible tsunami heights by researching ones that took place in the more remote past and over far wider areas than those that have so far been taken into account.

In the areas hit by the devastating earthquake this time, it had recently come to light that a massive tsunami swept deeply inland after a big earthquake that struck the region in 869 during the Jogan period of the Heian era (794-1192). The government council, however, failed to take the Jogan earthquake into consideration in estimating tsunami heights.

It is especially urgent to draw up tsunami countermeasures for major quakes that are believed possible at any time, namely the Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes. The council, however, has fallen short of fully discussing the possibility of those three devastating earthquakes taking place almost simultaneously.

In the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is believed that a large number of quakes took place in rapid succession across an extensive area in the sea off Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures. The ensuing tsunami was far greater than one that would have occurred in the case of a single earthquake, wreaking immense havoc in almost all coastal areas facing the hypocentral region.

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N-risks must be reviewed

It is essential to study in depth the possibility of the Tokai and the two other earthquakes occurring nearly simultaneously with each other.

The government of Kochi Prefecture, which faces the sea beneath which lies the likely focus of the expected Nankai earthquake, has been urging the central government to review the current earthquake damage projections as soon as possible for fear of a giant tsunami in that part of the country.

Assumptions regarding tsunami damage to nuclear power plants naturally must also be reconsidered.

The government appears to be reluctant to strengthen measures against tsunami now because the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has yet to be brought under control--but taking such steps is definitely a matter of urgency in regard to nuclear power plants.

The government's negative stance toward discussions of the problem could aggravate public anxiety over the safety of nuclear power complexes.

Showa era holds lessons for the troubles of today

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Showa Day, which begins the Golden Week holiday period, was originally observed as the Emperor's Birthday during the Showa era (1926-1989).

The National Holidays Law sets aside April 29 as a day to reflect on the Showa era, a period during which Japan accomplished reconstruction after turbulent days, and to think about the nation's future.

Now, at a time when we must find all possible ways to overcome the hardships caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people must harbor hope for the future, recalling those postwar days when we picked ourselves up from a devastated land.

We should make it a day to thoroughly consider the gravity of Showa-era events and consider what we should learn from them.

It is now unthinkable, but there was once persistent opposition from some people against a plan to establish Showa Day.

In the beginning of the Heisei era, the Emperor's Birthday on April 29 was changed to Greenery Day.

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A holiday sought by the people

After that, a grass-roots movement calling for the establishment of Showa Day became active. However, some newspapers made an issue of this, saying Emperor Showa should be held responsible for the war, and objected to the movement by saying Showa Day was not a suitable national holiday for the people to celebrate.

In 2005, a lawmaker-proposed bill to revise the National Holidays Law was approved by a majority vote with the support of the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito, the Democratic Party of Japan and other parties. In 2007, April 29 was changed to Showa Day.

Showa Day, which marked its fifth year this year, seems to have firmly taken root among the public.

The construction of Showa towns that reproduce old cityscapes is under way in places including Ome, Tokyo, and Bungotakada, Oita Prefecture. In Kawasaki and Kitakyushu, tours of factories that supported the country's high economic growth in that period are popular.

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'A period of hope'

The Yomiuri Shimbun asked in a recent opinion survey about impressions of three periods--before and after World War II in the Showa era, and the Heisei era.

The predominant answers were "period of poverty" for the Showa era before World War II, "period of hope" for the Showa era after World War II, and "period of wide disparity" for the Heisei era.

During the postwar reconstruction period, people's lives were poorer than now, but people were full of vitality as they looked toward the future. This led to the country's high economic growth.

However, the days of a continuously growing economy are over, with the population rapidly aging while the birthrate remains chronically low. People are concerned that the social security system and public finances may collapse. The recent natural disasters thus have struck a Japanese society that was already smothered in a sense of helplessness.

Tomorrow, The Yomiuri Shimbun will launch a new long-term series titled "Showa era."

Now, at a time when Japan needs a vision to give people courage and hope, we can surely draw various lessons through looking back on the history of the Showa era.

EDITORIAL : THE DAILY MIRROR, SRILANKA

May Day: Some meditation for workers

The heights reached by great people, not only reached but reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight; but they while their colleagues slept were toiling upward in the night. The symbolism and the heights referred to in these words of wisdom by a poet are not the personal gain or glory, power popularity or prestige that party politicians especially desire, but high principles of living and noble values like selfless sacrificial service to people.
For May Day tomorrow it might be wise for workers to allow a paradigm shift or change of perception to take place and meditate more on their responsibilities than on their rights because the reality is that for most political leaders, workers rights are more like rites. It is an everlasting and undeniable truth that rights are linked to responsibilities. To the extent we fulfil our responsibility to that extent we are entitled to our rights and our needs will be met. The opposite is also true. To the extent we fail in our responsibilities, to that extent we forfeit our rights. Focusing on our responsibilities, workers on this May Day weekend need to reflect on how committed dedicated and honest we are in whatever work we do. Competence and commitment are both vital. Without one or the other the worker will be half baked or half hearted and of little use to himself, herself or to others. Whatever we do, we need to do it well giving our heart and mind to it, then there will be fulfillment for the worker and the expectation of the employer will also be fulfilled. In sincerely doing the duty that we are called upon to do, we need to keep in mind some noble values to reach this goal. As Kipling said in his famous poem, we need to keep our heads above our shoulders while others are losing theirs and blaming it on us. Acting sincerely according to our conscience in the work we do, we need to trust ourselves when others doubt us and more importantly make allowance for their doubting too.
More wisdom for sincere and sacrificial work comes from poets like Robert Lewis Stephenson who tell us that in addition to patience we need perseverance. We need to drive the nail aright and hit it on the head. We need to strike it with all our might while the iron is red. When we have work to do, we need to do it with a will for those who reach the top must first climb the hill. Though we stumble often we need not be downcast because when we try and try again, we will win at last.
As for the party political leaders and the employers big or small, they need to be aware of the fate that befalls those who use, abuse or manipulate workers as tools to achieve their selfish objectives. Party political leaders and employers who underpay and ill treat workers need to be aware that their self-centerdness, selfishness and overpowering desire for self-interest will eventually land them in one hell of a mess.
 

EDITORIAL : THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH

           

 

Limon's sufferings go on

Those who maimed him must face the law

The administration does not seem to have been moved by the outcry over the Limon affair. Ever since the sixteen year-old was shot by RAB personnel on the dubious charge that he was a criminal, he has had his left leg amputated and has had the further misfortune of seeing the police determined to implicate him in criminal cases. Limon's background suggests nothing that can remotely link him to any criminality. The police themselves have found no record of any earlier case against him. Recently, the RAB chief went public with his view that Limon was a victim of circumstances, meaning he was caught in 'crossfire'. That was something of a climb-down for RAB, but it was clearly not enough. Limon now faces persecution from the police, who have their cases against him ready.

Limon's parents have somehow had their case against the RAB men who shot their son accepted by the police. Bizarrely, though, no one has been arrested. The suspicion lingers that the police are unwilling to move against the RAB men despite it now becoming obvious that RAB acted against Limon wrongfully and has imperilled his future. As if that were not enough, Home Minister Sahara Khatun now informs us that the government has nothing to do about the matter since it is now in the hands of the court. We are appalled at the minister's attitude, for it only shows that the authorities are still in denial mode over the tragic incident. To suggest that the police and RAB were right and that despite all the facts being there Limon remains a criminal is absurdity taken to extremes. Worse, it gives citizens the impression that the rule of law is being trifled with by the very individuals and institutions that should be upholding it. Ironically, the very police officer who pressed charges against Limon has also been given the task of making follow-up investigations on the case filed by Limon's parents. Do the authorities truly think that the same man who is determined to punish Limon can also ensure that he is cleared of the charges against him?

The law must take its natural course. Let those responsible for Limon's misery be prosecuted, in public and to the fullest extent of the law.

Inspiring words, indeed

Cardinal's visit proves auspicious

Nothing could be a greater tribute to the state of inter-religious relations in Bangladesh than that paid by Cardinal Tauran in Dhaka Wednesday. On a five-day sojourn in Bangladesh as special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI, he has already endeared himself not only to the Christian community but also to members of other faiths.

Quite significantly, he alluded to the 'great patrimony' that Bangladesh has acquired in the area of inter-religious relations. This, said he, "can be placed at the service of the world."

To receive such compliments from an authentic voice is heart warming. At the same time, however, it is for us a call to duty, to maintain and build on the good traditions of inter-religious harmony we have had.

It is quite in sync with the times that an inter-religious dialogue has taken place in Dhaka, heralding, what we would hope, a process whereby religious groups will periodically talk and allay any misgiving that could creep in through the machinations of a miniscule minority.

That culturally, traditionally and constitutionally Bangladeshis are imbued with a sense of inter-faith tolerance and harmony was well-recognised at the dialogue.

The cardinal's pragmatic approach is laudable. In his words, inter-religious dialogue could be suspect to those inclined to brand and accuse religion 'as a source and cause of intolerance and conflict'. The overriding fact, however, is, as our state minister for religious affairs said, "religion has been a primary force for social and human development."

If we are respectful of one another's religion, the nation as a whole stands to benefit through the creative energies of all communities in an environment of social peace and stability.

Cardinal Tauran's words are specially valued because his is the second high level visit from the Vatican since 1986, when Pope John Paul II had come here on a goodwill mission.

EDITORIAL : THE HINDU, INDIA

Avoiding debate

That the Public Accounts Committee, which is examining the loss to the exchequer in the 2G spectrum allocation scandal, would split along party lines was expected. But the attempts by members of the ruling United Progressive Alliance to discredit and dump the entire draft PAC report have gone beyond tolerable levels of political partisanship — and now threaten parliamentary procedures and established norms. While some of the concerns about “factual discrepancies” in the report merited consideration, nothing could possibly justify the desperate methods adopted by the ruling coalition members at the PAC meeting. After committee chairman Murli Manohar Joshi had ‘adjourned' the meeting, the UPA members elected Congressman Saifuddin Soz to the Chair and organised a ‘vote' to reject the draft wholesale. The UPA just about had numbers, after winning over the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which support the government from outside. The ‘vote' rejecting the report was carried 11 to none, after Dr. Joshi and other opposition Members of Parliament walked out. But the appropriateness of the vote itself is in question, as Dr. Joshi says he adjourned the meeting seeking time to examine the allegations of discrepancies in the report. The proper course would have been to thoroughly debate the draft report, rectify discrepancies and errors, and then decide on submitting it to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Instead, chaos was engineered at the PAC meeting to avoid any discussion on the inconvenient issues raised by the draft report on the acts of commission and omission by the former Communications Minister A. Raja, and on the failure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Prime Minister's Office to prevent the defrauding of the exchequer through the manipulation of an already-flawed ‘first-come first-served' policy.

Questions about the leak of the draft should not be allowed to divert attention from the work of the PAC, which succeeded in raising key issues in the 2G scam. It is just as well that the document is in the public domain, enabling people to read it and make up their mind on the contentious issues. The UPA, which shamelessly stonewalled demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe by pointing to the PAC's work on the same issue, cannot be allowed to undermine the PAC in the name of an ongoing JPC probe. If the 21-member PAC is unable to agree on the report, Dr. Joshi might feel compelled to submit it directly to the Speaker, who will have the final call on its adoption. The ruling coalition members would be well-advised to discuss all the facts and issues brought up by the draft report, rather than seek to use its thin majority in the PAC to politically shield those involved in, or accountable for, India's biggest corruption scandal.

From kompa to political stage

The former kompa musician Michel Martelly has decisively won the Haitian presidential election in a runoff that was delayed after his supporters took to the streets alleging extensive fraud and intimidation in the December 2010 first round. Mr. Martelly apparently came third, but the Organization of American States (OAS) confirmed the allegations, and the purported front-runner, Jude Célestin of the ruling Unity party, was eliminated from the race. In the runoff, preliminary results show that Mr. Martelly has taken close to 68 per cent of the vote to trounce his rival Mirlande Manigat, a law professor. Distancing himself from his provocative stage persona, the new President has started off with a restrained statement of the tasks facing his country, one of the poorest in the world. He has called for political parties to work in harmony. He can expect strong support from the poor, who voted overwhelmingly for him. Haiti's problems are enormous. Nearly 700,000 people displaced by the colossal earthquake in January 2009 still live in camps; large amounts of rubble are yet to be cleared; and people living in rural areas are at risk of contracting cholera, a powerful strain of which has been brought in by U.N. Stabilisation Mission troops.

President Martelly also faces big political challenges. He may have to work with a Unity Prime Minister, as that party is likely to win both the 99-seat Chamber of Deputies and the 30-seat Senate. Even the composition of parliament is uncertain following a disputed Provisional Electoral Council move, which gave 17 seats to Unity by reversing several results. Secondly, Washington has stopped supporting brutal Caribbean dictators, but finds itself unable to stop intervening in the affairs of the region. U.S. government money for Haitian reconstruction has gone overwhelmingly to U.S. contractors — to the tune of 97.5 per cent of nearly $200 million allocated. In addition, Washington put pressure on Haiti and South Africa, where the ex-President Jean-Bertrande Aristide was in exile, to delay his return until after the election. Mr. Aristide, Haiti's first elected President and the victim of a Washington-aided coup in 2004, is now back in Port-au-Prince. He cannot contest the presidency again, but will probably have considerable influence; that could be a problem for Mr. Martelly, whose landslide win is based on a turnout reduced to 23 per cent by a ban on Mr. Aristide's Fanmi Lavalas party. It is to be hoped that Mr. Martelly can rise to the challenges and give Haitians the stable democracy they badly need.