Japan loosens arms exports rules in major shift

Good news! Bravo! More signs that Japan is giving up it's strict pacifism since 1945 under the new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi!

Margaret Thatcher is smiling!

"... “In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defense equipment are necessary,” Takaichi wrote on her X account today. “Meeting such needs and carrying out transfers of defense equipment will contribute to enhancing the defense capabilities of these countries and, ultimately, to preventing the outbreak of conflicts, thereby contributing to Japan’s security.”

Today’s announcement by the Cabinet Secretariat means Japan will now be able to export lethal equipment to 17 countries that it has signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with, including the US, United Kingdom, Australia, and India. ..."

Japan loosens arms exports rules in major shift "Tokyo's shift clears the way for arms exports to partners and allies."

Waging Peace: The Rise of Pacifism

Recommendable!

Serving in the military and being a conscientious objector

Is this possible? Is this not contradictory?

Yes, it is! I am a living example!

I served the regular compulsory-military service in the German army in the early 1980s (while it was still West Germany), but I applied and became an officially recognized conscientious objector not very long after I completed my military service. 

My rational mind fully understands and supports the necessity to be able to defend a liberal and humanist constitution based on division of power and democracy with military means when attacked by a hostile military force.

My strong pacifist conviction requires non-violence at all times. Self defense is an exception.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida urges party debate on amending pacifist Constitution

Good news!

Will Japan abandon its military neutrality and pacifism since 1945 like recently Sweden and Finland, which became NATO members?

The world order is changing quickly given the threats posed by the increasingly closer alliance between Russia and China.

Roman author Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus's tract Dē Rē Mīlitārī (fourth or fifth century AD):

Si vis pacem, para bellum (If you want peace, prepare for war).

"Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday [8/7/2024] instructed his ruling party to accelerate discussions on the contentious issue of stipulating the Self-Defense Forces in the war-renouncing Article 9 of Japan's postwar Constitution.

At a meeting on constitutional reform, Kishida said the Liberal Democratic Party should organize the points of the issue, aiming for completion by the end of August. ..."

Japan PM urges party debate on amending pacifist Constitution

Amish and Mennonites on vacation in Florida

Very recommendable! I have visited these peace loving Amish/Mennonite people in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Extraordinary! American exceptionalism: These people are exempted from military service!

The Mennonites – a trip back in time

Recommendable! Unusual people, but their optimism is inspiring! However, these German government paid for moronic journalists do not mention a single word about the essential characteristics of Mennonites like they are truly pacifists and conscientious objectors. Yes, these people may be very old fashioned, but we can learn from these people and their simple life style!

Mexican Mennonites combat fears of violence with a new Christmas tradition

Did you know that communities of Mennonites have been living in Mexico for over 100 years? That there is a Mennonite Museum in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua!

"There are roughly 100,000 Mennonites in Mexico, descendants of Canadians who emigrated to Mexico almost a century ago, after World War I. ... Most still speak a Dutch-like language called Low German and maintain the traditional dress of head coverings and long dresses for women and overalls for men."

Mexican Mennonites combat fears of violence with a new Christmas tradition: Chronic violence was dampening the holiday spirit in Chihuahua, Mexico. So the Mennonite community planned a 'Parade of Lights' and holiday party where neighbors could celebrate safely even at night.