The deep philosophical dorm-room discussion aside, I wonder why Curtis seems to harp so much on Kan. Too much Kool-aid? He would prefer someone such as Hatoyama? Abe? Fukuda? Aso? This is not a DPJ problem.
It is not a Kan problem. It is a problem because carping is so much more fun than actually doing. It is a problem because politics has become part of the entertainment circus. It is a problem because everyone wants to be a star and nobody wants to play a supporting role. Perhaps because there is no money in supporting roles any more?

If you want an example of a long-serving PM, you really have to go back to Sato Eisaku. This is what we want?
This would be good for Japan? Surely you jest.

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Fred Uleman, translator emeritus