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Vol.63 Coronavirus Pandemic and Politics |
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Nov 15,2021 |
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The novel coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world.
Japan
frequently suffers from
earthquakes, tsunami, volcano
eruptions, and floods, and this
COVID-19 crisis can also be
categorized into such natural
disasters. Judging from the
COVID-19 death tolls in the
U.S., India, Brazil, and other
countries, it is not too much to
say that this is a war between
humans and viruses.
Even
though the infection and death
numbers are low in Japan, the
people are dissatisfied with
central and local government
politics.
For
example, the local government
where I live takes COVID-19
vaccination reservations only by
phone or Internet for both the
first and second inoculations.
In phone reservations, some
people fortunately had
reservations after making over
100 calls while others ended up
giving them up.
Meanwhile,
a local government next to mine
flexibly introduced other
reservation methods for the
second inoculation, which
accelerated vaccinations at one
of the fastest speeds in Japan.
This COVID-19 outbreak
has unintentionally become a
real test of politicians'
sensibilities and abilities. To
my sorrow, some residents in my
local government describe our
administrative leader as being
incapable, saying "He was simply
brought up spoiled" and "I will
not vote for him in the next
election."
To eliminate
rigid governmental organizations
or change social systems, a
strong belief and an ability to
take action are required. I
think we are now in need of
politicians who have such
determination and can impress
residents with innovative ideas.
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