According to the Nikkei, real consumer spending in September fell by 6.8%—marking a decline for the tenth consecutive month.This disastrous outcome is the result of dishonest politicians who think only of themselves.They are pursuing policies that seem aimed at suppressing anything inconvenient to them. I don’t think there has ever been a government as bad as this one. The fact is, there are very few truly honest politicians. The taxes that citizens pay have been steadily rising. The salaries of members of the national parliament continue to rise and are among the highest in the world. They also receive bonuses. I also saw a news report stating that an increasing number of young people are unable to eat three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If things continue this way, it will transform into an extremely dangerous country. I wish a leader who is all bluster and has nothing in their head would leave soon. What is it that we have been pledging for some 80 years at the peace memorial ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? The most important duty of a politician is to strive and work hard for the sake of the people and to maintain peace. Lately, I’ve been sensing something highly unusual—very strongly, at that. I feel no inclination to go out and enjoy the autumn foliage.