Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

I feel angry every day about Trump's America. Whenever I see him on the NHK BS news that I watch every morning, my blood pressure rises (or so I think). Anyway, America is terrible right now. It's insane to abolish USAID (※), which has saved so many people in need, and it's clear that cutting research funding to universities and halting support for international students will weaken America's national power.

I never expected this to happen, so last year I introduced a heart rate monitor to my lab and started an experiment on biological reactions, but perhaps I should actually try measuring my own heart rate while watching the news. I'm sure my heart rate will be statistically significantly faster.

When you have power, it is easy to oppress those in a weaker position by saying that they do not follow your will. Trump does this in various aspects with a clean face. The political message so far may not be in line with the "Ebicha-Zone," but rather, this story should be told firmly, especially now.

Waseda values the independent world. Now is the time for us to be proud of that and to move forward with that spirit. Freedom of speech and academic freedom are the most important things we must protect. Now, we are in a position to help our ally, the United States, as much as we can, as these are being threatened.

* United States Agency for International Development was established in 1961 with the goal of providing international economic and humanitarian assistance.

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No. 1174