Fake E-Mail Topples Japan Opposition Party
By HANS GREIMEL, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 34 minutes ago

Japan's opposition party suffered a fresh humiliation Friday when its leadership resigned en masse over a fake e-mail scandal, handing Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi an uncontested grip on power in his last six months in office.

The shakeup at the Democratic Party of Japan marks a new low for a party that was trounced in last September's elections.

Party leader Seiji Maehara and his lieutenants stepped down after the party's credibility was torpedoed by one of its own lawmakers, who used a fraudulent e-mail in an apparent attempt to discredit Koizumi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

"I am sorry I couldn't complete my term as leader," said Maehara, who was six months into a two-year tenure. "It is necessary for my staff to resign ... to regain the people's trust."

The party apologized earlier this month after it learned that unfounded allegations were made in Parliament by lawmaker Hisayasu Nagata. He proffered an e-mail that alleged financial links between the son of the ruling party secretary-general and the Internet firm Livedoor Co., which is under investigation for doctored earnings.
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_Bush + Junichiro Koizumi

and follow this example.

to new and dangerous extremes. While 'dirty tricks' are regrettable in any political system, elected members STILL have a job to do as Opposition--rolling over en masse isn't one of them.

DAN RATHER

not hear about it

He didn't violate the constitution.

He didn't lie to his citizens to justify a war.

Is it too late to surrender to Japan?

They don't let their leaders get away with anything!

We will welcome our Japanese liberators with gifts of melons and salt.

Sorry, Canada. It's too late for you. You had your chance.

We were ready to greet your dogsleds at the border with flowers and hot chocolate, but then you went and elected your own Mini-Bush.

Japan... we surrender.

Please bring Sake and robotic dogs.

America surrenders to Japan.
アメリカは日本に手渡す。

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