Japan preparing to jump ship

[lilpup]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0819/p09s07-coop.html

They know which side their bread is buttered on...

The recent worldwide economic crisis resulted from a way of thinking based on the principle that American-style free-market economics represents a universal and ideal economic order – and that all countries should modify the traditions and regulations governing their own economy in order to reform the structure of their economic society in line with global standards [[or rather American standards)...

Another national goal that emerges from the concept of fraternity is the creation of an East Asian community. Off course, the Japan-US security pact will continue to be the cornerstone of Japanese diplomatic policy. Unquestionably, the Japan-US relationship is an important pillar of our diplomacy. However, at the same time, we must not forget our identity as a nation located in Asia. I believe that the East Asian region, which is showing increasing vitality in its economic growth and even closer mutual ties, must be recognized as Japan's basic sphere of being. Therefore, we must continue to make efforts to build frameworks for stable economic cooperation and national security across the region.

The recent financial crisis has suggested to many people that the era of American unilateralism may come to an end. It has also made people harbor doubts about the permanence of the dollar as the key global currency. I also feel that as a result of the failure of the Iraq war and the financial crisis, the era of US-led globalism is coming to an end and that we are moving away from a unipolar world toward an era of multipolarity.

However, at present, there is no one country ready to replace the United States as the world's most dominant country. Neither is there a currency ready to replace the dollar as the world's key currency.

Although the influence of the US is declining, it will remain the world's leading military and economic power for the next two to three decades. Current developments show clearly that China, which has by far the world's largest population, will become one of the world's leading economic nations, while also continuing to expand its military power.

The size of China's economy will surpass that of Japan in the not-too-distant future. How should Japan maintain its political and economic independence and protect its national interest when caught between the United States, which is fighting to retain its position as the world's dominant power, and China, which is seeking ways to become dominant?

This is a question of concern not only to Japan but also to the small and medium-sized nations in Asia. They want the military power of the US to function effectively for the stability of the region but want to restrain US political and economic excesses. They also want to reduce the military threat posed by our neighbor China while ensuring that China's expanding economy develops in an orderly fashion. These are major factors accelerating regional integration.

[ccbatson]

They are in the midst of their own lengthy recession resulting from...??? Guess what...that's right, their socialistic economic tendencies.

[Sstashmoo]

LOLOL sorry..

[Lorax]

They are in the midst of their own lengthy recession resulting from...??? Guess what...that's right, their socialistic economic tendencies.

LOL!!! What a joke.

Socialism will save them, since they already have socialized medicine like the rest of the industrialized world, save us, of course.

With this US caused downturn, what do you think would happen if Japan didn't have the social saftety net they now have? Anarchy.

You had better thank your god that Japan has that social safety net, we should as well.

[rb336]

They are in the midst of their own lengthy recession resulting from...??? Guess what...that's right, their socialistic economic tendencies.

actually, facts bear out that their decline was due to -- a very capitalist, unregulated market bubble that didn't collapse, but exploded

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "You had better thank your god that Japan has that social"

Hateful and ignorant retort.

[Lorax]

Quote: "You had better thank your god that Japan has that social"

Hateful and ignorant retort.

From someone who would fight for your rights to practice the religion of your choosing.

Would you do the same for me, being an atheist?

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "From someone who would fight for your rights to practice the religion"

I don't have to, we have the right according to the Constitution. We also have the right to practice it and not be harassed by your ilk. The Founding fathers must not have cared much for your persuasions. They don't mention atheism, anywhere.

[Lorax]

Quote: "From someone who would fight for your rights to practice the religion"

I don't have to, we have the right according to the Constitution. We also have the right to practice it and not be harassed by your ilk. The Founding fathers must not have cared much for your persuasions. They don't mention atheism, anywhere.

Nor is Christianity, or any other religion mentioned for that matter, so what's your point?

And I do have a right to harrass anyone, Christian or otherwise who seeks to subvert the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Funny how you have the bill of fare as to what the founding father's intents were.

I guess we can add "arrogant" to the list of negatives that describe being you.

You still didn't answer my question as to whether or not you would do the same for me, being an atheist- that is, support my rights to non-belief.

I guess your silence is my answer.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "You still didn't answer my question as to whether or not you would do the same for me, being an atheist- that is, support my rights to non-belief. "

Oh Please. If you were demonstrating for your rights in my front yard, I wouldn't open the drapes.

[Lorax]

Quote: "You still didn't answer my question as to whether or not you would do the same for me, being an atheist- that is, support my rights to non-belief. "

Oh Please. If you were demonstrating for your rights in my front yard, I wouldn't open the drapes.

And in your old age, you'll be hiding behind those drapes.

Some people are just happy being miserable.

[elganned]

Never mind. Sstashmoo has already established in another thread that he knows what he firmly believes, but he has absolutely no idea why he believes it.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "but he has absolutely no idea why he believes it".

Oh yes I do. And someday you will too.

[Lorax]

Quote: "but he has absolutely no idea why he believes it".

Oh yes I do. And someday you will too.

And the meaning of that?

[elganned]

Quote: "but he has absolutely no idea why he believes it".

Oh yes I do. And someday you will too.

Yeah, I forgot--you believe it because God said it.
But you have no idea why you believe that God said it, which is functionally the same thing.

Or did you forget about your extensive whining that "I don't know" is a legitimate answer?

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "But you have no idea why you believe that God said it"

Oh boy here we go again, the self-appointed great debater with his bias, agree with him or be wrong. You're schtick is tired. No thanks.

[ejames01]

I sure wish Sstashmoo would be nicer on this forum.

[elganned]

the self-appointed great debater with his bias

Ad hominem fallacy; doesn't address the question.

, agree with him or be wrong.

Well, Duh--that's the definition of debate. I assume I am right, you assume you are right, and we argue the question until one is proven wrong. [[Buy him books, send him to school, all he does is eat the covers...)

Besides, we haven't actually ever had a debate. You turtled before we ever got that far.

A debate requires two opposed positions on a question. I have never offered a position antithetical to yours.

I merely said that you don't know why you believe what you believe, which is not a position per se but merely a restatement of the answer you gave to my inquiry in the other thread.

Since you don't contest or refute the restatement, I can only assume it is correct.

[elganned]

I sure wish Sstashmoo would be nicer on this forum.

While you're at it, wish that rainwater was beer. I'm thirsty.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "I merely said that you don't know why you believe what you believe,"

And I knew at that point where your hammer was hanging and there was no point in any sort of continuance. You aren't changing my mind and I would not change yours. Again, Have a nice day.

[elganned]

And I knew at that point where your hammer was hanging and there was no point in any sort of continuance. You aren't changing my mind and I would not change yours. Again, Have a nice day.

So you're abdicating. Okay with me. Turtle away.

The statement stands; you don't know why you believe what you believe.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "you don't know why you believe what you believe."

And you're wrong.

And I do know why you're making these assertions about Christianity, so subject closed for me.

[ejames01]

Why are people so obsessed with what Sstashmoo believes in?

Quote: "you don't know why you believe what you believe."

And you're wrong.

And I do know why you're making these assertions about Christianity, so subject closed for me.

[elganned]

You think you know. But what you really know about me is nothing.
Take your ball and go home. I think I hear your mother calling.

[Sstashmoo]

Quote: "Why are people so obsessed with what Sstashmoo believes in?"

I know why.