09/21/98 THIS TIME, LET JAPAN SOLVE ITS OWN PROBLEMS

THIS TIME, LET JAPAN SOLVE ITS OWN PROBLEMS

I agree with ''New day, new rules'' (News: Analysis & Commentary, Aug. 24-31) that the U.S. should not volunteer for a new yen rescue. Japan has failed repeatedly and miserably to correct its mistakes, share its responsibility as the world's second-largest economy, and assume the leadership role it has been trying hard to gain on the world stage. On the other hand, the U.S. has helped Japan gain economic power since World War II and considered it an ally, especially in the cold war era.
That era is gone now, and Japan has shown what kind of ally it is in the economic crisis of the new era. It failed even to help itself, let alone help the U.S. and other countries in Asia.
Wei Xie
Lansdale, Pa.