International -- Readers Report
For Switzerland, a Cautionary Tale
"The Euro on trial" (European Edition Cover Story, July 2) shows very clearly how, in economics as well as in business, the reality is far from the dream. I don't understand, however, why you take Swissair as an example. On the map, Switzerland is right in the center of the euro zone, but economically, and politically, not yet. On Jan. 1, 2002, we will still use our old Swiss currency here.
Yes, it is a shame what happened at Swissair. But it is because Switzerland was not a member of the European Union that Swissair management took equity in French companies.
The lesson: Never do business in a country where people work half of the time and go on strike whenever they want.
Jean Roger Debonneville
Pully, Switzerland
Koizumi Is Not Japan's First Reformer
It is true that Junichiro Koizumi has 80% of popular support for his reform agenda, but it should be noted that he is not the first to spell out such a plan ("Can Koizumi tame this tornado?" Asian Business, July 2). At numerous points in the past, Liberal Democratic Party self-styled reformers have proposed a similar plan--and ended up proving that old habits die hard. This time we all realize that Japan's recovery hangs in the balance, and the momentum for reform and deregulation, especially in the public sector, appears unstoppable.
We have long been frustrated that despite rather drastic reform and restructuring lately, the public sector, such as Tokushuhoojin (Special Corp.) and Koekihoojin (Public Corp.) financed by Zaito fund, has been left intact. More than 300 such entities function as effective tools for pork-barrel politicians and also guarantee retired bureaucrats highly paid positions. This is why the reform measures in the past have been influenced and even sabotaged by bureaucrats and the LDP's policy clique.
It is easier said than done, but we all expect Koizumi, an LDP maverick, to bring much needed reform and fix corrupt systems before it becomes too late.
Hideki Kitamura
Nishinomiya, Japan
Global Warming: No Wonder Europe Is Upset at the U.S.
Sometimes, a bashing is called for. Based on George W. Bush's performance in Europe on global warming, I would say we had it coming ("The Europe that can say no," American News, July 2). The President and his staff seem to have just woken up to this problem--which has been with us for decades. The initial withdrawal from the Kyoto agreement was clearly made in ignorance of the full implications of this decision. Furthermore, the Bush Administration has no alternative strategy on how to address this problem. No wonder the Europeans are upset with us!
Shirley Hall
Manhattan Beach, Calif.
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