To the editor:
Consider the following statements coming out of Japan as a result of the recent presidential visit:"If the cars (American imports) don't sell, maybe they should go into Tokyo Bay."
"Use imports (American cars) as scrap metal or for government vehicles since Japanese consumers don't want to buy them."
"The United States is still a military superpower, but economically, it's hopeless."
The president's campaign for "jobs" struck many Japanese as a plea for handouts.
"President Bush, who in the gulf war splendidly enacted an `America, the righteous nation,' has by giving a speech at a toy store utterly erased the myth that many Japanese still held about America and Americans. If this is the beginning of the president's `New World Order,' one must worry about future U.S.-Japan relations."
There were more voices in Japan who said: "Why should we listen to America; shouldn't America be listening to us?"
The sad thing is, we have given them the financial "stick" to beat us with. The balance of trade has been in their favor to the tune of more than $400 billion over the past 10 years alone. We are currently in a recession, and is it any wonder why?
We're their best customers, and when we send that many dollars overseas and create the world's most vibrant economy as a result, we can only blame ourselves. With fully one out of every six jobs in the United States linked to our auto industry, we hurt ourselves every time a Japanese car is purchased.
We ask the government to solve this problem for us, but we as citizens could solve it instantly and without government help. Quit buying their goods. If we did that, their attitude, which I personally find to be insulting, arrogant and repulsive, would change in a big hurry.
It's simple: Buy American and keep Americans working. Both our economy and we as individuals would be better off.
Dave Haymond
Sandy