FalconsNewsreel: Weekly address to Ambassador Joseph Nye

Wednesday February 4th 2009
Good morning Ambassador Nye,

Today's theme. "Does this global recession affect US-Japan alliance?"
I like to begin with Bloomberg report,,

Davos World Economic Forum ended yeterday. Kenneth Rogoff-professor of Economics at Harvard University said "everyone I spoke to says it's the most grim Davos the've ever been to,the mood has been very depressed." A big change this year was the virtual absence of Wall Street figures among the 2,500 delegates at the conference.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the Russian Premier Putin cited the U.S. for leading the world into recession in back to back speeches on the opening day.

JP Morgan Chase & Co. Chief Exective Officer Jamie Dimon was the only U.S. banking chief who showed up. He said "God knows, some really stupid things were done by American banks."

Nassim Nicholas Talb, Author of the best-selling book "The black Swan." said "We should not trust these bankers." Delegates also took turns bashing American policies and its role in the world.

The greatest era of global prosperity came to an end,,, That is a big report!

Ambassador Nye,Japan is also sharing this recession with the rest of the world. Although, Japan is rich,strong and smart,our economy depends heavily on exports to the North American market.It means Japan must sell their products to America and you know the American market is shrinking at great speed.

When we discuss our alliance with America, we can not separate our economy and national security. I strongly believe our Prime Minister Taro Aso is the leader, who can guide us out of this recession. I am sure you are aware we have political discord between our two parties. Mr. Aso needs your cooperation. He should stay in power long enough to bring this deadly economic problem to an end. When President Obama and Prime Minister Aso are willing to work side by to stabilize two economies the rest of the world will see the Sunrise on the horizon. We can not afford to fail.

Does this economy crisis affect US-Japan alliance? Yes,it sure does.In what way you may ask. My answer is how to share the burden of security which is vital not only in the Asia Pacific but also Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world.

It's no doubt,there will be uncomfortable moments as we disagree with each other on the evaluation of costs. For example, let's say, the US can not afford to keep the nuclear powered aircraft carrier George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval base. Then what are Japanese alternatives? Should we build our own super aircraft carrier to guarantee a presence in the area? Another example,presently,the US continues to refuse the sale of F-twenty two stealth fighters. Should Japan purchase Euro-fighters or manufacture our own version? The last uncomfortable example, Japan has the strength, capability and finances to make dozens of high grade nuclear war heads if ever necessary.I hope this never happens.,

Tuesday, Yonhap, the South Korean news agency reported a North Korean train carrying a long tube-shaped object has recently been seen by U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies. And it is thought to be a Taepondong-2 missile.Taepondong-2 missiles are believed to have the capability to reach as far as Alaska. Japanese and South Korean media said the North Korea's preparation for another long-range missile test is likely to be completed within two months.

When we Japanese citizens hear news reports like this, we are frustrated at our Pacifist Constitution. We must revise Article 9, or pass legislation regarding collective defense laws as soon as possible. However,right now our Prime Minister's hands are tied with this humongous economic crisis.

Besides the economic disaster brought by the United States,there is a ton of anti-American sentiment in my country. The former Ambassador Thomas Schieffer was an all American gentleman but he could not change this negative trend toward your country. In my view, his diplomacy failed. Ambassador Nye, you must not fail.

The Japanese public is well educated and a vocal mass that wants to be heard. While government is only part of the solution the Japanese ordinary citizen is the other part. Falcons Society is a grass-roots organization and we are growing. We are optimistic about our future and we want to help you in any way.

I will see you all next week. Thank you.