Opinion

Pick a president

By Tony Laszlo

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and U.S. President George W. Bush appear to be real pals. The administrations of the two gentlemen don't seem to be butting heads on many issues - one exception being the matter of what restrictions should be placed on U.S. beef exports to Japan. When the United States faced strong international opposition to its plans to overthrow Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Koizumi provided very important political support.

Bush's actions in Iraq and his requests for Japanese collaboration may prove to have a profound effect on this country. First, it seems more likely now that Japan and its people will be targeted by persons who oppose the U.S.-led actions in Iraq. Furthermore, Koizumi's sudden decision to commit Japan's Self-Defense Forces to a historic and highly controversial role in the international coalition forces stationed in Iraq has already begun to escalate the debate on constitutional revision.

No one can tell for sure how different things would have been for Japan had Al Gore won the 2000 presidential election in the United States instead of Bush. But it is difficult to imagine that he would have invaded Iraq, at least not without broader international support. And it seems probable that, like his predecessor Bill Clinton, he wouldn't have been nearly as buddy-buddy with the Japanese prime minister, being more focused on China. But he would have signed that important international agreement spearheaded by Japan: the Kyoto Protocol.

On Nov. 2, U.S. voters will again decide who will lead their country for the next four years - George W. Bush or John Kerry. It is generally accepted that how a group of people cast their votes is their own business. But a network of Japanese and Korean NGOs holds that this is no ordinary election. Decisions made by the United States over the next four years will likely affect everyone on the planet, they reason. That's why they are inviting people from all regions to access their Web site (choice21.org) and "vote," either for Kerry or Bush.

The group plans to announce the results of the "international election" in mid-October. By releasing their data at that time, they are hoping that the international sentiment reflected in their initiative will have an impact on those U.S. voters preparing to enter the ballot box.

While purists will frown upon this unorthodox concept and methodology, the NGOs' move is not without its logic. If your life is being impacted by today's lone superpower, why not make your voice heard? Fair warning: no ballot-stuffing is allowed, so don't even think about it.

Shukan ST: Oct. 15, 2004

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