8.30.2001 whatever day it was, koizumi's visit to yasukuni is just not that important. the fact that other asians as well as moderates/leftists and koreans in japan still make such a big fuss over such an issue just stalls the healing process. on the other hand, yes, it is wrong for japanese prime ministers to keep going there at all. they of course should be a bit more clever, too.

ever get the feeling that chinese efforts to block contact with the outside world is like putting up sand bags in the face of a tidal wave? voice of america would surely like to think so, and isn't hesitating in its efforts to ride that wave.