The big mess in Washington politics is affecting world
economy. Tokyo Stock Market marked steep down this week, broadly recognized as
a reflection of pessimisms for American economy. It looks like American version
of “undeterminable politics,” into which Japan had fallen under the
administration of Democratic Party of Japan. A key to get rid of this vicious
circle is simple: compromise.
Main reason why government had been shut down was on the
side of President. Barack Obama knew that the structure of the Congress had
been against him after GOP took majority in the House of Representatives. As he
said in the address to the nation on military option against Syria, United
States is “the world’s most oldest constitutional democracy.” In the context of
U.S. Constitution, GOP’s firm denial of Obamacare is nothing illegal. It is
Obama who needs to take plan B, if any, not to let his personal agenda disturb
international economy.
On the Capitol Hill, however, there should be a question:
“What in the world is this struggle for?” Under the initiative of Tea Party,
GOP chose all-out opposition without any exit strategy. As its result, the
party brought the nation unreasonable inconveniences, including cancellation
for trip to national parks, limited access to official website of governmental
agencies, and depriving government workers of their job opportunity. What GOP
has gained with this showdown is a reputation that it would sacrifice the
people for their political advantage.
It is obvious that this kind of political gridlock could
only make both players losers, in the experience of Japan long suffered from
“twisted parliament.” Leading party would lose a great amount of support, with
deep disappointment on the handling of politics of the leaders. Lagging behind
in decision for consumption tax hike or Trans-Pacific Partnership, Democratic
Party of Japan drew down harsh criticisms on itself, causing crucial defeat on
the elections.
On the side of the opposites, they would realize the
necessity to follow the policy anyhow. Although Liberal Democratic Party was
reluctant to accept the tax hike and TPP, they had to follow those policies
when they took leadership at the end of the day. That double standard invited
criticisms againsttheir policy. It also harmed the party’s credibility.
There will also be no winner in the United States, too. In
the time that situation in Middle East is getting complicated with engagement
of Islamic terrorists group on regional problems, that China is building up its
capability to cast greater influence on Asian nations, and that European
nations are struggling for maintaining democracy, U.S. cannot be allowed
spending time for an endless political game.
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