Chapter 211
Republican candidate Trump won the 47th US presidential election. It's not that Democrat candidate Harris, who is a woman and a person of color, was at a disadvantage, but rather that many voters were dissatisfied with the current state of the Democratic Biden administration. The people, who are suffering from rising prices and rents due to inflation, probably felt that the Trump era four years ago was better. It is questionable whether Trump's policies can actually bring back the past, but his campaign, which aimed to appeal to the common people, such as by dressing up as a McDonald's employee, was good. It can also be interpreted as people expecting him to be strong in the unstable world situation where conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have not subsided. Not only did he campaign with an energy that is hard to believe for a 78-year-old, but the sight of him raising his bloody fist high even after being shot made him look like an immortal hero. Regardless of whether it's good or bad, there is a sense of expectation that Trump will put an end to the conflicts that are still not being resolved in various places. There are complex circumstances unique to the United States, a melting pot of races that transcends party lines. The focus of attention going forward will be on whether CEO Elon Musk, who made the huge donation, will take up a key position in government, but the unlikely surprise will make for entertaining entertainment. Some have pointed out that this is a conflict of interest, but from a business perspective, it is natural to expect something in return when he spends money, and it will be interesting to see how this is judged in politics, where the concept of service is strong. The import tariffs on products are no doubt Musk's idea, but they are consistent with the clear slogan of America First. Even if he pays 18 billion yen as a personal donation, if he can exclude Chinese-made EVs and Japanese-made hybrid cars, he can quickly recoup his investment with Tesla stocks and compensation. The political reforms that the Japanese people expected from President Ishiba ended in disappointment before the administration was launched, but there is something about President Trump that gives us hope. I guess he is trained by winning a tough election campaign. It is not that Japanese politicians have a misaligned standard for judging things, but that they do not even have one. If he cannot even predict the outcome of paying 20 million yen to an unofficial candidate, we cannot imagine that he can solve the various problems facing the country. Even if it is different from your own values, I think that there is a way of thinking like that, but I cannot agree with what a leader who has no clear convictions and is swayed by the opinions of those around him says. Trump's policies are selfish and consistent with America First. Japan, where the obvious priority of the interests of its own people is not a given, should learn a little from him. If President Ishiba does so, perhaps he can regain the trust that has been lost to the ground. What Trump has that Harris lacks is charm. Despite his advanced age, Trump gives off a mischievous impression, like a naughty boy who has grown up. He gives the impression of being stupid, but watching the election campaign, he has a quick mind and is able to relax the crowd with his quick-witted humor. Harris is a good student type and is refined, but she seems a bit distant and I got the impression that she would not be willing to give people any advice. Her policies are not concrete, and she does not think for herself before speaking. President Trump will face many difficulties after taking office, so it is possible that he will not be disappointed, but it is a headache when it comes to Japan's national defense and economy. If the yen weakens by 10%, the 10% increase in tariffs will be offset, but imports will have to pass on the increased costs to prices. We can't take our eyes off the actions of the new Trump administration.
I gave an invited speech in Bern, Switzerland, a permanently neutral country. Beautiful scenery of World Heritage sites
November 8, 2024
The Age of Ego Has Arrived
