Japan: A Lesson for Mexico

Japan's Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, announced that, as part of special measures taken to reconstruct Japan after the terrible earthquake that struck this past March, his salary will be reduced by 30% while the ministers and vice-ministers will reduce their salary by 20%. More government employees will receive salary reductions if a special law passes, however, the Prime Minister and his cabinet has decided to take the pay cuts as soon as possible so that more money goes into the reconstruction. With these measures, they hope to collect 290 billion yens (about 2 billion 700 million euros) that would be invested in the reconstruction and infrastructure of northern Japan.

I do not know much of Noda nor of his policy in Japan, however, I find this action to be a bold move to support his country and to do his job well. His most important task is to finish the rebuilding process so that Japan can prosper and move on from the terrible devastation that took lives and shattered the economy. If money is what is needed to rebuild, what a better way to collect it than by reducing where they spend most: salaries. I am sure that this strong move by Noda and his cabinet will truly help Japan as everyone rebuilds and heals.

I consider Japan's actions to be a model for all to follow. In Mexico, people are suffering hunger and violence and the government is running out of money to provide for everything. And yet with this economical struggle, our senators and representatives give themselves higher salaries, bonuses, ipads, luxury vehicles and paid vacations as if Mexico was undergoing an economical boom. That money could be better spent to improve the public health care system, to provide the military and police force with better equipment, to improve education in public schools, to fix parks and public areas, to create better roads and highways, etc. The list of possible uses for this money is endless.

Perhaps Japan is an example Mexico can follow. If reductions were made in the salaries of those earning the most, we could invest that money and ensure that our country does not fall behind, does not stop developing, and Mexicans can have better lives.