Message from lhuff

[Anonymous]

We have so much in common!
Like the United States and the rest of the world, the economy of Japan, Korea and China's is directly impacting their population and geography. We all are grappling with the same issues; a growing older population, balancing women's rights and family, reconciling immigration with shifting labor demands, incorporating environmental issues into economic growth and resolving long standing conflicts with our neighbors.

I was especially interested in the Tokyo earthquake and China's water articles. After Hurricane Katrina I thought Angelenos couldn't evacuate the city is less than 2 weeks given the conditions of our freeways and public transit. Seems like they are in an even more precarious position. Access to freshwater is another big one for us SoCal residents. I can't believe they too are "stealing" water from the North, even with a reference to the Hoover Dam.

I also enjoyed reading about the gap between the Koreas. Wow! Reunification sounds daunting and yet it might solve their population shortage problem. I wonder if environmentalists would be able to protect the DMZ as a National Park/Monument.

I agree that we are woefully ignorant about Asia today. Can't wait to incorporate this info into my classes. Thanks for doing the foot work!

LIbby