Get Homer Simpsons Hands Off The Controls!

“…A recurring question in Tokyo has been: Who put Homer Simpson in charge? Japan’s nuclear safety record these last 15 years seems no sounder than that of the fictional Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, where on “The Simpsons,” Homer is head of safety. Only, this is no laughing matter, writes Bloomberg

Alternative energy is an obvious chance for Japan to lead the world. Deflation and excessive debt cost Japan its economic vitality, especially as China thundered ahead to become the world’s second-biggest economy. Credit Suisse Group AG, Switzerland’s second-largest bank, recently stopped bothering to cover Japanese banks.

For all its economic sclerosis, Japan is a role model when it comes to energy efficiency. This can be seen in Tokyo’s ability to avoid blackouts without Fukushima’s reactors providing power to the city. Japan should act fast to assert itself as the dominant power in clean energy, solar technology and storage batteries. It would create jobs, wealth and international prestige.

Sadly, Tokyo’s political class is preoccupied with internal, shortsighted squabbles. The good news is that the private sector is pushing ahead on its own….

Read more at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-02/let-s-get-homer-simpson-s-hands-off-the-controls-william-pesek.html