Death of Hirohito

The death of Emperor Hirohito and the retirement of President Reagan end a bewildering era in our national history. Each of these men leaves a legacy to their people.

Prince Akihito ascends to the Japanese throne of a nation that is the No. 1 economic power in the world. The Reagan legacy: an American that is the No. 1 debtor nation in the world.

America may be the only nation to have retroactively lost a war that was fought over 40 years ago.

Japan business interests have now acquired much of the choice real estate in California and other states. Japan is gaining control over much of our industry and many of our financial institutions.

For many self-indulgent and self-centered Americans the adjustment to second-class status will be difficult. I tell my grandchildren to learn Japanese and study horticulture. Then they may be able to earn a living as gardeners for our Japanese landlords.

DICK WILLIAMS

Shell Beach