Japanese Yen

Re “U.S. Is Right to Bolster Yen,” editorial, June 18: I completely disagree with The Times’ view regarding the United States’ efforts to bolster the yen and my reason may have its roots in the idea of protectionism. But it seems like only last week our trade representatives were lamenting about how hard it is to crack Japanese markets. And now that the rice has hit the fan, the U.S. is all too eager to extend its hand and prop up the yen.

When was the last time the Japanese offered to help our economy? No, the U.S. is wrong to help any country out of economic shortcomings, when that country continues to keep barriers in place that keep our products out, yet lets theirs flow with ease into ours.

GREGG SHIVES

Alhambra

* Your editorial is a blatant apology for the mixed economic system of this country. Free enterprise for the poor, socialism for the rich. When the yen was rising from 780 to the dollar to its current 130 or so, there were no calls (heeded) to support the dollar.

The “discipline imposed by free competition” is supposed to lead to equitable currency exchange rates. The U.S. is wrong to bolster the yen.

BOB WOOLERY

Simi Valley