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Having been employed by a Japanese company and spending time in Japan I've been impressed at the value the Japanese place on nurturing industries which, while not competitive internationally, are nurtured (maybe this is protectionist) enough to satisfy domestic consumption. Though this might go against the grain of some of the assumptions inherent in arguments being made in this thread but apparently an entire government sees this as a win-win.
When workers are paid decent wages and know the score it can be surprising what intiative and creativity can do. These qualities cannot be coerced nor do they derive solely from economic self-interest. However, they do flourish where there is loyalty and mutual respect.
Somehow, I'm not too impressed with less than living wage being capable of engendering mutual respect.
Also, glad to see recognition somewhere previous in these posts that some questions are a matter of degree.
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