We're All in This Together

We're All in This Together

Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu evidently believes in the concept of self-sacrifice. While briefing his Cabinet on how Japan would pay for its $9 billion contribution to the allied war effort, Kaifu outlined a list of revenue sources, including temporary taxes and budget cuts. Then Kaifu asked, in truly democratic fashion, for a show of hands in support of a 10% across- the-board pay cut for all Cabinet members. Up went every hand in the room. "In a situation like that," said a minister who was part of the unanimous vote, "you can't do anything but go along with the boss."

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