But promotion of black banking and microenterprise is a policy Band-Aid that feebly attempts to cover the gaping wound of the racial wealth gap.
In fact, the continuing mountain of bad bank loans, coupled with the country's weak growth and an accelerating decline in prices, has analysts asking whether, after a decade of policy Band-Aids, Japan can keep riding this economic roller coaster without losing control.
The sharpness of the criticism, Baker says, has Bush Administration officials who devised and implemented the policies banding together to justify their actions.
The argument that today's policy is Band Aid's fault is a bit like saying, in 1984, that Aids was the fault of the Beatles' She Loves You.
Not that I'm unimpressed by its thrilling landscapes, pristine streets, pathologically efficient transport system and the occasional, shockingly enlightened, sociocultural example it sets the world (Dada, strong record on gay rights, eminently sane drug addiction policy, the band Yello …).
There are musical exceptions, like the Beatles, but when it comes to military policy our "band" lineup is clear: The President calls the tune and the generals are the rhythm section.
Though politicians and policy-makers band around these figures, they don't really believe these businesses are the new drivers of growth.
But what makes this case so important for all Americans is not just the injustice done to hundreds of thousands of workers, it's the desire by Wal-Mart and the corporate powers supporting their case, including the Chamber of Commerce, to restrict the ability of the women harmed by these policies to band together as a class and fight a unified battle in court.
Wishnie told the local officials and advocates that they would prevail if they stuck to their lawful policies and banded together.
Folk, alt-country, bluegrass and Americana acts dominate, and a strict "no goth-rock or tribute bands" policy is enforced.
This week the Birch Hill Entertainment Complex continues its eclectic booking policy with two bands, representing two completely different lifestyles, from two distinct parts of the country performing two contrasting styles of rock music.
