But those who study the issue say the real picture is more complex.

Also, the issue says that a release should come out in either late spring or early summer.

This morning's issue, the last ever, said nothing of the sale.

Other issues, like family concerns, Medicare and the environment matter, too, he said.

Several issues have yet to be decided, including who would run the combined company, people involved in the discussions said.

The issue of whether the patient should be given more say needs further airing.

Others who follow the issue say many institutions are not able to resist such pressure.

But public safety experts who have studied the issue said they did not believe the problems had been completely resolved.

Lawyers who monitor both issues say any new approach the Court takes to the right to privacy in one area may well affect the other.

Few issues say more about Japanese democracy and what the people are up against in trying to revitalize it.