Does Java need to change?

By chance I came across Humphrey Sheil’s article 
 In pursuit of perfection — Can Java become the perfect technology platform?
 and Elliott Rusty Harold’s 10 Reasons We Need Java 3.0. Both pieces take stock
 of the Java platform and look at parts that could use a redesign or a change.

Humphrey Sheil focuses on changes to the core API, while Elliott Rusty Harold
 takes a broader look at Java and examines specific aspects of the platform. Together, the two articles offer a critical view 
 of both the API and the platform as a whole. As for the question
 in this post’s title, I’ll leave you to answer it once you’ve read both articles.