Okinawa...America at its worst...

[Deicide]

Because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, the United States has large military bases on the island. The area of 14 US bases are 233 square kilometres (90 sq mi), occupying 18% of the main island. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's land, but hosts about two-thirds of the 40,000 American forces in the country.[3] Two major bases, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Kadena Air Base are located near residential areas. One third (9,852 acres) of the land used by the U.S. military is the Marine Corps Northern Training Area in the north of the island.

85% of Okinawans oppose the presence of the U.S. military[4] due to noise pollution from military drills, aircraft accidents, environmental degradation[5], and crimes committed by U.S. military personnel[6]. The Okinawan prefectural government and local municipalities have made various withdrawal demands of the US military since the end of WWII[7], but any fundamental solution was never performed by both of the Japanese and U.S. governments.

According to historian Peter Schrijvers, "The estimate of one Okinawan historian for the entire three-month period of the campaign exceeds 10,000. A figure that does not seem unlikely when one realizes that during the first 10 days of the occupation of Japan there were 1,336 reported cases of rape of Japanese women by American soldiers in Kanagawa prefecture alone" [2] [3]. According to Schrijvers, U.S. rape was "a general practice against Japanese women".[4] In 1998 the remains of 3 executed presumed rapists from the occupation forces were discovered in a cave.[5]

In 1955 Isaac J. Hart was accused but not convicted of the rape and murder of six-year-old Yumiko. This is known as "The Yumiko Incident". Forty years later, on September 4, 1995, two U.S. marines and a sailor abducted and raped a 12-year-old girl. At the time of the incident, Japanese police could not arrest the men known to be involved because they had to remain with the United States Military until charged in a court, see U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. Anti-military base emotions erupted in some of the largest protests in recent history.[8] Eventually through political pressure, the soldiers were tried and convicted in early 1996. As a result of this incident the Status of Foreces Agreement, which was criticized for being too protective of U.S. servicemen involved in crimes, underwent revision. A movement to reduce the size of US military presence on Okinawa gained popularity. In November of 1995, a group called "Okinawan Women Act Against Military Violence" was organized to raise awareness of crimes alleged to have been committed by U.S. military personnel on the island. Sentiments against the United States military presence in Okinawa were inflamed further by the Michael Brown Okinawa assault incident, in which a Marine Corps major charged with attempted rape (and later convicted of the reduced charge of attempted indecent assault) was not turned over to the Japanese authorities at their request. [9] Okinawa authorities pressed for a modification of the Status of Forces Agreement in an effort to remove the military's unilateral right to determine whether it would turn over a servicemember charged with a serious crime. [10]

Tensions increased even more following allegations of an assault committed by an American servicemen against a minor[11], a restriction was imposed to all U.S. military and Status of Forces Agreement eligible personnel at bases in Okinawa and Iwakuni in February, 2008. It has since been lifted.[12].

In April 2008 the U.S. Military charged a Marine with raping a 14-year-old girl in Okinawa, pressing ahead with a case that spurred protests against the U.S. presence on the island. U.S. military charges against Staff Sgt. Tyrone L. Hadnott include rape of a child under 16, abusive sexual conduct, making a false official statement, adultery and "kidnapping through inveigling," or trickery. Hadnott was later cleared of the charge of rape and kidnapping and convicted on the assault charge with a prison sentence of three years

I have been reading the book 'Blowback' by Chalmers Johnson and though I wasn't aware of it until now, the presence and behaviour of American military in Okinawa is sickening.

These are not isolated incidents. Every year there are dozens of rapes, even more automobile accidents involving drunk driving and general disruption of the peace. Okinawan girls ages 14- 18 were interviewed and slightly less that half of them reported sexual misconduct torwards them from GI's. And this book was written almost 10 years ago.

I know that in Korea much of the same stuff goes on; in fact I have witnessed GI's engaged in sexual misconduct. I frankly see no justification for it. I wonder what HH6 has to say about this? Fucking animals...

[youandme]

I hear the American Revolution was pretty gruesome as well

[Deicide]

I hear the American Revolution was pretty gruesome as well

You have no opinion of what American GI's are doing to the people of Okinawa? No comments? You think it is all just fine and dandy?

[headhuntersix]

Yes first off things like this happen....there aren't dozens of rapes...so forget that. Yes we've had rapes occur on Oki, and they've been delt with. And  we've had our share of problems in Korea as well. I would ask u to talk to anybody over the age of 50 in korea and ask them if they would like us to leave.....without our troops on the peninsula, there would be no South Korea. This stuff has happened and will happen, the incidence are delt with by the UCMJ. I would advise u as  dirtbag civilian to try and not characterize the entire US military as thugs and rapists because its not true. Its funny how u idiots try and find anything possible on US troops. Have u seen what the other does or would do. As far as witnessing misconduct by a 'GI'...report it then.
"

[Deicide]

Yes first off things like this happen....there aren't dozens of rapes...so forget that. Yes we've had rapes occur on Oki, and they've been delt with. And  we've had our share of problems in Korea as well. I would ask u to talk to anybody over the age of 50 in korea and ask them if they would like us to leave.....without our troops on the peninsula, there would be no South Korea. This stuff has happened and will happen, the incidence are delt with by the UCMJ. I would advise u as  dirtbag civilian to try and not characterize the entire US military as thugs and rapists because its not true. Its funny how u idiots try and find anything possible on US troops. Have u seen what the other does or would do. As far as witnessing misconduct by a 'GI'...report it then.
"

Without American imperialism, Korea would have been united a long time ago.

85% of Okinawans want American troops off the island.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalmers_Johnson

You think this guy is talking out of his arse? He must be a real idiot...huh?

Johnson believes the enforcement of American hegemony over the world constitutes a new form of global empire. Whereas traditional empires maintained control over subject peoples via colonies, since World War II the US has developed a vast system of hundreds of military bases around the world where it has strategic interests. A long-time Cold Warrior, Johnson experienced a political awakening after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, noting that instead of demobilizing its armed forces, the US accelerated its reliance on military solutions to problems both economic and political. The result of this militarism (as distinct from actual domestic defense) is more terrorism against the US and its allies, the loss of core democratic values at home, and an eventual disaster for the American economy.

[headhuntersix]

Yes...major blame America first douchebag...but again he's right. Korea would have been united..under North Korea...get a clue dude. Ur deluded. This guy spent way to much time at Berkeley. Not a thing is mentioned about how the NK's are starving their own people...how they kidnap women, how they have been prepared to invade the South since 1953.

[Deicide]

Yes...major blame America first douchebag...but again he's right. Korea would have been united..under North Korea...get a clue dude. Ur deluded. This guy spent way to much time at Berkeley. Not a thing is mentioned about how the NK's are starving their own people...how they kidnap women, how they have been prepared to invade the South since 1953.

This man is a PhD who has studied East Asian/American relations his whole life; that you dismiss him so easily shows how shamelessly ignorant you are of complicated politcal situations.

Do even know how North Korea came into existence?

No, you just like shooting things.

[Fury]

Occupation is what happens when you lose a war. Tell you what, America will leave everything they occupy when every other major world power does the same. Get in touch with China and Russia and get back to us. 

Our presence in Japan allows them to spend 1% of their GDP on defense and the rest on their economy and what not. It's part of the reason why Japan has been an economical juggernaut since the war.

[Deicide]

Occupation is what happens when you lose a war. Tell you what, America will leave everything they occupy when every other major world power does the same. Get in touch with China and Russia and get back to us. 

Our presence in Japan allows them to spend 1% of their GDP on defense and the rest on their economy and what not. It's part of the reason why Japan has been an economical juggernaut since the war.

Over 60 years ago...why does Japan still need all those bases?

[Fury]

Over 60 years ago...why does Japan still need all those bases?

Because they lost the war after starting it and they're reaping the results of it. Like I said, we'll leave our bases when you get every other major world power to leave theirs. 

You think the Japanese government wants us gone completely? Like I said, their presence in our defense shield allows them to devote only 1% or so of their GDP to defense. That's why Japan is where it is today.

[headhuntersix]

This man is a PhD who has studied East Asian/American relations his whole life; that you dismiss him so easily shows how shamelessly ignorant you are of complicated politcal situations.

Do even know how North Korea came into existence?

No, you just like shooting things.



Look "Decide" I have an excellant grasp of what went on during and before the war. I would say ur so damm naive to fall for the blame America for everything line...but u love it so much. Its like a self forfilling prophecy to u.....this guy may know all kinds of crap about Japan..but does he know anything of what the NKPD has been doing for 50 years. Does he have a direct line to military plans and intelligence...I have a great grasp of whats going on in Korea and what the North has been up to. I know full well how the war started....another Dem fuck up......and where the North came from. Are u blaming them on us.

[240 is Back]

Over 60 years ago...why does Japan still need all those bases?

no governor/senator of whatever state their from will let them be shut down.

cause then they'll lose election as the guy who let 10,000 or 50,000 jobs be cut.

those folks have a hometown somewhere.

[Deicide]

no governor/senator of whatever state their from will let them be shut down.

cause then they'll lose election as the guy who let 10,000 or 50,000 jobs be cut.

those folks have a hometown somewhere.

And it's a damn shame.

[headhuntersix]

Over 60 years ago...why does Japan still need all those bases?

Dear decide...have u ever worked with the Japanes military.....see I have and will be again next year. They fully understand that if and when China decides to move against Taiwan, they could be next. BF has hit the point about military spending, we're their damm military. Most of their services look like our circa 1975. Their navy is fairly new. The 3rd Mar DIv on Oki is there to back stop against war on the Peninsula and then Taiwan. Our navy base at Yokohama controls most of the Pacific. The Japs don't want us to leave, even if the Oki's don't like us.

[youandme]

They fully understand that if and when China decides to move against Taiwan, they could be next.

Only a matter of time now.

[Deicide]

Dear decide...have u ever worked with the Japanes military.....see I have and will be again next year. They fully understand that if and when China decides to move against Taiwan, they could be next. BF has hit the point about military spending, we're their damm military. Most of their services look like our circa 1975. Their navy is fairly new. The 3rd Mar DIv on Oki is there to back stop against war on the Peninsula and then Taiwan. Our navy base at Yokohama controls most of the Pacific. The Japs don't want us to leave, even if the Oki's don't like us.

That's the whole problem. The centre of Japanese government totally ignores the Okinawan prefecture and its complains and problems.

At the end of the day the real issue is that we are going broke; the US simply cannot afford to continue global militarism.

[Fury]

That's the whole problem. The centre of Japanese government totally ignores the Okinawan prefecture and its complains and problems.

At the end of the day the real issue is that we are going broke; the US simply cannot afford to continue global militarism.

Well, let's see. What takes precedence, the safety of Japan or the complaints of a single prefecture?

Like 240 said, they'd be singing a different tune when several thousand of them lose jobs.

[headhuntersix]

That's the whole problem. The centre of Japanese government totally ignores the Okinawan prefecture and its complains and problems.

At the end of the day the real issue is that we are going broke; the US simply cannot afford to continue global militarism.

To some extent I would agree...bult in order for our economy to continue, sea lanes must remain open...access to markets must remain open and stable...if we don't do it, then these countries in Asia will fall to Chinese hegemony. Nobody else can do what we do.

[CQ]

At the end of the day the real issue is that we are going broke; the US simply cannot afford to continue global militarism.

You think the Japanese government wants us gone completely? Like I said, their presence in our defense shield allows them to devote only 1% or so of their GDP to defense. That's why Japan is where it is today.

See, this is what I wonder.

While the USA pays for military in Japan - their people all get free healthcare, and USA's don't. Studies show US had the same medical care level of Japan, would be many lives saved, thousands per month actually.

While the USA pays for military in Japan -they have borrowed like a trillion from them, and part of the 10%/billions spent a year on paying the interest - goes to Japan.

Japan seems to be making out like bandits here?

[240 is Back]

we're not 'protecting japan' with those bases.

We're maintaining spending of tax dollars on military and private support firms.

The haliburtons and other companies make a lot of money selling $600 toilet seats to those bases all over the world.

And as you know, it's like a revolving door, people moving in and out of these defense firms, and the pentagon.  When a dem is in office, they're working in the pvt sector.  When a repub is in office, they're working in the pentagon.  The dems have their own groups too.  Cheney, Rummy, and others all make a shitload of $ in the pvt sector defense contractors from 92-2000.   They got govt jobs, and their counterparts from the pentagon all went to work for the defense contractors.

If obama wins, it'll happen again - cheney and the bush cabinet will all take leadership roles at the same defense contractors and war infrastructure companies they gave the big contracts to while in office.

many people don't see this.  It's the defense spending cycle.

[headhuntersix]

They have a very austere military, I was shocked. i figured it would be all plasma screens and robots. They are trying to adjust their military to grow larger and they, themselves want a bigger role in that area of the pacific.

240 honestly..u don't have a grasp of whats going on. Those bases would move elswhere. We're protecting our interests in Asia from bases in Japan.

[Deicide]

They have a very austere military, I was shocked. i figured it would be all plasma screens and robots. They are trying to adjust their military to grow larger and they, themselves want a bigger role in that area of the pacific.

240 honestly..u don't have a grasp of whats going on. Those bases would move elswhere. We're protecting our interests in Asia from bases in Japan.

Taiwan...

[240 is Back]

240 honestly..u don't have a grasp of whats going on. Those bases would move elswhere. We're protecting our interests in Asia from bases in Japan.

i know they are there for strategic purposes.  China acts froggy, we can cook sweet targets in minutes, I got all that.

But I know in the age of technology,we certianly don't need the same level of manpower there that we did 60 years ago.  Can you agree to that much?

[Fury]

See, this is what I wonder.

While the USA pays for military in Japan - their people all get free healthcare, and USA's don't. Studies show US had the same medical care level of Japan, would be many lives saved, thousands per month actually.

While the USA pays for military in Japan -they have borrowed like a trillion from them, and part of the 10%/billions spent a year on paying the interest - goes to Japan.

Japan seems to be making out like bandits here?

Japan's zero interest rate approach was the reason hedge funds ran their economy into the ground and kickstarted the asian collapse.

[headhuntersix]

We don't have massive forces in korea or japan, besides the navy. We have 1 airbase in korea and barely any trigger pullers. We have almost no Army assests in japan. The only ground pounders u have is a Marine Div on Oki. We have naval power to offset the Chinese.