The U.S in Okinawa

Great pod Sayuri...

This is great. An issue so easily over looked. I am saddened to say I did not even know that my government had a functional military base in Okinawa. The Japanese should push us out, this is unacceptable.

sfrtpro,

Very nice job on this pod!!! At least somebody is trying to reach out to people and make them realize how screwed up the military is.

I think the military prescence in countries, where they are not needed, is what is making soo many people hate americans. I am unfortunately in the military currently, and I am not proud of what we do, what we are fighting for, or the feed back we get from other nationalities because of the lack of respect the military gives that country. I don't blame them! I would be upset too if someone other country came to my back yard and did what they wanted.

There are no wars currently in Japan, whats the point of being there? Its the government's selling point to get others to join the military. "See the World" We don't care about the people who live there, or the impact we have on them! I fell for this selling point. Hoping to go to japan. I deeply regret this choice.

Any who... great job. Hopefully some powerful americans in our government will see this and realize how screwed up this is!

clayjj05,

Not really sure if the school was there first, or the military base???

The point I agreed with though, need to get the military bases out of areas they are not needed in. Okinawa got their freedom back... somewhat. There really is no need for the base being there, especially that close to the school.

Okinawa is japan's territory, not the us's. We should move not them. The okinawa base is just used as a training base, and a resting area before military gets shipped off to iraq. As much power, wealth, and troops the military has at its dispposal. It shouldn't be too hard to accomplish this.

If the base has been there since 1948 why would you build a school next to it? I really doubt the US helcopter pilot purposely crashed into school the as the rap lyrics insinuate. Good song though.

Has everyone forgotten the atrocities the Japanese commited during WW2? Hiroshima, Japan's unconditional surrender, and the legnth of time US bases will be based there is a direct result of Japan's merciless warfare. Bataan death march anyone? This is Japan's punishment for attacking America.

Also, when China attacks our ally Taiwan how will we deter them? The US needs bases overseas to react quickly to global thrteats. Unfortunately the US does need to protect its allies and interests overseas.

The US had no good reason to invade Iraq even though.

Hey theblacki,

good insite on this topic. I wasn't sure what came first, the school, or the base? It was kinda silly to build the school there, but again, it is okinawa. Its there place to do what they want, not our land. Okinawa is pretty small, they are filled to almost compacity with their people as is.

The military is only borrowing the land, they should move, no questions asked. Liked I mentioned before, they have the money, technology, and man power to do so. The military should make a man-made island off the coast somewhere? Its possible. While I am in the military I will volunteer to help with this move.

Sure japan attacked us during WWII...like what? 50 years ago? It was devastating, to both sides... in my opinion, and I do say in my opinion. We all should let it go. Let by gones be by gones.

I think that is the problem with the U.S. now and days, they don't know when to let go? 9/11 happened, and those who commited this should be punished. But, it will never end. America keeps recruiting more and more americans to fight, and die. And more and more Iraq's get angered with us for what we are tryng to do. Its not even a war, its america trying to prove themselves that we are powerful, we don't like what you did to us? It's like when you where younger, and your little sibbling hit you, I have to get you back, then we will quit. America is not happy with getting the last hit, they want the sibbling to die for even touching them!

America needs to step down, suck up its pride for once, and try to resolve this matter in a civilized way. America only knows fire power. That's it. America thinks it is better than everyone else, and they hope other countries fear us cause of our strong, thick headed pride seeker's, military. If this offends anyone, do something about it. I have come to realize this even more that I am in the military. That's what I am sticking with. If america can truly say land of opportunity, and equal rights to all... then I might change my mind? But, that will be a cold day in hell before that happens! Just look at ourselves!! We can't even get along with each other let alone other countries.

Until america can decide when enough is enough... I am finishing my regretable time in the military, and moving to japan. I love japan, they are an awesome race! Some may not like me, but there are alot who will accept me with out a question of a doubt. America is a lost cause, and eventually, we will be at war with ourselves. The West Coast versus the East Coast... Maybe The North versus the South? The South will rise again!!!!

Not trying to be an arrogant bastard (theblacki) you are entitled to your opinion, I am entitled to mine. I don't hate all americans. Just the system and the way they run things.

You said earlier " What about WWII" . In my mind, I think that thought process is what our powerfull president, congress and the military have embeded deep in their subconscious? With that mind set, wars will never come to an end. America will secretly be afraid of everybody? And that is why I say that america will stupidly attack itself some day? May happen, may not? I will bet money on it though.

Thanks for the reply. This has been an interesting topic to talk about. If you like to discuss more, please do. Same goes to everyone else.

Finally some one discusses the impact of military bases on local life. and it was even more interesting the local response to these atrocities.

Thanks for this pod -- it actually inspired me to dust-off my Current account and finally participate.

The thread jensenjw references describes some of Chalmers Johnson's work. I'd second that reference for anyone interested in learning about U.S. military bases in Japan and around the world. He was a professor specializing in Japan and China, and a trip to Okinawa following the rape of a 12-year-old girl http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9603/okinawa_rape/) in the 1990s by U.S. military personal that prompted him to switch his focus to U.S. hegemony.

He edited Okinawa: Cold War Island; you can find a ton interviews with him on YouTube; and iTunes offers a handful of free podcasts where discusses rise of U.S. militarism.

Anyway, keep up the good work, sfrtpro!

p.s.

Okinawa: Cold War Island: http://www.amazon.com/Okinawa-Cold-Island-Chalmers-John...

Mother Jones created this nice interactive map detailing US military presence worldwide: http://www.motherjones.com/military-maps/.

Japanese readers may find this link interesting: http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/hakusho_data/2006/2006/ht...