Close The Base - Latest Comments

Re: Okinawan Delegation Visits DC for Base Closure Press Release

Reiki4yourpetnu — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:26:31 -0000

I was not aware that we had so many Troops still in Okinawa! Given the fact that the government is looking at cutting back on troops it would be logical to remove those from an area that is not strategic in nature. Since we hold such an enormous area in Okinawa it would be prudent to extract from this area. I can understand the Americans feeling skeptical as this is also an area from we can watch the Pacific . I was only four when this was such a crucial area....many things have changed and some have not.

Re: Makoto Arakaki: Photographs of the Okinawa Prefecture Office Sit-in

G L Mechan — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:10:49 -0000

Very revealing images that give a very realistic impression of the media feeding frenzy....briliant work Makota....

Re: Makoto Arakaki: Photographs of the Okinawa Prefecture Office Sit-in

Tan Jo Hann — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:51:44 -0000

nice photos makoto! keep up the good work close the US bases!

Re: Yoshio Shimoji: “Futenma: Tip of the Iceberg in Okinawa’s Agony”

tommie weimer — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:21:01 -0000

Oh and you must not have heard that the latest plan is not to build a new base but realign Kadena to the states and move Futenma to Kadena.

Re: Yoshio Shimoji: “Futenma: Tip of the Iceberg in Okinawa’s Agony”

tommie weimer — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:15:09 -0000

Didn't Japan violate the Hague Convention with Unit 731? Just saying.

Re: “Moving from War to Peace in East Asia” workshop & candlelight vigil in Washington D.C. on July 27, 2011

Macgregoreddy — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:50:59 -0000

There will be a launch of a nuclear capable test intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands. This launch exposes the double standard, in which the USA ignores our obligations under the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty but demands sanctions against the DORK.

Re: Henoko unharmed by typhoon: Photos of No Base/Peace Gallery; AU student solidarity banner still enjoying sea breeze

Christopher — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:01:32 -0000

When I went up there, flickr.com/photos/fybix/579304... , the banners were gone. I wonder why? I thought typhoon tore them away.

Re: Forced military construction at Henoko unabated during natural disaster aftermath and nuclear catastrophe

Fri, 20 May 2011 17:11:54 -0000

What a shame.

Why aren't the Japanese people stopping this?

Re: Anniversary of Okinawa Reversion: Henoko locals attach 100 protest banners to fence surrounding land U.S. Marines have earmarked for new base

John Davis — Tue, 17 May 2011 09:44:02 -0000

It is insane that there are any foreign military bases in Okinawa.

GET THEM OUT NOW!

Re: In aftermath of natural disasters & during nuclear crisis, Tokyo moves to build unapproved U.S. Marine deep-water ammunition port at Henoko

J Mitchell — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:17:38 -0000

Here is a Japanese translation of the piece - courtesy of Kosuzu Abe...

「辺野古からの便り」
ジョン・ミッチェル
2011年3月23日

　「暇をもてあそんでいると悪魔に使われる」［暇にしていると、つい悪行に手を出してしまうというようなことわざ、訳者注］というが、ケヴィン・メアの一件で、悪魔の仕業は、沖縄の人びとの予想を上回る素早さだった。島の人びとを怠惰でごまかしの名人だと誹謗したこの国務省高官が解任された翌日、大地震が本土を襲ったのだが、その結果、メアは一夜にして地位を回復し、救済任務「トモダチ作戦」の主要な役割の一端を担うことになったのである。

　この一週間というもの国防総省は、日本北部における疑いの余地のない英雄的仕事について、メディアへ配信するのに忙しくしている。しかし、おなじ報道マシーンは、メアがかつて足跡を残した沖縄で現在進行中の、米軍の別の計画についての報道では後れを取っている。2011年1月以降、沖縄防衛局は5000万円（60万ドル）をかけてキャンプ・シュワブと辺野古の浜の間に防壁を建設中である。有刺鉄線のリボンが、コンクリートの壁に取って替わる。新しい航空基地建設から壊れやすい湾を守る、地元の人びとの7年に及ぶ座り込み運動の象徴となってきたものだ。バスツアーで訪問した生徒たちが応援メッセージを結びつけ、市民運動団体が横断幕を掲げ、毎年開催されるピース・ミュージック・フェスタの舞台背景となってきたのも、このフェンスだった。

　日米両政府はこの新しい防壁について黙して語らないが、近くにある座り込みテントで抗議する人びとには自明のことだ。ひとりの年配の男性は言う、「この防壁が完成したら、中が見えなくなる。そうなれば、やりたい放題でしょう」。

　防壁に加えて、米軍は近年、キャンプ・シュワブ内で別の工事にも着手している。管理棟のような新しい建物を建設中なのである。また装弾場付きの軍港敷設の計画もある。こうした進行状況が指し示すのは、ワシントンもトウキョウも、古い普天間飛行場を閉鎖し、辺野古に代替施設を建設できると確信しているということだ。

　建設工事への怒りはあるが、座り込みの人びとは、この新しい防壁工事に反対しないことにしている。多くは、建設労働者たちの経済的困難に心を寄せている。「かれらも基地に反対しているのだと思う。だがお金は必要だから」、座り込みのひとりは語った。「この仕事で日当8000円、この苦しい時期にはよい金額なんですよ」。

　久しく不況がつづく辺野古の景気だが、普天間移設計画への協力を拒んだことを理由に、トウキョウが数億円にのぼる再編交付金を停止したため、さらに打撃を受けた。だが、地震と津波の最新の死者数の発表をラジオで耳にしたとき、個々の人びとへの金銭的不安は想像を上回るものとなった。

　みんな、新しい防壁建設の5000万円の予算は、壊滅的被害を受けた地域のためによりよく遣われるべきだと強く主張した。高齢の参加者のひとりは、少しも同意していないそぶりながらも、［キャンプ・シュワブ内の］新しい基地施設の建設がうまく運べばよいのだと言った。「そうすれば、米軍は当然、沖縄から出て行くのだから、この巨大な基地は全部、津波の被災者に渡すことができるでしょう。いま、住むところをもっとも必要としている人たちなのだから」。

*ジョン・ミッチェル：沖縄の社会状況について『ジャパン・タイムズ』に定期的に記事を書くほか、『フォーリン・ポリシー・イン・フォーカス』、『カウンターパンチ』、『ジャパン・フォーカス』にも寄稿している。

Re: U.S. diplomat accused of disparaging Okinawans

Jean — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:52:00 -0000

Mr.Maher was a constant embarrassment when he was the consul here in Fukuoka. He was more interested in affairs with the various women of Japan that the political affairs of the country..I hope those of you who are involved in pushing him our of his positions will push harder so he will be removed from the US state department all togeather.

Re: US for Okinawa’s Statement of Support for Takae, Okinawa

Jdecker254 — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:56:24 -0000

This is so well said, I'm very glad to see that this was sent. We need to unite, to stand up and protest this margialization of Okinawa-- but it's not only US military, it is US politicians and "mainland" Japan that needs to listen.

Re: US for Okinawa’s Statement of Support for Takae, Okinawa

Chinaman — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:39:37 -0000

Stop the war thing worldwide, no need destroy humanity or anywhere of mother nature
Rastafari Seh SO.PEACE LOVE UNITY FOREVER MANKIND,
WAR CANNOT MAKE PEACE, ONLY MORE VENGANCE ,FIND LOVE FOR ONESELF, THEN ALL WELCOME IN THIS UNIVERSE, KING QUEEN EMPRESS PRINCE SELAH TL

Re: Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s Message of Solidarity with the Japanese People

Knifeboy — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:02:37 -0000

George , It is time to stop fighting this war..have you ever been to Okinawa ??? These are wonderful people who have suffered enough The U.S. does not need 37 bases there, not today, not ever.
Bill Horn USAF Okinawa 1961-1963

Re: Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s Message of Solidarity with the Japanese People

Nobaseokinawa — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:52:19 -0000

In short the reason for the US not wanting to build outside of Okinawa (Japan) is because the Japanese tax payers are to pay for a good chunk of the initial construction and maintenance fees.

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

Murphycsm — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:28:50 -0000

Have you forgotten how the Japanese treated the people of okinawa during WWII? What percentage of service members have committed crimes against okinawa? How can you make such broad statements. I was stationed in Okinawa for 2 years and had nothing but respect for native citizens. The U.S. Military has definately treated Okinawans better than Japan in the past. Maybe you should review history before you start calling people terrorists considering that the Japanese made one of the most cowardly and discraceful military acts in history at pearl harbor. The japanese killed unarmed okinawan women and children by the masses. The U.S. Military liberated them from the oppressive grip of the japanese military. Maybe a thank you is in order! Of course after the war Okinawa was given the opportunity to form their own country but decided the wanted to be a part of the Japan. I think that your accusations are rude and ignorrant. After a war terms of surrender are signed. You act like americans are the only people committing crime on the island! You speak as though the Military is so horrible to okinawans. How dare you! If it was up to me I would surrender all u.s. service members that commit crime to the okinawans to be criminally charged by the japanese. It is stupid for you to allow the actions of few tarnish your ideas about all military members with with nothing but respect, good intentions and a desire to do their job. At least in America we don't treat people of other nationalities like outsiders. The members of the U.S. military don't decide where they go, they follow orders and try to make the best of their situation. I appoligize if my previous stay in Okinawa somehow offended you and hope that you can understand that many americans have nothing but love for Okinawa.

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

Y Plate Hater — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:19:22 -0000

And now we see America for what it really is. The new kid that moves into the neighborhood and starts bullying all the other kids around. Problem is, the new kid has no idea what it's like to have lived in that neighborhood for thousands of years. America, you're only ~300 years old. Figure it out. If your way was the best, don't you think others would have been doing things your way by now? Instead, you roll in like communist Russia used to do, or Nazi Germany, and impose your flawed ways onto other countries. You come in and say "Your way is wrong. You do it our way or we will find some reason to invade you. Change now or we will change you". Utter bull.

Last year, we decided we did not like the current way the Japanese government was being run and it's decisions on foreign relations, etc... So we democratically elected a new government. Much of that had to do with the fact that we no longer want your bases here. Not just Futenma, but all of them. We elected in a government that promised to re-negotiate with the United States in order to reduce the footprint of a foreign military presence on our sovereign soil. Many alternate locations and plans were proposed, but, just like a little kid, America stuck it's fingers in it's ears and said "la-la-la-la we can't hear you"! Pathetic.

Another 8000 troops were to be moved from Okinawa to Guam, but the people of Guam don't want you there either. "It will impact our infrastructure". "We don't want to deal with the crime rates that will increase when the marines get here". "Our economy will suffer if you ship them here". Hmm. Sounds to me like valid concerns. Your own citizens don't want your bases yet you impose them on Okinawa without hesitation.
You need to grow up America. Figure it out. Nobody likes a bully.

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

noimperialismeUS — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:27:42 -0000

Hello Japanese and others who are of different nationality I am sad or what happened to japan united states have imposed their lifestyle culture religion (it's the English in early yes) with evangelical fanatic who seeks to convert and took everything by any means possible but I do not see the reaction of the Japanese people why? did you forget those who sacrificed their life for you? did you forget those who were burnt by the American flamethrower? DID YOU FORGET THAT THE TWO NUCLEAR BOMBS KILLING OF INNOCENTS I HAVE ASKED YOU FOR ALL YOU STAND UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LEADER TO TAKE THE DECISION humiliate JAPANESE PEOPLE !!!!!! I am an Arab I understand this is what war with the Americans we want the Americans imposed their culture is an imperialist country who want to lead the world in his hands the hands have to show them that we have other people do not want no idea of their culture we are free and we love our custom our religions I hope you have is going to win like spirits to win the real war in our country

Re: Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s Message of Solidarity with the Japanese People

Ben — Sun, 30 May 2010 11:48:11 -0000

I am wondering why the U.S. Defense Dept. is not thinking at all about moving the Futenma airbase to the islands of Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands. Over there, the governor and the city officials are for moving the military baseto Saipan and Tinian and they even voted for it. Saipan and Tinian are opening their arms and asking and begging for the U.S. base. Why not transfer Futenma Airbase to Saipan and Tinian islands?

Re: Please Donate Now!

PETA — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:19:02 -0000

How many of these tatsy dugong do i get for a 2000 yen donation?

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

Y Plate Hater — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:26:35 -0000

Hate monger? How about just pointing out what the military people do over here. Leave us alone. The population has spoken. WE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE. Your forward bases be damned. Do it the old fashioned way and station a couple of carrier task forces off the coast of the latest country you want to terrorize. America is the largest terrorist organization in the world. The Democratically elected government has stated that it wants your bases GONE. Yet, America (defenders of democracy) just trod right over people from other countries without batting an eye. Who the hell are you protecting? Definitely not Japan.

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

Expat — Sun, 02 May 2010 03:37:06 -0000

Y Plate Hater: You are just a hate monger spreading ill will towards others. Recognize that the US and Japan governments want to and will come to a wise decision that is best for both nations. US wants to be for for forward deployed presence and because of our commitment to defend Japan with our own lives if necessary. Japan reciprocates by allowing us to be stationed here. Your world and many others will come crashing down if some nearby nation decided they wanted to move in. You benefit more than you realize. Okinawa has paid more than their share with all the bases hosting, but location matters. Don't forget your history of the islands and the region of the last 100 years either - that also plays a part of where Okinawa's role is. Your negativity is poisonous and helps no one and does not help this cause. Be useful with your ideas and comments.

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

奈良のりゅうさん — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:42:30 -0000

“Would You Want 30 Military Bases in Your Backyard?” reads the headline of the ad. “The new base would damage the health and safety of people and threaten a unique ecosystem that contains many rare species. This includes the Okinawan dugong, an endangered cousin of the manatee.”

Re: Look for Our Full-page Ad in The Washington Post on Wednesday, 4/28/10!

Veritas — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:37:11 -0000

Yes, and then the Japanese can count on the good will and forebearance of all their good friends in Asia to leave them alone.

Re: Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s Message of Solidarity with the Japanese People

Mark Richards — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:09:31 -0000

It is unfortunate that America has only one Dennis Kucinich. Our Congress needs about 400 more.

The decision is in the hands of the Japanese people. They have the say in this matter. America has no right to dictate to Japan. It is a myth to think otherwise.

America will suggest that without the base Japan will be vulnerable to North Korea and China. Worry not. The US has far too great an interest in its presence in this region to abandon the protection of Japan over a single base.