EDITOR"S NOTE: Stimulated some time ago by Chalmers Johnson, the Dead
Fukuzawa Society (DFS) has had an extended discussion of developments in
Okinawa, the stance taken by Governor Ota, and the role of the U.S. military
there. While many of the issues associated with the need (or lack of a
need) to station U.S. troops there, their relationship to the surrounding
community, and and the handling of the trial have received extensive
coverage in the U.S. press, the following post (re-printed with the author's
permission) raises questions that have recieved less attention. I encourage
H-Japan members to offer their own observations.
Philip Brown, Editor
Ohio State University
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From: "Huntsman, Dave"
DHUNTSMAN@codei.hq.nasa.gov
At times DFS takes on the tenor of an Ota Admiration Society. Can I throw a
slightly different light on it?
I've been very disturbed at some of the words Gov. Ota has used recently
regarding the American forces. They go beyond his responsibility to help
protect his constituency, and come perilously close, in my view, to what we
call in the U.S., "race-baiting".
It is my understanding that, while the U.S. armed forces members create more
than their share of crimes---and any share above "0" is bad, in my opinion;
but, whatever---that the majority of rapes on Okinawa---including gang
rapes----are by Japanese and Okinawans. (Another gang rape--by three
Japanese of an Okinawan girl last year----netted half the sentence, but none
of the headlines in Japan, I take it).
While I've seen video of Okinawan women with banners protesting against
American "beasts", does this type of protest occur only when gaijin are
involved?
> I believe the Okinawan Women's Movement played a very important
>role in causing this information to get out while also protecting the
>identity of the victim.
Is the Okinawan Women's Movement solely an anti-American movement? Or is it
just as active---and, vocal---when the majority of crimes are committed
against Okinawan women, by Japanese and Okinawan men?
Rape is rape. As is (trying to be) shown with the War Crimes Tribunal for
Bosnia,, not even war, which excuses killing, can excuse rape. In fact,
it's a more serious crime in the U.S., than in Japan (or, Australia?).
However, if the Okinawan's Women's Movement---or Gov. Ota---spend more time
on anti-American activities, than on the majority causes of crime in
Okinawa, then they've just become pawns of people with agendas; as have,
say, most Japanese "consumer" groups, regarding deregulation.
Dave Huntsman
Views expressed are my own.
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End of H-Japan Message