Thousands in Okinawa, Japan protest US Military presence after rape and death of local woman

[kairoso]

Comments

[wicked_jester]

Our troops are not responsible for this, though. It was a contractor, which is a civilian.

With that said, there are appalling people everywhere. Some happen to serve in the military.

[girlomega]

Not for THIS one, but how many rapes and assaults have been the faults of US military personnel when stationed outside of the US? People have a reason to be wary of military installments near them IMO, and this is coming from someone in a multi generational Navy family.

I sure as fuck wouldn't feel safe living anywhere near a base even here in the US.

[wicked_jester]

Ah, so I was not supposed to say anything when someone got a detail concerning the article incorrect. How very interesting.

I served in the Navy. So not only is your being a military brat not impressive to me, it doesn't grant your sentiment more weight than mine.

[pairatime]

I can understand they want them to leave and the actions of some Marines and former Marines is clearly wrong and should be addressed but on the flip side, how much of the islands economy is centered on the base?

This is not to say the base should stay just that before it's removed or relocated they should look at the total effect and make plans. I would hate for the base to pull out and leave the island poverty stricken because it's wasn't planned right.

[tabaqui]

This had been an issue for *years*, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. We need to pull out of there if we can't get our troops and contractors under control.

[ohmiya_sg]

I feel like US military contractors get away with all sorts of shit all over the world. It's gross.

[maynardsong]

Yeah, they're less accountable AND get paid more. Defense, prison, and education: three things that should NOT be privatized.

[mhfromnh]

Okinawa's just been dealt such a shitty hand ever since the 19th century