Whats good for us should be good for you

[David Johnson]

I have read these messages and hear people complaining about how american military here in Okinawa is so wrong and out of control. Well, I am tired of hearing about and watching our government bow down and accept this. I have been living in Okinawa 7yrs. I love the island, its culture, its people and its way of life. I am married to a japanese national. I respect and love the people here. But, I have sat back watched as in 2004 my best friend, a united states marine, was killed by a japanese drunk driver as he attempted to cross the street. I was in the hospital all night, and stood by his side as I watched the life of a promising young man come to a hault. When the incident occured there wasnt any international news regarding this. The driver of the vehicle hit him and then fled the scene. So he was not only in the wrong for hitting and killing him, but he was under the influence, plus fled the scene of a crime. Now, we tried and tried to get information on the case, tried to find out the outcome of this trail but the japanese government with help from the military swept it under the carpet. I have also been told of investigations in the alleged malestation of a minor american child by a japanese worker at his school but you dont see that all over the news. I am getting sick and tired of reading or hearing about an american doing something wrong here, but when it is vice versa nothing is to be said. If you take a look around the okinawa night life, who is there protecting their establishments? (Americans), who is giving their establishments business? (americans) who will protect them when some massive invasion or conflict is to happen here in japan? (Americans). I fully understand the outrage for the recent incident concerning the young girl. And I totally agree that he should pay if he did anything wrong. But I am lashing out to ask how about a little recipercation when a japanese commits an act of violence or wrong doing to an american. Stop being hipocrits, I mean honestly the number one industry here in japan is SEX. No matter where you go you are going to see a massage parlor, a sex house, or they even have a neighborhood of prostitution going on. But, no one is ready to reveal the real side of Okinawa. Stop trying to place blame on the Americans only. Step back and ask yourself if the situation was reversed would we be so quick to take action. I dont think so. because as far as I know I have yet to see or hear any justice in the above mentioned case. Now, that little girl may have lost her innocence, but with a lot of love and care she can recover. No matter what I can not have my best friend back with me and his family will never be able to hold him and try to make it better. So who ever has a opinion about whats going on you need to stop and look back on whats really going on.

[TheNoNamedOne]

DJ, please...some paragraph formatting next time. btw, welcome to the forum.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Stop being hipocrits, I mean honestly the number one industry here in japan is SEX. No matter where you go you are going to see a massage parlor, a sex house, or they even have a neighborhood of prostitution going on. But, no one is ready to reveal the real side of Okinawa.
Dear god, if this continues, it could be like living in Amsterdam.:eek:

[hankypanky]

well, unless your out looking for it, your pretty observant!:thumbup1:

[camplejeune_marine]

Been to Amsterdam, great place! The intent of David's post is a good one though. We really should be doing a better job of publicizing the other incidents that happen. Make sure that it gets spread all over the news......

[okisteve]

Dear god, if this continues, it could be like living in Amsterdam.:eek:

Yeah, but minus the "coffee shops".

[Asshat]

Yeah, but minus the "coffee shops".

The coffee shops here are harder to find, yet in abundance.

[TheLastDon]

The coffee shops here are harder to find, yet in abundance.

Really? Where?

I need to get out more.

[thistle]

Really? Where?

I need to get out more.

It was 'tongue in cheek'. Didn't you get it.

(sorry Uminchu, I couldn't help it):w00t::D

[Asshat]

It was 'tongue in cheek'. Didn't you get it.

(sorry Uminchu, I couldn't help it):w00t::D

Don't forget my dear, there is still "sarcasm" to master as well as "reading between the lines." :D

[thistle]

Don't forget my dear, there is still "sarcasm" to master as well as "reading between the lines." :D

"sarcasm" is something I inherited at birth.

[Asshat]

"sarcasm" is something I inherited at birth.

True enough. Just be careful not to zap we sensitive Yanks with it! (Me excluding, since I understand it)

[TheLastDon]

Either I have been gone to long or no one is getting my "sarcasm" today.

[chizzypink]

it'll never happen, americans will continue to mostly get negative publicity and the bad stuff that the locals do will never be publicized like it would be if an american did it. I have never experienced so much racism as I have since I have been in Okinawa. I have also been robbed, have had strange japanese men grope me and try to kiss me and a friend of mine was almost raped by a local. Nothing has come from any of these incidents except police reports. When I told local friends they just shook their head (after they confirmed that it wasnt an american)

I'm beginning to think this is just the way Japan is - they are the number 1, and everybody else is lesser than them.

[hankypanky]

it'll never happen, americans will continue to mostly get negative publicity and the bad stuff that the locals do will never be publicized like it would be if an american did it. I have never experienced so much racism as I have since I have been in Okinawa. I have also been robbed, have had strange japanese men grope me and try to kiss me and a friend of mine was almost raped by a local. Nothing has come from any of these incidents except police reports. When I told local friends they just shook their head (after they confirmed that it wasnt an american)

I'm beginning to think this is just the way Japan is - they are the number 1, and everybody else is lesser than them.

where do you hang out?

[nate123453]

it'll never happen, americans will continue to mostly get negative publicity and the bad stuff that the locals do will never be publicized like it would be if an american did it. I have never experienced so much racism as I have since I have been in Okinawa. I have also been robbed, have had strange japanese men grope me and try to kiss me and a friend of mine was almost raped by a local. Nothing has come from any of these incidents except police reports. When I told local friends they just shook their head (after they confirmed that it wasnt an american)

I'm beginning to think this is just the way Japan is - they are the number 1, and everybody else is lesser than them.

I agree with this 100%:thumbup:

[Ammoyankee]

The point was made before on why the good things only make the English speaking news. What about all the old folks home that are cared for by base organizations? What about the two or three childrens homes that my squadron alone supports every holiday with children's gifts. What about all the military members that tutor or read English at local schools? Why do we do this I ask? Well, many of the old folks homes are severely underfunded for maintenance and upkeep and they get no help from the local gov't. As far as the childrens homes, most of these kids are either handicapped or "half" kids that society dumped there wants to forget about. Just once in awhile, I would like to see this stuff on the front page of the Ryuku Shimpun or on OTV. Maybe then I wouldn't be so pissy when our bad things make headlines. I often wonder how many Okinawans that do not reside around the bases know the good things that the military does for the community.

As far as the USMC DUI this weekend... BFD, who cares. It's an Okinawan hobby to get loaded and drive!

For those of you in sh!t pot stirring crowd who are going to counter with the same old ""you are guests" and "what the locals do doesn't matter" speeches, go choke on it, I have heard it all already!

And for the other crowd that likes to remind me they live here and I dont. You can shove that too, I may be military but I have been married to an Okinawan for 18.5 years and been on island for 14 of it. We do use the Japanese medical system, I do pay money to the Japanese gov't for my kids college funds and so on and so forth...

Blah, blah, blah...

[nate123453]

The point was made before on why the good things only make the English speaking news. What about all the old folks home that are cared for by base organizations? What about the two or three childrens homes that my squadron alone supports every holiday with children's gifts. What about all the military members that tutor or read English at local schools? Why do we do this I ask? Well, many of the old folks homes are severely underfunded for maintenance and upkeep and they get no help from the local gov't. As far as the childrens homes, most of these kids are either handicapped or "half" kids that society dumped there wants to forget about. Just once in awhile, I would like to see this stuff on the front page of the Ryuku Shimpun or on OTV. Maybe then I wouldn't be so pissy when our bad things make headlines. I often wonder how many Okinawans that do not reside around the bases know the good things that the military does for the community.

As far as the USMC DUI this weekend... BFD, who cares. It's an Okinawan hobby to get loaded and drive!

For those of you in sh!t pot stirring crowd who are going to counter with the same old ""you are guests" and "what the locals do doesn't matter" speeches, go choke on it, I have heard it all already!

And for the other crowd that likes to remind me they live here and I dont. You can shove that too, I may be military but I have been married to an Okinawan for 18.5 years and been on island for 14 of it. We do use the Japanese medical system, I do pay money to the Japanese gov't for my kids college funds and so on and so forth...

Blah, blah, blah...

Yeah and we gave those african americans living in the us now such a better life. We all shouldn't do anything for these Okinawan's. They don't want us here, Even the americans who say they live here to Okinawans you still are outsiders.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

The point was made before on why the good things only make the English speaking news. What about all the old folks home that are cared for by base organizations? What about the two or three childrens homes that my squadron alone supports every holiday with children's gifts. What about all the military members that tutor or read English at local schools? Why do we do this I ask?

Rape the people, rape the land. But, hey everybody! Presents!! How 'bout a hug? Just what every girl wants after a "ride home".

[nate123453]

Rape the people, rape the land. But, hey everybody! Presents!! How 'bout a hug? Just what every girl wants after a "ride home".

Is that what happened to you eel?

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Naw, never had the displeasure of meeting Tyrone.

[nate123453]

Naw, never had the displeasure of meeting Tyrone.

nice discourse

[Crazysix]

Yeah and we gave those african americans living in the us now such a better life. We all shouldn't do anything for these Okinawan's. They don't want us here, Even the americans who say they live here to Okinawans you still are outsiders.
well us african americans appreciate it

[Crazysix]

Naw, never had the displeasure of meeting Tyrone.
classic case of dont ask dont tell:D

[izabelai]

But please don't forget that for a very long time (50 years) all crimes committed by American soldiers were swept under the carpet. The guys who raped the 12 year old girl were the fist one sentenced by Japanese law. My husband almost got killed by a drunk driver (American) and spent almost half a year in hospital. The driver was sent away, never faced any charges.
I've been living here for 8 years and never experienced any kind of racism. People have always been nice and friendly and helpful.

[Okinawame]

The word is lock down tomorrow. Not sure if it's just a rumor or if its fact. If it's fact then its too bad. This is certainly the final straw for me. I won't be staying any longer than my 4 year tour. 14 months and counting. I didn't use to be that way, they made me want to leave. They made me want to stop making purchases off base. They made me want to stop being their friend, they seem to be faking it anyway. I feel like I get one behaviour to my face and a behaviour that is 180 deg in the media. As I think about it a little more...I hope they enjoy not getting the benefit of the American making purchases in their stores when were locked down. I hope that when we're locked down, they Japanese are required to leave the bases. After all, the lockdown is meant to prevent incidents between the U.S. and the Japanese.

[hankypanky]

The word is lock down tomorrow. Not sure if it's just a rumor or if its fact. If it's fact then its too bad. This is certainly the final straw for me. I won't be staying any longer than my 4 year tour. 14 months and counting. I didn't use to be that way, they made me want to leave. They made me want to stop making purchases off base. They made me want to stop being their friend, they seem to be faking it anyway. I feel like I get one behaviour to my face and a behaviour that is 180 deg in the media. As I think about it a little more...I hope they enjoy not getting the benefit of the American making purchases in their stores when were locked down. I hope that when we're locked down, they Japanese are required to leave the bases. After all, the lockdown is meant to prevent incidents between the U.S. and the Japanese.

what yo got to understand is the one's that are requiring stricker penalties, have no affiliation with people of the base. no income what so ever from americans, those are the 10%. the remainder either have a direct relationship, ie, business, etc or have family members who will lose income due to this lockdown. what get's me is the mayor of okinawa city is wanting the bases to go away, but the okinawa city commerce will be beating on her door come thursday morning about lost wages.

Again i say, the majority do not complain. It is the 10% who complain that make it into the newspapers.:mad:

[Mintus]

Naw, never had the displeasure of meeting Tyrone.

Well I worked with him. In all honesty the majority of us with his unit were "shocked". Had I not heard about these allogations and the situation he put himself in, I would have swore up and down he was a good guy.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Other people have been on here telling us what a lout he was...who should we believe?

[Mintus]

Other people have been on here telling us what a lout he was...who should we believe?

Well hate to say it but most people are sheep. They will say whatever they feel will yeild the most popular results. Saying he was a bad guy and making out to be a really bad person is all fine and dandy now.. until it turns out he didn't rape her.

I'm just saying, he was a nice guy. He never treated anyone other than how he'd want to be treated... or at least in my dealings with him.

[P_chan]

Well hate to say it but most people are sheep. They will say whatever they feel will yeild the most popular results. Saying he was a bad guy and making out to be a really bad person is all fine and dandy now.. until it turns out he didn't rape her.

I'm just saying, he was a nice guy. He never treated anyone other than how he'd want to be treated... or at least in my dealings with him.

Yeah but some of those people claimed to have known him.

[Mintus]

Mind linking me?

[P_chan]

Honestly, there are so many pages in that thread, I don't want to go through them. If I can remember the username, I'll try to find it.

Nevermind, forgot about the search function:D

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?p=62845#post62845

Post number 588.

[Ammoyankee]

Here's one for ya... Lock down all the AF personnel within a month of a Kadena's major command inspection (ORI) and expect troops to give a damn whether you do good or not since life already sucks! Not good at all...

[Okinawame]

good point

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Well hate to say it but most people are sheep. They will say whatever they feel will yeild the most popular results.

You sound so much like me, it's scary!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/i-has-minions.jpg


I'm just saying, he was a nice guy. He never treated anyone other than how he'd want to be treated... or at least in my dealings with him.

Lemme guess what his favorite group was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jup5G0meTm4

[Traveller]

Hank, I agree with you totally. It is easy for politicians to make the grand sweeping statements about locking the troops up, because they're not thinking about balancing public safety with the local economy.

The Okinawa City mayor should talk to her Chamber of Commerce, and to her busineses in the Gate 2 Street area. They might offer other suggestions, like more effective police patrolling to prevent incidents. Won't get 'em all, but would be a start.

[Okinawame]

Interesting that Kadena recently stop town patrols on gate 2 street. Did the other services stop as well?

[Oxmix]

They really need to do something to increase troop moral. Might I suggest the uniform of the day be clothing optional. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Playnaked.jpg

Regards

Ox

[WldChld76]

What is going on? This place is gonna be real interesting in the next few days if all of this happens.

[Muku]

In reference to the OP here.......

The events described there are sad to say the least and it is unfortunate that they were not as well publicized to the world, as these recent events including the alleged rape.

Sad but true.

Yet there inlies the problem, the media, and politicians standing on thier soap boxes and crying out to the world about the injustices that the US Military are inflicting on them.

The "little" guys like the Marine that was killed, or the woman that was molested and all the other incidents that get little if any coverage anywhere, get shoved aside because there is no profit to be had. No agenda to be pushed forward, no election to win, no newspapers or advertising that needs to be sold. Nothing good would come out of blasting it to the world, other than to show the hypocracy of the people and country involved, meaning Japan.

Look through Japanese history and you will find plenty of incidents and events that Japan to this day refuses to acknowledge as ever occuring. Do you or anyone for that matter think that one killing, one rape, one murder, one crime, by a Japanese citizen against any foreigner is going to really make people wake up here to their hypocracy?

Is it right? Hell no.

But is there anything that you, I, or anyone can do about it?

[theoman833]

Here's one for ya... Lock down all the AF personnel within a month of a Kadena's major command inspection (ORI) and expect troops to give a damn whether you do good or not since life already sucks! Not good at all...

Exactly! Dum ass Marines with no home training or self dicipline decides to do what is considerd normal on the weekend (in some circles) and drink his self stupid. Military response : " Ok thats it AF, Army, and Navy we've had enough you are on lock down untill the Marines learn how to act!"

Flawless victory!

[silviasichigo]

Exactly! Dum ass Marines with no home training or self dicipline decides to do what is considerd normal on the weekend (in some circles) and drink his self stupid. Military response : " Ok thats it AF, Army, and Navy we've had enough you are on lock down untill the Marines learn how to act!"

Flawless victory!

Sort of like your airman that went out this past weekend and got into a brawl on the streets right :rolleyes:

[hankypanky]

Sort of like your airman that went out this past weekend and got into a brawl on the streets right :rolleyes:



237


gotcha there. LOL

[theoman833]

ahh toshe !!!\:-)

[fenderchick1977]

Great post, David. Very valid points. Nobody here is saying Okinawa is in the wrong for being angry, but we are saying not to blame the military. Both the anger from Okinawans and the anger from the military is all aimed at this one guy. It's a shame some have to rape the issue for political gain.

[silviasichigo]

Tee Hee Hee sorry had to throw that out there.... It is like a car you have that you think no one else does then you see one and another and then they are all over the place....but they were there the whole time you just did not pay attention to them....

I can say that I have dealt with over 40 Marines the last two months that have been busted for counterfeiting, Possesion of illegal narcotics, weed, DUI the list goes on. It is just at this time billy joe nakamura is on his little box outside the base with a news reporter attached to his cock spitting out all the wrong doings.

We just don't have a box of our own that we are allowed to use to publish our own victims......

[badkitty]

Okay, here is my two cents... Now that we are restricted it really does piss me off. I live off base and I really don't like to come on base unless I really have to. I enjoy doing things off base with my kids and now I can't do it because of people making horrible judgment calls. And to boot, I have this dang ORI coming up, so are people going to be mad, yes. Is there a class or computer based training where we can teach common sense????

[RODSCALIP5]

Okay, here is my two cents... Now that we are restricted it really does piss me off. I live off base and I really don't like to come on base unless I really have to. I enjoy doing things off base with my kids and now I can't do it because of people making horrible judgment calls. And to boot, I have this dang ORI coming up, so are people going to be mad, yes. Is there a class or computer based training where we can teach common sense????

I am in the same situation you are, this is going to suck for my wife and kids. I am thinking of purchasing a couple of costumes :D

[fenderchick1977]

Hey guys, I don't know if it will make the situation any better for you, but I was hearing on a few other threads that the lockdown is for safety reasons moreso than punishment. Apparently, some groups are threatening to come over and inflict harm on service members.

It sucks and I would be angry too...but if it was in the interest of keeping your family and children safe, maybe it is for the best.

[Oki0619]

Exactly! Dum ass Marines with no home training or self dicipline decides to do what is considerd normal on the weekend (in some circles) and drink his self stupid. Military response : " Ok thats it AF, Army, and Navy we've had enough you are on lock down untill the Marines learn how to act!"

Flawless victory!

Well sorry you little crybabies have to have some inconvenience in your pampered little lives. No one in the Air Force has ever committed a crime on Okinawa, how many times have I seen 0 days since the last DUI aboard Kadena. While I will say that Marines do commit more crimes, statistically it's no different than the amount of any other service organization. Oh and learn to spell "Dumb Ass".

To the op I believe we all feel this way.

[silviasichigo]

Hey guys, I don't know if it will make the situation any better for you, but I was hearing on a few other threads that the lockdown is for safety reasons moreso than punishment. Apparently, some groups are threatening to come over and inflict harm on service members.

It sucks and I would be angry too...but if it was in the interest of keeping your family and children safe, maybe it is for the best.

they have been using that line for a long time now....however some of the time it has been very real and well lets just say you really don't want to be in a position to find out.......so better safe than sorry

[Muku]

No one in the Air Force has ever committed a crime on Okinawa, how many times have I seen 0 days since the last DUI aboard Kadena.


You are not going to like this here one bit....

Take a good hard look in the mirror before making a blanket statement like this, it makes you look like the dumb ass here.

Japan Policy & Politics, July 5, 2005
NAHA, Japan, July 4 Kyodo

A U.S. Air Force base in Okinawa voiced regret on Monday over the alleged molestation of a 10-year-old girl by a U.S. airman in the city of Okinawa on Sunday.

Okinawa Gov. Keiichi Inamine called the act by Air Force Sgt. Armando Valdez a ''serious crime.''

Valdez, 27, was arrested by the Japanese police on suspicion of molesting the elementary school girl in a parking lot in the city. The police said Valdez was drunk when he committed the act.

''The type of behavior alleged is completely unacceptable,'' Brig. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, commander of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, said in a statement.



USAF regrets airman's alleged molestation of Okinawa girl (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0XPQ/is_2005_July_5/ai_n14738935)

You want more?

[Oki0619]

You are not going to like this here one bit....

Take a good hard look in the mirror before making a blanket statement like this, it makes you look like the dumb ass here.



USAF regrets airman's alleged molestation of Okinawa girl (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0XPQ/is_2005_July_5/ai_n14738935)

You want more?

Sarcasm - No one in the Air Force has ever committed a crime on Okinawa, hence this statement right behind it "how many times have I seen 0 days since the last DUI aboard Kadena."

[Muku]

Sarcasm - No one in the Air Force has ever committed a crime on Okinawa, hence this statement right behind it "how many times have I seen 0 days since the last DUI aboard Kadena."
You make the assumption by making a statement like this that Kadena is the center of the universe here in Okinawa.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I can not tell you how many years it has been since I have even seen any Gate at Kadena close enough to look.

I get your point but next time I suggest using :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Oki0619]

ah ok I will use that to denote sarcasm thanks, was unsure how to send that message but good to know as most of my post will contain sarcasm.

[silviasichigo]

ah ok I will use that to denote sarcasm thanks, was unsure how to send that message but good to know as most of my post will contain sarcasm.

Well I caught the sarcasm right away :) no need to explain yourself :rolleyes:

[nate123453]

what yo got to understand is the one's that are requiring stricker penalties, have no affiliation with people of the base. no income what so ever from americans, those are the 10%. the remainder either have a direct relationship, ie, business, etc or have family members who will lose income due to this lockdown. what get's me is the mayor of okinawa city is wanting the bases to go away, but the okinawa city commerce will be beating on her door come thursday morning about lost wages.

Again i say, the majority do not complain. It is the 10% who complain that make it into the newspapers.:mad:

Hank it seem to me more then 10%. Also every Okinawan Person will lose out if american bases leave because the will not get the subsidized money for the bases being in Okinawa. I believe theis would be great. Okinawans are always so fake to US Americans. What is funny is most americans dont even notice it until it is to late.

[P_chan]

Okinawans are always so fake to US Americans. What is funny is most americans dont even notice it until it is to late.

This is a bold faced lie.

[Ammoyankee]

Exactly! Dum ass Marines with no home training or self dicipline decides to do what is considerd normal on the weekend (in some circles) and drink his self stupid. Military response : " Ok thats it AF, Army, and Navy we've had enough you are on lock down untill the Marines learn how to act!"

Flawless victory!

While I am in the Air Force, I cannot agree with your analogy of the USMC.. As far as I am concerned, they have quite a bit of self discipline.

The fact that serious crimes occur here are because of the sheer numbers passing through this island, not the branch of service. Think about it, we have roughly 50,000 SOFA personnel on Okinawa at any given time. Add in rotations, TDA/TDA, leave, etc and this island probably sees several hundred thousand personnel in a period of just a few years. The law of averages would dictate that you are going to have a few monsters/criminals in the mix and there really isn't anything that can be done about it.

Over the years I have been here, AF personnel purse snatch and beat a woman, multiple DUI related injuries/accidents, spouse abuse, burned up/damaged cars, taken nude photos of elementary age girls and yes, even rape.

I have saw DOD civilians/dependents get caught with drugs, multiple DUI's, accidents with fatalities and also sexual assault. The USMC is just having a bad run this time, I don't blame the whole Corps! Obviously, the USMC and AF are in the crime watch because we do have the largest number of personnel on the island...

Oh, and the 95 rape did involve Navy as did the baby shaking death that occurred in the last few years.!

[okisteve]

This is a bold faced lie.

Which part do you think is a bald-faced lie?

It would be nice if you were able to differentiate between people's opinions and deliberate lies, BTW.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Steve - you're on fire these days. Granted, there's so much material to work with, but...love what ya do!

[Kye77]

Hank it seem to me more then 10%. Also every Okinawan Person will lose out if american bases leave because the will not get the subsidized money for the bases being in Okinawa. I believe theis would be great. Okinawans are always so fake to US Americans. What is funny is most americans dont even notice it until it is to late.

It is also true vice versa. I have had LOADS of Americans treat me like I'm a retard or with deliberate contempt! I'm not Japanese but sure do look like one thus the treatment. I'm not one to just sit back & take it so the look on their faces when I say something to them or back at them is great enough to perk me up!

[Ammoyankee]

Hank it seem to me more then 10%. Also every Okinawan Person will lose out if american bases leave because the will not get the subsidized money for the bases being in Okinawa. I believe theis would be great. Okinawans are always so fake to US Americans. What is funny is most americans dont even notice it until it is to late.

The majority of Okinawans I have ever dealt/worked with are awesome people. I have built many friendships throughout the years and still meet with some I met 20 years ago.
Of course the ones who want your money are going to be fake but that doesn't differ from anywhere else in the world!

[okisteve]

Steve - you're on fire these days. Granted, there's so much material to work with, but...love what ya do!

Hey, I get so involved with this forum whenever I have to finish some work, file my taxes, and study Japanese. :cursing::cursing:

[nate123453]

It is also true vice versa. I have had LOADS of Americans treat me like I'm a retard or with deliberate contempt! I'm not Japanese but sure do look like one thus the treatment. I'm not one to just sit back & take it so the look on their faces when I say something to them or back at them is great enough to perk me up!

Kye,

Most americans even look at other americans as being retarded. I see nothing wrong with this it pushes good people to be better. What I have a problem with is when Okinawan people smile and treat you nice and then screw you.

[nate123453]

The majority of Okinawans I have ever dealt/worked with are awesome people. I have built many friendships throughout the years and still meet with some I met 20 years ago.
Of course the ones who want your money are going to be fake but that doesn't differ from anywhere else in the world!

Ammo,

Lets see how many of them feed you when you have no food or cash. Look at what they do and have done to other 3rd world countries.

[Ammoyankee]

Ammo,

Lets see how many of them feed you when you have no food or cash. Look at what they do and have done to other 3rd world countries.

On the flipside Nate, there are only a handful of people I would feed... Of course, I am an @$$ like that!

[nate123453]

On the flipside Nate, there are only a handful of people I would feed... Of course, I am an @$$ like that!

Would you feed your friend of 20 years?

[Kye77]

Kye,

Most americans even look at other americans as being retarded. I see nothing wrong with this it pushes good people to be better. What I have a problem with is when Okinawan people smile and treat you nice and then screw you.

There are other topics that cover the abominable way some Americans treat the locals. I say SOME, not MOST. I don't have a problem with what YOU said but just thought to add that it happens vice versa too! Why I know they treat me a certain way thinking I am local is that some do tell me, after an apology that is, that they thought I was local. As if that was a good excuse~!

When you say MOST Americans look at other Americans as being retarded, that is a comment that does not deserve consideration.

[Ammoyankee]

Would you feed your friend of 20 years?


Yes, I probably would... And I have the faith that he would do the same for me...

[Tony Stacks]

Even the americans who say they live here to Okinawans you still are outsiders.

Well I've been here for years both as a Marine and a Civilian and I've never been treated like an outsider. In fact I've been treated better here than in America.

[thistle]

Well I've been here for years both as a Marine and a Civilian and I've never been treated like an outsider. In fact I've been treated better here than in America.

Well I am glad for you Tony. I can only agree with the first half of your sentence, I have been here 20 years and people have always treated me well here, especially in Okinawa.

BUT as a foreigner(be they american or wherever) will always and I say ALWAYS
be an outsider. Even if I went and got Japanese nationality tomorrow,you
are an outsider here till the day you die.
But that is something you learn to live with.

[Kye77]

Well I've been here for years both as a Marine and a Civilian and I've never been treated like an outsider. In fact I've been treated better here than in America.

I agree. They are very polite & nice. That is what I see at local establishments. However, I do have to assert that locals can be rather unfriendly on the road when you are driving. Maybe its the Y plate that gets to them.

[Tony Stacks]

Well I am glad for you Tony. I can only agree with the first half of your sentence, I have been here 20 years and people have always treated me well here, especially in Okinawa.

BUT as a foreigner(be they american or wherever) will always and I say ALWAYS
be an outsider. Even if I went and got Japanese nationality tomorrow,you
are an outsider here till the day you die.
But that is something you learn to live with.

Well it's their world. I chose to be here so it's something i have to take. I love it here and have always been treated good.

[okisteve]

Well I am glad for you Tony. I can only agree with the first half of your sentence, I have been here 20 years and people have always treated me well here, especially in Okinawa.

BUT as a foreigner(be they american or wherever) will always and I say ALWAYS
be an outsider. Even if I went and got Japanese nationality tomorrow,you
are an outsider here till the day you die.
But that is something you learn to live with.

I hear over and over from Japanese mainlanders who have lived and worked here for many years that they are not fully accepted in Okinawa. I don't know whether it is the cultural difference or the past history, probably both.

It works that way in the US, too, but not that bad. Native Oregonians always have it in for California immigrants, for sure. Yet, a hayseed who gets a job in the Big Apple becomes a New Yorker in a matter of days!

[hankypanky]

I hear over and over from Japanese mainlanders who have lived and worked here for many years that they are not fully accepted in Okinawa. I don't know whether it is the cultural difference or the past history, probably both.

It works that way in the US, too, but not that bad. Native Oregonians always have it in for California immigrants, for sure. Yet, a hayseed who gets a job in the Big Apple becomes a New Yorker in a matter of days!

i have a customer that been on oki for 30 years, japanese, and he still has this japanese superior over okinawan feeling. just their way of thinking.

[okisteve]

i have a customer that been on oki for 30 years, japanese, and he still has this japanese superior over okinawan feeling. just their way of thinking.

That's a pretty traditional way that the naichu have thought of the Okinawans. And of course they were backward because the Japanese wanted to keep them that way.

Maybe also if someone from the mainland moves here and is rejected if he tries to become friendly and integrated with the laidback islanders. So he reacts - ahhh, screw you, who needs you anyway?

[hankypanky]

oki time brother, oki time. mainlanders can't stand the work ethics of okinawans. they really consider them lazy. i guess that is why this island people live so long:first:

[okisteve]

oki time brother, oki time. mainlanders can't stand the work ethics of okinawans. they really consider them lazy. i guess that is why this island people live so long:first:

True, and I am on the same longevity plan (yawn - nap time). Just like a car - it the tach never sees 4000 rpm it will last a lot longer.

[LooseCannon]

That's what happens when the alleged "unbiased media" gets a hold of a story the furthers their designs. The information out there is a one way street and we happen to want to go the other direction. Has anyone thought of the possibility that Staff Sergeant Hadnot might actually be the one telling the truth here?

[Asshat]

That's what happens when the alleged "unbiased media" gets a hold of a story the furthers their designs. The information out there is a one way street and we happen to want to go the other direction. Has anyone thought of the possibility that Staff Sergeant Hadnot might actually be the one telling the truth here?

What, that he only forced a 14 year old girl to kiss him?

Yeah, I considered that. And your point is?

[badkitty]

If SSgt Hadnott is guilty or not isn't the issue. He stated that he just wanted to kiss her, he is in this 30's. There is no justification at all for wanting a little girl. He needs to seek some SERIOUS counseling. It's just sad and disgusting.

[Ammoyankee]

Not that it justifies what the man did but there is a hot little rumor circulating that the very same little school girl has been picked up by the local PoPo in the past for "peddling her wares"! I would though like to here this go public if in fact, it is true!

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Yes, soliciting child prostitutes would certainly put the locals' minds at ease that the US troops here were doing no harm.

[Ammoyankee]

Yes, soliciting child prostitutes would certainly put the locals' minds at ease that the US troops here were doing no harm.


Read the post you condescending dickhead... As i said "Not to Justify"! Now run along and go tell "forum daddy" that I insulted you and must be punished!

[Tempestuous]

If SSgt Hadnott is guilty or not isn't the issue. He stated that he just wanted to kiss her, he is in this 30's. There is no justification at all for wanting a little girl. He needs to seek some SERIOUS counseling. It's just sad and disgusting.

Yes, he said he just wanted to kiss her, he also said he did not know she was a minor.
So we automatically believe one thing he said and dismiss another?
:confused:

Lots of speculation taking place at this point.

[badkitty]

Well I have NEVER seen a minor that looked hot.... Call me crazy but me being a 30 year old female, I have never wanted to kiss, touch or hang out with anyone that is underage.

[silviasichigo]

Read the post you condescending dickhead... As i said "Not to Justify"!

:p hehe I think it is like selective reading, he only wants to read what he wants to read and then goes from there. Kind of like telling a deaf person to listen up....or a blind person look over there you know. He must be a former employee at Skilcraft...:w00t:

[Boost]

Well I have NEVER seen a minor that looked hot.... Call me crazy but me being a 30 year old female, I have never wanted to kiss, touch or hang out with anyone that is underage.

The problem taeisme is that Japanese/Okinawan women usually age really well, so you could realistically have a 20-25 year old (and even older) woman who could pass themselves off as 14 or 15 by American standards. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which are minors and which are adults.

Not justifying anyone making out with a 14 year old, just saying sometimes it is best to ask for ID first. :)

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

So Ammo, tell us again how it would help the situation if it turns out the girl had been involved in enjo kosai previously...

[Ammoyankee]

So Ammo, tell us again how it would help the situation if it turns out the girl had been involved in enjo kosai previously...

Did I say anywhere in my post that it would help the situation??? Didn't think so. I would just PERSONALLY like to see some of the local dirty laundry air in public so they would know that we know what really goes on! Just like the dependent who bashed the hooker with a bottle and raped her. It is obviously a bad thing but they made it sound in the news as if he went to a bakery and raped the cookie maker! They didn't want to say that he beat/raped a hooker in a whorehouse! Because that stuff is illegal here, right?

[devine]

well, unless your out looking for it, your pretty observant!:thumbup1:

The Man just said he has been living here for 7 years. Once you been here a bit don't you think you would see it. hmm, let's see I was raised in Tampa all my life but hell I know a hooker on Nebraska Ave when I see one. Doesn't mean that I went out looking for one. Please they have "love motels" all over the place and MCCS or Kadena offers TOURS to see these places. No thanks!

[Tempestuous]

I actually saw my first real live prostitute there in Okinawa. What was even worse was she was sitting on a bench with a Yen price written on a paper was taped to the bench next to her.

I was really FLOORED at the boldness.
I dunno. It just caught me completely off guard.
I would say, yeah, you can stumble upon it.

[hankypanky]

what's that got to do with the price of eggs in china?:-|

[Tempestuous]

what's that got to do with the price of eggs in china?:-|

It was brought up earlier.....much earlier. Response to your post #4 in this thread, Devine brought it up again. And I was agreeing with her.
You can just stumble on things around here.

[Ammoyankee]

I actually saw my first real live prostitute there in Okinawa. What was even worse was she was sitting on a bench with a Yen price written on a paper was taped to the bench next to her.

I was really FLOORED at the boldness.
I dunno. It just caught me completely off guard.
I would say, yeah, you can stumble upon it.

A. Did she look good?

B. Was it a good price?

C. Where did you say this was again?:thumbup1:

[Asshat]

It was brought up earlier.....much earlier. Response to your post #4 in this thread, Devine brought it up again. And I was agreeing with her.
You can just stumble on things around here.

No shit, step away for a couple of minutes and things have zipped on past!

[hankypanky]

A. Did she look good?

B. Was it a good price?

C. Where did you say this was again?:thumbup1:

how many teeth did she have?

[Ammoyankee]

how many teeth did she have?

Gotta have all or none! Can you say "Gummer"!!!<3

[Tempestuous]

A. Did she look good?

If I recall, she was decent looking


B. Was it a good price?

MUCH cheaper than I would of expected. Maybe it wasn't for a whole package? Maybe a per/set time fee??

C. Where did you say this was again?:thumbup1:

Alright you freakin perv :D now I am on to your line of questioning!!!! :old:

Actually I don't remember. We were walking somewhere to a festival or something. Parked the car & had to walk a ways to get there.

[P_chan]

Wow, the forums are actually kinda hard to keep up with these days.

Oh and excuse me for getting my sayings wrong. It's funny how people jump on you for little shit. Nothing better to do eh?

[Ammoyankee]

If I recall, she was decent looking


MUCH cheaper than I would of expected. Maybe it wasn't for a whole package? Maybe a per/set time fee??


Alright you freakin perv :D now I am on to your line of questioning!!!! :old:

Actually I don't remember. We were walking somewhere to a festival or something. Parked the car & had to walk a ways to get there.

:p Hehe, ya gotta love it!

[Tempestuous]

No shit, step away for a couple of minutes and things have zipped on past!

This is SO true!!!!
With all these people actively posting every time you refresh there is a new response....or two or three.

[okisteve]

Wow, the forums are actually kinda hard to keep up with these days.

Oh and excuse me for getting my sayings wrong. It's funny how people jump on you for little shit. Nothing better to do eh?

I'm, retired. What's your excuse, Airman?

[P_chan]

I'm, retired. What's your excuse, Airman?

I'm locked down:D

[okisteve]

Then you did pretty good before the lockdown... let's see, maybe 4,600 posts?

[chizzypink]

where do you hang out?

I live up north. I am non-military, non-american, non-japanese and have no affiliation with bases. I am a traveller. To the people who say they have never experienced racism (or any kind of prejudice) I ask if you are: a white male, or a white female that falls within accepted weight, height and breast-size categories. Most importantly, I wonder if you understand Japanese. Whether you hear it or experience it or not, it is DEFINITELY going on.

Yes, there are many wonderful, non-judgemental japanese people who I have had the opportunity to be friends with. But, there are many who are not. Just the same as in any race/culture.

Now that there is a base lockdown, I personally know 12 local people (close friends/co-workers) that are out of a job for the next month. Where's their say in things?

Mainland Japan has been screwing Okinawa over since day one. This lockdown is just another example. Do you think the people making the decisions give a flying crap about whether some people will be able to make rent this month? Where is the association for base workers voice?

I hope and want somebody to cause a ruckus over this lockdown and how it will affect the local economy. Beyond that, how do you think a bunch of young guys are gonna act the moment they get let out?

All of this is absurd. I was thinking of staying here another year or so but now, I just shake my head. There are other places in the world that I can go to that have beautiful oceans and beaches, without all the crap that seems to go along with it here.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

You want the local dirt? That's easy. Subscribe to the Ryukyu Shimpo or the Okinawa Times. Watch QAB, OTV and RBC. Turn on and listen to Radio Okinawa.

http://ryukyushimpo.jp/
http://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/
http://www.otv.co.jp/
http://www.rbc-ryukyu.co.jp/index.php
http://www.qab.co.jp/
http://www.rokinawa.co.jp/

Did I say anywhere in my post that it would help the situation??? Didn't think so. I would just PERSONALLY like to see some of the local dirty laundry air in public so they would know that we know what really goes on! Just like the dependent who bashed the hooker with a bottle and raped her. It is obviously a bad thing but they made it sound in the news as if he went to a bakery and raped the cookie maker! They didn't want to say that he beat/raped a hooker in a whorehouse! Because that stuff is illegal here, right?

[silviasichigo]

So how about that Aiges (forgot how to spell it but the big boat that likes to hit shit ) LOL

[Weasel]

Interesting that Kadena recently stop town patrols on gate 2 street. Did the other services stop as well?

Actually the Navy has been doing patrols through gate 2 for the entire time in've here, about 3 years, but we are not allowed to go onto the back road only the main roads. But that has changed recently we were given more power to increase patrols in american village and also Gate 2 street areas.

This being because Marine MP's were the only force allowed to patrol and make stops off base. But recently Kadena has made a new section of PMO that can actually make stops and other law enforcement duties off base. As for navy we are still there but we are very small so we are only in limited areas. As for army i have no idea, I never see them:thumbup:

[Weasel]

The problem taeisme is that Japanese/Okinawan women usually age really well, so you could realistically have a 20-25 year old (and even older) woman who could pass themselves off as 14 or 15 by American standards. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which are minors and which are adults.

Not justifying anyone making out with a 14 year old, just saying sometimes it is best to ask for ID first. :)

Wow that is first meeting crusher, "hey sweetheart how yah doin, yah got an ID!", haha, it would be nice but who in there right mind would use that as a 1st choice pick up line?:thumbdown:

[thistle]

I'm sorry I don't get it. Are locall workers not getting on base to go to work or something?

Someone just said on their post that 12 people would be out of work for a month because of the lockdown.

[hankypanky]

think it has to do with the lockdown, town businesses going under and having to let go employees.

[Weasel]

think it has to do with the lockdown, town businesses going under and having to let go employees.

Wow that would be quick, saying as the lockdown only happened, what, 8 hours ago? That sucks:scared:

[thistle]

but they're not going to go out of business in a week!

I am sure it is not a permanent lockdown.

[chizzypink]

I'm sorry I don't get it. Are locall workers not getting on base to go to work or something?

Someone just said on their post that 12 people would be out of work for a month because of the lockdown.

that was me that said that, some bars will shut down as long as the lockdown is on, so that means they are out of work for a month. that also affects their kids. has nothing to do with on-base work, just base-reliance.

[Muku]

Not that it justifies what the man did but there is a hot little rumor circulating that the very same little school girl has been picked up by the local PoPo in the past for "peddling her wares"! I would though like to here this go public if in fact, it is true!
Ammo would you mind sharing where this rumor came from?

[thistle]

that was me that said that, some bars will shut down as long as the lockdown is on, so that means they are out of work for a month. that also affects their kids. has nothing to do with on-base work, just base-reliance.

Ok, I see where you are at now. That will be a big area that will be affected, hopefully not for a whole month though!

[Joranda]

In regards to incidents committed by Okinawan's. Forget it; nothing will EVER come of it, because they will take care of their own. We can scream and yell, but it is pointless.

I was stationed in Northern Japan before coming here in Aug and I feel that many Okinawans’ look at Americans as if we are beneath them. I was warned by many Japanese friends and coworkers before coming here to be careful of Okinawans, because they are rude and mean. I now understand what they were talking about. If I could get an assignment back to the mainland, I would take it in a heartbeat. I just got accustomed to smiling at someone, saying konichi-wa and getting a similar friendly response back. Unlike here, where you try to be nice, many give you that F-U attitude.

I don't hit the club scene, so I couldn't care less if this lockdown hits them were it hurts. No matter how nice we try to be it will never change their attitudes.

[Muku]

I was warned by many Japanese friends and coworkers before coming here to be careful of Okinawans, because they are rude and mean.


I would argue that the people in mainland are rude and mean, in comparison to the people in mainland.

edited to correct here....:o

I would argue that the people in mainland are rude and mean in comparison to the people here in Okinawa.

[Joranda]

I would argue that the people in mainland are rude and mean, in comparison to the people in mainland.

I spent four years in Misawa. Yeah it is a much smaller community there, but even when we traveled throughout the mainland, most of the people we encountered were quite cordial. As opposed to what we have experianced in the short time we have been here.

[Asshat]

I spent four years in Misawa. Yeah it is a much smaller community there, but even when we traveled throughout the mainland, most of the people we encountered were quite cordial. As opposed to what we have experianced in the short time we have been here.

I agree. Is it because of less exposure to us?

[Muku]

I spent four years in Misawa. Yeah it is a much smaller community there, but even when we traveled throughout the mainland, most of the people we encountered were quite cordial. As opposed to what we have experianced in the short time we have been here.
How long is short here?

Give yourself 4 years here and then do me a favor and come back here and tell me what you think then. :) All I would say though is that you came here at a rather difficult time.

[dk]

I've noticed a difference in attitude from people I've met in the mainland as well. Whole different world. The whole, "Okinawans are the nicest people in the world" bit is a load of bullcrap. I've met far nicer people in mainland Japan. :)

[okisteve]

I agree. Is it because of less exposure to us?

I am starting to think that there are 2 different realities here regarding relations between Okinawans and foreigners. Maybe local people living near the bases have been changed (over generations too) because of the steady and frequent exposure to American military. I mean, even the best of us are different from them, and the worst and even the average carry that American 'tude around most of the time. Don't ask me to define it, but it must make people feel small and needing to protect themselves. And for normal people that means separateness, cold shoulders, etc.

No need to repeat ad nauseum that you nice guys all have lots of great Oki buddies - I believe you, and congratulate you on being a cut above.

I can defend my theory because I think in parts of the island where there is little foreign presence that attitude is generally absent. I live in a part of Naha where I see another gaijin maybe once a month, and I have never, ever, been treated with anything but the greatest friendliness.

[Mad Hatter]

All I know is that the chicks in mainland are alot... i mean alot... easier

[okisteve]

All I know is that the chicks in mainland are alot... i mean alot... easier

Does that tell you anything about Okinawan's pride? Maybe they are entitled to it, just like the Marines.

[bad_karma]

I've noticed a difference in attitude from people I've met in the mainland as well. Whole different world. The whole, "Okinawans are the nicest people in the world" bit is a load of bullcrap. I've met far nicer people in mainland Japan.

I live in a part of Naha where I see another gaijin maybe once a month, and I have never, ever, been treated with anything but the greatest friendliness.


Good posts. As with most places, I think it boils down to the individual. Plenty of d*ckhead uchinanchu, plenty of d*ckhead naicha; conversely, plenty of great from both as well.

Peace,

BK out

[Muku]

I can defend my theory because I think in parts of the island where there is little foreign presence that attitude is generally absent. I live in a part of Naha where I see another gaijin maybe once a month, and I have never, ever, been treated with anything but the greatest friendliness.

Steve I have to agree with you here.

Seems to me that there are two totally different Okinawa's being discussed here. The one that you and I live in and the one in closer proximity to the bases.

[dk]

Steve I have to agree with you here.

Seems to me that there are two totally different Okinawa's being discussed here. The one that you and I live in and the one in closer proximity to the bases.
I'll agree with that.

When I lived down in Naha, the people I lived around were very friendly. Actually, most people I've ever met on this island are friendly. It's just a different sort of friendliness that I was mentioning in my post above. There's a bit of a reluctance here. Or at least, that's what I've noticed.

[OkinawaBear]

David, this situation is not new. It has been going on since 1945.And it is quite deep. And it is sad.

There are or were three major cultures in Okinawa. The first being the Okinawan culture. The Island peaple as they were called had their own country their own culture, language, music and dance, and economy, and all of this was influenced by outsiders for many years. The Okinawan peaple have always been treeted like second class citizens.
When iwas growing up there, the US goverened the Islands, and controled the peaple, the culture and even the movements of the peaple. And they took advantage of the OKinawan peaple. They covered up the crimes of the US military, and never delt with the problem.

Then in the seventies, when the US released the islands back to Japan, the Japanese made promises to the Okinawan peaple that the could or would not keep. The brought what they called the New Culure wich was a plan to assimulate the Okinawan peaple and they brought predijuce. When I was growing up there, a cliche was going around that the Japanese farmers were passin around. It went like this, "" If you can't get a horse, and if you can't get a Tractor, get an Okinawan". Can you imagine that. Now you have Japanese who claim to be Okinawan and they are not. Can you imagine the the deep anger that all of the above has caused.

When I was growing up, the military would give the American kids summer jobs
and pay the 2xs more then what they were paying their regular Okinawan full time employees. Peaple with families. The American kids got all the benifits that American employee in the states.

What peaple are not addressing is that the US Military are guests in someone elses country. And in some reality so are the Japanese.
I could go on and on about this but I won't.

Now I don't want to discount your feelings of loss you feel for your freind, it is sad, I know because I have been there. And I will pray for you.

By the way I am also married to a Japanese National, we live in the US and I am nearing retirement and I want to live in Okinawa. I too love the peaple the culture and the islands. Its my home.

Anyway I hope I have given you some understanding, and anyone else who will read this. And I have just scratched the surface.

[izabelai]

The Okinawans position was even lower because of the workers from the Phillipines. Looking at the history of these people I'm actually surprised that they are still so nice and friendly.

[Joranda]

How long is short here?

Give yourself 4 years here and then do me a favor and come back here and tell me what you think then. :) All I would say though is that you came here at a rather difficult time.

As I stated in an earlier post, we arrived in Okinawa in Aug. So, yeah we might have arrived here at a bad time, but I heard all the stories of the problems here while in Misawa.

Again, I know I was in community with a smaller American presence and I think that has a lot to do with it. We had our share of bad apples; hell, a guy in my shop t-boned a Japanese lady at an intersection at 130km, crashed into a rice field all while having no JCI, Ins, and illegal plates. Another person before him killed an elderly lady while drifting in town. So, bad stuff happened; but the local community didn't react in the same way they seem to react here.

I don't know how, but there was just a better relationship with the local community. Every year, nearly 200,000 Japanese passed thru the main gates and were allowed on base to watch the Air show. Every Memorial Day there is an event called American Day, which is sponsored by the local gov't. We are invited outside the gates to set up booths, music, and demonstration of our culture.

Who knows, maybe something good can end up happening here, but I think attitudes need to change on both Americans and Okinawans side. Until then, I think that the same cycle of animosity will continue.

[bad_karma]

Indeed. I'm a firm believer that a lot of the problems here are because of the sheer concentration of bases in such a confined area.

Peace,

BK out

[hodgsonmj]

You said it right. I too am married to a Japanese national. I have spent half my career on Okinawa and miss it very deeply. I remember the rape case in 1995. Around the same time time that that incident happened, an Okinawan man was arrested for the same reason as the American service members for a separate incident of kidnapping and rape.

He was sentenced to the same amount of time as the Americans were but his case got very little attention except for a very small article in the back of the newspaper. I remember your friend. I worked at the Naval Hospital the night that it happened. You know there are a lot more cases like that than you might think. Not everbody suffers the same fate as your friend did, but we actually see many accidents in which an Okinawan civilian hit an American and essentially got away with it or the insurance company representing them does not compensate properly either.

Okinawans have a right to be upset about us. I think that we do take up a lot of space and that we are unfairly distibuted in the country. Hopefully, with Futenma moveing, it will be a good start to giveing them what they want, just a more fair way of spreading us around.

At any rate,
good post

[Oxmix]

[QUOTE=OkinawaBear;65869]When I was growing up, the military would give the American kids summer jobs and pay the 2xs more then what they were paying their regular Okinawan full time employees. People with families. The American kids got all the benefits that American employee in the states./QUOTE]

In 1969 The Okinawan base workers went on strike. I believe they were making 49 cents an hour and wanted 51 cents an hour. We were told the reason that the Okinawan workers weren't paid more was that the Government didn't want to create too much of a gap between what the base workers and the civilian population earned. That's the story.

I know that 51 cents an hour doesn't sound like much, but as an E4 I was making, I believe, $148.00 a month. With all that money I was able to go to Koza each night and have a couple Orion Beers and socialize.
The break down:
$.16 bus ride to and from Koza
$2.00 for 2 large Orion Beers

That's $2.16 a day on average. That left extra money for cigarettes, $.90 a carton. An occasional short time on the weekend, $4.00. Misc. items.

If those kids were making twice as much money per hour as a full time Okinawan employee and they were working 40 hours a week, they were making more money than I was. All I had to do was keep all the Nike launchers on Okinawa operational 24/7 for my money. A piece of cake.

Regards

Ox

[DoctorP]

How long is short here?

Give yourself 4 years here and then do me a favor and come back here and tell me what you think then. :) All I would say though is that you came here at a rather difficult time.

Hey Muku, DocP thinks that most people who come from mainland to Okinawa will never be truly comfortable here. Mainland has so much more to offer and feels so much bigger to people.

[OkiSF]

Actually the Navy has been doing patrols through gate 2 for the entire time in've here, about 3 years, but we are not allowed to go onto the back road only the main roads. But that has changed recently we were given more power to increase patrols in american village and also Gate 2 street areas.

This being because Marine MP's were the only force allowed to patrol and make stops off base. But recently Kadena has made a new section of PMO that can actually make stops and other law enforcement duties off base. As for navy we are still there but we are very small so we are only in limited areas. As for army i have no idea, I never see them:thumbup:
actually every Friday night, Saturday night, holiday weekends/weekdays, there is a Courtesy Patrol which goes out and walks the streets surronding Gate-2 street. This is a joint venture with all the services together. They do not perform "Town Patrol" duties as this would violate our agreement with the Japanese. They are there to represent leadership and are made up of senior NCOs and officers. The still have the authority afforded them by the UCMJ and If a situation dictates they will contact Kadena Security Forces for assistance. Also security forces have always had the authority to respond off-base however japanese police will be notified as well to afford them the opportunity to investigate as well. If it only involves SOFA personnel then they normally leave it to the american law enforcement.

[thistle]

I'll agree with that.

When I lived down in Naha, the people I lived around were very friendly. Actually, most people I've ever met on this island are friendly. It's just a different sort of friendliness that I was mentioning in my post above. There's a bit of a reluctance here. Or at least, that's what I've noticed.

Yes, and I'll agree with that too!

I like living in Okinawa better, but still think that people on the mainland are friendlier.
People living around the bases, Ginowan, Chatan, Kadena I would say are more cautious.
When I lived in Itoman I had lots of Japanese friends - all from the mainland.
Where I am now, the Okinawan friends are not as good friends as those Japanese friends. I guess I could say they are casual friendships and not deep.

[Oxmix]

[QUOTE=OkinawaBear;65869]When I was growing up, the military would give the American kids summer jobs and pay the 2xs more then what they were paying their regular Okinawan full time employees. People with families. The American kids got all the benefits that American employee in the states./QUOTE]

In 1969 The Okinawan base workers went on strike. I believe they were making 49 cents an hour and wanted 51 cents an hour. We were told the reason that the Okinawan workers weren't paid more was that the Government didn't want to create too much of a gap between what the base workers and the civilian population earned. That's the story.

I know that 51 cents an hour doesn't sound like much, but as an E4 I was making, I believe, $148.00 a month. With all that money I was able to go to Koza each night and have a couple Orion Beers and socialize.
The break down:
$.16 bus ride to and from Koza
$2.00 for 2 large Orion Beers

That's $2.16 a day on average. That left extra money for cigarettes, $.90 a carton. An occasional short time on the weekend, $4.00. Misc. items.

If those kids were making twice as much money per hour as a full time Okinawan employee and they were working 40 hours a week, they were making more money than I was. All I had to do was keep all the Nike launchers on Okinawa operational 24/7 for my money. A piece of cake.

Regards

Ox

Here are some Artillery video clips of the Nike System. Arty would break em and I would fix em. :D
http://www.nikemissile.org/movies.html

Regards

Ox

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Hey Muku, DocP thinks that most people who come from mainland to Okinawa will never be truly comfortable here. Mainland has so much more to offer and feels so much bigger to people.
I'm lucky enough to have met quite a few shima naicha, and they seem to run the gamut of opinions about Okinawa. Some love it, and say they will never leave (after 20-25 years here currently). Some have rather more mixed feelings, and plan to retire to either Japan "proper", or another country altogether (again, after living here much of their adult lives). And, the ones that came as kids feel nearly as Okinawan as those born and raised here. The only thing that occasionally gets in the way is a "mainland" surname.

[Asshat]

I'm lucky enough to have met quite a few shima naicha, and they seem to run the gamut of opinions about Okinawa. Some love it, and say they will never leave (after 20-25 years here currently). Some have rather more mixed feelings, and plan to retire to either Japan "proper", or another country altogether (again, after living here much of their adult lives). And, the ones that came as kids feel nearly as Okinawan as those born and raised here. The only thing that occasionally gets in the way is a "mainland" surname.

Over the last 30 years, the two have lost the anomosity they had. Naicha figured out Okinawans really did wear shoes, and spoke Japanese.

Probably the shima naicha and the many Okinawans who have gone to Japan for jobs, (and intermarriage) has helped with this.

[proudtobnotpc]

inter-marrige rocks man

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Remember when Captain Kirk slept with the green woman from another planet? Kissed Ohura?

[Asshat]

Remember when Captain Kirk slept with the green woman from another planet? Kissed Ohura?

Star Trek was amazing in it's continual Vietnam/Civil Rights era message of peace and inter racial equality.

[socalheart]

Originally Posted by eelecurb
Remember when Captain Kirk slept with the green woman from another planet? Kissed Ohura? Star Trek was amazing in it's continual Vietnam/Civil Rights era message of peace and inter racial equality.

I couldn't pass up a Star Trek reference. The best part about the Orions (green people) is that its slave businesses were run by women only who were also the product, but often used their positions for espionage. It's not necessarily a nice thing, but hey, power is power. heh.

[Asshat]

I couldn't pass up a Star Trek reference. The best part about the Orions (green people) is that its slave businesses were run by women only who were also the product, but often used their positions for espionage. It's not necessarily a nice thing, but hey, power is power. heh.

And what a turn on for those of us with Amazonia fantasies!!!