World Is Off Our Shoulders.

[RODSCALIP5]

I don't know about you guys, but ever since the Accusation I had been feeling uncomfortable driving through Oki. At times dirty stares were given, and I sort of understood where they were coming from. After the news last night, it feels like a big "F*** Off" has been issued to the HATERS. It's a beautiful morning.

[Jrocka83]

Yep, its nice slap back in thier face. But most Japanese are very stuborn, and the story won't change what they think and how they feel about the case, one bit.

[Gadget]

For the "haters", this won't change their attitude one bit. They'll claim the only reason the charges were dropped was cause the family didn't want to go through the trauma of a trial (which is real here in Japan - women often don't report actual rapes because of the trauma/stigma associated with the situation). Not saying he did or didn't - just saying the haters will cling to that thought process.

And they'll cling to the fact that a 38 year old was trying to do something (legal or not) with a 14 year old.

On the bright side - those Okinawans that truly love Americans being here will say "I told you so - what in the hell was a 14 year old doing getting on the bike in the 1st place???" (about the rumors of the girl being less than angelic) and will welcome SOFA people back with open arms when the flood gates are reopened.

cheers

[DADOG]

I am not SOFA and drive all over and eat out. I have never in the last few days since the lockdown gotten any weird looks or any comments. most of the locals I talk to, relatives and non relatives, think the girl was looking to make a few bucks and got scared when she was on the verge of getting caught.
If the JP or the prosecuter thought they had a ghost of a chance of bringing charges they would have regardless of what the girl or her family wanted.
I think the DNA, if there was any, didn't match up. that's the only reason no charges were filed. that and maybe she admitted to being a popcorn girl.

[Fonze]

Ya there is rascist and anti-american haters here but overall okinawans are good people and good host.

[gunny8511]

I haven't seen any of the hate out there either; only the media garbage, clinging to the rants of the vocal minority here.

I still think the SSgt is a creep, but that's not really relevant anymore. He's going to get hammered by the Corps, regardless of what the JPs do.

All of the hate and discontent toward Americans seems to (still) be coming from a small handful of people. I haven't met an Okinawan yet that was rude, hateful, angry, or anything other than polite and respectful (the clowns at the gate on Wednesdays don't count, since they're being paid to hold the same old, poorly written signs).

The haters that are pissing themselves with glee over the situation need to try to get over themselves.

[Tony Stacks]

I've been out and about going about my business and I have gotten no stares, comments or questions from anyone.

[proudtobnotpc]

here is an interesting article that includes some crime statistics :

Japan Times- US Curfew (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080301f1.html)

[bluebee]

Today, I went off base to a Japanese furniture store and few other places. It was business as usual. I got the usual friendly Okinawan hospitality. However, I was a bit nervous that someone (an American) would see my Y plate and turn me in. Actually, now that I think about it--I got an adrenaline rush sneaking around island to my favorite Okinawa off base spots.