Okinawans have mixed feelings on U.S. military

[unhappycamper]

Okinawans have mixed feelings on U.S. military
By David Allen and Chiyomi Sumida, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, May 11, 2008

CHATAN, Okinawa — Local attitudes on Okinawa concerning the U.S. military are mixed.

In areas near U.S. bases, Okinawans generally support the U.S. military presence, both as a major employer — the bases are the third-largest employer on the island — and because they’ve gotten to know Americans.

In a popular shopping area known as American Village in Chatan, most people stopped on the street supported the bases.

“Having the military here is good for us,” said a 59-year-old man from Okinawa City who would identify himself only by his family name — Miyagi.

“The military contributes to Okinawa’s economy and provides local residents with job opportunities,” he said. “The unemployment rate on Okinawa is very high.”


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54693

[izzie]

1. I would think after all these years they are sick of us.

Time we left.