From asialaw@aloha.net Sun Sep 24 20:11:26 1995
 Date: Sun, 24 Sep 95 11:29:05 1000
 From: Keppa Kealoha 
 To: koj@mb.inforyukyu.or.jp
 Subject: US Soldiers rape young girl
 
 All real Americans detest what those soldiers did.  They are pigs and should 
 be shot.  My condolences to the girl and her family.  May the friendship 
 between Japan and America last forever.

From: oshiro01@interserv.com
Date: Sun, 24 Sep 1995 19:08:41 -0700
 
I have to agree that the SOFA agreement is and never has been fair to the 
poeple of Okinawa.  I am an American and was stationed in Okinawa for 
2 1/2 years.  Okinawa is a wonderful place.  I studied the language and 
learned to respect the people of Okinawa.  This is what the US Governemt 
fails to do when they send serviceman to your island.  They need to be 
taught to respect the people and the local laws that govern Okinawa and 
if they fail to do so then they would be prosecuted under local laws if 
need be.  I am very sorry that these things happen and I am ashamed.  
Please  do not think negative of all Americans for this.

 From: bb377@scn.org
 To: koj@mb.inforyukyu.or.jp
 Subject: U.S. Military justice on Okinawa
 
                       Edward J. Begley
                         16000 NE 8th Street
                         Bellevue, WA 98008, USA
                       (206) 747-5914
 
                                             September 23, 1995
 
 An open letter to:
 
 The Honorable Masahide Ota
 Governor, Okinawa, Japan
 
                       RE: U.S. MILITARY JUSTICE ON OKINAWA
 
 Dear Governor Ota:
 
 As a former U.S. Marine, who served honorably on Okinawa more
 than 35 years ago; I was greatly distressed to hear news reports
 of the apparent rape of a 12 year old girl by three U.S. Marines
 on Okinawa.  Such events can never be condoned by any reasonable
 human being.
 
 As you may be aware, the U.C.M.J. (Uniform Code of Military
 Justice) provides for very serious penalties for such a callous
 act committed by U.S. military personnel; up to, and including
 life in prison, at hard labor, or death, as the court might
 order. This is as it should be, and I have no problem with
 either of those sentences being ordered as punishment for the
 rape of a child.
  
 While, to my knowledge, the U.S. Marine Corps has not executed
 one of it's own (with the possible exception of an extra-legal
 execution in Viet Nam) since the American Civil War, The U.S.
 Army, on the other hand, executed 39 soldiers for the crime of
 rape during World War Two.
 
 I don't know what punishment is provided for rapists pursuant to
 the provisions of Okinawan law, but suspect that it is equally
 severe. If and when the perpetrators are caught, tried, and
 convicted, they should face the most severe legal sanctions. 
 The death penalty would not be at all out of line for the crime
 of child rape.
 
 It brings great shame on me, and every other Marine that one (or
 three) of our own would perpetrate such a crime against a child.
 
 Please forward my deepest, most sincere sympathy to the young
 girl and her family.
 
 Sincerely,
 
 /s/ Edward J. Begley
 
 cc:  Dateline, NBC-TV News

 Please institute a change in the rules governing the handling of crimes
 committed by U.S. nationals in Okinawa.  The Okinawan people have
 suffered greatly, both at the hands of the Japanese and the Americans,
 and it is time that they receive proper respect.
 
 Ruth Greenwood

 The incident I've read in the newspaper has shocked me.  There 
 should be punishment to the three men involved in the 
 incident.  The United States Military in Japan should protect 
 people, not take advantage of them.

              An open letter to the people of Okinawa:
 
       I am an American who served in the U.S.Army in Okinawa for 15 months some 31 years
 ago. During my tour of duty I came to have a great respect an admiration for the people of
 Okinawa.
 
      Upon learning of the apparent rape of child by two or possibly three U.S.
 servicemen(Time Magazine Oct. 2, 1995)I was filled with disgust and shame. Time Magazine has
 reported that two of the individuals, Private Ledet and Seaman Gill have already confessed to the
 crime. These Individuals have brought dishonor to their corps and country. Please accept my
 apology as an American, and extend my sympathy to the little girl and her family.

      Unless Military Justice has changed since I served in the U.S. Army, and I don't think it
 has, If found guilty these individuals will be dealt with quite severely.
 
      The decision regarding how many military bases should remain on Okinawa, fifty years
 after the war, should primarily be the decision of the Ryukyu people. Most Americans do not
 realize that you were subjugated by the Japanese before and during World War II and by the
 United States after the war. If they did know, I believe they would support your right to self
 determination.
 
 
 Edgar Hull  bk495@yfn.ysu.edu
 
 
 cc: Congressman James Traficant
       Senator John Glenn
 

 From HILL_G@ab.edu Fri Sep 29 10:49:05 1995
 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 1995 21:47:53 -0400 (EDT)
 From: NAME  
 
       As an American Citizen, I feel outrage at this affront to the honor of 
 my country.  The actions of the three servicemen also insults my honor as a man.
 Further their actions towards a child is an insult to humanity.
         The actions of these men must not go unpunished.  The abhorrent nature
 of this crime demands the harshest possible penalties.  I am unsure of the
 punishment allowed in Japan for the crime of rape against a minor, but the UCMJ
 provides for extreme punishment, including death, in such a case.  I would
 suggest that the Japanese Government allow the U.S. to try these criminals, if
 the U.S. can claim jurisdiction, if the UCMJ penalties are harsher than the
 Japanese punishment, also I submit to the United States Government, that they
 allow the Japanese try these criminals if their punishments are more severe.
       While this abhorrent crime is terrible in all sense of the word, we
 could use this as a way to set a prescedent for future crimes around the
 world, you will be punished where you WILL (not can) receive the most severe
 punishment.
       Please forward my deepest sympathies to the young girl and her family,
 along with the knowledge that most Americans do not condone such crimes, and
 feel that these men should be punished severely, to the fullest extent of the
 law.
 
 Sincerely,
 Geoffrey A. Hill
 Alderson-Broaddus College
 Box 1441
 Philippi,WV 26416   USA
 
 email:HILL_G@AB.EDU

 From PWYL75A@mail.prodigy.com Wed Oct  4 10:11:50 1995
 
 
 Dear Sir:
 
 I am truly sorry that our young military men have done this awful 
 injustice to one of your citizens.  It hurts me even more to know 
 that she was only 12 yrs old.  
 
 I wanted someone in Okinawa to know that there are Americans here 
 that sympethize with your people and think that if these men are 
 guilty, they should suffer the consequences under the law of Japan.  
 Too many Americans do not realize that all countries are the same and 
 that were are too lienient here in the states on our criminals.  
 Maybe the world-wide recognition that this incident is getting, will 
 teach more Americans that when they are in other countries, they must 
 play by that country's rules.
 
 My husband is a Marine stationed on Okinawa.  I, myself, have lived 
 there for three years with him on a tour from 1985-1988. 
 
  Please know, that we are with you in thought and spirit and regret 
 that this ever happened to such a young child.

 Sincerely,

 Isabel

    First off, I would like to apologize on behalf of myself, the 
 military, and my country. That my countrymen, especially those sworn to 
 protect, could commit such a crime fills me with shame and disgust. 
    Having traveled abroad, I can see both sides of this issue, and I feel 
 that these men, although U.S. citizens, should be turned over to the 
 Okinawan people for trial and sentencing. They may belong to our 
 military, and be subject to it's rules and disciplines, but they were 
 stationed in a foriegn country and should therefore be subject to it's 
 ules AS WELL AS military rules. 
    In a victimless crime, the U.S. should have full jurisdiction over 
 it's people, as only U.S. citizens would be involved. But this is a crime 
 with a victim, a young girl. Since the victim is of Okinawan citizenship, 
 NOT U.S. citizenship, the governmental guardians of the victim should 
 enjoy jurisdiction. 
    It has been argued by some that the punishments handed out by foriegn 
 countries are too severe, and may be even more severe for non-natives. 
 Personally, I cannot think of a punishment too severe for the rape of a 
 child. 
    To the young girl and her family - Moshiwakei Gozaimasen Deshita. I 
 can not conver my sense of regret. If there is  anything I personally can 
 do, let me know and I will not hesitate (provided it is within my 
 capabilities). Good luck.

From:   lutzc@datatek.com
Sent:   Tuesday, October 10, 1995 7:39 PM
Subject:        Changing the SOFA


 Dear Sir;
 
       I was stationed in Okinawa for 5 years as a US Marine and I have a deep =
 respect for your people and your island so much so that if I could find =
 a job there I would drop everything here in the US and move at once.
 
       The Okinawan people that I lived with and worked with were the finest =
 people I have ever met if I spoke better japanise I would even change my =
 citzenship I never felt safer in my entire life as I did in Okinawa.
 
       You have my utmost support and I would like to offer my assistance in =
 changing the laws, I will start writeing letters to American =
 Representives in the US Congerss Today, Sir I even recall during my tour =
 on Okinawa a Marine wrecked a truck into a car killing a 56 year old =
 Okinawan man who had 3 children and a wife, the Marines shipped the =
 Marine back to the US and I always wondered who is to support the =
 Okinawan mans family.  I found this to be totally out of line for the =
 US.
 
       Again if I can do anything for you please let me know.
 
 Carl A. Lutz
 603 Paddy Run Rd.
 Clarksville, TN
 37042
 
lutzc@datatek.com

From: hsawdy@crash.cts.com (Herald Sawdy)
Subject: A Girl Raped by 3 American Soldiers

I just wanted to express my shock and sorrow for the girl who was raped
by the Americans.

I was stationed on Okinawa in 1971-72 and I have a fond memories of many
Okinawans who I was honored to call my friends.

Again, I would like to express my sorrow. Hopefully you won't judge all
Americans by the actions of these three.

It has been my honor to address you.

Herald Sawdy
San Diego, California.  USA

 From ajc@odyssey.com.au Thu Oct 19 22:08:29 1995
 Date: Thu, 19 Oct 95 23:03:36 -0700
 From: "Anthony 'jelly' Carmody" 
 Organization: SiCi
 Subject: American Military Trash 
 
 -- I have heard recently that you have had some success in your fight --
 
 -- If this is not the case, mail me please, as I am horrified to think --
 
 -- than Americans still think they own the world... --
 
 -- I am an Australian. I have been told that during the 'war' --
 
 --Americans regularly raped women in Australia when they were --
 
 -- stationed here all to do with thier superiority complexes --
 
 -- I'm sure --
 
 -- regards AjC --

 From chris_pittman@mail.hq.faa.gov Fri Oct 20 07:03:39 1995
 Date: Thu, 19 Oct 95 16:52:28 EST
 From: "Chris Pittman" 
 Subject: Great sadness
 
      It hurts me to think that something like this could happen on Okinawa. 
       I am ashamed that three U.S. Marines were involved and as a former 
      Marine, I would like to offer a personal apology.  I am confused as to 
      why the suspects have not been handed over to the Japanese 
      authorities.  I spent three years in Okinawa.  I was stationed there 
      for one year and extended my tour twice.  During my tours, there were 
      crimes committed by American Military personnel and they were almost 
      always turned over the local authorities for trial.  I cannot see the 
      U.S. Marine Corps being lenient, especially with the crime of rape.  
      It could be that they want a double conviction.  One conviction under 
      the U.C.M.J and one under Japanese law.  I hope this is the case and 
      if the suspects are found guilty that justice is served.  I am 
      assuming that this crime was committed near Hansen or Shields, so I 
      hope this shows the Marine commanders that very strict liberty 
      conditions should be instituted and enforced.  I loved Okinawa.  I 
      studied the Japanese language, Aiedo and Kendo.  I hope that the 
      friends that I made in Naha know that these few bad men don't 
      represent our society on the whole.
      
                                                Chris Pittman 

 From johnrach@gol.com Mon Oct 23 12:11:44 1995
 Date: Mon, 23 Oct 1995 12:15:37 +0900
 From: johnrach@gol.com (John Purves)
 Subject: Information/opinion
 
 Dear Mr. Koji Sunagawa,

         As you may gather from my first two written attempts, my main
 interest in Okinawa was from the historical and political perspectives, but
 I would now like to gain a greater understanding of Okinawa's economy and
 its potential development in the future. Obviously, in an area as small as
 Okinawa (or the Ryukyu Islands generally) it is very difficult to separate
 the political from the economic. The bases, for example, have been the
 biggest political issue in Okinawa for almost half a century, yet they have
 also been the mainstay of the economy, at least until the latter part of
 the 1970's. Until the base issue is resolved and the prefecture is able to
 utilise the lands currently occupied by the U.S. military the Okinawan
 economy will not be able to develop as Professor Ota Masahide, other
 members of the prefectural government, and a great many individual
 Okinawans would like. There are many economic opportunities within the
 Asia-Pacific region that Okinawa could participate in, but the base issue
 needs to be resolved.
         It is extremely sad that it has taken the forced violation of a
 12-year old Okinawan schoolgirl by three U.S. servicemen to bring the
 military base issue to the world's attention, but it is also true, as a
 result, that the people of Okinawa are now closer to gaining a meaningful
 resolution to this issue than at any time in the past. Obviously, the three
 U.S. servicemen must receive the heaviest punishment available to the law
 if they are found guilty, and the Status of Forces Agreement needs to be
 completely revised so that any future crimes against the people of Okinawa
 can be swiftly dealt with by the local police and courts. It is my own
 opinion, however, that if the military base issue is resolved and a very
 heavy scaleback of facilities is agreed upon, the people of Okinawa will
 have far fewer problems.
         But who is ultimately responsible for most of Okinawa's military
 base related problems? In my opinion, this responsibility does not rest as
 heavily on the shoulders of the United States as it does on the Government
 of Japan. It was not the U.S. that determined that 75% of all its bases
 would be located on Okinawa.
 The Government of Japan is completely guilty for its utilisation of Okinawa
 over tha past 50 years to lighten the mainland's responsibility under the
 Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. There has been no single Japanese political
 leader over the last 50 years who has not condoned Okinawa's role. It is
 very sad to see that a supposed socialist and anti-military campaigner,
 Prime Minister Murayama, was quite happy to leave the Okinawa base issue
 unresolved until now.
         Since I am quite busy at the moment I had better bring this letter
 to an end, but I look forward to communicating with you on a regular basis.
 I fully support Professor Ota Masahide in his current resistance to
 mainland pressures and hope very much that you will, as you have demanded
 for so long, get substantial military base reductions. I would be most
 happy to hear your opinions on these and many other issues. I have visited
 Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands on two previous occasions and am hoping to
 come down on a research trip sometime in January. Maybe we can meet and
 talk,
                 Yours Sincerely,
                                 John Michael Purves
 
 John Purves & Rachel Stevenson 

 Date: Fri, 27 Oct 1995 10:07:57 +0900
 From: wahid@med6.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp (Wahid M Rezwanul)
 
 I just want to say that the most of the people of the world 
 better known as "silent majority" who are being ruled by 
 the so called super powers even at the end of tweenteth century
 are with the brave people of OKINAWA.
 So far my knowledge goes, Okinawa is the part
 of Japan, which was offered to  hungry,brutal angry invaders
 as a "bet" to save the main lands.  Still it is the most neglected prefecture
 (poorest one?) in Japan.  These give the American an idea about the
 Okinawan people
 as a weak and opressed and a defeated.
 Fight back and show the world that you people were and are the brave
 and proud people.  Let the others (japanese) who are holding the power and
 having nice time 
 while your daughters get brutaly raped by your "payed security guards"
 (cost of the 
 USA bases in Japan are payed by Japan),
 Know that OKINAWA will not tolarate this discrimination any more.
 God will help you.
 
 A gaijin from a
 third world country

 From bkline1@ix.netcom.com Sat Oct 28 21:56:54 1995
 Date: Sat, 28 Oct 1995 05:52:58 -0700
 From: bkline1@ix.netcom.com (Bob Kline )
 Subject: Opinion

 Having been stationned with the US Army I have no thing but fond 
 memories of Okinawa.  After hearing and then reading about the 12 
 year old girl being raped by three US Marines my heart went out to that 
 girl and her family.  Anger filled me with those who have committed the 
 rape, and I pray that they will get the full maximum pentalties by law 
 that they so deserve.  
 
     I am in agreement that the treaty needs to be changed.  Those who 
 do a crime in Okinawa should be arrested, jailed and have a trial right 
 there in Okinawa by the Okinawa Government.  They should not be allowed 
 to return to the US Mainland until After they have served their time in 
 a Okinawa prison.  
 
     Again, my heart goes out to that young girl and her families and 
 that I pray that this will never happen again.  
 
 Sincerely Yours,
 
 Bob Kline

 From voyager@eden.com Wed Nov  8 12:51:50 1995
 Date: Tue, 07 Nov 95 21:36:18 -0800
 From: Karl Yuhas 
 Subject: Letters to editors concerning the rape of a school girl by U.S. servicemen.
 
 I wrote the following to several newspapers in the U.S. and Japan
 after feeling absolute disgust over the appearance of the
 accuseds' families crying about how their sons' "Weren't being
 treated fairly".  Please feel free to distribute this to any
 publication that might be interested.  Believe me the majority of
 Americans are equally outraged over this terrible crime.
 
 To the Editor:
 
 A Sense of Honor and a Sense of Shame
 
 The three American Servicemen accused of raping a twelve year old
 Japanese school girl have brought dishonor to their country, the
 military, and their families.  Had the perpetrator of this crime
 been the son of a Japanese family, the family would probably have
 felt such disgrace and dishonor that they would likely have
 disowned their son. 
 
 I hope that the Japanese televise the family members of the
 accused servicemen on TV complaining about how their sons'
 "weren't being treated fairly".  Then the Japanese would know
 that the accused and their families have no sense of honor.  They
 don't appear shamed by what happened.  Perhaps raping a twelve
 year old girl is in a grey area of their value system - not sure
 whether or not it is actually wrong, or maybe they think she
 asked to be shoved into a car, bound and raped repeatedly.
 
 What really happened is quite obvious.  Word had gotten around
 that Japanese women seldom report rapes.  The rape victims
 declined to seek justice in order to preserve their family honor.
 Getting away with raping Japanese women was supposed to be a sure
 thing.  The perpetrators value system consists of dividing
 acceptable actions into "can get away with" and "can't get away
 with" instead of "right" and "wrong".
  
 I beg the Japanese people to seek justice and retribution for the
 commission of such a heinous crime.  In the Japanese value system
 punishment for such a crime involves not just the meting out of a
 prison sentence - but includes the sense of humiliation felt by
 the family and even the community of the criminal.  General
 McArthur recognized this at the end of World War II when he
 ordered servicemen who had committed rape to be publicly force
 marched in disgrace throughout much of Japan.
 
 I don't want to see the accused and their families toasting
 champagne on TV, put these men in jail where they belong because
 they have no honor, and they feel no shame.
 
 Karl Yuhas
 voyager@eden.com
 karl.yuhas@intermed.com

 Koji Sunagawa,
 Your WWW page protest of US misbehavior in Okinawa is most persuasive.
 The number or crimes is quite long.  After reading it I know that the
 recent kidnapping and rape is only the most recent abuse.  Americans 
 would never stand for a tenth of that mistreatment in the US.  The 
 lack of discipline and severity of the crimes distresses me.  I do
 not blame the Okinawans for protesting.  I do not understand how they
 have put up with this abuse.  Good luck with getting this changed.

PS. These are my views, not those of my employer.

 Michael D. Walker

 While serving in the U.S.Air Force my family and I had the privilege of
 living in Okinawa. I continue to fondly remember the beautiful island 
 and friendly Okinawan people. I detest anyone that would attempt to 
 take advantage of such kind people.
 
 When I heard of the rape committed by the American servicemen I was
 ashamed that my country would allow the worst of our society to join 
 the service or that the military would even attempt to protect such 
 criminal scum. I was even more outraged when I saw on TV the mother 
 of one of the servicemen attempting to claim that this was all because 
 of racial motivation.
 
 I agree with the Okinawan demand that the "servicemen" be turned over to
 civilian authorities immediately to face trial. This irresponsible and 
 criminal behavior must be stopped. I truly regret is that my country 
 apparently does not have the courage to do so.
 
 -- 
 
 Sam Creecy
 FSU/Research Information Systems
 screecy@res.fsu.edu

 Dear Okinawans:
 
 I feel very sad for the terrible rape and killing by the US military of 
 the people of Okinawan (The rape of the girl is not an isolated 
 incident).
 
 I come from the Canary Islands, Spain. In the Canary Islands we are 
 famous for defeating the British invadors, and for not allowing the US to 
 set up any military installations. The only time (in my live) that the US 
 military ships came to visit the Canary Islands, we chase the soldiers 
 through the street, and they never came back! I am glad they didn't 
 because if they did we would have found ways to inflict great pain on 
 each one of those soldiers, which are nothing but animals with a license 
 to kill and rape, and which are protected and excuse by the US 
 government.
 
 The US military precense in Japan is not an alliance, it is an 
 accupation, and I find it very difficult to understand why the government 
 of Japan continues to sign treaties with someone who invades your land 
 and kills and rapes your people. If the government of Japan is not 
 willing to challenge this agresion, then I believe it is up to the people 
 of Japan to defend themselves against this agression. 
 
 I offer my condolences for this terrible crime that should not go 
 unpunish.
 Sincerely 
 Juan Santana

 Hello,
 
My name is Tommy and I live in the USA. I read your newspaper 
account of all the crimes committed by the US military personnel 
in Okinawa. You have valid reason to want to be able to investigate 
and prosecute crimes committed by the personnel at the military bases.
I am supporting your side on that.   Except one thing I notice when 
I read the newspaper story about the crimes, is that a lot of 
"crimes" were accidents unrelated to a real crime. I noticed that 
most of the punishments were much too easy for the severeity of  
the crimes that were done, but please see a true accident for an 
accident.  Not all the things listed were done on purpose or with 
a harmful intent directed at the Japanese people.

You are right about the military  bases not needing to be there now,
even if the soldiers spending money and living in Japan helps out 
the local economy and international relations. This is not 1950 when
it would take 2 to 3 weeks to get troops into a Southeast Asia area.
Now it only takes a day or so. I think the people of Okinawa have
a very hard decision in the future. I feel if enough protest is made, 
you will cause the closing of the military bases.

But will there be regrets after they are gone? 
People here are very sad when a military base closes.
The actual number of crimes committed is very low considering the number 
of people who are transfered and rotated to Okinawa. Especially for the
total amount of time that the newspaper covered ( 1948-1995 ).
There are crimes here that are committed by military personnel.
Look into any American newspaper.
There are more crimes in my small city( population 100,000 ) in 2 or 
3  years I think. I know it is very hard to balance the good against the bad 

Wherever there is any group of people as diverse as the military, there 
will be crimes.   But just like you wish, the Okinawa police should be 
able to prosecute and investigate.  Truly, a crime like the rape of a 12 
year old school-girl, just a child, the punishment should be severe!

Tommy H 

addendum
1. The vast majority of military personnel are good people and would 
never commit a crime.
2. There may be other factors(like logistics) involved in wanting to
keep the bases in Okinawa.


Best Regards,

Tommy Henderson

(Mr. Francis's opinions were printed on Time Magazine, and
 his comment refers to the article on the magazine.)

 Your feature article of "Yankee Go Home" in the November 6th issue is very well 
 written and is sensitive to the issues causing the present outburst of anger and 
 frustration by the people of Okinawa.  The spirit of the article is accurate in 
 identifying the source of the frustration as being the overpowering oppression 
 of the U.S. military bases over the past fifty years.  The issue of the 
 discriminatory attitude with which Okinawa is treated by Tokyo governmental 
 structures is also a significant factor in this present uprising.
 
 However, your article title and the front page cover communicates a strong 
 "anti-American" image which is unfortunate.  This Rally was not "anti-American". 
  It was about the oppressive military presence that continues to bring 
 inconvenience, danger and injury to Okinawans in their daily life.  It was an 
 expression of the weariness at the continued crimes caused by military personnel 
 and the protective measures taken by U.S. military to protect the suspects of 
 crimes.
 
 The cover picture of the burning of the American flag and the article title are 
 disappointing.  These communicate an "anti-American" image.  You should know 
 that the young woman who burned the American flag, after the Rally had closed, 
 is not an Okinawan.  She is from Osaka, and she was acting completely contrary 
 to the spirit and meaning of the rally.  A picture of the great mass of some 
 85,000 persons, the young high school girl Sugako NAKAMUA who made a most 
 impressive appeal or a picture of Okinawa's Governor Masahide OTA addressing the 
 Rally would have been more appropriate.  My fear is that many Americans will see 
 the cover picture and make an emotional response based on a misunderstanding.
 
 It is my hope that people in the United States will hear the voice that is being 
 raised in Okinawa.  It is a plea to be released from the burden of 50 years of 
 oppressive U.S. military presence.  It is a plea that their island be allowed to 
 be a "Keystone of Peace in the Pacific" and not that "Keystone of Military Power 
 in the Pacific."
 
 Please continue to report the voice of the Okinawa people to your readers.
 
 ===== Mr. Francis's comment printed on Time Magazine ====
 YOUR ARTICLE ON THE CALL FOR THE expulsion of U.S. bases [Nov. 6] is sensitive 
 to the issues that have caused the outburst of anger by the people of Okinawa.  
 The source of the frustration is the sense of being overpowered by the presence 
 of the U.S. military during the past 50 years.  Tokyo's discriminatory attitude 
 toward Okinawa is also a significant factor in the recent uprising.  I hope that 
 U.S. hears the voices being raised in Okinawa.  They are pleading to be released 
 from the oppressive U.S. military presence.  Okinawans want their island to be a 
 keystone of peace in the Pacific, not the keystone of military power.
 =========================================================
  Back to INDEX

  Ronald Eaton
 Dear Friends,
 
     I have several questions about the rape and the Americans who are 
 now charged with the crime:
     1). All three of the men who are charged with the crime are Black 
 Americans. How were they identified? Academic studies in this country 
 indicate that cross-racial eye witness identifications are often not 
 reliable. That is to say, Whites are likely to misidentify Asians and 
 Blacks, Blacks are likely to misidentify Asians and Whites, Asians are 
 likely to misidentify Blacks and Whites, etc. Did the girl identify 
 these men herself and, if so, under what circumstances? That is to say, 
 was she shown pictures of them, did she identify them in a line-up, or 
 what?
     2). Is there independent forensic evidence linking the men to the 
 crime: hair, semen, blood or gene typing, etc?
     3). The reports here are that, now in Japanese custody, all three 
 men have admitted to the rape. Their families charge that they have 
 confessed because the families in the United States were threatened 
with harm if the men did not confess. Is there any truth in these 
 allegations and what sort of pressure has been brought on the men to 
 confess? What are their prison conditions; are they in physical danger 
 from guards or other prisoners?
     4). Given the climate in Okinawa and the anti-Black, anti-American 
 feelings which surround this case, can the men get a fair and just 
 trial?
     5). Given that both the American and the Japanese central 
 governments would like nothing better than for this case to be settled 
 quickly and the bases kept on Okinawa, are the men getting agressive 
 and competent representation in the Japanese legal system? Why did the 
 American ambassador to Japan apologize for the crime before the men had 
been convicted or even charged by the Japanese authorities? Has the 
 American government left them to rot?
     I do not know what the facts are in the case, or if the men are 
 guilty of the rape. I do know that, given the political situation and 
 the racisim of many Japanese, I would not want to be a Black American 
 soldier acused of raping a twelve year old Okinawan girl.
     You may post my message to the homepage. 
 
                         With good wishes, Ronald Eaton
        
 
 -- 
 ============================================================================
                          |
 Ronald Eaton             |And we are here as on a darkling plain
                          |Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,
 San Francisco, Ca 94114  |Where ignorant armies clash by night.
                          |
                          |
 ============================================================================

 
 Reply from Mr. Eaton

>
>Dear Mr. Eaton,
>
>  Hi,  my name is David, and I'm one of the volunteers working
>  on the home page regarding the incident.
>  I'll try my best to answer your questions regarding the incident,
>  and hope I can get some feed back from you after reading my
>  answers.
>
Dear Mr Shen, 

        Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and for making
observations about the case.
 
     The police 
>    found her blood and her belongings in the car the 3 suspects had 
>    rented.
>    The moment the crime was exposed, one of the colleagues of the
>    suspects reported to his commanding officer that he was solicited 
>    by one of the suspects to join in his mischief, but turned it down.

        Both of these things do seem like strong evidence.  
>   
>>     2). Is there independent forensic evidence linking the men to the 
>> crime: hair, semen, blood or gene typing, etc?
>
>    The police found an underwear of the suspect with the blood of the
>    victim on.

        Was semen, hair, blood etc of any of the suspects found on the girl,
in her vagina, on her clothing? What sort of evidence was collected at the
hospital when the girl was examined? 
>
>>     
>   Now, how would the Japanese government do that? (That is, threaten the
lives of     the families back in the US.) And if the US
>   government would help the Japanese government do that, why would
>   the US government help the Japanese government threaten their
>   families if the crimes were not committed by one of the US military
>   personnels?

        I don't believe that the Japanese government would threaten the
families in the US. I do think it is possible that the Japanese police might
tell the suspects that in order to extract a confession. I also believe it
is possible that the US government would abandon these men and let them be
pressured into confessing in order to placate the Okinawan people and insure
the continuation of the US presence on Okinawa. You have more faith in my
government than I do.  
>
>   The confession were taken while the 3 men were under the US military
>   custody.  Interrogations were done under limited situation,  such
>   as from 9AM to 4PM during weekdays, and none on weekends.  During
>   the interrogation, there was a authorized military translater
>   with the suspects.  If any pressure or threats were being made
>   during the interrogation, the military translater would have
>   reported to the commander.

        Was there a lawyer with them while they were being questioned? You
assume that the American commander (about whom I know nothing, not even his
name) would have cared if the suspects had been pressured. I think that it
is possible that his main concern might have been to get the case over with
and the matter out of the public's eye. 
>
>   The verdict are not decided by the jury but by
>   the judges, and the judges are trained to be objective.  No matter
>   how strong the people of Okinawa may scream,  that won't have
>   any affect on the trial itself. The judicial system in Japan
>   is quite effective and strict.

        Perhaps. But even Japanese judges are likely to be concerned about
public opinion. What kind of social opprobrium would fall on the judges and
their families if they set the suspects free? We are, after all, dealing
with men and not angels.

>   The 3 suspects are getting all the help a normal Japanese suspect
>   would get. 

        Given the circumstances, perhaps what "a normal Japanese suspect
would get" is not enough. These men are to be tried in hostile environment,
in a language they do not speak, and in a legal system they do not
understand. They should have vigorous and aggressive defense. I don't know
what my government, or yours, is giving them. And I certainly don't trust my
own government or, for that matter, have much faith in yours in this concern.
        From what you have written there does appear to be reason to believe
that the suspects committed the crime. My point is not that these men should
go free or be in any way excused if they did the rape. My concern is that
they not be convicted of a crime which they may not have commited in order
to satisfy the feelings of the people of Okinawa or to secure the US bases
on the island.
        I would ask you to consider the following: if tomorrow the Okinawan
police found new evidence that showed that these particular Americans, or
indeed any Americans, were not guilty of the rape, what do you think would
be the reaction if the police made the evidence public? I think that my
government and perhaps your government might just a soon keep such evidence
hidden.
        By the way, I authorized the sysop of this homepage to post my
comments. Will that be done? Perhaps we could get a more diverse group of
opinions on the page.
        Again, thank you very much for your time and courtesy. I have an
idea as to what kind of passions crimes like this one can cause and I very
much appreciate your considerate attitude and language.
   
                        With good wishes, Ronald Eaton 


  Back to INDEX

  Laura 
> Please do not post my name or address on your page, thank you.
> 
> I wanted to express my great sorrow that a little girl was hurt by my
> countrymen.  In every country, there are people who act in ways they
> should not.  They do not represent the majority of their countrymen.
> 
> Please know that thousands and thousands of Americans are horrified and
> grieved at the sorrow that has been caused.  We are praying for this
> girl, her family, and her country.  I was once a little girl myself, and
> I can't stand to think of what she must be going through.  My parents'
> hearts are breaking, thinking of what her parents must feel.  People in
> America, people all over the world, are praying for her healing.

Laura

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  DON DAVENPORT 
> From davenpor@texas.net Sat Jan 20 14:29:55 1996
> X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.4
> From: davenpor@texas.net (DON DAVENPORT)
> Subject: Opinion
> 
> I am an U.S. Citizen, I worked on Okinawa from 1979-1982.  I have a deep
> respect for the people of Okinawa and truly miss not being on your island.
> It is my opinion that these three servicemen (when found guilty by YOUR
> courts) should be placed in Okinawa prisions for life.  It is also my
> opinion that any violations by U.S. Citizens working on your island should
> be turned over to the Okinawa courts and judicial system.  I do not believe
> that all of the U.S. forces should be removed from Okinawa. Lessen the
> number, tighten the control, but do remove the forces.  My opinion is based
> on a number of considerations; 1) we do provide some income and security to
> the Okinawan people 2) the ability for our peoples to meet and to live with
> each other is important to both countries.  
> 
> Respectfully,
> 
> Donald Davenport
> You have my permission to post this.


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  BONNIE SUBY 
> From mbsub@minn.net Wed Feb 14 06:08:46 1996
> From: bonnie suby 
> Subject: US MILTARY
> 
> HELLO                                                                    
>      I'm in the Marines and also stationed at camp foster. There were 3 
> or 4 rapes that day and about 63 rapes total that year. so if we are so 
> bad how come there are so few marked up for us? I don't think it was 
> right but this is stupid. They are lucky we gave back that island and 
> should quit there bitching while there ahead. as for us leaveing the 
> island were not going anywhere tell at least til the year 2000.          
>                                                                          
>                           show who ever you want.
> 

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  Mick McClary 
> From mickmc@mcn.net Mon Mar 11 07:47:03 1996
> Date: Sun, 10 Mar 1996 15:46:36 -1000
> From: mickmc@mcn.net (Mick McClary)
> Subject: Voices
> 
> Please feel free to use my name.
> 
> I have been closely following developements on Okinawa since the September,
> 95 rape of the defenseless and innocent 12-year-old girl.  The brutality of
> the assault was not met with an appropriate sentence.  Whereas a 7 year
> sentence in prison means seven years (not like in the U.S. where a convict
> can expect to be out in a year or two) and whereas the scum who perpetrated
> the crime won't be languishing with pool tables, color TV, video players and
> elaborate exercise and educational facilities, I believe that even seven
> years of pure misery doesn't come even close to what they deserve. 
> I am now living in Montana but have spent a total of seven years (ironic,
> huh?) living among the beautiful people (not the American GIs) of Okinawa. I
> came to love and respect the Island and its inhabitants.  Anything sorrowful
> that occurs to those people tugs at my heart as well.
> With regard to the U.S. military presence on Okinawa I firmly believe that
> we must maintain a presence but in smaller numbers and on less real estate.
> I emphatically agree with John Purves - the GOJ is to blame for the screwing
> that the Okinawans are getting and have had since the war.
> Alarmingly, I learned this week, three days after the 3 GIs were sentenced,
> that the Americans living on Okinawa, who depend upon the Pacific Stars &
> Stripes and Far East Network Okinawa (both under the thumb of Uncle Sam)
> were in the dark regarding the outcome of the hearings.  Those who are
> fortunate enough to read the local newspapers or understand the local
> television news were informed but the majority of Americans aren't being
> informed.  No surprise, really.  The time I spent there, early 1970's and
> late 1980's, I came to realize that the U.S. military authorities pick and
> chose what goes in print or on-the-air and, Lord knows, they don't want to
> hang their dirty wash...
> Okinawa deserves a break.  It's my opinion that we ought to scale down
> operations on Okinawa and shift essential activities to the mainland.  After
> all, if not for the Japanese, Okinawa wouldn't have been stuck in the middle
> of the war and the subsequent military buildup in the first place.
> Finally, any web-sites featuring pre-WW2 Okinawan history would be greatly
> appreciated.  Anyone knowing of any, please let me know.

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  Haresh +++
> 
> Stricter sentences for the 3 military service men should be imposed - a 
> lenient 12 years is not justice - an example needs to be set !!
> 
> U S Military in Okinawa is supposed to be a part of the community - let 
> the rent include that (community services) - furthermore , U S Governement 
> should set up conflict management groups to educate both US military & 
> Okinawans on how to get along without animosity - to serve in an arbitary 
> capacity.
> 
> U S Military is on foreign soil and should learn to respect that - for 
> they will only get what they give.
> 
> Haresh +++

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  Ann Bonnell
> Date: Tue, 9 Apr 96 01:09:40 UT
> From: "Ann Bonnell" 
> Message-Id: 
> To: koj@mb.inforyukyu.or.jp
> Subject: Rape in Okinawa
> 
>       I am a 31-year-old American woman.  My heart goes out to that precious little 
> girl who was raped by the servicemen.  In my opinion, I don't believe the men 
> received a harsh enough punishment.  But please be assured that they will be 
> accountable to God one day for their heinous actions.  They not only violated 
> a human law, but they violated God's law, and to that they will be held 
> accountable, both on earth and in the life beyond.
>       I think my heart goes out to this little girl because I have also been the 
> victim of a rape.  I was living in another country at the time, and had it not 
> been for the rest of the wonderful people there- friends, neighbors, etc., I 
> could have left thinking everyone there was a rapist.  Fortunately, I lived 
> there long enough and knew enough people to know that wasn't so.  This man was 
> a person I foolishly trusted and when he got a chance he kidnapped me, beat 
> me, and raped me out in the countryside.  To add to the shame of being raped, 
> the police and local authorities didn't do a very good job of keeping him 
> under house arrest, so he escaped, probably by paying a bribe.  So I felt 
> very, very cheap and dirty.  Because I had such good friends and companions, I 
> became very angry ONLY toward the individual who committed the crime.  This 
> was ten years ago and the hostility has gone away.  To be truthful, I now feel 
> sorry for this man.  My hope is that he has not had a chance to rape anyone 
> else. 
>       So I hope that beautiful little girl eventually realizes that not all 
> Americans are so horrible in their actions, and that many Americans were 
> outraged at the atrocities committed by these three countrymen.  Especially 
> affected were many African-Americans, who already suffer from a soiled image 
> in many places.  There are many wonderful people here, Black and White, who 
> would never think of doing something so horrible to a little girl.  I hope one 
> day that little girl will have the chance to visit our country and see for 
> herself that there is good and evil in every place.  I can attest to that.
>       Regards, Ann
>       You have my permission to print this in your page.

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  ncalbill
> From NCABILL Mon Apr 22 09:43:34 1996
> From: NCABILL
> Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 20:42:53 -0400
> Subject: Response
> 
> I agree that the incident was unfortunate and that the SOFA needs to be
> revised, but you should not look to blame the military in Okinawa, but your
> own Japanese government for imposing such lenient sentences.  Death should
> have been the sentence for these three vermin.  Try to believe that those
> three so not represent the whole of the US forces in Okinawa.  You should
> push your own goverment to impose tougher sentences for such crimes.
> 

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  Christopher L. Wheeler
> From: ravnos_clan
> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 23:49:19, -0500
> To: koj@mb.inforyukyu.or.jp
> Subject: I wish i could do something
> 
> My name Is Christopher . I am in the US Air Force, and I am shamed by 
> my fellow servicemens actions. It almost makes me ashamed to be in 
> the Military. I have been a student of your countries customes and 
> traditions for a few years now, and am getting ready to move to 
> Okinawa next month, and I now feel that I will be hated for a couple 
> of idiots who deserve to be shot. I just want to let you know that 
> this American respects your feelings, and is turly ashamed and sorry 
> for this incident, I don't know what else I can do or say, but please 
> try to forgive our country, we are not all bad. 
> Please do print my letter on your page, It would be a great honor.
>                                                Fairwell,
>                                                     Christopher

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  Ichiro Hilbun
From: "A. Ichiro Hilbun" 
To: dawei@walrus.com
Subject: The poooor, poooor Okinawans...

Who are you? Are you Okinawa, Japanese, or American?

I was quite sickened by the one-sided views present on your web page. 
I feel that these views are in need of rebuttal.

The anti-base rally is not anti-military, it MOST CERTAINLY is 
anti-American. It didn't matter that my friends worked in the 
International Exchange Division of the Okinawan government for 
Governor Ota. Well, they're gaijin, and gaijin just aren't allowed 
into clubs or bars in Naha. They're the furthest thing from the hated 
gunjin I can think of, and YET they were still denied entrance.

I worked as an Assistant English Teacher in Naha-Urasoe City for a 
year, and was even subjected to anti-American racism at school. From 
teachers telling me "Yankee go home" or particularly the teacher who 
told me that my mother was a whore, since she is Okinawan and my 
father is American. I can't picture this EVER happening in an American 
school.

As far as Okinawan women against military violence - SOME Okinawan 
women are just as responsible for this as the military. Fact is, I'm 
not even saying it's a majority, but there are a lot of loose Okinawan 
women. If no one believes me, I encourage them to go to ANY disco in 
Okinawa City, or to the infamous Sunabe Seawall. 

And lastly, why can't anyone remember the GOOD that the American 
military has done? Helping orphanges, helping with construction 
projects, other goodwill gestures. Fact is MANY OKINAWANS ARE RACIST. 

I definitely want this posted.

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dawei / David Shen