Their daily protest at the construction gate and in the bay is a level of commitment that few peaceniks in the west can imagine. Up to 13 years this has been going on each day to say NO to the construction of twin-runways over the bay for US warplanes that are increasingly being sent into the Asia-Pacific.
The US maintains that these protests are financed and led by China which is pure nonsense. These protests are led by the people of Okinawa who completely understand that if another war happens then their island (occupied by dozens of US military bases) is a prime target. The people are fighting to keep the peace - to introduce some sanity - into the insane Pentagon build up for war on their peaceful island home.
Who will speak for nature? Who will speak for the coral and the fish? Who will speak for the dugong? Who will stand with the Okinawan people?
Just as I was finishing this post I saw an update that Okinawa's Gov. Onaga died today from cancer. He had been fighting to oppose the runway construction on Henoko for many years. He gave his life for the people and the island. This will be a huge loss for the movement. My heart goes out to all there. You can read more about him here
Bruce
1 comment:
I saw the ugly reality of the US Empire on Okinawa in 1957 end the protests of the Okinawan people. They help me become an activist against War and for peace for the last 60 years. We should all emulate and support their Humanity and our mutual Mother Earth.
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