I was an American soldier stationed in Japan in the early 1970s. I traveled to all of Japan's main islands and visited many historical sites. I was invited into many Japanese homes and was treated very well. The only incident that I can recall that was unpleasant was when a cowardly Japanese man made an insult at a Japanese girl I was with from his passing auto.
My daughters have both visited Japan twice in the last three years. They marveled at the safety of the cities and the good nature of the people. It may be that my memory is not good, but I cannot recall so many criminal incidents involving U.S. military personnel taking place during my time in Japan like there have been in the last few years.
We were always cautioned to be on our best behavior and to respect the Japanese people, who were our most important allies in the Pacific region. I wonder if U.S. society has become so liberal that citizens no longer adhere to acceptable standards of behavior. It seems even some of our military men cannot behave as decent human beings.
I know a majority of Americans are wonderful, generous and have good feelings for our friends in Japan. Maybe we need to re-examine what kind of people we send overseas to serve as representatives of American society before we send them abroad.
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