The Oct. 19 article "Opposition to Futenma move won't go away" mentioned that a group of local residents opposed to relocating Futenma Air Station's facilities within Okinawa had set up a tent and maintained a protest vigil that had surpassed 2,000 days. What I am wondering is, for what purpose does the United States want to have so many military facilities in the Far East, and in many other parts of the world?
Since the Soviet Union crumbled more than a decade ago, no serious threat to America has really existed. Does the U.S. view China as a future enemy? Are Americans preparing for trouble with North Korea or Iran?
I'm no specialist on military strategy, but I would think that one or two aircraft carriers would be able to take care of any trouble with either Iran or North Korea.
The U.S. and Japanese governments should respect the wishes of the people of Nago City and other Okinawans. Why should Okinawa shoulder such a heavy burden of hosting U.S. defense capabilities? As a democratic country, America should respect the opinions of people. Human beings should start working together to plant trees in deserts instead of strengthening old military alliances. Am I too naive?