Kennedy defends Okinawa base relocation plan

“People worked very hard, considered many options and developed this plan that I think is the best of any other plan that was considered,” she said.

Where are all Kennedy supporters now? She is just the mouth-piece of the US Military here when she says this.

BULL, this "plan" to move Futenma to Henoko was conceived before a majority of the people posting on this board were even born! The plan is nearly 50 years old. People worked hard? My ass they did, if the Japanese government pushed it down the throats of Kyushyu or some other location THEN I would agree.

Other options were just given a passing look for appearances sake alone, the US Military wanted Henoko from the start and now they are getting it.

Ms Kennedy, if you really are your father's daughter, support democracy and get the bases removed off of okinawa completely.

The more rare the better. Actually never having any news conferences would be best as she knows absolutely nothing about this country, and has not even tried to learn the language yet.

If I ever meet her, my first question will be, "Can you use chop sticks?" If she says yes, then I will ask her, "What are they called in Japanese?"

"She is just the mouth-piece of the US Military here when she says this."

And maybe also a majority of the Japanese people?

As Yubaru stated - this deal was done long long long ago.

The only "extra" hard work gone into this, has been how to deflect crticism & opposition, while shuffling & re-shuffling papers ad infinitum to create the impresion of sweat pouring.

The real hard work was to find another place for the base out of Okinawa, but decades of "We make the rules - get it" attitude, has seen nought realized.

This issue is older than most geezers on this board???

I doubt it, with lots of ild foggies who are regulars and keep on banging on about their pensions!!!

Anyway, Okinawa is unfortunate due to its location.

Thanking the people of Okinawa for their support ? What choice have they ever had? The U.S. Military forced the bases on the people of Okinawa from 1945 to May 14, 1972 and the Japanese Govt. has continued that policy from May 15, 1972 to the present.

Relocate them to man made island bases if they have to stay in Japanese territory.

Japanese people naively believe, as Washington wishes, that the Marines in Okinawa are deterrents against outside threats. But that's a myth that must be closely scrutinized.

If the Marines are stationed here to defend Japan, why will the 4,900 most active elements of them move to Guam with 10,000 combat service support elements (logistic units) left behind in Okinawa?

The Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation that were signed this April stipulate that primary responsibilities for Japan's defense rest with the SDF. To quote it in part: "The Self Defense Forces will have primary responsibility for conducting operations to check and repel such invasions." The USFJ plays only a supporting role for the SDF in all cases.

These facts betray that Washington doesn't care about Japan's defense at all and yet wants to maintain its military presence as it is, regrettably keeping the country under pseudo-occupation forever. Washington doesn't seem to know, however, that it is they who are giving a helping hand to a revisionist Japan and helping let the genie out of the bottle someday.

I wish that no military bases were needed anywhere, but that is not the world we live in.

I'm all for recognising excellence, in Ambassador Kennedy respect the singular ability to deliver a masterclass combining hoity-toity, pretentious condescension all in the space of 30 minutes. Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga calm relaxed smile conveys a underlining relief the insensitive imprudent remarks did not tumble out of his upper orifice.

Wow, Suga and Cabinet are using the Kennedy's good name / image. The Ambassador herself being used as a slogan for relocation. This is crazy.

I don't think she's qualified to comment on either the base relocation or the TPP. Her bathroom mirror reflects only her foggy view of things based on her rather privileged heritage and upbringing. No offense to the lady, but she's out of her depth and enjoying only the largesse of her political connections. Take it while you can, I suppose, but it doesn't do Japan any good to have her here.

She is just the mouth-piece of the US Military here when she says this.

Shocking behavior from the US Ambassador, absolutely shocking. Why it's almost like someone was paying her to say these things...

"Defends"

So much for democracy, I wonder if she actually understands what is actually going on. Don't worry in a few much she we visit Okinawa to give a lecture on democracy.