Anyone who opposes something is characterized as ‘leftist’ and targeted for attack. Okinawa protesters have become just one more target for Internet rightists.

I think that it is becoming more and more true throughout Japan not just Okinawa. If you disagree with the current adminstration's polices you become seen as 'a leftist', 'a China-Korea sympathizer' or 'a Japan hater'. These labels are integral for those who think that 'government' and 'country' are mutually inclusive terms. This 'You are either for us or against us' mentality is both intellectualy dishonest and hegemonic. It was a staple of the Bush administration during the illegal invasion of Iraq. It was both a dangerously ignorant and domineering ideology then as it is now.

One can show no greater love for a country than by disagreeing with politcs that are potentially dangerous for it.

One can show no greater love for a country than by disagreeing with politcs that are potentially dangerous for it.

Well said.

That being said though, what's so bad about being labelled a "leftist", or a "peacenik"? I happily accept these labels, and as for being a "sympathizer"... well, seeing other people as human and being sympathetic is just human. The right-wing fanatics are trying to turn being human into something negative, and a lot of left-wingers are buying into their propaganda. I'm proudly and resolutely "leftist" and a dedicated "peacenik", and I "sympathise" with almost everyone on some level, because there are always at least two sides to every story, and someone would have to be a simple-minded moron not to see that.

Rightist seem to rejoice in tormenting others.

Leftists want to talk, hang out and smoke pot and not bother anyone intentionally. But of course that attitude bothers rightists who seem to be bothered by anything that does not involve bothering others.

Frungy - couldn't agree more.

Why does being left inclined or supporting peace so often attract antagonistic flak?

I can only believe the pushers are scared of their own shadows, so to elevate themselves they blurt.

What Japan needs are more people willing to speak up and challenge the status quo and not accept everything as a given.

So often internet rightists use belittlement to justify their misguided self-righteousness.

Lame never had it so good.

browny1May. 17, 2014 - 06:24PM JST

So often internet rightists use belittlement to justify their misguided self-righteousness.

Lame never had it so good.

A good point. I've noticed that the current trend on the internet is to belittle and dismiss any serious discussion of an issue that extends past a single post, and that post better be twitter-sized or you hit TL:DR. It is a prime breeding ground for idiotic non-replies from people who lacked the concentration span to read your whole post... in other words, the average right winger.

Even worse, those who disagree actively and protest are labeled 'terrorists'...

It's common the world over, I'd say. Look at any comments about immigration in the UK and you'll find anyone who disagrees with the "all immigrants are bad and should be sent home" trolls is accused of being a liberal do-gooder who would have the whole country swamped. I've seen similar traits regarding American issues too.

The "If you're not with us you must be against us" approach is far too simplistic, but seems to satisfy the imbeciles of the Internet.

The people of Okinawa are winning and doing it the correct way (peacefully). Of course every paid thug will try to attack them. You have the people of Okinawa against the interests of others ($$$$) here. Take pictures/videos of these thugs -post on the internet- and do not back down.

Will the special interests (elites and their thugs) try to promote terrorists attacks against the base or the people of Okinawa in order to secure the future of these bases. By pushing out the regular protestors they can gain the position to promote this type of terrorism.