Dietz

As we began to discuss Okinawa on Monday, I wondered what factors contributed to the Island never outright decalring independence. I appreciated that Kelly's piece addresses this question head on. The unique position of Okinawa in comparison to other groups struggling for autonomy helps explain why it remains colonized. As the internal colony (3) of Japan, as well as an outpost of US military occupation, Okinawans are doubly victimized. To resist one state is a tremendous struggle, to resist two at once, and feel trapped by their dual control seems next to impossible. Where would the Okinawans turn if they attempted to declare independence? China? Taiwan? South Korea? The Philippines? Japan and the US together are a serious threat to those nations, and I imagine it is unlikely that these Asian nations would come to the resuce of this small Island when the US military depends so highly on it - such an action or support would be tantamount to declaring war, or threatening US security interests from the Pacific to the Middle East. So what are the Okinawans to do? I look forward to talking about it, because I'm at a loss for ideas...