Earlier this year I raised the issue of the costs of our maintaining army bases overseas. I believe it to be a waste of money. But perhaps there are other wrongs associated with our foreign bases. Foreign Policy in Focus discusses the non-financial costs of occupation. Basically, these costs engender hatred of our troops and this country due to crimes committed by some of these troops; it's very likely that only a small number of troops are involved, but enough havoc and commotion has been wrought to create major problems.
A member of the Korean Assembly claims that 377 U.S. soldiers have been arrested so far this year. In Okinawa a women's group claims that, from 1972 to 2005, U.S. soldiers committed over 5,500 crimes against civilians, but only 700 U.S. soldiers have been arrested. Farmers in Korea protested the loss of their homes and farms so that the U.S. base could be expanded; the base was expanded. Now, a similar battle is being waged to prevent the expansion of a naval base. 6.5% of the population in Guam sent letters of concern to the Pentagon asking that expansion of a base on Guam be rescinded. Law suits have been filed to stop the expansion.
This is not the way to win friends and influence people.
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