In wake of our recent restrictions and what-nots, there has been a wave of bizarre events following the publicized lock down of the SOFA personal on Okinawa.

Some twenty incidents have occurred where SOFA personal were caught out-in-town without authorization. Of course they were spotted at the most popular American hang out locations; Starbucks, McDonalds and Coco’s Curry ( probably the best curry house here on the island ). I wonder if these people thought a Three Star General was joking when he restricted us. Either way, upon their apprehension they have two complete days to get everything in order and leave the Island. So much for leaving on a memorable note: “Yea, I was in Japan once, but I got kicked out because I just had to have a mocha latte from Starbucks.”

But more “surprising” to Americans is the hostile environment they are now finding themselves in. I use quotation because I know better. This is nothing new to me. What do I mean by hostile? Well, I am bound by a Privacy Act so I can’t disclose the details but…I have a similar story to tell you that might or might not relate to this topic. A while back I was in a vehicle driving along a crowded road in a certain country. People were throwing rocks and trash at us. I asked my friend to the left of me, “Why?” He told me “just a little persecution, a lot of hate, and of course, young blood.” Now, this was an extreme case, but believe it or not, we are hearing reports…

Just like a few rotten Americans can ruin the entire nation’s view on us, the same can be done in reverse. Of course, we can’t be hostile back. That wouldn’t be neighborly, so we will continue to stay on our bases…waiting for the “heavies” to come to a decision on what should be done with this “mess.”