U.S. serviceman accused of rape in Okinawa
It has been a highly controversial topic for years whether rape is considered a crime of a sexual act or a crime of violence and domination. I have to think it is 85% violence and 15% sexual.
With all of the prostitutes on The Rock; having sex with a lady is as easy as getting a spaghetti dinner or a pizza at Manmmalella’s (Little Grandnma) Pasta and pizza joint. I spent 2.5 years on Futema, Okinawa.
Anyone that has to resort to raping a women, especially in a place like Okinawa, has to be mentally touched or drunk out of their mind.
The rapist was identified as a 24-year old Navy sailor Justin Castellanos, stationed at Camp Schwab. Castellanos took the victim, a 40-year-old woman to his room after finding her asleep and drunk in the hotel’s lobby then raped her.
There has been a long standing dispute, many times violent, between the citizens of Okinawa and the USA’s government concerning the presents of American forced based on The Rock. I can absolutely understand the citizens of Okinawa frustration when incidents like this happen. They are totally unnecessary. When I was there a solider raped an 82 year old women. Figure that one out.
From my observations 50 plus years ago; the Island would dry up financially if the American military would pull out.
The troops support house-boys/house-girls to clean the barracks – shine their shoes – wash their cloths – work on base in mess halls – not to mention the 1,000’s of bars, restaurants , cat houses – use of cabs and a litany of other service the troops pay for.
After WW II the Americans occupied the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa being the biggest island in the chain and most populated.
Many of it’s residence have made a very good living by servicing the troops for many years. From my prospective, the USA and it’s troops are the biggest contributor to The Rock’s economy.
It is a real shame that this, probably drunk sailor, raped the defenseless lady. If found guilty, he will definitely pay the price, as he should.
If the time ever comes that the military pulls off of The Rock, Okinawa will be in bad shape. According records Okinawa was home to 23,140 U.S. military-related individuals, including 13,480 marines and 7,080 airmen, as of September 2006. Their departure would definitely cause a very big impact on their economy.
I don’t care if it is Okinawa or Tin-buck-two; there is never an excuse for anyone committing rape.
I have to say; the Okinawa people are some of the kindest – humble and nicest people on the planet. It is a disgrace that these unfortunate things happen.
The Goomba Gazette 