Thursday, February 10, 2011

No Helipad in Takae, Okinawa!

Please use this letter as a template to send a message to the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, John Roos. You can send your message here: http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/info/tinfo-email.html

Dear Ambassador Roos,

As a U.S. citizen living in Japan, I am deeply concerned about the events in Takae, Okinawa. The construction of six helipads in Yambaru forest is threatening the sovereignty, way of life, and natural environment of the people of Higashison, Takae and the surrounding areas. Despite three years of protests by the residents, the Okinawa Defense Bureau, the Japanese government and the U.S. government have forced the construction of the helipads. This expansion of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa is both unnecessary and damaging to U.S./Japan relations, as well as to America's international image.

Similarly, please make it a priority to find a solution to the Futenma Airbase issue which will address the environmental, social and political concerns of the Okinawan people. Though the helipad issue in Takae is not as well known, it is equally distressing.

Please work with the Okinawa Defense Bureau to stop the construction of the helipads immediately. I ask you to take all steps in your power to defend the rights of the people of Takae and the citizens of Okinawa. Thank you for your consideration, and best of luck in your efforts.

Sincerely,


Learn more about Takae in English here:
http://www.fpif.org/articles/postcard_fromtakae
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/hansentoteikounofesta09/20110103
http://nohelipadtakae.org/files/VOT-english2010Oct14.pdf

More posts about Takae coming soon!

1 comment:

  1. Dear Friends,

    I have just read and signed the petition: "Stop building USmilitary helipad and save the Okinawa forest!".

    Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 1000 signatures - please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/stop-building-usmilitary-helipad-and-save-the-okinawa-forest/

    Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

    Thank you! Benjamin


    http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/VdK7/qM../BO4DD

    ReplyDelete