Biden praises U.S. troops for their role in tsunami relief efforts

I was there for the speech. Astonishingly good. No politics included whatsoever. Made me proud (regardless of political party).

I was also here for "Tomodachi". Although "my" duties kept me here on base, I know that my role was large, and I'm proud of it. So is my "Family", both in America and here in Japan (wife and children are Japanese). Mother in law is Japanese as well... they, as well as the countless friends I have here (of many nationalities) "get it". "Oracle", I hope some day you do too.

This is my third tour of service in Japan (by choice; rarely have I been in a more beautiful place). I (we) don't do what we do for medals, or glory, or honors. We don't "just" do it because were ordered to do so. We do it because people need help. Not Americans, or Japanese, or any nationality; just "people".

...and we'd all do it again. Tonight.

You can bet on it.

J.K. - Thanks for your service and everyone involved in Operation Tomodachi.

Agree with Serrano, J.K. What a great post!

the_sicilianAug. 25, 2011 - 09:15PM JST

Oracle: So they are ok for help, but don't hang around? The NIMBY principle at its finest.

So what do you suggest now? Free room and board and oh, please help yourself to our daughters? They helped in a disaster. Welcome them when they visit. Send them a gift. Help them if they have a disaster. But having a foreign military on your soil for 65 years is not a good thing, even if they help out with a disaster once in a blue moon.

In no way do I belittle the help, but gratitude for help has upper boundaries you don't seem to be aware of. But hey, that ignorance is pretty common among westerners it seems. I know people who think the French still owe America for getting the Germans out. You might think they did it all by themselves just yesterday.

Unfortunatly the good things that service members do in Japan is seldom reported. Countless individuals volunteering in the local community ever week.

To J.K.Morgan, globalwatcher:

I praise your philanthropic spirit and involvement in Operation Tomodachi. But there's a difference between individual service member's humanitarian relief work and Washington policymakers' long-term scheme.

Apparently, Operation tomodachi was carried out in the belief that "charity is a good investment." It may wind up bringing in more lucrative returns for Washington.

What are those returns? First, it will guarantee the continuation of the sympathy budged or what Washington calls "host-nation support" to be provided by Tokyo for the support of U.S. bases in Japan. The money Tokyo will pay to the U.S. cofffer amounts to $11.35 billion over the next five years. Tokyo has already provided more than $30 billion since this bilateral arrangement started in 1978.

Secondly, it may solve the long-stalled Futenma issue in Washington's favor; that is, to help move the facilities of Futenma to Henoko as Washington wishes. The relocation involves reclaiming of the offshore waters of Henoko Point, construction of V-shaped runways and military port facilities. Tokyo must foot all the bills for the new base plus dismantling of the old one and recovering of the status quo ante of the land.

Thirdly, it will result in the free and stable use of bases by the U.S. Forces in Japan (84 bases and facilities all across Japan; 32 in Okinawa alone) and thus help perpetuate the U.S. military presence in Japan forever.

So Operation Tomodachi is something very different from what individual service members think it is. It is quite different from genuine philanthropy shown by the American people through such charity organizations as American Red Cross.

Oracle: So they are ok for help, but don't hang around? The NIMBY principle at its finest.

I was there.No thanks, no reward needed.

But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly

17,000 who will need lifelong medical care.

This is the physical side. What about the mental side?

‘‘The United States is a Pacific power and will remain a Pacific power,’’ he said. ‘‘The reason for that is not for us to conquer lands or areas, we are the stabilizing force in the Pacific basin, the most populous area of the world.’‘

Totally wrong logic. If US remain in this area to contain Chinese economic growth, stability can't exist. US must stop their imperialistic policy or we could have a third world war. I read some analyses that say that China would like resolve her territorial disputes with his neighbors through diplomacy, but with US bases everywhere in Asia,China feels the need to reinforce her own military forces. If US want really the peace in Asia, they must leave. China is not an imperialistic power, they haven't a story of colonization like european countries and US.

World doesn't need heroes, world needs respect for the diversity and peace.

As much as I will never be happy to have them stationed here, their role in the relief effort deserves a lot of praise. Just wish they flew in.

I hope none of them will ever experience effects from the isotope leaks.