There is a "new" political party in charge in Japan. There has also long been grievance among some there, concerning our military bases in Japan.
Part of the political plank the party of Hatoyama ran on, made mention on some of this long simmering 'difference of opinion' among the Japanese populace concerning the relationship Japan has with the U.S., and the stated desire to amend the terms of the relationship.
It doesn't matter if we think it's right, or wrong. If they say they are wanting more equal standing, we should do what we can to accommodate them, as much as possible without hurting the long term security interests of the U.S., Japan, and other allies in the region.
It's easier to keep the friends one has, then to go find new ones (in that neighborhood particularly). A "friend" lost or offended, is harder won (back into friendship) than well a defended, walled city...
odumbos fault
We needn’t worry about Obama failing to accommodate these folks with a smile!
But a wiser administration would at least warn Japan, privately, what they are risking. China has had grudges against Japan from time immemorial, and China has the sheer manpower to eat Japan alive if it wants and nobody comes to help.
With “friends” like Japan who needs enemies. The “new” government has cut a leg out of our effort because they know that Zero will not response because he needs them to continue to buy our debit to fund his socialistic programs.
What you see here is a socialist supporting a socialist pure and simple. All the world’s socialist leaders have voiced their support for Zero.
We are in deep trouble with Zero at the helm.
The USA is the greatest nation in the world and further denounciations of our principles by Zero in front of foreign forms will continue to bring out like socialists
to further hinder our efforts to defeat those that absolutely hate us and pray for our demise five times a day. Beleive me I’ve been in the heart of their base.