I was standing in my kitchen on Wednesday afternoon when I happened to look over my shoulder and see the prow of the GW peaking through the trees. I ran out on the balcony, then immediately ran back inside to get my camera.
The ship moved a lot faster leaving than it did coming in. I guess since no one but me was watching it wasn't important to make a big show.
I wondered if the protesters would still demonstrate while the ship was gone. On our way back from Kamakura on Sunday we had entered through the main gate. Across from the gate a little crowd of protesters carried signs and banners saying things like No CVN. They walked down the street singing and banging a little drum. I think I even saw a couple of Buddhist monks near the back of the group. It was hard to tell because the light was dim and they were across the street from us.
A woman spoke accented English through a bull horn. She explained that the Japanese people were not consulted on this issue and that they did not want a nuclear air craft carrier in their harbor. Therefore, she informed anyone who would listen, their merry band would protest on the fourth Sunday of every month, right here outside the main gate.
Grant informs me that the GW is supposed to be stationed here until at least 2018. That's a lot of Sunday afternoon protests. Honestly though, I'm glad they're protesting. It shows somebody cares one way or the other. Besides, the right to protest is one of those basic citizens' rights our government is supposed to be protecting.
I leave you today with a quote from Bergen Evans, "Freedom of speech and freedom of action are meaningless without freedom to think. And there is no freedom of thought without doubt," so let the doubters have their say.
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