Town hall meeting featured high emotions
by Sabrina Salas Matanane, KUAM News
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday night's town hall meeting on the proposed military expansion for Guam, hosted by congressional representative Madeleine Bordallo, lasted much longer than the two hours than it was scheduled for. Bordallo was joined by U.S. Virgin Islands delegate Donna Christensen and Congressman Eni Faleomavaega from American Samoa. All three congressional delegates are members of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, which Christensen chairs.
For several hours the members heard testimony from various sectors of the community, many of whom waited several hours just to be able to have a seat at the table.
Trying to summarize years of what they perceived as inequality in five minutes angered many of those who showed up to testify. The effort was difficult for many island residents who testified before the congressional panel on the Department of Defense's proposed military expansion for Guam. Chamorro language teacher Linda Edwards tried to summarize what life was like living with the military in her backyard, saying, "When I was a young kid growing up in Yigo I recall then we had certain days of the week they would go out and spray these chemicals in there and we were told to go in the house. When they started to do that, I'll never forget that. And then after all these years I think we were still exposed to his in our soil, plants and water. What was that chemical and what contaminants did it contain? My mother had Parkinson's Disease and her sister and all her cousins and all died fro Parkinson's, and to take care of an invalid such as that is very hard, especially being the only girl."
Linda's story was just one of many from those who showed up to Thursday night's town hall meeting on the proposed military expansion. Others who served on the front line defending America like Phil Cruz, a retired Army man. He says he didn't understand why a hearing held specifically for the people had to wait at the end of the line in order to testify. "If you were good enough you would have said hear the people fist and I'll come after you."
Cruz waited like others to give their testimony. His opportunity came at around 11pm last night. "Be careful, Guam. I am not approving and disapproving this until all info comes out. I just want to say I don't know what you're intentions are and by the way you elected officials when you go negotiate turn this table around you should be up there and let the military ask you the questions they are the visitors we live here," he warned.
Emotional testimony also came from David Sablan who believes the island can not accommodate such an influx. "Our island is too small, so tiny, that it's only a dot on the map and this is the largest military buildup in the history of the United States, and you're going to bring it to the littlest place? Can we make some sense there are we thinking or what? Hello?!?!?"
Patrea Sablan said she believes the military buildup is really a cover for a prelude to war. "No more smoke screening say it's a war buildup say it as it really is and how long will it before you can tell us because you know we all adults here on Guam."
Further, Pauline Pangelinan made reference to local media reports. On the recent announcement and unilateral decision by U.S. Navy officials on Guam about its plans to double the amount of water it charges the Guam Waterworks Authority for water from Fena. "This is a classic example of the callous disregard the military has for the people of Guam," she charged.
Showing posts with label Congressional Hearings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Congressional Hearings. Show all posts
Monday, August 20, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Guam Legislature Speaks Out
Feds asked to match Guam’s allegiance
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff
August 17, 2007
MEMBERS of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs last night heard the Guam senators’ chorus, stressing that the federal government should match the level of allegiance and patriotism of the people of Guam by treating them as equals.
They demanded that the federal government share the burden placed on Guam resulting from the impending military buildup.
Senators insisted that Guam desperately needs federal funding assistance as it scrambles to build new infrastructure, expand healthcare, and strengthen public safety to accommodate new residents who will come to Guam, along with the 8,000 Marines who will be relocated from Okinawa.
A long list of individuals has signed up to testify at the town hall meeting hosted by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, at the Hilton Resort and Spa.
The lawmakers were on the priority list. The meeting was ongoing as of press time.
Vice Speaker Eddie B. Calvo, R-Maite, requested that all information pertinent to the buildup must be open and accessible to all developers, including local investors. He also asked the federal government to increase federal support for the Guam Apprentice Program to enable the island to produce its own labor pool to pick up the construction projects.
Sen. Ben Pangelinan, D-Barrigada, said the $700 million in investment funds that retired General David Bice said would be poured into utility projects must be directed toward the civilian community. “The military shouldn’t grab that entire $700 million for themselves. We depend on Congress to make sure that we get what we need,” Pangelinan said.
Sen. James Espaldon, R-Tamuning, urged the federal government to look beyond the strategic importance of Guam and start showing respect for its citizens.
“The frustration we face, aside from the financial constraints, is that the quality of life of our island does not seem to be a part of the strategic vision that the Department of Defense has,” Espaldon said. “Our quality of life seems to be only a footnote to their strategic plan.”
Sen. Rory Respicio, D-Agana Heights, said the amount of money being requested by Guam is “miniscule,” considering the huge amount that the Japanese government pledged to the U.S. for the Marine relocation.
Besides funding assistance, senators also presented a long list of issues that they said the federal government must look into.
Sen. Frank Ishizaki, R-Yona, requested that the military assist the Guam Police Department with the public safety aspect of increased population. He requested that joint military-police posts be built on both ends of the island.
Sen. Judith Guthertz, D-Mangilao, asked the federal government to revisit Guam’s quest for self-determination.
Sen. Tina Muna Barnes, D-Mangilao, briefly discussed the Navy’s decision to increase rates for water services provided by Fena. “This is the kind of unilateral action by the military that decreases the community’s support for the military,” she said.
Sen. Jesse Lujan, R-Tamuning, said if the federal government refuses to treat the people of Guam as equals, “then maybe independence is the way to go.”
*********************
Political status, war claims pushed
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
August 17, 2007
MINORITY Leader Judith T. Won Pat, D-Malojloj, has urged visiting Congresswoman Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, to focus not just on the military buildup but also on Guam’s quest for political status and war reparations.
According to Won Pat, political status and war reparations are two issues of paramount importance to the people of Guam that have yet to be resolved.
“I won’t belabor the issue but just to say that on political status, there is a need for Congress to support and fund the local effort for Chamorros to finally determine their own political destiny,” the minority leader said.
On the issue of war reparations, Won Pat said many Chamorros are elated that the World War II Loyalty Recognition Act has made it to the U.S. Senate.
The Guam War Claims Review Commission established by Congress found that the U.S. has a moral obligation to pay proper compensation for war damages and that there is a lack of parity in war claims for Guam when compared to other war claims programs established by the U.S. Congress.
“I hope Congress will do the right thing and pass this very important legislation for the people of Guam and finally bring closure to this dark chapter in Guam’s history,” the senator said.
She is also hopeful that Christensen’s visit will convey to Congress the frustration and anxiousness that Guamanians feel about the coming military buildup and to recognize the need to include Guam and their leaders in the full scope of any discussion regarding the buildup.
“I commend Chairwoman Christensen for holding her hearing on Guam and I hope this will be the first of many congressional oversight field hearings that will be conducted on Guam regarding the buildup,” Won Pat said
There have been many discussions about Guam being the “tip of the spear” and that Guam is of the highest strategic value and of great importance to the mission of the United States in regional security and national defense.
But as a U.S. territory so far removed from the mainland, Won Pat said Guam issues and concerns often fall on deaf ears.
“This is why this oversight hearing on Guam means so much to the future of our island. It will be decisions made in Washington, D.C., and not on Guam, that will determine the direction of Guam for decades to come,” the senator pointed out.
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff
August 17, 2007
MEMBERS of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs last night heard the Guam senators’ chorus, stressing that the federal government should match the level of allegiance and patriotism of the people of Guam by treating them as equals.
They demanded that the federal government share the burden placed on Guam resulting from the impending military buildup.
Senators insisted that Guam desperately needs federal funding assistance as it scrambles to build new infrastructure, expand healthcare, and strengthen public safety to accommodate new residents who will come to Guam, along with the 8,000 Marines who will be relocated from Okinawa.
A long list of individuals has signed up to testify at the town hall meeting hosted by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, at the Hilton Resort and Spa.
The lawmakers were on the priority list. The meeting was ongoing as of press time.
Vice Speaker Eddie B. Calvo, R-Maite, requested that all information pertinent to the buildup must be open and accessible to all developers, including local investors. He also asked the federal government to increase federal support for the Guam Apprentice Program to enable the island to produce its own labor pool to pick up the construction projects.
Sen. Ben Pangelinan, D-Barrigada, said the $700 million in investment funds that retired General David Bice said would be poured into utility projects must be directed toward the civilian community. “The military shouldn’t grab that entire $700 million for themselves. We depend on Congress to make sure that we get what we need,” Pangelinan said.
Sen. James Espaldon, R-Tamuning, urged the federal government to look beyond the strategic importance of Guam and start showing respect for its citizens.
“The frustration we face, aside from the financial constraints, is that the quality of life of our island does not seem to be a part of the strategic vision that the Department of Defense has,” Espaldon said. “Our quality of life seems to be only a footnote to their strategic plan.”
Sen. Rory Respicio, D-Agana Heights, said the amount of money being requested by Guam is “miniscule,” considering the huge amount that the Japanese government pledged to the U.S. for the Marine relocation.
Besides funding assistance, senators also presented a long list of issues that they said the federal government must look into.
Sen. Frank Ishizaki, R-Yona, requested that the military assist the Guam Police Department with the public safety aspect of increased population. He requested that joint military-police posts be built on both ends of the island.
Sen. Judith Guthertz, D-Mangilao, asked the federal government to revisit Guam’s quest for self-determination.
Sen. Tina Muna Barnes, D-Mangilao, briefly discussed the Navy’s decision to increase rates for water services provided by Fena. “This is the kind of unilateral action by the military that decreases the community’s support for the military,” she said.
Sen. Jesse Lujan, R-Tamuning, said if the federal government refuses to treat the people of Guam as equals, “then maybe independence is the way to go.”
*********************
Political status, war claims pushed
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
August 17, 2007
MINORITY Leader Judith T. Won Pat, D-Malojloj, has urged visiting Congresswoman Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands, to focus not just on the military buildup but also on Guam’s quest for political status and war reparations.
According to Won Pat, political status and war reparations are two issues of paramount importance to the people of Guam that have yet to be resolved.
“I won’t belabor the issue but just to say that on political status, there is a need for Congress to support and fund the local effort for Chamorros to finally determine their own political destiny,” the minority leader said.
On the issue of war reparations, Won Pat said many Chamorros are elated that the World War II Loyalty Recognition Act has made it to the U.S. Senate.
The Guam War Claims Review Commission established by Congress found that the U.S. has a moral obligation to pay proper compensation for war damages and that there is a lack of parity in war claims for Guam when compared to other war claims programs established by the U.S. Congress.
“I hope Congress will do the right thing and pass this very important legislation for the people of Guam and finally bring closure to this dark chapter in Guam’s history,” the senator said.
She is also hopeful that Christensen’s visit will convey to Congress the frustration and anxiousness that Guamanians feel about the coming military buildup and to recognize the need to include Guam and their leaders in the full scope of any discussion regarding the buildup.
“I commend Chairwoman Christensen for holding her hearing on Guam and I hope this will be the first of many congressional oversight field hearings that will be conducted on Guam regarding the buildup,” Won Pat said
There have been many discussions about Guam being the “tip of the spear” and that Guam is of the highest strategic value and of great importance to the mission of the United States in regional security and national defense.
But as a U.S. territory so far removed from the mainland, Won Pat said Guam issues and concerns often fall on deaf ears.
“This is why this oversight hearing on Guam means so much to the future of our island. It will be decisions made in Washington, D.C., and not on Guam, that will determine the direction of Guam for decades to come,” the senator pointed out.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Residents Speak Out on the Military Buildup
Residents speak on buildup
Town hall meeting presents local views to U.S. Congress
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Daily News
gdumat-ol@guampdn.com
August 17, 2007
With Guam's future at stake, many Guam residents spoke before a Congressional panel at last night's town hall meeting on the looming military buildup.
The buildup's $14 billion to $15 billion price tag -- a scale about four times the size of Guam's economy -- generated a mix of positive and negative comments about what the military's increased presence would do to the island.
For some of the residents who spoke out, their concerns were related to money.
Others voiced hope that as the buildup preparations progress, the military and officials of the federal government treat Guam as a partner rather than a subordinate.
"We need to sit at the table as equals and talk about it," said Democratic Sen. Tina Muna Barnes, who added that her husband and oldest son serve in the U.S. military.
But while Guam has generally voiced support for increased military presence on island, a new issue, according to Barnes, could erode local support for the buildup.
Rising water price
The Navy's recent confirmation that it would double the price of the local water agency's purchase of water from the military-held Fena water treatment plant, Barnes said, "makes our local people very angry."
The Navy earlier this week confirmed it would increase the Guam Waterworks Authority's purchase price of water from Fena from about $3 million to $6 million a year because of increased cost to operate the water treatment plant.
The increase, which the Navy plans to implement in about two months, would equate to a 6 percent increase in what GWA customers pay for water, said Simon Sanchez, chairman of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities.
The plant is the primary source of water for Nimitz, Santa Rita, Agat and other southern Guam areas.
"This increase in water cost, this unilateral action, ... jeopardizes local support," Muna Barnes said.
A major part of the Guam buildup involves the relocation from Okinawa of about 8,000 members of the U.S. Marines and about 9,000 of their relatives. The buildup's construction activities also are expected to cause an influx of about 15,000 construction workers.
With more civilian and military residents on Guam, the local population, last counted in a federal census at close to 160,000, would surge.
Becoming San Diego
Retired Marine Adolf Sgambelluri, a longtime Guam resident, commented that he expects Guam's quality of life to improve.
"I don't have a problem with Guam becoming like Oahu or San Diego," Sgambelluri said.
One benefit of the economic and population boom, Sgambelluri said, is that prices of consumer goods would drop because the local economy becomes bigger.
Another retired Marine, John Gerber, said he's disappointed that even some of Guam's elected officials have made comments that the Marines are "big, ... bad men."
The Marines built Marine Corps Drive and more than 300 miles of Guam roads after World War II, Gerber said. "When I heard about the Marines returning to Guam, I was very happy. It's a windfall," he said.
The military buildup has the support of "the silent majority of our people on Guam," Gerber said, citing surveys such as the Guam Chamber of Commerce's.
Those who cast the reputation of the Marines and the rest of the military in a bad light have no respect, he said, for American troops fighting in Iraq and deployed foreign missions such as Afghanistan.
"It really bothers me to hear my corps being trashed as they are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting as we speak. This is not about the Marine Corps, this is a national defense issue," Gerber said. "I don't like people saying Marines are big, bad men ... that is not the Marines of today at all," Gerber said.
On record
The comments voiced at the town hall meeting, which were heard by congressional Delegates Donna Christensen of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Madeleine Bordallo of Guam and Rep. Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa, were recorded and will become a part of congressional records.
Local officials asked the congressional delegates to be advocates for Guam's local community.
The meeting started around 6 p.m. at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa and still continued past 9 last night.
The local community's voices will help to shape what the military's actions will be, said Christensen, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.
"Guam is now at a very, very critical point," Faleomavaega said.
Bordallo emphasized that the military's buildup plans for Guam are not final.
Money issue
Guam needs the federal government to provide Guam with the money to host the military buildup, rather than expect the local government to use "non-existent" local funds, said Sen. Eddie Calvo, the Guam Legislature's vice speaker and Finance Committee chairman.
Without federal money to help Guam host the buildup, Calvo offered the analogy of a rich brother visiting his poor brother's home and asking the poor brother to pay for the rich brother's stay.
Democratic Sen. Ben Pangelinan said rather than listing all of Guam's wishes for more money associated with the buildup, he gave the congressional panel his assessment of local sentiment.
"Some wholeheartedly welcome the military, some halfheartedly welcome the military, and some don't like the military," Pangelinan said.
He noted that the military in one meeting said it would not conduct live-ammunition exercises on Guam; and in another meeting said it would do so.
David Bice, executive director of the Joint Program Office, said he understands the local community's frustration about not getting more detailed information from the military.
But Bice said the buildup still is in a phase where "homework" is being done toward putting together more firm plans.
To emphasize the complexity of the "homework" and other preparations related to the buildup, Bice mentioned that the Japanese government's money contributions toward relocating U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam are a first for the country in terms for a foreign government financially supporting a move of American troops to U.S. soil.
Pangelinan also called for more military openness on what its plans are for Guam.
"If you want to come to Guam, say you want to come to Guam, ... otherwise, we have this adversarial relationship, ... this big brother coming to us," Pangelinan said.
"We need to be told the truth of what the military needs, ... and what they offer to Guam," Pangelinan said.
Town hall meeting presents local views to U.S. Congress
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
Pacific Daily News
gdumat-ol@guampdn.com
August 17, 2007
With Guam's future at stake, many Guam residents spoke before a Congressional panel at last night's town hall meeting on the looming military buildup.
The buildup's $14 billion to $15 billion price tag -- a scale about four times the size of Guam's economy -- generated a mix of positive and negative comments about what the military's increased presence would do to the island.
For some of the residents who spoke out, their concerns were related to money.
Others voiced hope that as the buildup preparations progress, the military and officials of the federal government treat Guam as a partner rather than a subordinate.
"We need to sit at the table as equals and talk about it," said Democratic Sen. Tina Muna Barnes, who added that her husband and oldest son serve in the U.S. military.
But while Guam has generally voiced support for increased military presence on island, a new issue, according to Barnes, could erode local support for the buildup.
Rising water price
The Navy's recent confirmation that it would double the price of the local water agency's purchase of water from the military-held Fena water treatment plant, Barnes said, "makes our local people very angry."
The Navy earlier this week confirmed it would increase the Guam Waterworks Authority's purchase price of water from Fena from about $3 million to $6 million a year because of increased cost to operate the water treatment plant.
The increase, which the Navy plans to implement in about two months, would equate to a 6 percent increase in what GWA customers pay for water, said Simon Sanchez, chairman of the Consolidated Commission on Utilities.
The plant is the primary source of water for Nimitz, Santa Rita, Agat and other southern Guam areas.
"This increase in water cost, this unilateral action, ... jeopardizes local support," Muna Barnes said.
A major part of the Guam buildup involves the relocation from Okinawa of about 8,000 members of the U.S. Marines and about 9,000 of their relatives. The buildup's construction activities also are expected to cause an influx of about 15,000 construction workers.
With more civilian and military residents on Guam, the local population, last counted in a federal census at close to 160,000, would surge.
Becoming San Diego
Retired Marine Adolf Sgambelluri, a longtime Guam resident, commented that he expects Guam's quality of life to improve.
"I don't have a problem with Guam becoming like Oahu or San Diego," Sgambelluri said.
One benefit of the economic and population boom, Sgambelluri said, is that prices of consumer goods would drop because the local economy becomes bigger.
Another retired Marine, John Gerber, said he's disappointed that even some of Guam's elected officials have made comments that the Marines are "big, ... bad men."
The Marines built Marine Corps Drive and more than 300 miles of Guam roads after World War II, Gerber said. "When I heard about the Marines returning to Guam, I was very happy. It's a windfall," he said.
The military buildup has the support of "the silent majority of our people on Guam," Gerber said, citing surveys such as the Guam Chamber of Commerce's.
Those who cast the reputation of the Marines and the rest of the military in a bad light have no respect, he said, for American troops fighting in Iraq and deployed foreign missions such as Afghanistan.
"It really bothers me to hear my corps being trashed as they are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting as we speak. This is not about the Marine Corps, this is a national defense issue," Gerber said. "I don't like people saying Marines are big, bad men ... that is not the Marines of today at all," Gerber said.
On record
The comments voiced at the town hall meeting, which were heard by congressional Delegates Donna Christensen of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Madeleine Bordallo of Guam and Rep. Eni Faleomavaega of American Samoa, were recorded and will become a part of congressional records.
Local officials asked the congressional delegates to be advocates for Guam's local community.
The meeting started around 6 p.m. at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa and still continued past 9 last night.
The local community's voices will help to shape what the military's actions will be, said Christensen, chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs.
"Guam is now at a very, very critical point," Faleomavaega said.
Bordallo emphasized that the military's buildup plans for Guam are not final.
Money issue
Guam needs the federal government to provide Guam with the money to host the military buildup, rather than expect the local government to use "non-existent" local funds, said Sen. Eddie Calvo, the Guam Legislature's vice speaker and Finance Committee chairman.
Without federal money to help Guam host the buildup, Calvo offered the analogy of a rich brother visiting his poor brother's home and asking the poor brother to pay for the rich brother's stay.
Democratic Sen. Ben Pangelinan said rather than listing all of Guam's wishes for more money associated with the buildup, he gave the congressional panel his assessment of local sentiment.
"Some wholeheartedly welcome the military, some halfheartedly welcome the military, and some don't like the military," Pangelinan said.
He noted that the military in one meeting said it would not conduct live-ammunition exercises on Guam; and in another meeting said it would do so.
David Bice, executive director of the Joint Program Office, said he understands the local community's frustration about not getting more detailed information from the military.
But Bice said the buildup still is in a phase where "homework" is being done toward putting together more firm plans.
To emphasize the complexity of the "homework" and other preparations related to the buildup, Bice mentioned that the Japanese government's money contributions toward relocating U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam are a first for the country in terms for a foreign government financially supporting a move of American troops to U.S. soil.
Pangelinan also called for more military openness on what its plans are for Guam.
"If you want to come to Guam, say you want to come to Guam, ... otherwise, we have this adversarial relationship, ... this big brother coming to us," Pangelinan said.
"We need to be told the truth of what the military needs, ... and what they offer to Guam," Pangelinan said.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Better Poor Than Dead
'It's better being poor than dead'
THE Congressional hearing on August 13 on the military buildup on Guam was intentionally planned as to who should be allowed (now "invited") to testify. That's why there was no mention in our local media about the deadline to submit your name and testimony if you wanted to participate.
I "thank" our delegate, Madeleine Bordallo and this administration for barring certain activists such as Nasion Chamoru, who have been the most vocal and outspoken against this impending catastrophe.
Our Guamanian leaders know very well that they don't want the Virgin Islands delegate, Donna Christensen, and the rest of the "Team U.S.A." Resources Subcommitte members, to see and hear Nasion Chamoru testify that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam. They only want to hear from people who will give their "amen" and "sweet" testimony about how good this military buildup will mean to our island, for the so-called economic boom and opportunities.
Our senators who were "invited" to participate in this field hearing should refuse the invitation since it is not totally open to the community for public participation.
I see this hearing, except for a few individuals, as nothing more than a gathering of the puppets and carpetbaggers to show their commitment to the military and in the interest of their deep pockets.
To my people, we are in a very critical crisis. Whereas, I say that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam, I also say it would be better being poor than dead!
Fan Ma'naitai (pray) yan si Yu'os enfanbinindisi. Biba Chamoru! Biba Taotao Ta'no!
VINCENTE "FA'ET" GARRIDO
Maga'lahi, Nasion Chamoru
The Marianas Variety
August 10, 2007
THE Congressional hearing on August 13 on the military buildup on Guam was intentionally planned as to who should be allowed (now "invited") to testify. That's why there was no mention in our local media about the deadline to submit your name and testimony if you wanted to participate.
I "thank" our delegate, Madeleine Bordallo and this administration for barring certain activists such as Nasion Chamoru, who have been the most vocal and outspoken against this impending catastrophe.
Our Guamanian leaders know very well that they don't want the Virgin Islands delegate, Donna Christensen, and the rest of the "Team U.S.A." Resources Subcommitte members, to see and hear Nasion Chamoru testify that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam. They only want to hear from people who will give their "amen" and "sweet" testimony about how good this military buildup will mean to our island, for the so-called economic boom and opportunities.
Our senators who were "invited" to participate in this field hearing should refuse the invitation since it is not totally open to the community for public participation.
I see this hearing, except for a few individuals, as nothing more than a gathering of the puppets and carpetbaggers to show their commitment to the military and in the interest of their deep pockets.
To my people, we are in a very critical crisis. Whereas, I say that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam, I also say it would be better being poor than dead!
Fan Ma'naitai (pray) yan si Yu'os enfanbinindisi. Biba Chamoru! Biba Taotao Ta'no!
VINCENTE "FA'ET" GARRIDO
Maga'lahi, Nasion Chamoru
The Marianas Variety
August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
To Congresswoman Christensen
August 2, 2007
The Honorable Donna M. Christensen
Member of Congress
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
1337 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Christensen:
Hafa adai from Guam. I am writing to express my shock and extreme displeasure at learning from Mr. Tony Babauta, staff director of your Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, that you have no intention of opening your doors to testimony from the general public at the Oversight Field Hearing on the U.S. Military Buildup on Guam and Challenges Facing the Community, scheduled to be held in Guam on Monday, August 13, 2007.
Madam Congresswoman, why is the Subcommittee even traveling to Guam if it does not want to hear from the people of our island? You certainly don't need to travel so many hours to get the military or federal perspective, because those positions are determined in Washington. The same can be said of the opinions of representatives from our local government's Administration: Lieutenant Governor Michael Cruz and a delegation from Guam are in Washington right now regarding the buildup.
In order to get the perspective of the 170,000 residents of Guam, you have to hear from the real people of our island. That is what we thought the Subcommittee was doing. I appreciate Mr. Babauta's call, but I didn't like hearing that there is a protocol list of about a dozen people who will be allowed to testify, and everyone else is excluded. Even though I submitted my testimony by the July 31 deadline, I won't be allowed to speak. I've attached my newspaper column so you can better understand my perspective.
Like the Virgin Islands, Guam is an often-ignored territory that frequently gets short shrift from our federal government. In spite of this, Chamorros and Guamanians are among the most loyal of American citizens. With all respect, I believe that our people deserve better from the Congress and your Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. I urge you to reconsider your decision and open your Field Hearing doors to the general public. The comments you are likely to hear will not all be positive or negative. There will be good points made and some that are not so good. But at the end of the day the people will have had their say, and you will have a better sense of Guam's position. We're only asking for a few hours of your time.
I look forward to your positive response to my request.
Sincerely,
Judith P. Guthertz, Senator
Minority Member, Civilian-Military Task Force
Attachment (1)
c: The Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo
All Senators
All Media
The Honorable Donna M. Christensen
Member of Congress
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
1337 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Christensen:
Hafa adai from Guam. I am writing to express my shock and extreme displeasure at learning from Mr. Tony Babauta, staff director of your Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, that you have no intention of opening your doors to testimony from the general public at the Oversight Field Hearing on the U.S. Military Buildup on Guam and Challenges Facing the Community, scheduled to be held in Guam on Monday, August 13, 2007.
Madam Congresswoman, why is the Subcommittee even traveling to Guam if it does not want to hear from the people of our island? You certainly don't need to travel so many hours to get the military or federal perspective, because those positions are determined in Washington. The same can be said of the opinions of representatives from our local government's Administration: Lieutenant Governor Michael Cruz and a delegation from Guam are in Washington right now regarding the buildup.
In order to get the perspective of the 170,000 residents of Guam, you have to hear from the real people of our island. That is what we thought the Subcommittee was doing. I appreciate Mr. Babauta's call, but I didn't like hearing that there is a protocol list of about a dozen people who will be allowed to testify, and everyone else is excluded. Even though I submitted my testimony by the July 31 deadline, I won't be allowed to speak. I've attached my newspaper column so you can better understand my perspective.
Like the Virgin Islands, Guam is an often-ignored territory that frequently gets short shrift from our federal government. In spite of this, Chamorros and Guamanians are among the most loyal of American citizens. With all respect, I believe that our people deserve better from the Congress and your Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. I urge you to reconsider your decision and open your Field Hearing doors to the general public. The comments you are likely to hear will not all be positive or negative. There will be good points made and some that are not so good. But at the end of the day the people will have had their say, and you will have a better sense of Guam's position. We're only asking for a few hours of your time.
I look forward to your positive response to my request.
Sincerely,
Judith P. Guthertz, Senator
Minority Member, Civilian-Military Task Force
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c: The Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo
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