National Campaign to End the Korean War

*This is from an Organization inside the US that wishes to bring more attention to this worthy issue.

Below is a letter to President Obama drafted by the National Campaign to End the Korean War. We have launched a letter-writing campaign to call for the de-escalation of military hostilities surrounding the Korean Peninsula, and we invite wide participation by all who support the return to diplomacy to achieve peace in Korea.

If you wish to forward an electronic copy of this letter to President Obama, the length of the text is short enough that it may be pasted into the electronic form on the "Contact the White House" website. At the bottom, instead of "Members of the National Campaign to End the Korean War," simply substitute your name.

In addition, hand-written letters are welcome and encouraged. Consult this page for the mailing address to the White House, and feel free to use this Open Letter as a template.

If you compose an original letter (hand-written or via the White House website), please consider sending us an electronic copy or a photocopy of your letter, and let us know whether we may publish it on our site. Our email is info@endthekoreanwar.org and our mailing address is NCEKW, P.O. Box 750061, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Thank you.

* * * * *

Dear President Obama,

We write as citizens in response to alarming developments in US foreign policy toward Korea. We are gravely concerned that recent military maneuvers not only by North Korea but also by the US and South Korea are pushing us closer to the brink of war.

The American people do not want more war. Given that another costly and dangerous war is not in US national interests, we look to you for leadership in defusing tensions in Northeast Asia. Given that our economy is in desperate straits and our military is overstretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, now is the time to prioritize peace in Korea.

In doing so, let us heed the counsel of those most knowledgeable about past negotiations between the US and North Korea—including former US President Jimmy Carter, former US Ambassadors to South Korea, as well as prominent nuclear scientists and Korea policy experts—who have repeatedly advocated a peace process as the only viable path to de-escalate current tensions and dismantle North Korea’s nuclear program.

Yet, it has been disturbing to witness how the US has recently joined South Korea, a longtime US ally, in assuming an increasingly hostile war footing on the Korean Peninsula. We fear that such war preparations proceed from the reckless assumption that a war with North Korea would be quick and easy to win. Similar miscalculations were used to rationalize the Iraq War, only later to have proven unfounded after we had already become embroiled in a disastrous war.

We cannot stand by and allow this to happen again, not under the watch of a president who stands on the side of peace.

We urge you to withdraw US forces from the recurring joint US-ROK military exercises, the massive war games involving tens of thousands of American and South Korean soldiers, which aggravate an already heated situation. We object to the use of American taxpayer money to stage these unnecessary, costly drills. They intensify the risk that an accident could quickly spiral into general warfare, which could kill millions of innocent people.

The Korean War has continued for more than six decades without a peace treaty. We call upon you to choose the path to peace by returning the US to dialogue with North Korea and negotiating an end to the Korean War. We petition you, out of your convictions honored by the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, to seize this tremendous opportunity for achieving peace in Northeast Asia and bringing greater stability to the world.

Yours,

Members of the National Campaign to End the Korean War

Sen B J Cruz with Ray Gibson

Sen B J Cruz with Ray Gibson

Interview between Ray Gibson and Senator B J Cruz about escorting Congress Woman Bordallo at the Legislature for the State of the Congress address. They then talked about the Governor's State of the Island address and what what the senator would like to hear in the Congresswoman's address. They then talked about the Speak Out Telethon for comments about the Draft EIS. They also talked about the Governor changing Guam to Guahan and about the suggestion of reunification between Guam and the CNMI

Click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100216_074131.mp3

Guam-CNMI reunification in Camacho's last State of the Island Address

Guam-CNMI reunification in Camacho's last State of the Island Address

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio

Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho brought up anew the idea of a Guam-CNMI reunification in his last State of the Island Address yesterday.

But Camacho's address, which is 11 pages long, talked heavily about the massive military buildup in Guam.

He reiterated his request to the U.S. Department of Defense to delay the buildup until after 2014, and asked the military to commit to fund the buildup needs of the government of Guam.

“Over the last seven years, our ties to our brothers and sisters in the neighboring islands of the CNMI have become closer than ever. As we recognize the combined strength of the Mariana Islands on matters of mutual interest and benefit, Guam and the CNMI should once again seek reunification,” Camacho said in his speech.

Camacho, who was on Saipan on Tuesday last week for the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial on the recruitment of CNMI residents for the Guam National Guard, has been consistently pushing for a Marianas reunification.

“As one Marianas, with greater representation and inclusion as American citizens, we will only strengthen our people and communities,” the Guam governor said in his address.

CNMI Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan, when asked for comment yesterday, said “any attempt to explore and achieve reunification of Guam and the CNMI would have to be a decision that is made by the people.”

The people of Guam voted against reintegration with the CNMI on Nov. 4, 1969.

At that time, the people of the CNMI overwhelmingly voted in favor of such unification.

Demapan said “Fitial believes that if reunification is to be pursued again, it should be done only at the will of the people of the Commonwealth by way of another plebiscite.”

“As governor of the CNMI, he respects the will of the people as the ultimate decision,” Demapan added.

One theory behind Guam people's 1969 rejection of reunification is that it came as a payback to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their assistance to Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam.

Another theory is that the reunification issue “simply lost its significance when compared to the pending election of the first governor of Guam, which was scheduled to take place the following year.”

In 1970, the late Carlos Garcia Camacho, who is Camacho's father, became the first governor of Guam to be elected by its people. Before that, he was an incumbent governor appointed by then U.S. President Richard Nixon.

‘We will finish strong’

‘We will finish strong’

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 01:00
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff

Camacho seeks one Marianas

GUAM should once again seek the reunification of the Marianas Islands, as the combined strength of the islands and her people on matters of mutual interests and benefit, Gov. Felix Camacho said yesterday during his last state of the island address, in which he promised to “finish strong.”

“Over the last seven years, our ties to our brothers and sisters in the neighboring islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands have become closer than ever,” Camacho said.

“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”

The CNMI is a part of the military buildup plan as outlined in the draft environmental impact statement.

Camacho recently met with CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial during a Japanese Diet delegation on a fact finding mission and both were in agreement that Guam cannot support more troops than the anticipated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents.

Fitial welcomes the additional 4,000 troops from Futenma Airbase in Okinawa and has proposed that Tinian be used for the overflow.

Military buildup

During his speech, Camacho said the years ahead “will be challenging but prosperous for all of us.”

“I have seen in our people the desire to turn willingness into action, vision into reality and passion into responsible and positive change.”

Camacho made a strong bid for the federal government to fund the cost of the military buildup on Guam, and expressed his strong stand about the Marines’ relocation plan.

A successful buildup cannot happen without the proper funding, said Camacho.

“The people of Guam do not have the financial capacity to fund what is required for our nation’s defense. Without the financial commitment from the federal government to put plans into action, this buildup will not benefit the people of Guam,” he said.

Camacho said that the buildup must benefit “the American patriot inside the fence and the American patriot outside the fence- the people of Guam.”

Building upon the many comments regarding the draft environmental impact statement, Camacho had three recommendations.

What feds must do

First, the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam’s buildup needs.

Secondly, the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014, said Camacho.

And finally, Camacho recommended that the Department of Defense must reevaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor.

Camacho also stated that he will not support the condemnation of the Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust properties; that the trust was established to bring justice to families of Chamorro descent who were displaced or left landless by the federal government.

Reunification

As for his desire to see Guam and the CNMI reunited, Camacho said, “We can only succeed if we begin to forgive and let’s not look behind but let’s look forward.”

“As one Marianas, with greater representation and inclusion as American citizens, we will only strengthen our people and our communities,” Camacho said, adding that the reunification can only be realized once the people of Guam begin the healing process.

Camacho shared this same sentiment at the 2009 Economic Restoration Summit in Saipan, and even proposed that regional economic task forces be created so that islands can work together and benefit from the military buildup.

History of bitterness

Guam rejected the proposed Marianas unification was Nov. 4, 1969.

Some believed the rejection was some sort of “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their perceived assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam. During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession. Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.

Camacho has been a strong proponent for the reunification of Guam and the CNMI.

In May, 2008, during the Attorney General’s Cup speech in Saipan, Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for Guam’s rejection of the proposed reunification.

Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.

“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said in 2008.

Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.

“He told me… ‘son, this was what happened, ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.

In his 2008 speech, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”

Emotional

Camacho’s 30-minute speech turned emotional at some point. He broke down in tears as he acknowledged how difficult it was for his family to share the burden he was given when he became governor and what they’ve had to endure in their lives.

Turning to acknowledge his mother and First Lady Joann and his family who were seated behind him, Camacho thanked them for their love, encouragement and inspiration which have kept him going.

Governor reaches common ground with legislature

Governor reaches common ground with legislature

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 00:55
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff

SENATORS were generally pleased with Gov. Felix Camacho’s last state of the island address.

“I liked some of the stuff I heard,” said Sen. Ben Pangelinan. “I think some of it was a little late. I think that we needed to have this kind of conviction and strength in the military buildup when we were doing the scoping meetings three/four years ago, but I liked what I heard today. In that respect, I’m finally glad he woke up to that issue.

Speaker Judi Won Pat was glad the governor included the elements contained in Resolution 275. “More importantly,” Won Pat said, “he acknowledged that we don’t want the dredging of Apra Harbor; the impact to our environment; the issues regarding the firing range and his stance on land taking was good.”

Senator Tina Muna Barnes welcomed the governor’s statement about the federal government’s fiscal obligation to Guam. “What’s important is that we’re not asking for that aid, we’re demanding and the federal government must fund the buildup if it wants the community of Guam to work harmoniously together,” she said.

“There was one component that he did not touch on and that is working closely with the mayors and the empowerment of these village level leaders because they continue to be the heartbeat of the community; he forgot to mention them,” Barnes added.

Senator Telo Taitague said she was touched by the emotions that came with Camacho’s reference to his family. “He did a great job. The fact that his family was right behind him encouraging him to do things for our people all these years; it was very touching. That moment of thankfulness to his family; it was a good thing.”

However, the comment about the military buildup left much to be desired, she said. “What are we going to do at this point? When he mentioned that he wanted to delay the buildup. I don’t think delay was what we were looking for from him and I’m a bit concerned about that.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo supports the governor’s proposal to revert the island’s name to Guahan.

Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres said of the governor’s speech was “very well delivered.”

“There were two points I think were important that people can’t overlook,” Torre said. “One very obvious one is the return of the traditional name of Guahan which is being more customarily used anyways. I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a leap to get there.”

“The other important topic was the reunification with the Northern Marianas. I’ve had discussions with constitutional scholars about a reunification plan that would preserve local governance in the respective jurisdictions; I think there are ways that can be accomplished and I think it’s something that we as a people need to look at because I think that our political relationship with the United States should be evaluated and looked at as one Marianas,” said Torres.

Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises

Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises

Monday, 15 February 2010

Guam - After nearly completing eight years in office Governor Felix Camacho gave his last state of the island address Monday morning..

While he looked back on his past accomplishments Camacho also looked to the future as he spoke about the military buildup and how it would affect the lives of everyone on Guam. Governor Felix Camacho began his last state of the island address with a reflection on the past recalling how he first took the oath of office by candelight.

Camacho took the reigns of GovGuam almost immediately after typhoon Pongsona ripped through the island. He dealt with the economic recession in Asia and the aftermath of 9/11. It was not a time of prosperity. This is why the governor spoke proudly of how his administration and his family helped him turn tragedy into triumph.

He listed off the many accomplishments of his administration saying "Through municipal leasing we build Okkodo High, Astumbo Middle, Liguan and Adacao Elementary schools when people said we couldn'." He also spoke of the millions of dollars worth of construction his administration has undertaken to improve roads expand airport runways and improve water and wastewater. He said "Today our water is the cleanest and safest it's been in decades."

The Govenor also dropped a few bombshells talking about issues that would've seemed unlikely to come out of his mouth during his first term as governor. For example he spoke about the reunification of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. He also spoke candidly about the military buildup saying it was imperative that it be done properly. He said "First the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam's buildup needs" He also said that the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014 and called upon the Department of Defense to re-evaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor. He said "I will not support the condemnation of our Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust Properties."

Finally, he spoke about something that if done could grant him a solid spot in the anals of Guam history. Before dropping this final bom he said "Okay here we go, this is Legacy time". The governor was referring to his propossal to change the name of Guam to Guahan. Guahan is a name many believe to be the original name of Guam.

Written by : Clynt Ridgell

Camacho: we will finish strong

Camacho: we will finish strong

Posted: Feb 15, 2010 2:13 PM
Updated: Feb 15, 2010 4:51 PM

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

*GuamGovernor.net - 2010 State of the Island Address
http://guamgovernor.net/SOTI_2010.pdf

Guam - With his term expiring at the end of the year, Governor Felix Camacho delivered his last State of the Island Address this morning. The island's chief executive detailed his administration's list of achievements, his legacy, and the future of Guam. And the governor says his administration has fought the good fight and plans to finish strong.

Governor Camacho began his final Address by first asking for a moment of silence for the island's 17 fallen heroes who died while serving in the Middle East. From there, Camacho began listing off his many projects he and his administration completed in the last seven years while in office, detailing milestones made in building new schools, new police and fire precincts, improvements to the island's infrastructure, climbing tourism numbers, and the Guam Memorial Hospital being closer than ever to accreditation.

The governor said he's come along way since being sworn in by candlelight in the wake of 2002's Supertyphoon Pongsona. "This is not jus a list of accomplishments," he noted, "It is the fulfillment of our commitment to serve our people."

There were other issues that however remain unresolved like mental health on the verge of a possible federal takeover. "While some have eyes set on taking over mental health services, we are determined to maintain ownership, not receivership," he maintained.

And the longstanding problems surrounding the Department of Education and the construction of a new John F. Kennedy High School were touched upon, with the governor saying the problems with education are chronic and systemic, adding that progress has been slow because of a politically charged environment.

Although the governor says he's worked with DOE to solve its problems, the true power lies within the agency itself. "There is an elected policy board, a super and multiple administrative positions but when trouble arises the governor is blamed, all authority for education rests within DOE," Camacho said.

The governor in the meantime went on to discuss the importance his administration has placed on building and maintaining relationships not just with the federal government but with regional leaders, even going so far as saying Guam and the CNMI should once again seek reunification. "With one Marianas," Camacho noted, "with greater representation and inclusion as Americans citizens, we will only strengthen our people in our communities."

Saying the island is in a state of anticipation, Governor Camacho says he has heard the voices of the people and has listened to their concerns and that he is determined to ensure that the military buildup is good for Guam. Camacho pledged to ensure the island's environment is protected and, its culture preserved.

In terms of funding, the governor maintained the feds should pay their fair share, saying, "Make no mistake: the people of Guam are not asking for free handouts, the people of Guam are not asking for special treatment, the people of Guam are simply asking what every good American should ask for - that the buildup ahead benefits both the American patriot inside the fence and the American patriot outside the fence: the people of Guam."

The governor requested the feds to extend the buildup implementation past the 2014 timeframe, and also made it clear that he was against the condemnation of ancestral land and Chamorro Land Trust Commission properties.

When it came to talking about his legacy the governor proceeded to provide a brief history of Guam lesson, and said there has been a revival of our island's identity and sense of place in this world, saying, "Today I will submit legislation; I've also signed an executive order and I'm calling on our Legislature, and our congresswoman, Madeleine Bordallo, and you the people of Guam to join me in taking all necessary legal action to formally change the name of our island from Guam to 'Guahan'".

The governor ended his speech by saying his father, the late governor Carlos Camacho, would be proud, and said it was his family, friends and faith that helped him through his two terms in office. "Even though I'm out of office, we all continue to serve. Let's stick together, let's remember that Guam is a great place and no matter what the critics say, no matter what you read in the newspaper or hear on the radio, we are good people - all of us. So let's continue to serve and thank God for all that we have," said Camacho.

Praying for Guam's unresolved issues: Grassroots organization speaks out against buildup

Praying for Guam's unresolved issues: Grassroots organization speaks out against buildup

By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • January 11, 2010


A handful of manamko sat facing the setting sun, a wooden cross draped in red and white cloth standing in the sand before them.

They were gathered at the shrine and beach of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores and Blessed Pedro Cologsod to honor Guam's conquered past and to stand up for Guam's future, according to Jonathan Diaz, a member of the The Coalition of Peace and Justice of Guam.

The candlelight vigil, rosary and prayer ceremony were sponsored by the grassroots organization, with the intent to pray for world peace, Guam war reparations, the political self-determination of the Chamorro people and the reunification of the Mariana Islands, said Diaz.

It's because these issues remain unresolved that Diaz said the coalition is skeptical whether the buildup will be carried out in the community-friendly manner that has been assured by the Defense Department. Other federal actions that they were supposed to follow through have fallen through instead, he said.

"We need to work for peace, we need to work for justice, we need to save people from making the mistakes of the past," he said.

"It's about bringing 80,000 people here without having these things addressed," Diaz said, in reference to the the pending issues of war reparations, Chamorro self-determination and the reunification of the Mariana Islands.

'It's hypocrisy'

"You can't bring 80,000 new people here. It's hypocrisy," he said. "You say you're going to promise to do things, and you don't," he said.

Diaz said his coalition's members have read the draft Environmental Impact Statement and they will go to the public hearings to speak out against the buildup.

"A majority of the people are saying no to this. I hope President Obama as well as the Department of Defense understand the people's position that you can't do that," Diaz said.

The issue of war reparations continue to be discussed in Congressional hearings. In regards to draft EIS report, the public has the opportunity to comment on the buildup plans in ongoing community meetings.

Prayer Vigil Sunday for War Reparations, Political Self Determination & Reunification of Mariana Islands

Prayer Vigil Sunday for War Reparations, Political Self Determination & Reunification of Mariana Islands

Guam - A group calling itself the Coalition of Peace and Justice of Guam has called for a prayer vigil this Sunday seeking World Peace, War Reparations, Political Self Determination & the Reunification of the Mariana Islands.

According to a release from the gorup, the vigil will be held from 3pm in the afternoon until 7 pm Sunday evening at the San Vitores Shrine in Tumon which is located next to Guam Reef Hotel & next to Nana’s Café.

The group says the vigil will be non-denominational and ecumenical. Their aim is pray for World Peace, the Guam War Reparations, and the Political Self Determination of the Chamorro People and the Reunification of the Mariana Islands. The gathering is sponsored by a grassroots coalition of Peace and Justice on Guam who will lead in the prayer service and are composed mostly of older Chamorro Catholics.

The gathering is meant to pray for World Peace as a resurgence of 30,000 new US troops will be heading to the Middle East, as the unresolved issue of the Guam War Reparations of WWII has not been attained, as 489 years (1521-2010) has passed whereby the Indigenous Chamorro People of Guam have never been able to achieve their political self determination, and as we await for the political reunification of our Mariana Islands.

Diego Luis de San Vitores (1627-1672) died a martyr's death on the island of Guam alongside his Filipino catechist, Pedro Colongsod. As world’s collided and as different worldviews arose, the Chamorro people were enslaved as a consequence to these actions through violent means. The Vigil for World Peace will highlight how we are called to be peacemakers and peacekeepers in the 21st Century and we pray for miracles of healing and peace.

The public is invited to join and to bring candles to this event. Parking is limited. For more information, please contact Margaret Taitano at 671-632-9728 or Jonathan Diaz at 671-472-3132


Schedule of Events

3:00pm: Opening & The Recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

4:00pm: Recitation of the Holy Rosary in Chamorro

5:00pm: Reading of the Life and Martyrdom of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores and Blessed Pedro Colongsod

5:30pm: Reflections from Various Community & Religious Leaders on World Peace, War Reparations, Political Self Determination, and the Reunification of the Mariana Islands

6:00pm: Candlelight Service for Peace

7:00pm: Songs for the Journey & the Struggle

Written by :
News Release

Felix Camacho asks for the Forgivness of the CNMI

Guam governor asks NMI people’s ‘forgiveness’
By Moneth G. Deposa Variety News Staff
May 27, 2008

GUAM Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for his island’s rejection of the proposed Marianas reunification in 1969.
Camacho was the keynote speaker during Friday’s Attorney General’s Cup speech competition whose theme this year was: “Should the Northern Marianas and Guam unite as One Marianas to form the 51st state of the union?”
Camacho said the issue was “very timely” and “very important.”
On Nov. 4, 1969, the people of Guam voted against reintegration.
Some believed that the rejection was “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam.
During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession.
Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.
Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.
“He told me… ‘Son, this was what happened.’ ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.
Noting that the reunification issue continues to be discussed, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”
He encouraged the CNMI people not to lose hope.
“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”
Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.
“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said.
According to Camacho, Guam will consider holding similar competitions to get their youth’s opinions on reunification.
From 1667 to 1898, Guam and the NMI were known as the Marianas and administered by Spain. In 1898, Guam was ceded to the U.S. In the following year, Spain sold the NMI to Germany. In 1914, the Japanese took over the Northern Marianas, which was invaded by the U.S. in 1944.