For Washington’s 9000-strong Chamorro community, getting hassled going into bars is just the tip of the warship.
I’m twenty-two this year and still very new to the bar scene. I’m not too big on drinking, but I think dancing is medicine: the call and response between the beat and my feet, the sweat, embodying the fearlessness it takes to move my body in public.
I like to dance, so I’ve become very accustomed to this conversation with the bouncers:
“ID please.”
“Håfa adai! Thank you, here you go.”
(Confused/Disgruntled Face)
“I’m sorry sir, I can’t accept your ID, do you have your passport?”
“I do have my passport, but as you can see sir, this ID says GUAM USA, Where America’s Day Begins.”
“I see that, but Washington State Law requires a valid state ID.”
Here is the point in the conversation where I whip out my smartphone, pull up the bookmarked Washington State Liquor Control Board page with the relevant laws and read out loud: Types of Acceptable ID, Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any U.S. State, U.S. Territory and District of Columbia.
Most bouncers have been real ‘cool.’
“I’ll let you in tonight, but next time bring your passport.”
Because, even though I was born in America, my Guam ID makes me a little less American.
It’s pretty frustrating having to explain U.S. History every time I want to go out to dance. But that’s just one of the smallest injustices the Chamorro people face.
Resilience runs in the blood.
When the U.S. seized Guam in 1899, as a part of the U.S.-Spanish War, a navy governor was appointed to be the supreme lawmaker of the island.
The governor passed general orders banning our native language, prohibiting whistling, banning dancing after 10 pm, banning interracial marriages. Governor Adelbert Althouse even collected all of the Chamorro books and burned them.
At a time when Chamorros were not even considered citizens of the U.S. my grandfather, like many of his generation, served in the U.S. Military during World War II. Stationed at Pearl Harbor, he survived the kamikaze attacks. Hours before the infamous bombing, Guam was invaded by the Japanese en route to Hawaii. The American military, predicting the invasion, evacuated all of their personnel and dependents, leaving the Chamorro people to fend for themselves in a war fought between superpowers.
The sun sets in Hagatna, Guam. (Photo by Michelle Conerly)
In 1944, American Troops re-invaded Guam and carpet bombed the island. Luckily, the Japanese had interned the Chamorros in concentration camps, so they survived. After the successful, “liberation” of the Chamorros, the U.S. seized two-thirds of the island for military bases. Ironically, the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the bombs that ended World War II, were stored and flown out of Chamorro land.
In 1949, the Guam Assembly walked out of session, forcing the federal government to grant self-government and citizenship to the people of Guam. So unlike our grandparents, our generation has U.S. Citizenship — we just don’t get to vote for president.
Over 70 years after World War II, the federal government refuses to provide reparations to the only Americans who lived through enemy occupation. The United States continues to evade responsibility for establishing over 100 toxic dumpsites (nuclear and chemical weapons) on Guam, an island 8 miles wide and 31 miles long.
Today, Chamorros enlist and die in the military at the highest rates per capita, higher than any U.S. state.
As part of what the White House is calling the “Pacific Pivot,” Obama plans to move 60% of the military to the Pacific.
In 2009, the U.S. Military released a 10,000 page document, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, detailing the upcoming “military build-up.” Part of the plan is to dredge of 70 acres of healthy coral reef to house a Nuclear Air Craft Carrier, build a Missile Defense program and 5-Range Firing Complex on an ancient burial ground, seizing the entire island of Pågan, and exposing residents to mortars, howitzers, artillery, high explosive munitions and anti-tank weapons.
Pågan Island, home to endangered bird and plant species, historical artifacts, and ancestral spirits is currently slated to be taken by the DOD for military weapons training. #OurIslandsAreSacred is working to protect the island. (Photo by Jose Quan)
After several generations of military occupation, subsequent migration and attempted assimilation, my family is still not free. After my Grandpa, my dad, his brothers and so many of my cousins have fought for the freedom of Americans, my family is still not free. Even though our bodies have been poisoned, our language has been outlawed, and our land has been stolen, I am alive. I am alive and all generations of my ancestors are alive in me.
Hu lå’la’la’ ya i pengnga-ta ya i fino’-ta ha lå’la’la’ gi guahu. I am living and our traditions, our language live inside of me.
With all of this trauma in my body, sometimes I just need to cleanse. On nights when I’m feeling like sweating the radiation out of my system, I’ve got to fight to get into the club.
Well, unless I bring proof of my legitimate citizenship.
I’m frustrated, but not surprised. I’m from Guam USA, where America’s day begins with injustice.
People and organizations all over the world have rallied to oppose the Department of Defense’s proposed “Military Build-Up.” Together we can protect our home. Take Action Now!
Since we’re on the subject of educating America about Chamorros, let it be known that the Chamorro land you spoke of having had atomic bombs flown from to end the war, is Tinian, in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, also home of Pagan Island.
Does the 9, 000 Chamorros you speak of also part of the Northern Marianas? If you think you have a hard time with your Guam ID, try presenting your Northern Marianas ID. You’ll get even more insulting reactions such as questions whether you are American or not.
Good article, but given that there are also thousands of Chamorros from the Northern Marianas in Washington, I just find it important to be clear when speaking of Chamorros and stating the fact that Chamorros come from both Guam and the Northern Marianas, namely Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
He did make a point. Chamoru with a Guam I.D., don’t matter what Island you’re from because We Are all Chamorus. You can be a Saipanese with a GU I.D. and still get Voided back there which is B.S. Maybe Guam should do the same, Void U.S.A. I.D.’s! “Sorry dude, you gotta get a GU I.D. to Enter!
I think Ton just wanted the article to be more respectful and point out the fact that not all Chamorros come from one island. Many articles fail to make that distinction. And it is important to note that what island you’re from is important. While you can say that you are Chamorro, it is also important to identify from which island. I’m proud to be a Chamorro, but I also know that people are not ashamed to say whether they are Taotao Luta, Taotao Saipan, Taotao Tinian, or Taotao Guam.
We do have to get a Guam ID. Was there five years ago had to give up my Texas to get a Guam. So before you blast people know your facts.
Bullshit. I lived there for 2 years and came back at the end of 2011. I spent my entire time there with my California ID and never had to get a Guam ID. The only thing they require is a Guam drivers license if you live there over 30 days and want to drive (the same law that most states have but don’t care to enforce). Maybe you should know your facts first…
Are you now a resident of GUAM? I’m Taotao Guam, and proud of it. If you’re not planning on staying on the island (Tano y Chamorro) then go back to Texas, get that hole in your GUAM ID punched in and replace it with your Texas ID.
If you want to be Texan, you’ll have to go “Texas.”
We Chamorros need to get our facts together..there isnt anything more embarrassing than a bunch of people going back and forthe at each other without facts.
Ref: the Bar incident… you really have to hand that to IGNORANCE and not RACISM. PERIOD.
No matter where your at, you just have comply. Although there is a standing policy everywhere you go, the local authorities and even the local establishments have the right to refuse customers. Thats called capitialism. If you really want to patronize their establishment then you’ll comply and be happy. OR you can decide not to enter and go elsewhere. If enough people do this, then that business will crash. Again, thats called capitalism. Its like when I go to the store and and ask for a military discount and they say NO. Then, I go elsewhere. Sooner or later they will change. Dont hate the player…hate the game. God bless…Oh and by the way…there is NO SUCH THING AS SAIPANESE…. They Are CHAMORRO just like the rest of us here in the Marianas Island….
You could try but you wouldnt get very far.
håfa adai ton,
You are correct that the bombs I am referring to left from Tinian.
I am very aware that sentence could be misleading and actually thought about that particular sentence formation for a longtime before publishing.
In the end I decided introducing another island name would be confusing to people who know nothing about the Marianas and the multiple islands we descend from, and the ways we have been politically divided by imperial forces.
As for the 9,000 statistic… that came from the census of 2000 and is actually probably inaccurate at some level. The category was listed “Guamanian/Chamorro” and I dont know how many Chamorro people would fill in that bubble? Also, My guess is that the numbers are much higher almost 15 years later, and also I’ve heard the NMI has seen a large increase in outwards migration to WA.
As someone who supports our political, cultural and spiritual re-unification, It can be confusing to me at times how to address the reality that we are currently separated in many ways, while still dreaming towards chamorro unity.
If you have any feedback about how I can better represent the NMI through this medium, Id be very interested as I continue to write more articles in service of our people.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase
Why are you so bitter? Aren’t you chamorro? Doesn’t matter what island. We are all one! Stop being Matapang! Embrace that this young man who is chamorro……… is giving us……you, me, her and him a voice! Instead of complaining about what island wasnt mentioned let’s make a difference like this young man. #takeaction
Stfu ton
Stfu to you!!!
It’s not a contest, douche.
You are mad that you are not recognized as American, but you also are mad that the Americans abandoned you before WWII. You want to be recognized as an American citizen, but you want an apology from America for all that harm that they have done to your culture and island. You want to walk into a bar in Seattle as a proud American, but you also want to stop America from using Guam to strengthen itself. You want to take advantage of all the little pleasures of being an American, without supporting the ideology and global power of America. I think your frustration is going to increase until you do some soul searching. Make some sacrifices and pick one side. Are you American or not? That decision is not made by a bouncer at a bar. It is made by you.
Make some sacrifices?! Why should one have to choose between being a Chamorro OR American? Would you tell a Hawaiian that they have to pick between being a Hawaiian OR American?
The decision is not made by the bouncer it is made if the ignorance if the individual who wants other people to understand their culture and history but won’t take the time to learn other cultures and history or open their minds to understanding and learning. Our people fight for freedom but are not acknowledge. My brother was injured in the Iraq war and the soldier at the gate refused to let his own mother in to see her son because she had a Guam ID and he didn’t understand why there was no expiration date after almost 1 hr of trying the make him understand another soldier came in to relief him and ask him what the problem was he told him it’s a Guam ID and there’s no expiration date the relieving soldier said to let them in cause that’s how there ID is and u shouldn’t have given them a hard time in the first place
You’re following the assimilation school of thought that says you have to choose, but in America there are countless ways to be an American. You’re still an American if you recognize your government didn’t do right by you as a citizen (read ANY American history book) and you’re still an American if the government wants to take your land and expose you to dangerous material and you object. Speaking up for yourself is completely in line with the “ideology of America.” What are you really espousing here?
You said it wayyyyyy better than I did. Just wanted to thank you for your response because that’s exactly what I was trying to get across, but apparently my rant got in the way.
Joe, you just stated the double standard that Chamorros have to live with. America is both liberator and occupier. Our (US) government wants their cake and to eat it as well.
Can I ask you what your heritage is? Do you have any roots in Guam/CNMI? Because the only people who have ever told me that I should be grateful for what America has done for us, that I shouldn’t “bite the hand that feeds me”, are the very same people who are ignorant about the role that Guam has played in the last 70 years of American history.
Why shouldn’t they deserve an apology? America is a big showboating bully of a country and history proves it. America is also notorious for sweeping things under the rug and not that many people know about this issue so no real progress is being made to help. Either way, you sound really ignorant for trying to argue. But hey, you know what else you sound like though? A TRUE AMERICAN. I bet the government just loves saps like you because when I say “true American” I’m referring to your naivete and the fact that the wool is pulled so tightly over your eyes that you actually take pride in this destructive country. Freedom is America’s facade.
Your comment is simply idiotic.
The article makes the point that although the Chamorro people and other pacific islanders have been exploited for the benefit of the American people, they have hardly benefited from it and are even treated as second class citizens in their own nation. The historical background of the chronic disenfranchisement of Pacific Islanders by the U.S. (which is reciprocated by them with continued support through hard times) is simply intended to depict a trend that continues to this day.
Please stop to think for a minute before being all butthurt about your pseudo-patriotic spirit, which convinces nobody.
Ok so then YOU make sacrifices, let me set up my military in 2/3 of your home without asking you and never make up for the 70 years of pain and oppression that I’ve put you through and ‘give’ you citizenship but don’t acknowledge it when you reach the mainland. But I guess it’s easy to say ‘make sacrifices’ when you’re an inbred redneck that yells ‘Murica!’ all day.
“Ok so then YOU…” Who English(ed) you? Your MATH teacher? YES, WE WERE GIVEN U.S. CITIZENSHIP, grant you America had to establish laws, a system of government, and develop the economy. This was done with military Laws and military governors. There was NO equal representation, let alone a “voice in government.” To become a “part” of America and to legitimize the American presence, Guamanians were given U.S. citizenship. So, F— YOU, ignorant SOB!!! “MURICA!” Is that suppose to mean “America?” You sorry piece of shit; Guamanians are NOT LATINO!
DID YOU REALLY READ WHAT HE JUST WROTE? MR. JOE!! YOU JUST DON’T GET IT, HOW GUAM AND OUR PEOPLE SUFFERED, ROTA, TINIAN , SAIPAN AND OUR SURRONDING SISTER ISLANDS. THE U.S. ..YES, WE ARE FOREVER GREATFUL, BUT LOOK AT WHAT THEY ARE DOING AGAIN. WE GET KICKED AROUND LIKE ANIMALS, AND THEY USE OUR ISLAND FOR THERE TOXIC SHIT, WHO SUFFERS NOW? NOW, THEY WANT TO TAKE WHAT LITTLE WE HAVE LEFT FOR THE MILITARY TO FINISH US OFF! I’M MAD!!! WHY THE HECK DO WE GOTTA SHOW AND OR EXPLAIN OURSELVS JUST TO GO OUT DANCING? BEEN DOWN THAT ROAD AND DID FIGHT FOR WHAT WAS RIGHT. OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS THERE IN WASHINGTON AND ALL AROUND THE WORLD ”STAND UP ”……………..WE ARE AMERICANS JUST AS MUCH AS THE NEXT ONE! U G HHH!!
Joe your final point is valid. However, the rest of what you said is bullshit. You know there comes a time when a person has earned the right to talk shit in their life. Our people know more of being “real” AMERICANS; having pride for what AMERICA use to stand for; the CONSTITUTION; the reality of working hard and earning your keep; THE TRUTH IS…. MOST OF THE PEOPLE BORN AND RAISED IN THE UNITED STATES ARE SPOILED SELF CENTERED EXPECTING ASSHOLES!!!! Like the author, you, and myself, WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT (CIVIL LIBERTIES) TO TALK AS MUCH SHIT AS WE WANT AND LET THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW IT…. CAUSE THAT’S WHAT BEING AN AMERICAN IS HUH! pssshhh smmfh RESPECT FOR OUR NATION IS DEPLETING… IN MY OPINION BITCHING ABOUT AN I.D. IS CHILD’S GAME. WE NEED TO ALL STAND TOGETHER FOR A BIGGER PICTURE…. LIKE WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENED TO OUR FUCKING COUNTRY!!!! *JUST BE HAPPY YOU DON’T LIVE IN A STOP AND FRISK AREA* SMH
Well, it is very clear that the frustration the author has is felt by many others. Ask yourselves, does this frustration get better over time, or worse? Do you think that it someone from big America is actually ever going to do anything to ease your frustration? Have they done this in the past? It seems the Organic Act of Guam maybe has brought on more frustration. I think that it is indeed you yourselves who must do something to feel better. Complaining that the people of mainland America are ignorant is not the answer. Deciding to become one of them might be the answer for some. Deciding to go deep into your cultural heritage might be the answer for others. Both of these decisions require sacrifices to be made. Both of these decisions require a person to take a more focused approach to who they have decided they are. You are from the Pacific Islands by being born of that heritage, you are American by the Organic act of Guam. You did not make those decisions, they were made for you. The world is big and full of people who are dealing with their own issues. They do not want to hear you telling them that they should adjust themselves for you. Maybe they feel there are reparations due to them for some reason or another. Do you want to hear their complaints and take time to help them? Probably not. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, even if you are technically Roman yourself. Go get a local ID and then take the time to talk to people about your position as a person from Guam in Washington state. Also, if you are interested in the opinion of Guam leaving the United States, there are two UN security resolutions dealing with that. Guam is considered a non-self-governing territory. What that means? you have no head of state are are at the will and disposal of the United States. This is a very bad position to be in for any culturally rich group. Infact, the UN made there resolutions to try and end this from existing. Unfortunately, the local people of Guam voted to remain in the limbo state in 1996. Similar to other Pacific Islands, Tokelao, the people of Guam have enjoyed the luxuries of their occupiers so much that they now consider themselves one of them. It is a terrible thing and it has the great potential to end everyday traditional practices of the local population. The Pacific Islands are riddled with other problems like obesity, diabetes, cancer, invasive species, immigration issues, social welfare abuse, misuse and corruption on the local government level, ect.. These problems can easily be traced to the status of being and occupied territory and not an independent state (state meaning a country, not a state like Washington or Oregon). As for the comment on Hawaii, Hawaii did not have a choice. Hawaii was taken by the US without the consent of the Hawaiians. Guam not. Guam was given the choice to be independent. But Guam has never chosen independence. Guam has always chosen to remain an occupied land. http://www.un.org/en/decolonization/declaration.shtml
I urge the people of Guam to not yell, scream, and make uneducated statements, but rather read, learn the truth, and make a decision that will be best for them.
@joe The people of Guam since the early 1900’s have complained to congress and have even confronted the then US president about their situation. They were tired of the US Naval government that acted upon whim for not acknowledging that there were people on Guam before the US was ever on Guam. They were tired that the people of Guam were never represented in any decision the US made on Guam.
In truth, Guam has made the decision that would benefit themselves and lobbied it to D.C. in the years 1901, 1917, 1925, 1929, 1933, and 1936 all fruitless and then again in 1947, 1949, and 1950.
The small legislature on Guam at the time thought that the only way the people of Guam can have a say in Guam’s political, economical, and social affairs and thus Guam’s future was for the US to give them rights through citizenship. Citizenship was the vehicle to level the playing field between the naval governors and the people.
Guam was ruled as a presidential appointed naval dictatorship.
The one luxury that the people of Guam requested from their occupier that has not fully been recognized even today is the luxury of rights.
Their are certain rights that the people of guam cannot enjoy even though they are full-fledged american citizens.
The 1979 White House Report also suggested that independence and statehood not be apart of any Guam political status plebiscite. Saying that independence of Guam will be disadvantageous to the United States and Statehood would be bad for guam as they would not meet the tax burden. So where does that leave Guam?
The US did not want to let go of Guam and would most likely have prevented any independence from happening. They would’ve prevented independence from any territory they considered important to the interest of US. The only territories they have made independent are those that have no value to the US: the trust territories.
The Organic Act of 1950 was something crafted specifically to appease the people of Guam and cement the US’s role on the island. The Organic Act was not even written by any person from Guam. The Organic Act didn’t allow for self-government as the people of Guam believed it did. Still today, Guam is controlled by the department of the interiors.
The UN’s Non Self Governing territory is something the people of Guam DO NOT want to be taken off of just yet. The reason is that if Guam was taken off the list and a quasi-political status or self determination vote was created, even if it didn’t reflect the voting parties on Guam, the urgency of decolonization will be off the table for Guam. The world nations will cease to recognize Guam’s right to decolonize. This is why Guam is carefully crafting their plebiscite as we speak. It’s something that Guam wants to take seriously because Guam’s right to decolonize can not be taken back regardless if the vote was made in error.
You consider the fact about Hawaii and this baffles me. Hawaii did have a choice, and by 94.3% they said yes to statehood. They were removed from the UN’s list of non-self-governing territories in 1959. Many native Hawaiians actually want a do-over and the right to decolonize as the UN’s list warrants.
Regardless of who did and didn’t vote in this plebiscite, the fact remains that if Hawaii wants to decolonize, they are going to have a tough time doing it. This is why Guam wants to be careful with any self-determining plebiscite.
Interesting enough, you talk about the pacific being riddled with other problems. Did you now that many of those problems stem from American involvement in the US? Did you know many islanders look at the US to solve the problem because the US created it?
I bet you didn’t know that cancer rates in many Micronesian islands, including Guam, are linked to the Nuclear Testings on the Bikini Atoll in the Marshalls?
I bet you didn’t know that the US wanted to stop paying for the treatment of many from the marshals and surrounding islands who suffer from the US’s nuclear testing.
Did you know that World War II and the US bombardment of Guam changed Guam’s economy and society so drastically that Guam lost it’s agrarian society and became a consumer society in a blink which led to obesity and diabetes.
My grandmother went from eating what her family grew to eating what her family bought. No longer did she eat corn, fish, breadfruit, watermelon, and papayas on a daily basis, she ate Spam and drank Coke because it was easier for the Americans to do this than to re-establish their farm.
The most embarrassing thing about your comment is that you do not heed your own advice.
If you think it was easier for “American’s” as you put it, to ship Coke and Spam over to Guam than Re-establish a farm, then you are as stupid as you sound. Spam had a long shelf life and it’s what was used to feed the American Solders, they brought it in to Guam because Chamorros were starving. Would you had rather people just starved to death while they were waiting on some corn to grow??? Another thing… what exactly do you think it takes to grow food??? I’m from a long line of farmers, and we don’t sit and “wait” for the government to come and “re-establish” our farms when we get hit by hurricanes or other disasters, we role up our sleeves and repair it ourselves. Don’t blame someone else because your Grandma liked the taste of Spam, that’s just idiotic. I guess you’re gonna blame Phillip Morris for showing Chamorros there is something called a cigarette. Why don’t you go ALL THE WAY BACK and blame Cain, who killed his brother Able..because without someone showing you murder, you would have never known it existed right??? ROFL… PLEASE. STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM. No one stopped anyone from growing food in Guam and news flash, no one is forcing the people of Guam to eat Spam. They make the choice to do it or they don’t. They are over weight because they eat too much and get very little exercise. People in America have SPAM for sale as well, but do they eat it like the Chamorros and Hawaiians do??? NO, because they choose not to because most of us know it’s processed meat and processed meats cause cancer. Stop blaming your short comings and decisions your own people make on others… that’s really getting old.
SPAM? Is that ALL you have to say about what ails Guam? After WWII, Europe had the Marshall Plan. America gave Chamorros PUBLIC DOMAIN. YOU go back further to Adam and Eve…Chamorros ate from the forbidden fruit; America!
Dione,
I am from a farming family here on the Paradise Island of Guam. My father is from Marlboro, New York (yes I’m a airforce brat half cast) married to and Island woman. When explosives go off on your farm (which I’m sure you’ve never experienced) and then they test rainbow agents on your farm (agent orange and the such, which I’m sure you’ve never experienced)and dump toxic chemicals on your land (which I’m sure you’ve never experienced aside from your “pesticides” perhaps) you will begin to understand the problems we faced as farmers and in 2017 still face. If you don’t know all the factors we as farmers on Guam face (please look into cancer on Guam for more information) Please research your reply BEFORE you reply. As far as U.S. citizenship is concerned please note that under constitutional law we are not U.S. citizens we are in fact statutory citizens. I’m one of the lucky islanders because my dad is from New York!!!!
1.) As for the “hes a bouncer, limited education” or whatever was written, is not a good excuse/point. My friend went to a bank of america somewhere in central california, and was denied to cash her check/withdraw money using her Guam drivers license. Fast forward a little- The bank’s branch manager came over to assist the teller, and also denies her. He said he never heard of Guam, and even after my ‘slightly amused-yet understanding’ friend explained the ‘Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?’ about Guam for almost 5 minutes, the branch manager still refused and replied with a very sarcastic, rude and non professional ‘Don’t treat me like i’m stupid’ comment : “Well i’m sorry miss, but I graduated high school ahead of my class, I went to (Yale or Harvard, i forgot) for 5 years and graduated with honors, and I have never heard of a so called Guam.
Insulted she asks to see his boss immediately. He smirks, and calls her into his office, and proceeds to call up his boss at the main branch. He tells the boss the story for a few minutes and afterwards, takes another 2 minutes listening to him. Finally he says his goodbyes and ass kissing and hangs up, looks to my friend with the most embarrassing face and apologizes for everything. Apparently his boss knows of Guam and was very upset that the manager was very rude and disrespectful. ***Following week she goes to same bank to deposit, and sees a NEW manager.***
2) About the whole “Choose which one you are” post, I disagree to the fullest, no disrespect or insult intended though.
So what youre saying and i’m assuming you practice what you preach, is that youre willing to let Uncle Sam move into your house without your permission/approval. Take up 70% of your house, leaving you your bedroom for yourself, claiming this and declaring that, giving you a key for the front door, but not a key for the dead bolt, and on top of that not pay rent for the next 70 years??? If so, then you my friend are a push over, and are those kind of people who eventually start paying Uncle Sam rent in your own damn house.
Guam’s a very friendly, family oriented, raised with respect and morales, kind of island. If we had it our way, Uncle Sam would ask us first and we’d definitely take him in. He would not be lectured but asked, he would not be obligated but respectfully requested to HELP with the rent/bills, he would be given his own room, his own set of KEYS, and we’d have a talk to better understand each other about the Do’s and Don’ts, the likes and dislikes, and after all is said and done, Uncle Sam and us would be in the backyard BBQ’n, shooting the shit, and killing some beers, all on THE FIRST NIGHT!!
KEEP GUAM GOOD!!
Good point; about the generosity of Guamanians. As a Guam high school student (Go Geckos) a public official who was a teen during WWII said that he knows of families whom gave the rights to there lands to the U.S. to SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION, their LOYALTY for the liberation of Guam from the Japanese.
Lol! Let me guess you must be a white man! I wonder if you tell native americans the same thing! We deserve citizenship you moron. The US demolished our beautiful island and culture.. Us citizenship is the least your government can do! Typical haole to say such a thing. You deserve a punch to the mouth for that.
Hannah, the people of Guam do deserve citizenship because of the island's status. I believe it is their right. However, I can't say every American truly "deserves" a citizenship that they take for granted. That's the end of that. You are a racist, ignorant, and very small-minded to call someone out on the assumption of their ethnicity. Demeaning a person using their ethnicity as your basis of your argument is a far more inferior and ignorant thing to say than anything he said. You should be ashamed of yourself. You need to educate yourself in the world and in tolerance. Using phrases like "white man" and "typical haole" only further validates the his argument and the argument that racism still exists. I am all those things..white, native american, pacific islander, and asian. I find great offense in your comment but I think it's more sad and frustrating that you can so easily throw prejudice and hate based on the color of someone's skin. The US is not the one littering, writing up murals and buildings with graffiti, trashing schools and property with negligence, and polluting the beaches.. We are, the people living on Guam. Let's take some responsibility and work together as one. Inspire the community with positive words and humanity. You should do something about it instead of spreading Hate, Ignorance, and Violence because that is truly all I see in your comment.
Thank you Joe, well said.
Wow, you are really stupid Joe. Please don’t breed.
SACRIFICES? Chamorros from Guam and the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands) have made and are still making sacrifices daily. How? Chamorro men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for their islands. Chamorro men and women still serve on active duty. Weekend warriors; private citizens are called to active duty, case in point: service in Somalia not long after 911. SACRIFICES? What about the families of active duty, reservists, and National Guardsmen in all branches of the U.S. MILITARY??? GLOBAL POWER? America projects its GLOBAL POWER with forward-based installations and personnel, not to mention weapon systems and weapon platforms!!! Do not insult our SACRIFICES of all ALL Chamorros, whether from the CNMI and Guam. WE ARE AMERICANS and have proven it a hundredfold. Make SACRIFICES? Na te nahon?
It’s amazing how mad you are about things that happened 60-120 years ago. And yeah, it blows that our language and culture was bludgeoned , but the Spanish did it for almost 400 years before the US took over. Are you mad at Spain too?
I’m not surprised that bouncers (21-35 year olds with presumably limited educations) don’t know that Guam is America. I think it’s unreasonable for you to think they would. Most people know nothing of Guam, and these guys are just trying to not lose their jobs.
I take great pride in my being from Guam, and love to educate people about the culture, language, and heritage. When approached with a smile and an open heart, most mainland Americans jump at the chance to learn about our island.
It’s easy to be angry about injustices, and there have been lots against Guamanians, but try not to forget all the good that’s come from being American. Guam couldn’t possibly survive as an independent state. And our people are free to come and go as they please within the freest and richest country in the world.
You’re young. Try to not also be angry. (Nothing says “stop and frisk me” like an ethnically ambiguous 20 something who carries himself with a chip on his shoulder.)
Thanks Michael, I couldn’t say it better! My old landlord in Fallbrook, Ca lost his brother fighting for Guam. His name was Marshall. He was 21 years old when he died. I don’t know why but I carry that with me. Sacrifices he and his family made.
Well said Michael, people tend to leave out facts such as the one you pointed out about the Spanish. Though i am not from Guam, i married a Chamorro women that i love with all my heart and i definitely want my kids to know their heritage but, i also don’t want them walking through life angry either. Some people forget that some of these small places, some people may not know where that is at and they are miseducated a little bit.
Geez …… the author should honestly read, “An Island In Agony” by Tony Palomo. He is the worlds leading expert, author and historian regarding Guam, from Guam, living on Guam. You owe it to your own heritage to write accurately instead of spreading falsehoods and misrepresentations. FYI – Mr. Palomo is a proud Chamorro. As for the Guam ID – get over it, you’re 22 not 16. Act like a man.
The world’s leading expert??? That’s the biggest, most overblown claim I’ve ever heard. Close, but no cigar.
“close but no cigar”…??? Couldn’t you have thought up something more original..??? It’s so tiresome reading overused analogies… and just for the record, your ignorance is beyond overwhelming! Tony Palomo was born and raised in Guam, and lived there before you or your parents were even thought about. He was there and actually saw the Japanese when they invaded Guam. He represented Guam in the Senate and He also received an excellent education in the mainland and then returned and raised his 10 children on Guam. Where do you get off thinking he isn’t qualified to be an expert on Guam??? AND YOU ARE AN EXPERT I PRESUME??? ROFL…. IDIOT is what you are.
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This comment has been removed in accordance with our comment policy.
All because we are a colony…
I think the real question here is if you are residing in Seattle why not get a WA state id or DL?
Yes, but it seems that everything said is about Chamoru History. But back to the Guam ID, the clubs in Washington should not void our Guam ID’s because WE are born U.S. Citizens! That is the whole point in this site. Proud Chamoru with Guam ID! :)
There ya go! I had a Guam drivers license when I lived there 5 years, no problem. Why would anybody move from Guam to Washington state? Hawaii, southern California OK—but Washington? People there don’t tan, they rust! Hasta
I think the real question here is if you are residing in Seattle why not get a WA state id or DL? This would solve all your night life problems.
Because then he would have to pay sales tax at stores.
the issue is with the uneducated bouncer not with being a “minority american”. what if you had a bouncer that actually knew that guam was part of the united states and it wasn’t an issue going in an out of the club? the issue is with the bouncer… escalating things will get stupid people voicing their opinions that doesn’t have anything to do with your issue.
Actually, the bombs were flown out of Tinian. But, it is sad that many don’t know about Guam, though is not surprising. Even on Guam, places would not accept a Guam firearms ID and think its fake and it issued by the Guam Police Department.
Likewise, The US government owns about 1/3 of Guam… which is still awfully a huge chunk of the island.
Tinian is Chamorro land.
Naw, man. He said, “flown out of Chamoru land.” He didn’t say “Guam.”
I was in Illinois and my driver’s license was expiring in a few weeks. So, I went to the DMV trying to get an Illinois driver’s license, which proved to be a daunting task. Most DMV employees didn’t know anything about Guam and were telling me that I had to go through the entire process of getting my license as though I never had one. Then, after driving an hour and a half to a DMV where someone knew of Guam’s existence and our American citizenship, and after passing the written exam, I was told that because I’m from Guam they had to hold on to my driver’s license to do a background check to insure that I am not an identity thief. I was so frustrated and the discrimination was a real shocker!
My driver’s license arrived in the mail a week later.
It isn’t discrimination that takes place. Remember that in the United States there are a bunch of cases dealing with identity theft so it’s only natural that a person who wasn’t really educated of Guam’s history is wondering whether or not you are just faking it. At least you got your license haha.
I understand the frustration and irritation that people from US territories face when presenting our IDs. But why are you living a state without an ID from that state? I live in las vegas and the first thing I did was getting a local ID. I know a lot of people do not know what guam is so why bother explaining.
There is a level of “pride” that a lot of islanders seem to take overboard. If you want people to know about our islands then be a geography or history teacher. If you want to rant about problems that can easily be avoided then don’t take advantage of the opportunities that the mainland has to offer and go back to your island.
Well, it’s not a requirement to get one. You can get along fine and well, by law, with a Guam ID.
Peter, I agree all this is. Is an I.D. issue carry your pass port, or get an I.D. for the state you are residing in.
As someone who lives here, and not the mainland, please allow me to clear up a few mistakes in your post.
1. Chamorro wasn’t a written language until the 1970s so there weren’t any Chamorro books to burn.
2. “Chamorro land” was taken by the Spanish. It has been controlled by other nations for over 400 years. Now the island of Guam belongs to the United States and boasts a robust international population.
3. Reparations should never be paid by US Government. If you seek reparations for the hardship caused by the invading Japanese, start by petitioning the US Government to seek reparations from Japan.
4. There are at most five residents living on Pagan. All evacuated decades ago and chose to remain in Saipan.
I’m glad that you’re passionate about your culture, but you’re painting an imperfect picture for your readers.
You’re correct about the ID though. That’s not really so much of an injustice as it is a matter of ignorance by mainlanders.
You bring up a good point about pictures. To me, Dakota is interrupting the inaccurate picture that already exists, if one even exists at all in the minds of most Americans.
I would like to add the following to the picture:
1. The Chamorro language was systematically and intentionally targeted by the US Navy. And there were written Chamorro documents on Guam that the US burned. See http://guampedia.com/american-style-colonialism/. There are further suggested reading listed at the end as well.
2. Does this mean that it is okay for the US to continue this history of occupation? We should just accept it?
3. I disagree. As you mentioned in #2, Guam was a colony of the United States at that time and instead of protecting our families, they abandoned them. They share a piece of that responsibility and the least they can do, is formally recognize that responsibility. Money is the way that America shows their priorities. So reparations would be fitting.
4. I am wondering if our future generations might want to visit this island, live there, play there. If plans go through, what would be left? And what about the wildlife and the nature that is there? And when will it stop?
Interesting Brad. So you’re saying that:
1. bibles were never written in Chamorro before US occupation?
2. Chamorro people haven’t forgotten about the Spanish people, in fact, look at the protests against making San Vitores a saint. The fact is, the U.S. (not America, there are 2 Americas and the us makes up for only 1/3 of the northern one) and it’s citizens have selective amnesia while others are ignorant.
3. Reperations shouldn’t be paid? The only reason why Guam and Pearl Harbor were attacked were because of US naval presence. Otherwise, why do you think Guam have the only bad experience with Japan in Micronesia. Yeah that’s right, Japanese treated Microneisans well until the war broke out, and again, that’s all because of US military causing mistrusts between the Japanese and the Microsians when they began recruiting Micronesian spies, who by the way were never properly acknowledged by the US military.
4. Pagan residence didn’t just chose to move to Saipan, Tinian, Guam, or the Continent (not Mainland, unless you are a Native America and not just a us citizen), they were evacuated because of volcanic eruption and continued instability.
Just because you live on Saipan and you know and may have ran, golfed, and shared a few beers with a Chamorro that does not mean you could possibly understand what a Chamorro feels based on your exposure to NMI history books (not written by Chamorros) and a few articles (funded by US government grants). Speak to the elders, oh wait, you probably have lived there for 15 years and never learned to appreciate the indigenous culture and the people enough to at least learn one complete sentence.
As for the folks who think keeping a Guam ID is stupid when living in Washinton State, I dare you to tell a person from Boston living in NY to stop wearing a B hate and put on a Red Sox one instead.
And for the rest of you so called Americans, I’m not an American but I know that when writing English (which by the way is my 3rd language), texts are nothing but symbols used for subtexts. It’s not about the bouncer, it’s about being given one dollar for a big chunk of an island and basically get looked at by a cashier as if you were paying with monopoly game money. You guys are obviously one of those who attended school under the no child left behind act.
Yankees*
I have to say I love the “facts” presented in this comment.
I have a couple of other thing to say because this article gives me even more insight into the Chamorro culture but in the bias against the Americans it has glorified the wonderful Japanese who put the Chamorros into concentration camps to protect them? What about all the massacres? When the Japanese knew the Americans were coming they took the strongest Chamorro men and killed them by the dozens. Tinta and Faha come to mind (mainly because I have gone to those and other sites to pray over the Chamorro people. http://guampedia.com/war-atrocities-tinta-and-faha-cave…/ That was just one inaccuracy I saw.
When the Americans came in 1899 the laws they implemented were the same ones that were implemented by many conquerors of that era. Were the Spanish better to live under? Just a couple of thoughts.
I love the Chamorro people and their culture but inciting people to action through error and hatred is sad. Action should be encouraged beacuse of desire and decisions for progress not hatred of past. Just a thought.
You are wrong, Saipan.
1) The Spanish have been translating and writing books in Spanish and Chamorro since the spread of Catholicism to the locals. I have a Chamorro Prayer book printed in 1937 in Manila sitting on my shelf. What’s with your wrong dates?
2)The Spanish let some Chamorro families keep their lands, which is why some families still have their lands and deeds in Guam. Some of these land deeds date to Spanish times and are written in Spanish language.
3)Too late. The US Gov’t already paid out War Reparations to many Asian countries already but left out Guam on purpose.
4)Pagan residents come and go, due to volcanic activities. This doesn’t mean it’s ok for the US Military to confiscate and bomb the place. The land titles are still valid and recognized by the US as legitimate proof of ownership.
Glad everyone paid attention to the bar story because it’s there to hook the readers into the story and to get their attention focused on the real issues… but then everyone blanks out after that part….
Just a correction to your first point. Remember that the current Chamorro language is a great mix of both of Filipino and Spanish (mostly Spanish). The “burning of books” that these guys are talking about isn’t of present day Chamorro, it is more Spanish than it is Chamorro.
Chamorro is not a mix of Filipino and Spanish. There are borrowed words from Spanish, but that doesn’t mean Chamorro is an offshoot or pidgin. The syntax is still the same from hundreds of years ago. 1/3 of the English language is comprised of French words, but that doesn’t mean English is part of the French language. When you are colonized by another country for hundreds of years, it is no surprise that many of your words are those of the colonizer.
@Frank
You are sadly mistaken… The ORIGINAL Chamorro people did not have ANY Spanish sounding words at all in their language. The first Chamorros were Austronesian-speaking peoples which were from South East Asia. The Spanish people FORCED their religion on the island (Catholicism) as well as their language and culture, so please. The true Chamorro people are a thing of the past. All that’s left is a little bit of the original blood lines mixed in with 400 years of the Spanish blood lines. That’s why the TRUE Chamorros were described as almost Giants at averaging well over 6 feet tall. (the women as well) But breeding with the Spanish bloodlines dropped the height significantly which is why there are so many short chamorros now.
Are you kidding? So the Chamorro people didn’t have a language until the Spanish and Filipinos came into play?
#3 is a big problem, because the US acting as representatives of Guam forgave the Japanese. The US should now step up and fill the void they created.
Fill what void?
And yet without the military or the united states guam would really suck to live in right now… Ever since they started to govern themselves its been all down hill and corruption from there. Welcome to Guam!
You sound like an ignorant person that was on Guam, and during your stay you never got what you wanted. The US government is probably the most corrupt government in the world. If I made a comment like yours I’d be Anonymous too.
That is false, Guam and the rest of the Mariana’s has the capability of surviving as an independent United Marianas. Look at Palau, they have proven numerous times by refusing to retract their nuclear free law as requested by the United States and they are doing just fine. Maybe even better than Guam, actually, much better, as an indigenous group. They make their own laws, some of which are in place to protect the indigenous and their rights. For example, fishing laws that allows only the native to harvest certain animals, and land ownership. No it’s not discrimination, it’s their lands and their laws. You want land and fishing rights on stolen and native blood stained soil, then go to the United States where you can purchase licenses (available to anyone, as long as you can afford it) and not complain on someone else’s.
So I’m only commenting here because the further I read the more I feel people ALL people have lost their compassion for humanity. There is one RACE the human race and all the fighting about land, race, culture and religion are ALL about power. It is unfortunate that humans continue to repeat their history over and over again. People migrated out of Africa the oldest continent in the world and spread out over the nations. Our differences in color is not what makes ear its mans greed. Greed that ALL humans of all places harbor. The fight that hurts us most is the fight for good and evil. There is ONLY ONE creator and no matter what you call him, he/she continues to grace us with the free will to choose right over wrong. mans greed will be the end of all people. Spending more time on weapons to destroy each other rather than find away to make sure all future generations will even have a place to call home anywhere on this planet as we drain all earths natural resources. All the resentment and fighting about protecting culture. Let’s fight about protecting humans. Because when it is all said and done none of it will mean anything when we die and we look at what we where fighting over instead of what we were fighting for. We are our own worst enemy. And when a person of good character is asked to do the right thing it will not matter what color you are or where you live what will matter most is if it helped each other. What we define as right or wrong is way different than our creators meant. Help thy neighbor, feed the hungry, and do so not expecting anything in return. All religions teach right and wrong. What do you teach?
And without the United States maybe our people wouldn’t be dying of Cancer at such a high rate … just saying!
Let’s be real.. you can’t blame a country for giving another cancer unless they intentionally do so. You’re not ‘just saying’; you’re saying, it seems anything, without thinking. Educate yourself.
Maybe without the United States our people wouldn’t be dying of Cancer at such an alarming rate …
Maybe if the people on Guam didn’t eat so much processed food, which is a KNOWN carcinogen, then maybe they wouldn’t be getting cancer at such an alarming rate! YA THINK??? Stop blaming and put the damn fork down!
Well my name is Cruz… I live in Oklahoma City in my case I just say I’m from Guam it is a secret u.s territory like Area 51. It secret cause the u.s holds the most deadly warriors there called the Taotaomona Chamorros and we are the secret weapon of mass destruction for the United States of America. So keep your head up U.S.m.C…….
@Joe…lmao!! Thank you, my Chamorro husband and I had a really good laugh! Really needed it after reading all the other comments!
If you are now part of the 9000 strong chamorro community residing in Washington, by law you are required to get a Washington drivers license within 30 days of moving. Or are you using it to get sale tax exempt purchases at stores? Whip out that law on your smartphone and avoid being hassled by getting the required license. With you long hair it doesn’t look like you serve in the military so you shouldn’t still have a guam license.
Exactly what I was thinking! Tax exempt purposes probably.
Ignorance!!!
It’s an ID card not a DL which means he doesn’t have to surrender it. FYI Guam residents are not tax-exempt in the WA or US, we pay our fair share although I believe there are about 5-6 different US STATES that are exempt in the state of WA.
I beg to differ. I live in Washington state and yes in some major retail stores, if not all of them, Guam residents are surely tax exempted just like Alaska and Montana residents. Friends and family who come to visit take advantage.
And although I haven’t seen the difference between a Guam DL and a Guam ID, I can see the almost see the reasoning for the bouncers hesitance. I’ve had friends and family use their Guam’s DL to get into bars with no problem. It’s the most common form of an ID regardless where you’re from and that’s what they’re used to seeing.
Bro your heart is in the right place, but you’re thinking too far ahead of yourself. Our elders have been saying the samething for over a century while going unnoticed, what makes you think the world wants to hear it from you. You are very much correct about the “Enlistee and Death Statistic” I refer to it as “More Patriotism per Capita”. For that very statistic is the reason us Chamorros have a high expectation in the US miltary. We have fought in every war beginning with WW2. Yes its hard to deal with ignorance, but there are better ways to deal with it. Instead of choosing second class citizenship treatment I chose to join the military to prove that i deserve to be recognized fairly, I let my actions speak for me. I come from a two different families, my Dads side Chamorro Activists and my Moms a long history of military (starting with WW2). Stuck in the middle of two I chose to take my Chamorro Pride and enlisted, I was 17 and my pride got me in a lot of trouble. I am now 33 with 16 years of proud service in the US Army and counting. In those 16 years I have learned that you have to act the way you want to be treated. I am glad you know your history but you got to think of your future. Desperate cries for recognition will only weakens us. Instead go make a good name for yourself, while proudly flaunting your Chamorro Pride. That is all we can do, just go with the flow and never forget where your from!!!! Happy Thanks Giving Che’lu!!!
We live in a Democratic nation now. If you want someone to blame fault it on your weak ass politicians and yourselves. You can’t change the past you can only learn from it and use it to shape the future. Do you really think they would allow the military down there if the majority of the islander population said to hell with that. You the people as well as your politicians play an important role to protect your oceans, your homes and your land so quit crying and do something about it. I have Chamorro blood and I’m one of those that left the island at 18 to fight in the war and I haven’t been back since the Gutierrez-Bordallo Administration. I miss the island and I would hate to have more military there to taint it. I know better than anyone since i was once a Marine. There are two sides to every coin though and even a broken clock is right twice a day. The military means a better economy and a better economy means more jobs and public goods. The only problem is the effect…government pollution, illegal services like prostitution becoming a big thing and rape (cause it’s a popular thing for service men away from CONUS…etc There’s a reason they want the Military outta Okinawa.
Keep speaking your truth brotha. Never stop, it’s vital for all of us, for all our many ancestors who have been used, tortured, abused and killed by this brutal nation, and for all of us who face the same today. Speak fiercely, love fiercely. Ase.
As an outsider from the mainland, aka “haole”, whom lived on Guam for sometime I have the following observations & opinions:
1) GovGuam is corrupt, why would the US pay reparations to only have the few on Guam pocket the cash and still point the finger at the “big bad Americans”
2) The Chamarro people trash the island with litter and/or collect trash on their land and proud of their “treasures”. The military and other outsiders care more about making the island beautiful again than Chamarros
3) You’re a tiny island in the middle of nowhere, pick your poison and live with it. If not for the USA you’d be an extinct culture executed by the Japanese, Chinese, Spanish or whomever wanted to take control of your island because you’re unable to defend yourself.
4) Your culture is flawed in contrast to today’s society. Wearing grass skirts and living off the land is an extinct way of life. I’m not saying forget your culture but it needs to reflect aspects of today’s society. First thing, EDUCATION! If the Chamorro’s educated themselves then NOBODY would be able to take that from them. ACCOUNTABILITY, stop pointing the finger at other nations and OWN your mistakes or shortfalls. Whining only makes your culture seem weak. I’m exhausted reading/listening about the hardship that the Chamorro people suffered. We have ALL suffered hardships of some sort, it’s the world we live in. If you can’t adapt then you’ll be extinct. Buck up or get lost, but most importantly shut your mouth about the “big bad Americans”!
5) The predominant families on Guam (you know who they are) send their children to get an American education and then they come back to island and start meaningful and successful businesses. These Chamorro families stepped their game up. The rest are too lazy and want to point fingers rather than putting in hard work.
Like I said above, these are my observations and opinions.
Best of luck Guam!
As an outsider from the mainland, aka “haole”, whom lived on Guam for sometime I have the following observations & opinions:
1) GovGuam is corrupt, why would the US pay reparations to only have the few on Guam pocket the cash and still point the finger at the “big bad Americans”
2) The Chamarro people trash the island with litter and/or collect trash on their land and proud of their “treasures”. The military and other outsiders care more about making the island beautiful again than Chamarros
3) You’re a tiny island in the middle of nowhere, pick your poison and live with it. If not for the USA you’d be an extinct culture executed by the Japanese, Chinese, Spanish or whomever wanted to take control of your island because you’re unable to defend yourself.
4) Your culture is flawed in contrast to today’s society. Wearing grass skirts and living off the land is an extinct way of life. I’m not saying forget your culture but it needs to reflect aspects of today’s society. First thing, EDUCATION! If the Chamorro’s educated themselves then NOBODY would be able to take that from them. ACCOUNTABILITY, stop pointing the finger at other nations and OWN your mistakes or shortfalls. Whining only makes your culture seem weak. I’m exhausted reading/listening about the hardship that the Chamorro people suffered. We have ALL suffered hardships of some sort, it’s the world we live in. If you can’t adapt then you’ll be extinct. Buck up or get lost, but most importantly shut your mouth about the “big bad Americans”!
5) The predominant families on Guam (you know who they are) send their children to get an American education and then they come back to island and start meaningful and successful businesses. These Chamorro families stepped their game up. The rest are too lazy and want to point fingers rather than putting in hard work.
Like I said above, these are my observations and opinions.
It is very difficult to battle emotioin wtih facts.
Did you know That Chamorros Are Actually Well Educated About The US and it’s history where as the average US child reads MAYBE a page of guams history? Did you also know that as we speak guam continues to try pass laws to better their island?
Did you know that although the culture is very old in its traditions family success rates are higher then the average US families? Did you also know that most chamorro families send their children to the mainland because unfortunately the island is just too small at times for a larger academic range for those with interest that exceed guam not just because they have “stepped up their game”. My suggestion is to go live with a chamorro you’ll learn alot more then sitting on your butt drinking a sex on the beach while a true chamorro is serving you you chili fries and asking if you’d like another drink to boot.
@Leah
Are you serious? Since the Mainland (USA) saved Guam from the Japanese who were enslaving, torturing, raping, and murdering the Chamorro people, I should hope that the people on Guam know more about America than America knows about Guam…. When was the last time Guam came to America’s rescue???? (crickets chirping)…….. Speaking of education… Guam is in control of their own local government, education, and issues in general. The public education in Guam is horrible and it’s their own fault. It doesn’t take much to raise the standard in education but instead of spending money on the students, it’s too busy being embezzled by the Chamorros who run it. (look it up). My mother-in-law has to pay for my nieces and nephews to attend a private school because the public school in Guam is a joke. It’s over run with drugs, gang activity, and low ambitions. Stop blaming the country who came to your rescue… if you want things to get better on Guam then the CHAMORROS WHO ARE CORRUPTING THE PLACE NEEDS TO CHANGE IT FOR THE BETTER… stop whining like a coward and expecting handouts.
Para i “Haole” ni tinige este nachalek na basulan båbarias put i Taotao hu yan i Tano hu:
Esta hu gof tungo na ti siña hao un taitai pat mås komprende este i tinige hu sin maisa lao ti para bai hu påra yan tulaika para hågo gåga malaña. Ti hu tungo amåno na gaige yan kuantos åños na sumåga hao gi i TANO i MAN CHAMORRO yan pot fabot si Yu’us en fan binendise hao komo guaguaha tietenan tiempo mu gi i mås gåtbo na ISLAS giya i PARAISON PASIFIKO sa ti såbes hao na macheng. Na piniti sa gof annok na chatpago na klåsen taotao lågo hao yan dimasiao pareho kostombremo yan i gåga siha ni humålom gi åñon 1898. Chamo sangångåni i TAOTAO HU na nisisita ham bien fan tulaika i linalåta put i nuebo na diha ni un lili’e gi åtlabes na titanos mo kadoko. Baba i båchet matåmo, pacha yan fanhongge i uriyåmo. Lålala i aniten i ISLAS MARIÅNAS atchuka ti yamo brodie. Bai hu na chålek duru gi menan matåmo yanggen ti un lalålo adai sa ilekmo na båba i LIHESLATURAN GUAHAN yan i Gobietnon Guam. Hekkua kao maleffa hao pat put “IGNORANT” hao na “IDIOT” lao ti i kostombren CHAMORRO eyu na sisteman manganiti. Ginen i taotao mo gi madalok daggan miyu kåksaka. Maolekña un na påra gi sagåmo gi sagan babui ni ti mamagågåsi taki tarabiha sa chumuchuda gi pachot mo yan i madalok guiengmo ni un sosodda i båbarias. Esta dos åños na hu bakashoshon gi Ustados Unidos ya tåya na hu tulaika i kotturå hu para mashesa håfa na MF’ atchuka pareho pachot miyu. Bai hu profesa na put i KOTTURÅ HU i KOTTURAN CHAMORRO i KOTTURAN MARIÅNAS na hu ipos todo i “taotao mu” siha gi checho hu yan esta man mañåsaga 10 åños pat mås gi sanpapa yan pågo humåhalom YU’. Kåno diablo.
Gåga Malaña hao Puñidera.
Chada Nanåmo ombre
Oh yeah another note for the author …… Guam was attacked HOURS after Pearl Harbor, in fact it was four am Guam, lcl when Guam received word the US Fleet had been sunk… Guam was hit some hours later. And those “infamous” Kamikazis at Pearl Harbor endured by your Grandfather didn’t come into existence until the invasion of Okinawa in 1945 … sounded cool though! Unfortunately, the rest of your story is as deluded as the beginning. I was 22 and ignorant once I just didn’t publish it for the educated to rip to pieces. Chamorros, Guam – deserve better than a rank amateur who’s more worried about clubbing the dance scene than the right to exist in freedom. BTW – USS George Washington is in the Philippines providing 1/2 millions of fresh water daily, Full Hospital, Food, 6,000 willing sailors to a people ravaged by nature – God Bless Them!
Hafa Adai My Chamorro Brother.
Ignorance is bliss and all you can do is educate those who do not know. Keep in mind bouncers are only doing there jobs. So what if there was a whole line of Islanders, from Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa and they only hassled the Chamorros? At that time, you could have legal options especially if it was only from that one bar or specific chain of bars. Legal action takes time and money and requires factual proof. So the best bet is to educate those that don’t know and or educate others on that one specific or chain of bars and boycott them. Or go to a different bar.
Sounds like you have a hidden agenda…Opposing the DoD is a large task and as a Military member of 27+ years, opposing them may do no good since we have been given freedom from Chamorros and all others that have served within the DoD!
Nothing is perfect, but educate where you can, control what you can control, and enjoy life to the fullest!
BTW…What was the name of the Bar or Bars? Ha…Kidding and really don’t care to know!
Good luck opposing DoD! Remember, your Family members and thousands of Chamorros have served and will continue to serve in the military, within DoD.
Lastly…As a US Citizen and Chamorro, you are FREE to go to school, start a business and make millions, get married and have tons of kids, join the military, or go to the beach and drink beer. Do what you can! The FREEDOM is there!
Si Yuus Maase!
I agree that it’s outrageous and ridiculous that any U.S. citizens, including those in the U.S. territories, would have to show a passport. However, this is not just a Chamorro “injustice.” Isn’t this something that Puerto Ricans, U.S. Virgin Islanders, American Samoans, etc. face, too? Why do the Chamorros on the mainland always have to be so melodramatic?
Also, the fact that you claim Chamorros enlist and die at a higher rate than any other group is just plain erroneous. Citizens of the various Micronesian ethnic groups in the Federated State of Micronesia would easily beat Chamorros to that unfortunate title (much smaller populations with much higher U.S. military enlistment rates). What’s worse – Micronesians that enlist are not even U.S. citizens, like Chamorros are.
At the end of the day, these bouncers are young kids like you, who are not from Guam. The whole issue is just a matter of public ignorance, not “injustice.” Little to nothing is taught in U.S. schools about the U.S. territories, so perhaps it’s the curriculum you should go after and not the poor guy checking cards at the door. Even better, contact your local Guamanian government and the U.S. federal government to organize a public awareness campaign.
As someone from another Micronesian country, I have to say that we do have these struggles too and I can’t say that we have it worst than the Chamorros, just different political trap by the us government. I urge you to read an article called the Solomon report that shows how Kennedy administration had contracted anthropologists to find ways to make these Micronesian countries, including Guam to become dependent on the US. Additionally, keeping them poor so that they could start believing that the only way they could survive is by becoming loyal subjects to the US government. Hmmm, sounds like the US military, be the cause for the Japanese to attack Guam, that would be enough to keep the people living in fear for generations to come. Thus the blind patriotism (which by the way, is not why many Micronesians, Chamorro, and even US citizens join the military). I’ve never lived on Guam but I know this much; there is a saying there “ID, I Do.” A perfect example of why many soldiers enlist in the US military; benefits, economic stability, and compensation for lack of pride in something, and influenced by the ethnocentric US media, they seek American pride. After all, why accept pride from a few when you can be celebrated for murder and have holidays honoring your killing over thousands, some of which are collateral?
Face it Chamorro military men, you didn’t join the military to fight for your peoples safety. You did it because you envied someone having a better life than you imagined your future to be if you remained on Guam.
You envied these people because you lack pride In being a Pacific Islander, wowed by individualist ideology that you could be better than others. You lost your root to your people, a communal group, who’s only chance of survival and success is based on the contributions of every one of their people, including you. But no, you rather be upfront holding someone else’s flag and killing people that had done nothing to your people except for sharing similar obsession by superpowers like the one you proudly kill for. I dare you to look at one of you enemies in the eyes and imagine them being on Guam, I bet you would believe they are Chamorro.
You say Chamorro cannot survive without America, I agree, but that is only because people like you refuse to fight to try and make it work, instead, you’re fighting for what your people fight against; globalists, imperialists, capitalists, individualists, etc etc etc. you’ve been ist-ticiced.
Micronesian in Solidarity with Chamorro, the real ones, not the ones who left their lands and families and think they know better than the ones who stayed back and continue to fight the True War in the Pacific. The True War never ended, it just got covered up by the Japanese-American War experience.
interesting article. i agree you may want to include cnmi in any new iterations of the article. hope it gets better!
I’ve read through all the article and responses and agree that the facts in it are completely accurate but, also not completely false after saying that your point of injustice would have been acceptable if you ;left out the whole thing about the bar bouncer in this your own ignorance is just as responsible for the it happening you sound smart enough and have lived long enough to understand that there are a world of people who don’t know that Guam exists and it’s not their fault I don’t know what to think about the intent of this article other than “it’s misguided” and a far cry from “injustice”
(first sentence correction) “I’ve read through all of the article and and responses agree that the facts aren’t completely accurate.”
Just because there are people out there who are uninformed about Guam, and that Guam is a US territory, doesn’t mean it’s an injustice. It just means that the guy really doesn’t know because like a majority of Americans, they were not taught this in school. You live in Washington and want to get into the clubs, so get a WA driver’s license or ID.
Chamorros are not the only people who live on Guam, USA. Chamorros are only 40% of the population, so they are not a majority of the total Guam population. Filipinos are the next largest ethnic group on Guam and they keep on increasing due to never-ending immigration from the Philippines to Guam, USA. It is only a matter of time until Filipinos become the largest ethnic group on Guam. It will happen soon for sure. FILIPINOS ARE THE FUTURE OF GUAM!
Filipinos are the future of Guam please, dream on its like everywhere I go filipinos don’t believe me that I’m not filipino and i’m native from Guam, not every one in this world who looks filipino is, such an ignorant statement go twll that to the native Chamoru families who live & Guam and get laughed at!
And the fact that not many mainlanders are educated about Guam doesn’t surprise me, just like you, the re are many idiots who unfortunately exist…I find many people don’t know much or care to know about Guam’s diverse history, they just want to be able to migrate there, or use our sacred islands as a stepping stone to their material and economic satisfaction and nothing more, no respect, or knowledge.
I hate to say it, but it’s just a fact that Filipino will surpass Chamorros on Guam. This is based off of statistics. From the census, Guam is 37% Chamorro, 26% Filipino. Yeah, it seems like Chamorros are winning, but look next to Guam- the Philippines has over 100 MILLION people. They all want to come to Guam. Chamorros worldwide population is less than 200,000, and that’s all over the world. 200,000 vs 100,000,000. There is no hope for our people. Filipinos have already surpassed the Chamorro population in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam is next. Oh, and for centuries and centuries, Filipinos in Guam have been passing themselves off as Chamorros, so a lot of the Chamorro population is already heavily Filipino. Thank god only a little of my bloodline is Filipino, not much.
This article was a insightful & informative. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself, educating all of us of some of the deep, long lasting, life altering impacts of colonization & oppression, while still maintaining a beautifully inspiring orientation towards liberation.
I second this comment!! I like how he engaged the audience, threw in some hard to swallow details, gets us all riled up, and then tries to persuade us to stop our destructive habits and harmful ways…. and finally prompts us to make some good in the world.
Wow, you certainly have dredged up the ugly, dark secrets of the US in Guam. You are correct in citing the many injustices but as we can all see, the average American hates hearing of these problems in any way, shape, or form. America is a land riddled with corruption, racism, crime, and injustice….ask any African American or Navajo of injustices their peoples have suffered from and if they still suffer today as a whole. As you can see, the US is still battling with issues in its very soul.
I can’t believe the ignorance and misunderstanding taken when someone speaks of problems or issues related to the US. Just about everyone goes beserk trying to justify or rationalize wrongdoings as the lesser of two evils. Suck it up and man up to our imperfect America!
To speak about it is American. To discuss it is American. To spread awareness is American. To deny it and accept the status quo of injustices is UN-AMERICAN.
On a positive note, Guam is a beautiful place. When I moved back to the states, I didn’t want to give up my Guam drivers license, I loved living there so I can imagine locals wanting to keep that piece of them from back home.
Dåko’ta Alcantara-Camacho, grow up and stop writing non sequitur drivel. Get a Washington State drivers license. That will solve your problem getting onto the dance floor.
As a locally born and raised Chamorro, I have seen the concrete benefits of being a US Territory. Five decades to be precise have brought continued improvement to telecom infrastructure, power, water, education, and the list goes on. The military has to be based somewhere, and Guam makes sense, especially from a geographic standpoint. There will be problems, there will be injustices, that’s life. The challenge is how to minimize the damage.
I take issue with your whining from a distance, and your need for some kind of apology and reparation. Shit happens, WWII is over, move on.
Ed, so you are saying that as a Chamorro yourself, you have nothing against and have never had bad thoughts towards any Chuukese on Guam? And if one went onto your yard and decides to pick your wife’s orchids without your permission and ends up killing them that you’d be okay with it with a smile saying; well, shit happens?
Wut. That is a terrible rebuttal.
Yes America abandoned Guam. What did the Chamorro people do with the radio man that was left behind? Ah, they fed him and kept him hidden in a cave. Kept him safe. During the war my father was born in a concentration camp and many of our relatives were murdered. During the war, Chamorro people hid downed aircrew members. This was punishable by death. When they found out the radioman had been hid, there was a penalty for those folks to pay as well. White America has always demed indiginous people as too ignorant to take care of themselves. Ask the American Indian whose language was also pretty much destroyed as well as their culture which is still under attack today. They always want to kill your culture and make you submissive. Guam has always supported America. My father is a vet, I am a vet, and my son is a vet. I am half chamorro and my son 1/4. I consider Chamorros from Guam native Americans. I believe they deserve respect. I read the comment that we should be so willing to expand the military’s use for American strength. How much more do they need? TYe impact on the island will be a lot. Ask yourself this. Do you want your hometown built up, destroyed by strengthening the military which we have supported for decades? Your grandparents dug up? Your home being totally changed ,. historic sites ruined?
Yes chelu, get a state ID. The main reason is that it is easier for the bouncer to recognize fake ID’s that are from their state. Out of state ID’s that are fake are harder for them to spot. A lot less liability for the club. In Fl it is a requiremnt as well. I am from the states. Born and raised. Half Chamorro and half white so I see things from both perspectives. I want a strong military as well. I feel by moving so much to the west coast, hawaii and Guam, they become bigger targets and it lessens the impact of attack on the mainland. Just my thoughts.
No matter what your skin color, or herritage, someone is going to make you feel less.
It is good to see that you have knowledge of self brother, most of the young people do not care about our island’s history.
The thing about all of this is, if Guam wasn’t a strategic military outpost in the Pacific for the U.S., the U.S. Would not give a damn about the island or our people. Straight up & down, period, no comma.
The U.S Govt only has “interests” not friends.
I have lived on the mainland since I was a year old & I take full advantage of everything useful to me that U.S. Citizenship has to offer AT THE SAME TIME I have no illusions about how the U.S. Govt truly views our land & our people, for that reason I would never join the military or actively participate in the proliferation or implementation of the very sinister U.S. Foreign policy which only serves the interests of the very wealthy/corporations & NOT the people.
Before some ignorant puppet says that I should “love it or leave it”, I would argue that this (U.S. Mainland) is stolen land anyway & I have about the same right as they do to occupy the land of the native Americans as they do. My family had land stolen by the U.S. Govt. Some of which has recently been returned to us. My grandfather & father were both Vietnam & Korean way era veterans that died due to service related illnesses from being exposed to chemical weapons.
Before you tell me to love it or leave it, be armed with self knowledge & a knowledge of the TRUE history of the U.S..
My family PERSONALLY paid in land & blood for every so-called benefit I enjoy with my U.S. Citizenship.
Now we get to the kicker. Since I am keeping it 100% real. I do not believe that our island could service without being colonized in this day & age by a stronger country. That being said, is the U.S. The lesser of all of the evils in the world? In my opinion it is not & our land & people may flourish under another benefactor, that is a conversation for another day.
Peace che’lu stay up.
less that 1/2% of 1% is an actual Chammoro. The ones today that think they are, should go ask their Filipino/Japanese/Korean/White parents and grandparents how to be Chamorro. Nowadays, the Chuuks are even watering down the little bit of Chammoro that is left.
Nice to know how u feel about an indigenous culture who has flourished b.c. shows the tru ignorance and hate you have for My Islands
In God we trust. In the name of the Red, the White, and the Blue. Amen.
Hope you get my parody.
If you are so frustrated why don’t you just get a Washington I.D. and stop abusing your I.D. to be Tax exempt. That I.D. card looks really cheaply made…who wouldn’t think it’s fake?
Don’t be so angry that not everyone knows about Guam and the rest of the Pacific Islands because I highly doubt that you know every county, district or city in the United States.
C’mon Man…..Can we just forget about this crap and move on with ur lives.Just Suck it up and think of our Good Health,our childrens, and the Global Warming that is destroying our Planet.Thatfricken ID Card is less important of a subject to worry about.Let’s start praying for our own sake and hope that our Planet Earth will be here for another billion years.Peace on Earth.
thank you for this illuminating article, so helpful and smart! I really appreciated the depth of your sharing, your willingness to tell the sad horrifying historical details (all the books-burned-GAWD!) and your hopefulness. keep up the good work!
Well, this article sure educated a lot of people in different ways, some not so much. This article escalated in ways that probably wasn’t even thought of by the author. My side of this article is to save the island. Why must we destroy historical grounds? Why must we destroy at all? Shouldn’t we preserve what is left of our history? Yes we are a territory and we all see the injustices around the world. Not just by the U.S, targeting them as the main, ” Horror” is a bit too far. Yes they have made mistakes in the past and yes they are still making mistakes now. We will not have a verdict unless all of us, Americans, Chamorros and all cultures fight for what we believe in. Nothing will ever get done if someone doesn’t speak up or act on what they want to fight for. Da’kota keep fighting brother.
Get a Washington state I.D./Driver’s License and the problem is solved. When I move to a new state I get a new I.D.. It’s not hard and it’s not ‘insulting’ to where I moved from.
You get little sympathy from me. There are so many problems in this world involving death and destruction, that you getting hassled repeatedly over an ID that you choose to use is a non-issue.
When did you live in Guam? I know someone who lived there until he was 18 and then moved to the continental United States. It has been ~14 years since he moved and in the ~8 years that I’ve known him I have not seen him once pull out a Guam ID card.
Well, it doesn’t help when you initially speak to the bouncer in a non-English language and expect him to believe you’re an American citizen when you give him an ID that is not from a U.S state. Just saying.
As for injustice, there was none.
didn’t the bouncer ask for a valid state ID?
Washington State Law requires a valid state ID ?
that ID doesnt look like a valid state ID?
no offense but that kinda makes you or us, look bad if you cant comprehend the request :(
nm im blind:)
I understand the main complaint of the writer, the ignorance . Some here mentioned it’s due to the young age of the bouncers. On the contrary there are a lot of older Statesiders that are pretty dumb too.
Then there are those siding with the aurgument of “get valid state ID”, well what about some one from Washington DC ? Or are they a State now and I didn’t get a little yellow sticky note about that change ?
So the writer went on a rant there after don’t we all .
Why didn’t you just pull a valid ID or your passport and eliminate all the fuss? Do you really think that the bouncer, who probably does not know where Guam is, just like most people, may not know that the Guam license is a valid ID?? It is only your assumption that everyone should know about Guam and how important we are and what we went through. It is ridiculous to me that you even had the guts to present a history of what we (Chamorros) already know but I am glad to see that you know. But really? You could have saved yourself some anguish by just pulling out a common ID that most people are carrying in the state of Washington especially when you have been to the club several times before. To
If you really care about our culture and its future why don’t you come back and fight alongside other Chamorros for jobs, for our houses and land. Instead of being on the sidelines while the foreigner’s slowly overcome the island. I am disheartened that some Chamorros feel like that and it gets us nowhere in the long run. I hope this makes sense to you and that you pre-think your decision to make a scene to people who don’t even care. Our culture is strong and as long as we believe in that we can make a difference together!
Some good points. Worked with historians and I myself as historian. First the facts are you getting carded at the door/bar. This issue of the bouncers are not understanding what you know. You did well in educating them.
Second: The law for washington needs to be learned by establishments.
Third: Historically on Guam we are in still distress, because our culture is changing it incorporates other cultures but it keeps the learned indigenous routines that make Chamorro (Chamoru) me (I, you). The manamko (elders) will place sayings to remind us of habits, routines, of culture. Dr.Auntie Benit Dungca, learn to speak chamorro, etc…or don’t speak it. She was saying is to instill yourself/emerge into the language.
Phrases / Comments/ Sayings are cultural. Becuase Our Chamorro society was based on passing culture through speaking and examples.
Fourth: The distress on the culture – are not limited to economic stress but inculturation of accepting a different life style. To become what is advertised by others.
My Pare’ Peter Robert O. will exemplify his chamorro ancestory by writings and plays. Each of us, where ever we shall be will yearn for our Chamorro Ancestory in all forms (writing, culture, art, linguistics, et al.)
You will need to educate the outside world of the law (interpretation), and/or your lineage.
These are just reflections from me, and not meant to be tangible realities. You as the reader take ownership to acceptance.
The main reason that a Guam ID is not recognized by most of the states and a sign of US citizenship is because in Guam almost anyone can get the ID. People from surrounding islands and countries that are not US citizens were able to get a Guam ID. To fix your so called discrimination GOV Guam needs to create two types of IDs. One for people that are US citizens that have a social security card. Another for all other personnel that can not produce a social security card. Your so called discrimination is nothing more than a security matter.
Here is a little history about our Island of Guam, some 400 hundred years ago we were invaded by Spanish sailers who sailed to this side of the world, Guahan was a Peaceful Island populated with over 100,000 indigenous Chamorru’s, we welcomed the spaniards and there ways of life and what they brought to our Island,but during the course of the Spanish rule our men were slaughtered and our women were rape and integrated , they started teaching the ways of the Spanish costume and the spanish way of life,for hundreds of years the Spaniards had brought Christianity to the natives of which they referred to the Chamorru’s, and killing innocent women and children,for 400 years we were oppressed by the Spaniards until one day during the Spanish American War Guam was taken by the United States in 1889, Guam became ruled by the U.S. as unincorporated Territory of the U.S. until the beginning of the 2nd WW, prior to this day the U.S. new that war was imminent, so they U.S. send their wives and family back to the U.S. mainland.The war in Guam started on Dec. 08, 1941 the same day Pearl Harbor Hawaii was bomb. Guam and the rest of the Mariana’s Island were occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army, for 3 and a half years Guam was ruled again by a foreign country, until July 21, 1944 when Guam was liberated by the Americans, after the war Guam being a strategic location prime lands were taken in Guam, which in modern day , you will find Andersen Air Force Base, NCS,Naval communication, NAS, Naval Air Station, Naval Hospital, Naval Magazine, and Naval Station , land which was taken away from original land owners,land that was never compensated to the original owners.Note that the Philippines were renting Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Force Base, for millions of dollars, Guam on the other hand there were no compensation, Guam being one of 4 Unincorporated Territories of the U.S. American Samoa, Virgin Islands , Puerto Rico, and now CNMI, which at the time was not a Territory of the U.S. Guam was the only Island that was occupied by foreign enemy. To top it off Guam is the only Island that was not Compensated for all the atrocities that it was done to the people of the Island.Our Man’anko’s the elderly are dying everyday and nothing has been done. The Chamorru’s of Guam had fought every war the U.S. have fought since the first WW to the present, during the Vietnam era Guam and the war in the Middle East have the highest death per Capita. The Chamorru’s have proven there loyalty and had made the ultimate Sacrifices, and the saddest part we as U.S. citizens can’t even vote for President of the U.S. We have a house of Representative who sits in congress and can’t even vote in the house, where is the justice in this ? We are proud citizens of the U.S. but all we ask is to be given the same right and privilege as any other American who calls them selves an American. Ty and may all those who speak about who we are as a People, let it be known that we are an Island in the Pacific Thousands of miles from the mainland USA, but we were never given the same RIGHTS as American.
you will get your ability to vote in american politics when your country votes to become a part of it, just like EVERY OTHER unincorporated territory. Just like Puerto Rico, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands, Guam representatives have consistently voted to maintain the status quo instead of becoming a legitimate state. “WHY?!” you might ask. Well, it might have a lot to do with free welfare and other government programs that make it possible to live in a place where there are almost no jobs.
You complain you haven’t been given the same rights. Well, talk to your political representatives. Start a grass roots campaign to become a US state. BUT, until that day, you’re just whining.
Agree with you about the reparations. But bro, “luckily, the Japanese interned the Chamorro people in camps?” Do you know how brutally the Chamorro people were treated under the Japanese? I am part Chamorro and Japanese, and I’m not ashamed to say that I think US involvement was the better sides of two coins. A lot of money and buildup has resulted on Guam due to its being a protectorate of the United States. Yes, I said protectorate. Because its geographical location places Guam in a very precarious situation amongst much much bigger players on this earth. You sound like your an earthly cool person, but lack common sense. If it wasn’t the US, it woulda been someone else. And I’m sure more autonomy will come, only because it is the US we are involved with. Guam is a precious place that needs to be preserved and protected, but in today’s world I think we got it a lot better than other places (i.e. the islands RIGHT next to us under the CNMI who do not get US benefits and are STRUGGLING way more than we Guamanians are). So take it with a grain of salt. The only way to peace is not by fanning the flames
Bro, I just can’t get over the fact that you said “Luckily, the Japanese interned the Chamorros in internment camps”. Please read up on your history before you make big statements like this
I lived on Guam for 5 years. Voluntarily I might add and loved every day of it. I love the hospitality of the locals everytime I walked down the beach. Fiestas, food, music. It was wonderful.Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. But you know what I got more often than not? “Thank you!” Thank you? For what? “For your service, of course. If it wasn’t for y’all we’d be speaking Japanese right now!” The only time we ever heard anything negative is when some would protest outside either of the bases.
I totally understand the upset with the ” military buildup”. That was ’09. It’s 2014…how much has really been built up? I’ll tell ya what. Nothing that wasn’t already part of the base. Yup. You keep saying “our people” and “Chamorro” but how many here commenting are actually over the age of 65? How many of you are actually 100% Chamorro and have felt the oppression of your people? Not many, I’m sure. Your opinions are based off your elders and not what you have experienced first hand. Yes some mainlanders are uneducated. Even my own family didn’t know of Guam before I moved there. I did. That’s why I wanted to go. Don’t let a few bad eggs ruin it for the rest who appreciate the island.
How can you call Americans who don’t know about “Guam” bad eggs?? That’s ignorant and just stupid. I can name a hundred US cities who have more people than Guam has, and I’m positive you won’t know the history of each one… I guess you’re just a “BAD EGG”…. Gssshhhh, SFIP!
let’s face it. colonization has changed everything. it has done its work well. we changed the way we saw ourselves. we stopped caring about the things that really matter. this is why we fight among ourselves defending and condemning our different colonizers past and present. this is why we “trash” the very islands and ocean we come from. this is why there is rape and violence in our communities. we believe we must play their game. we believe we have to experience education, governance, commerce and social exchange in the same manner as our colonizers. we even believe their cultural myths and spiritual beliefs over our own. the attitude of many has been that our culture either doesn’t/didn’t exist or is entirely outmoded and illegitimate. we fight to remain seen because we believe we must be seen. that is how you survive. in the colonizers’ shadows you can be destroyed. if the world can see you, someone can intervene.
do we not see that this relegates us to the mercy and wrath of others? we are pushed to hope and desperation only. we beg to be spared. we work the proper channels. we find pride to make a display of our cultures to others.
why do we, why should we, play by the rules of our colonizers?
they threaten us with poverty, with death. they threaten us directly and indirectly. they take our cultures from us, our languages and customs. they make us exactly like them. they take our bodies from us with rape and violence. they tell us “you will not survive without us.” these are all traits of an abuser. do we accept abuse in our relationships? i would hope not. if not, then why do we accept it when it concerns the lives of our children and grandchildren?
the idea that we must conform to survive suggests we have no power, and i am done living this way. the idea that we must participate in the world to be legitimate is quite frankly, racist. how is it that a white American can live in the backwoods, never participating in the “global realm,” and still be of worth but not an islander simply for living their ancestors’ ways? it’s simple. we are seen as inferior. not because we are inferior or because our ways of life were proven inferior but because Power needed us to be. the “civilized” needed us to be exploited, absorbed or destroyed.
the worst effects of colonization have been that we did and continue to believe them. a united Chamoru people would not care to prove our worth. our worth is inherent. can we not see that our islands, our ocean, our culture mean our bodies, our spirits, our families?
our colonizers have never been able to offer us anything but the degradation of these very things. it is not a matter of who was worse or better, but who are we? injustice is the thing the modern world is made of, but a free people are a people that free themselves. we cannot ask for the ability to live freely in a prison. we must leave its walls, by any means necessary. let us not fight about privilege as though it were freedom.
to be clear, i support this article. i think that disputing details can be important to enrich our own understanding of our pasts, but i also think that we must realize we are being pit against one another. however “benign” you might believe a colonizer is, you are saying you agree that your people and our way of life that numerous colonizers have tried to eradicate are inferior to the ways of that colonizer and even the ones that came before them. colonization is, after all, a process.
it’s time to erase the myths of the modern world from our minds and hearts. it’s time to undo the work colonizers have put into domesticating us. do we fear being hated at the expense of our people and our lands? have we become our colonizers so much that we have forgotten who we were and are still? let them call us anti-American. we are pro-Chamoru. what does it matter if we are for or against a colonizer? i do not care about American feelings over our ability to control our own existence. we must live AND die Chamoru. anything else teaches our children we are a demographic, a statistic, not a people.
it’s time to wake up.
nihi ta defendi yan prutehi.
just wanna say nice reads even better comments well i m from guam born n raised but i am not chamorro i am full filipino but i represent guam to the fullest … and i also served 10 years in the military and i understand where the writer is coming from. when i was in the service people ask me where im from and they go wtf is guam ? its good u speak good english ?! u use dollars there ? u know stuff like that and using a guam id to get in the club yeah forget it… so yeah and all this talk about being a true american and blah blah is junk i am a filipino american raised on guam my parents moved to guam for a better life and which it is … i appreciate being an american because try living in the philippines or some other 3rd world country … i m glad the author wrote his mind bring a little bit of awareness about our little island … and thats what its all about .. an trust i know he a true american so treat him and all other brown people too like mexicans chinese filipino those are the true american american … 671 rep
Actually, the bombers took off from Japanese, not Chamorro land, as Tinian and the CNMI was a Japanese possession prior and during World War II. Just saying.
I completely agree with the first part of the article. As someone from Guam who moved out to the US for college I understand using a Guam ID for things can be hard, and I did feel like a second class citizen. Also as long as DC can vote for president I think all US Citizens should be able to because the people of Waschington DC are in a very similar circumstance as people in US territories. The US citizens who live in US territories should have the same rights as all US citizens.
Once you got to the 1899 part your stories conveniently left out a lot of facts. It’s not like the Spanish treated the Chamorro people well. In fact out countries that colonized Guam the US has treated the people of Guam the best. Your quote about “In 1944, American Troops re-invaded Guam and carpet bombed the island. Luckily, the Japanese had interned the Chamorros in concentration camps, so they survived. ” is just ridiculous on its own. I seriously doubt anyone in those concentration camps counted themselves at that time. Also the people on Guam were excited when the US took Guam back from the Japanese. They wanted the US to return so bad that they risked their lives to protect George Tweed. That’s what Father Duenas died for. Which brings me your claim that the US evacuated all their personnel from Guam is just false. Many US military members died defending Guam during the Japanese invasion. Did you really think George Tweed was local? You either don’t know your Guam history or you are trying to deceive people. This is just speculation, but I have a feeling that the people of Guam would have welcomed the return of the US government even if they knew the military would use 29% of the land. By the way that’s the actual amount that the military bases make up.
That Guam assembly who walked out of session in 1949 most have been the most powerful people in the world to force the US government to do something (ridiculous claim again). Did that have an influence on things, sure. What’s your source and time frame for the highest death’s per capita claim? Your comment about putting a nuclear Air Craft Carrier next to a healthy reef is also extremely misleading. You’re trying to imply without saying that the nuclear core will kill the reef. That’s also false. Those things don’t leak into the ocean. While the Chamorro language was outlawed for a while it is not outlawed anymore and hasn’t been for a long time. In fact it’s mandatory for everyone in public schools to take Chamorro classes and the history of Guam. The end of your article makes it sound like the language is outlawed when that couldn’t be farther from the case. How has your body been poisoned by the US government? Also how is your family still not free?
As already pointed out the atomic bombs dropped on Japan didn’t come from Guam. Also if you do some research that didn’t end the war either. The Russians launching an attack on Japan was what led the Japanese to surrender to the US. Look it up. This war reparations claim is also very ignorant. The Allies did this to Germany after WWI and it was one of the mistakes that lead to Hitler’s rise. Because Germany was so hopeless and forced to pay for the whole war. Last point, there have been more than one vote on the issue of independence, common wealth, statehood, and status quo on Guam. Each time the people of Guam have voted status quo. How is that possible if the US is this horrible occupying nation?
Even though I disagree with a lot of this article I’ll be right there with everyone from US territories fighting for equal rights. Peace be with you brother.
Chris
After 18 years working for a US Corp my hubby was laid off. He claimed State unemployment and did the required weekly reporting. During this time the proposed military buildup on the Guam was coming to fruition, capturing the attention of many US firms. He decided to go to Guam to seek out these companies as well as companies already established on the island in hopes of gaining employment. While on Guam he continued to do the weekly filing requirements for unemployment via the internet. As well, he continued to receive his compensation via the unemployment insurance. Two months later he gets a letter in the mail demanding repayment of all monies received during the period he was on Guam with the statement “after a careful audit of your account we find that you were in a foreign country during this period and are therefore not entitled to unemployment compensation”. Naturally, he prevailed, but not without countless support letters from firms he interviewed with along with letters from
Guam officials stating that Guam is indeed part of the US and not a foreign country.
GVB does a great job promoting our island in Asia and rightfully so since most of our tourism industry comes from that area, but I think they should start promoting our island right here in the US mainland. It’s obviously far overdue.
Injustice against Micronesians and Filipinos maybe. Let’s talk about that for a second. Also one of the great things about this country is you have the right to talk to the owner and/or manager to help them understand your situation. You also have a right to take your business else where. If you wanted to you might even be able to get an interest free business loan from the government start a new club. What are you doing to improve the situation besides writing a misleading article?
I wonder what our story would be if Japan still had Guam, and we became Japanese citizens, or German? Let’s look at what’s happening now? What about those Russian planes flying in Guam airspace? North Korea’s bombs? If the Military wasn’t thinking of building up, who will protect Guam?
Actually American Samoa has the highest death rate per capita for the global war on terrorism.
Way too controversial. Chelu, just get an ID and you can still be proud to be Chamoru. The fight we need to be fighting is not wether you’re Chamorro or American. This issue is not that important when you look at the big picture. Don’t get caught up in the minutia. The real fight is for our country as a whole and the issues we face together moving forward. And why do they call the other Marianas islands the Northern Marianas islands when we are all in the Marianas? What’s your real vision and focus? And are the issues based on your experience and feelings only because that’s just to small an area to include ALL the issues we face. And for the opposition against you, points understood. However, the intent of the US military was to level the island and be rid of ALL life. Fortunately someone rowed out towards the military ship and said there are captives. The decision was made to attack by ground and save the indigenous people from captivity. We’re Americans! We should be treated as such and we should also act as such. We’re Chamorros also. We should be treated as such and should act as such also. Grateful? Yes. There is a misunderstanding amongst many in the US and we do have some cases of discrimination. But let’s not cry over that. Like I said, there’s some misunderstanding of who we are. Not all US citizens are highly educated. We have our share of idiots and that’s not to be denied. As is the case with Chamorros. However, there are many who fought along side us and are grateful of the US occupation of Guam and know who we are and the importance strategically of Guam and vise versa. I believe the real issue is not who we are and the understanding of it. It’s who we are and how do we remain that way. Just a thought..
Every person has their own story. It helps us understand each other when we communicate. Thank you for sharing your story. It might interest you to know that American military did fight the Japanese in December 1941 on Guam. They fought, some died , they were quickly overpowered,and surrendered to prevent a bloodbath.
I lived on Guam from ’65 to ’67, a USAF dependent. We lived in Dededo, I was lucky enough to have several Chamorros as friends including my best friend. We were close enough that when his Dad butchered one of their animals his Dad informed me to have My Dad come and get ourshare of the animal. After we rotated back stateside, of course We fell out of touch. Last time I called I was informed that Ismael had joined the Army and had died in Germany. Probably culture shock. I probably don’t know all the political angles, but I do know that stateside Americans would be hard pressed to find anyone who are more Loyal. Especially since they have ample reasons Not to be.
whats guams rights that they dont got
2 much reading im just asking :P
you are a people and you do have rights American don’t know your struggle as a people but you do need to be treated right as a people I agree with that .
I don’t live in washington, I’m in Texas and I tried to open a bank account with my Guam is and was turned away. The bank managers response was that nowhere in the USA would accept (that) kind of identification. It made me feel as though I want an American.
You Chamorros are just being IGNORANT with this whole ID thing! I was born and bred in the United States of America. My family has been here since the 1600’s and my mother’s side of the family is heavily into politics as well as the legal system in general…HOWEVER. When I moved from one state to another state (STILL IN THE USA). I had to changed my ID from a South Carolina ID to the state I moved to before I could get certain services. SO PLEASE quit acting like you’re sooooooo discriminated against because you don’t want to conform to the local laws of the place you’re at… obey the laws and regulations or SHUTUP. Plain and simple.
Guam was invaded by America, o may be stealing from Spain Kingdom so they treat you like a colonial site nothing unusual.
You should speak Spanish like others, or may be you lost all your root or culture?
Wow Dude! I’m not Chamorro and have the same problems using a Guam ID stateside when going to clubs, banks or DMV. I had to apply for a Guam license to function on Guam, so should you in the US. Just moving from one state to another requires you to get a new license. Nothing to do with you being Chamorro. What?
And you know what? You should be thankful the locals in the US don’t put it in your face like here on Guam they do to me. Me, on top of your burden I have to deal with Chamorros on Guam who hate me for mistakingly thinking I am a white U.S. Haoli deserving all and blatantly tell it to my face to go home because I’m not from here and I’m taking from your people. Some of your people don’t even want to work with me here so I leave this rock. I’m not US, nor Spanish, so what’s the anger for? Just for being white gets you that treatment.
And I got a better one for you! Talking about getting to know where Guam is and ignorance. This is what I hear when I meet a Guamanian / Chamorro: “Are you military? No? Oh! So, which club do you work at?” If that is not insulting.
If you want to make a difference don’t insult. Put your island on the map for its beauty and all the potential it has to offer. Stop demanding. Work to make it happen rightfully, so the US comes begging to add Guam as a state. Otherwise, just cut the ties
Ignorance is everywhere and you’re the one acting like you deserve it all.
I Have Lived In The States For 38 Years….. In The Beginning 1978 Yes I Saw What U Saw. This Day N Age There Are Still Those That Are Not Smart!! That Bouncer Bottom Line Is DUMB! Sorry That U Had To do What U Had To Do To Get In The Club. Seams Like U Were Determine To Dance! So Good That U Got In. It Is Funny Because There Allot Of State Siders That NEVER HEARD OF GUAM. So Chellu Dance Dance N Don’t Let Them STOP U From Dancing!! :D
Why would you say the Bouncer is dumb just because he didn’t know about GUAM? I don’t know of any state before 2005 that had anything about Guam listed in their education requirements to graduate. Guam is just a little island in the Pacific who doesn’t contribute to the lives of American students so why would they need to know about it? They wouldn’t.
On the flip side here on Guam we have to learn all about the states in fact nearly all of education is about the states and western culture. Funny how that works…
As a citizen of the United States of America, I am bound to adhere to the rules and laws of the lands that I dwell, but make no mistake, I am NOT an American, I am a Chamorro, born and raised in Guam. I am a proud one at that. My people were governed by the United States of America, and yet stripped of their right to speak our tongue. I have met quite a lot of ignorance pertaining to where Guam is…continuously being asked to talk about my country. By virtue of where my island is situated, we can be declared Asians, but because of our government that was forced upon us, we are considered United States of America citizens. So, yes it irks my damned nerves that they don’t accept my Guam drivers license as a suitable enough identification card. I don’t give a damn what anyone says, my grandfather, my father, my uncles, my sister, my brother, cousins, nieces, and nephews, have served and are still serving this country, I think, in fact I know that we deserve recognition and respect….I am NOT an American, but I am a proud CHAMORRO from Guam!!!!
Oh man… here we go. Janice, you ARE an American by nationality, but your ethnicity is Chamorro. Trust me, look it up. If you do not wish to be an American, then you must strip yourself of your citizenship. That’s just how it goes. Now, I do not believe that it was the U.S. that restricted the people to speak Chamoru in the first place. Do yourself a favor and look that up, as well. It can be enlightening. The tragic and uncomfortable history of Guam being occupied by many countries has led all fingers to point to the U.S. & it is simply not fair. Recognize that Spain and Japan had it share in the disappearance of some of Guam’s culture. I see that your pride has led you to react ignorantly. Let me ask you: without using Google, do you know where Puerto Rico is? Tell me about this place? It is a U.S. territory, too. What’s wrong with talking about your country and explaining where it is? You should redirect your pride in explaining how beautiful Guam is and how the people are welcoming & how the food is damn near the best you will ever try. How about somewhere else in the world..Mali? Or Chad? Oh, you may have heard of it, but can you tell me a little bit about these places? A greater injustice can be found in these countries than not getting the “deserved recognition and respect”. It also sounds like you are living in the U.S. How about exercising your rights in all aspects because, hey, you have many rights that allow for your freedom and well-being because you are an American citizen. If not, go to Guam and fight for its separation from the U.S. Don’t be so ungrateful of all the luxuries at your feet. Your family, my family, and many others fight for these luxuries and freedom. I feel you lack humanity. We are still one people, one race. Truth be told, your “irked nerves” are so insignificant & that is why I am sorry to have responded to your post when others far more deserved my respect and insight…
I’ve lived on Guam for 30 years. Love it, love the people. This is home.
Much of the incompetence and disrespect the author ascribes to the Federal Government is absolutely true, although a lot of his details are wildly exaggerated.
I have to say, though — look at the ID in the picture. If I was working in a bar on Guam (as I have done on occasion) and a kid showed up with a college ID from the mainland — and I didn’t KNOW he was over 21 — I’d be VERY skeptical, and probably suggest he get a Guam Drivers License ASAP.
As a white American and the proud wife of a born and bread chamorro I find this article inspiring. The hardship and difficulty that ALL chamorro experience while in the mainland is devastating. Why should chamorro have to “pick a side” just to be acknowledged as US citizens. My husband served for the US but yet isn’t allowed to drive on the mainland roads with out a “valid ID” or told by countless people that he isn’t a US citizen and scrutinized by so many Americans because they think he’s a foreigner. The fact that one would have to pick between culture or rights baffles me as I read through these comments. Americans expect that when you come to their country that you speak their language, and fallow their rules. BUT the northern islands? Since I’ve been here in guam not once have I been told to leave because I’m from the us, not once have I been told that I have to choose between my culture or theirs. Instead I’ve always been welcomed with open arms and hearts. It is truly embarrassing that the US would force chamorro to know US Law and history but yet only make American children read a paragraph of your islands.
Although I did not grow up here or bear your hardships I too believe that you shouldn’t have to oppress your culture just to have rights in the US. I mean if Mexicans can jump the border just to live off free welfare and get treated better then most then why can’t chamorro be chamorro proud.
Hey Leah…stop lying. You say “ALL CHAMORROS” experience hardship and difficulty while in the mainland and that’s lying and that’s pure IGNORANT. I too, am married to a Chamorro. He wouldn’t even be alive today (or his mother, or his brothers and sisters) if it were not for the American Government, so all of this whining about America means NOTHING to me, my husband, our children, or any one else who knows the truth. First of all, the Japanese were not “nice” to the Chamorros. Matter of fact they thru my husband’s grandfather in a pit with several other Chamorro men, then thru grenades in with them killing them all. Then after enslaving, torturing, beheading, and raping the surviving ones, they held my husband’s grandmother (along with over 300 other Chamorros) in front of a firing range getting ready to be executed on July 20th, 1944. She was 8 months pregnant with my husband’s mother at the time. Right before the Japanese began shooting and executing the group, it began to pour down rain…because the Japanese didn’t want to get wet, The execution was postponed until the next morning….but we all know who showed up at 4:00am before that could happen. My husband’s parents are both from Guam and his dad joined the Army in 1962. They moved to the Mainland and raised their 6 children, all of whom have gone to college and graduated on scholarships. My father in law stayed in the army for 40 yrs and is now retired. They live in a beautiful 2 story brick home and own a new Cadillac. They travel all the time and are very well off. They have health care and are very thankful for the opportunities that living in America has afforded them. How many families can say that all 6 children went and graduated from a prominent University? They have a great life and they started out with NOTHING. That’s what determination, hard work, and being smart with your decisions will get you. My father in law was and never will be a complainer or someone who whines about what he doesn’t have…he just works and does what he has to, to get it himself.
I was born and raised on Guam. No I’m not Chamorro.
Of course Guam is part of American and even if Guamanians don’t feel like an American, you still “legally” are.
And there are stupid people ALL OVER THE WORLD. Just because it’s the truth doesn’t mean everyone knows it. Global warming is as real as it gets but stupid people deny it all the time. Doesn’t make global warming any less real. Same with evolution. Just people stupid people believe something else doesn’t mean it’s not true. The difference here is that usually, you don’t have anything to do with these stupid people. But a majority of American citizens don’t know anything about Guam. These people can be your boss or someone in charge of some part of your life. It makes things frustrating. But if we just bring law into it, sooner or later, we’ll see change, little by little.
Also, one thing that annoyed me while writing this comment is that… Chamorro and Guamanians is underlined in red, meaning they’re not a word. But Californian, Texan, French, African, Lithuanian, these words are not underlined in red. Chamoru, Chamorro, however you spell it, it’s not considered a word. Guamanians are underrepresented is a lot of ways.
Honestly, the chances of Guam or any of the other northern Mariana islands being a state is really slim. We just have to let ourselves be known more. Talk about it more. Have more Guamanians go on TV and be stars or become famous politicians. Yeah we’re American but whats the point if no one knows that. Let’s just try our best to let our island be known more.
I read the article and liked it. Some things should be more specific probably. I am 50% Chamorro and 50% not. But grew up all over the states and haven’t been to the islands since I was 2. Last night as I was reading with one of my children about a lady who started the movement and the education on why not to destroy the everglades in Florida a thought occurred to me. Our real problem is education itself. If you want to not have so much grief over the ID’s and history of your home, it needs to start with education. Make the move to change our core curriculum nationwide. When our children are learning the 50 states, our curriculum should include learning all of the US Territories also, and where they are located. The Entire world’s history is based on land being taken and fought over from one side to another. No matter what piece of ground you stem from. What matter’s more is how you proceed. Many races continue fighting crazy wars over past harms. Some people feel that they are owed something over past harms done to their ancestors not them. Many forget the original ideals their ancestors really fought for. Though as a US Citizen it is our right to rant and rave about our beliefs, ideals, and culture. True change needs to go beyond that. Though I have no memories of my time in Guam, I have spent my whole life telling people I come in contact with where it is, and yes it is a part of the USA and not another country. Going there is not considered going to another country. Lets move forward on a positive note and start with education, in our children, in our country, and in all people. Education is also what is needed to preserve the Pagan. Get some help from scientists. Prove what kind of habitat and animal life destruction will occur. Good luck. And thanks for the read. If someone else already commented like this, sorry. After I hit a section of back and forth bickering I gave up on reading all the comments. I realize this article is old, but hopefully someone gets a hold of this idea on educating.
: What happens if I move here, but don’t change my out-of-state license for several years? If I don’t own a car, will it matter for any reason?
A: The answer comes from Department of Licensing spokesman Brad Benfield:
State law requires individuals moving to Washington from another state to get a Washington driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident. If someone chooses not to do this, it becomes a law enforcement issue and they can get a ticket if they are caught driving with an out-of-state license.
If a person does not drive, and only uses their driver licenses as a form of ID, it would be unlikely they would have any issues with this statute. I believe this is the case because there isn’t a similar law requiring individuals coming from another state with a state-issued ID card to get a Washington ID card to replace it.
But again, the final word on that should probably come from law enforcement.
[State Patrol Trooper Jason Green pointed to RCW 46.20.021. By his interpretation, that law doesn't specify if people with an out of state driver's license intend to drive or not. If someone has an out of state driver's license, Greer said he or she should get a Washington driver's license or ID car. If the person has an out of state ID card and don't plan to drive, Greer said that person should be fine.]
We would certainly advise this individual to get a Washington driver license if there is a chance they might drive a borrowed or rented vehicle here in Washington. This individual might also find a Washington driver license or ID card more convenient here because it is what people who look at IDs here are familiar with.
So much conversation about a first world problem. Pretty stupid article and ensuing conversations about who and what…etc.
1) The U.S. Liberated Guam from the Japanese in WW2. Perhaps Chamorros would prefer to still be under Japanese occupation.
2) If the U.S. leaves Guam (which it no longer needs) it will no longer send everyone their allowance. Now all the Chamorros that don't work, take their U.S. Welfare check, and stand in line at Costco won't get their allowance anymore.
3) WA state law states one must obtain a WA state I.d. after being in state for more than 30 days. So unless this guy was visiting WA for less than 30 days he should've had a WA i.d.
Horribly written article with no clear intention and disproportionate comparisons. Ill considered judgement coupled with ridiculous bias and subjectivity. If you want to be of service, try writing a piece that weighs facts and draws comparisons in the objective/universal pros and cons.
If not, you’d do well to shut your stupid mouth, instead of being grateful that the Japanese put the Chamorros in concentration camps, so as to avoid being bombed by the Americans. Do you really think drawing contrasts between torture and bombing, and the benefit of either one to the other provides the audience with an intelligent basis of your argument? To think so is utterly laughable and puts into perspective just how misguided you are.
Do yourself a favor, shut up and get a state I.D.
You’ll find that the less time you spend complaining about it, the less you have to struggle contemplating about how to properly form ideas, research both sides, execute introspect while logically considering the ideas of others and finally putting it in writing. So in short, do the world a favor and shut your ignorant self up.
Hey, I understand that citizens of Guam got the shaft. Makes sense, American expansion has never been pretty (ie. Hawaii).
The whole military angle? Most deaths per capita? MIGHT be because there are almost no jobs on Guam, so a large percentage of people end up joining the military. Also, when you’re comparing a population of less than one million to any American state, of course the percentage will be higher. If 10,000 people out of a population of 165,000 join the military, it is almost guaranteed they will have a higher rate of death than a state like, oh, Montana(just over 1 mil population, one of the least populated states in America). Simple math, there.
The whole voting thing? Just like Puerto Rico, Guam has the ability to vote itself into being an official state of America. I’m sure there are some profitable reasons why that never, ever, ever happens.
You know, I lived in Guam when I was 5-6. My parents were stationed in Guam, and I attended Wettengel Elementary school. My days usually involved being discriminated against by both faculty and children. First, the kids would start a fight with me, or a group of kids would jump me, and then the teachers would punish ME. Every time. Hyper-alertness and anxiety are still apart of my life, some 25 years later.
And if you want to talk about injustice starting in Guam ,please refer to Anna Perez Hattori, associate professor in the Humanities Division of the College of Liberal Arts and Science at the University of Guam. She would like voting rights to apply ONLY to those people who lived on Guam pre-1950’s and there descendants. Sounds a lot like…JIM CROW! If you’re unfamiliar with Jim Crow, just review the history of American slavery and civil rights.
Oh, and as far as the whole language thing goes, I was taught more Chamorran than English when I attended school in Guam. I didn’t learn about nouns, subjects, prepositions, or damn near any specific English grammar until I moved away from Guam. So yes, the right to speak it may have been taken away over 100 years ago, but the language definitely didn’t die.
All I hear is “BooHoo I had to educate someone about my ethnic and cultural heritage.” The melting pot doesn’t have chunks in it. My ancestors come from 19 different countries and that breeds hybrid vigor, its not racism, its scientific fact. Ethno-centrism and cultural pride is just a justification for inbreeding and ignorance. Next time you use your computer or cell phone remember that those inventions wouldn’t exist without cultural integration. Don’t cling to the past. See Guam, or any island for that matter, as what it truly is… Just another place on the same planet that we all live on.
When I was a new member of the Air Force, I was station in Guam. Through my church I attended there I got to meet many local people. Those who lived through World War 2 were very appreciated of the United States liberating them from Japanese occupation. They told us that during the occupation they were only allowed to read, write and speak Japanese. How they were used for labor fortifying the island (All those tunnels and caves in the mountains). Working with those in our adopted village, and those who adopted us young airmen, we really did get along. But I also found that there was a growing resentment for anyone not native to the island from the younger generation, those who would be your parents or grandparents. At the time I figured it was a dislike of the military personal. Young military Airmen can be rather idiots.
So what is it with your generation? the Mariana Islands are a territory. All it takes is a vote and you can become an independent country. (Ok, there is a lot more involved but I want to keep this short.) Otherwise you remain an American citizen. The issue you had at the bar was from ignorance. Most people in the continental United States are clueless of history and geography. Some don’t even know what states border their own state.