The Stream - Guam's struggle for self-determination
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- Опубликовано: 11 апр 2017
- Guam's struggle for self-determination - The Stream
A debate is heating up on the US territory of Guam about its political future. The Pacific island’s attorney general has filed an appeal to a federal court ruling that struck down a planned referendum on its political status. The ruling revolves around Arnold Davis, a long-time resident of the island who sued the Guam Elections Commission for not allowing him to vote because he is white. According to the law in Guam, only native residents are allowed to vote in the non-binding referendum.
Now, that question will go before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States. The island’s official status is as a non-self-governing territory. Guam has no official representation in the federal government, and its people are not full citizens of the country. If the referendum hadn’t been delayed, native Chamorro people and their descendants would have been voting on three options for the future of Guam: statehood, free association, or independence from the US.
Independence advocates want total political autonomy from the US. They want a greater say over decisions that the military makes on the island. They object to unilateral land seizures like the recent decision to convert a culturally important area into a firing range. Michael Bevacqua, Assistant Professor of Chamorro Studies at the University of Guam, calls it a “once in a lifetime vote, and it is tied to righting a historical wrong. A decolonisation plebiscite is not supposed to be open to everyone, it’s supposed to be reserved for those who have been denied the right to determine their own destiny.”
Supporters of statehood say that Guam needs the United States in order to live the life they are accustomed to. There would be too much uncertainty over the economy, the standard of living, and perhaps most worrying of all, the island of 161,700 people would no longer receive around $1.5 billion in federal aid and government programs.
Guam has a long history of colonization, beginning with centuries of Spanish rule, occupation by Japan in World War II for a three-year period, and has been “owned” by the US since 1899. The US military now occupies about 28 percent of Guam’s land. Its air and naval bases are among the most critical in the world, allowing access to the Straits of Taiwan and the South China Sea. Guam was the major launching pad for both the Vietnam and Korean wars. Recently, the military announced a massive expansion on the island. It intends to move around 4,000 troops plus their families from the Japanese island of Okinawa to Guam, after mass demonstrations against the US presence there.
The military is an important part of the economy and culture in Guam. One in eight people living on the island are veterans, and residents serve at a rate that's three times higher than anywhere else in the United States. During the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, four of the Army’s top recruiters were from Guam, and enlistment on the island doubled while it was falling almost everywhere else in the nation, according to a PBS documentary.
While the plebiscite itself does not have any legal impact on the status of Guam, it would send an important message to the mainland on what direction the people of Guam wish to go, and clarify the future role of the military on the island.
The Stream discusses Guam’s options and how its choices could affect its relationship with the military.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero
Co-Chair, Independence for Guåhan Task Force
independentguahan.com
Adrian Cruz
Chair, Free Association Task Force
Facebook.com/GuamFreeAssociation
Robert Underwood @PresidentUOG
President, University of Guam
Dewey Huffer
Supporter of statehood for Guam
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On The Stream: Guam’s struggle for self-determination: who should have a say in the island’s future, and will the U.S. listen?
Thumbnail: USS Ronald Reagan is moored in Apra Harbor on the US Naval Base in Guam on September 25, 2016. (COURTESY: US NAVY) 
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This is basically the same situation us in Puerto Rico are in
Well that's not what ultimately happens. It is up to the federal government to finally decide what happens. I wish we would be given independence as soon as possible, knowing it is the best path for us to prosper.
kinda funny, last time PR voted statehood won by 67%
carazo321 Yes, with the 1,3 million people who voted for that question, 61% was for statehood. But that is excluding the 500,000 who did not vote in the second question, which is highly likely that none support statehood. Meaning no status gained a majority.
I pray that you all would never be allowed to vote in the US as that would be a guaranteed vote for the Democrats. If you want independence that badly then so be it I don't mind having you around and giving you free travel to the US to work etc but you all must never be able to vote.
Trust me, the U.S. doesn't want Puerto Rico. Why do you think the country didn't become a state even when the country is voted for it? The country is around 75 billions in debt, 40% of the population on welfare, there is not enough natural resources to justify a net deficit around around 20 billions of federal aid spending there each year. If you guys voted to leave, the United States would gladly cut you loose.
I love how they all bring up stories of inequality from WWII. Listen, WWII came to a close over 50 years ago. Stories of racism in Guam from the 1940s mean nothing now. There was extreme racism in the United States through the 1960s and 70s and there's still racism in the US today. To claim that statehood is a terrible idea because of inequalities made by the US in the past is a silly argument as only about 5% of the Guam population is old enough to have actually lived through those events. Why make personal ties with things that haven't personally affected you? It's like saying you don't like dogs solely because one bit your great grandfather when he was a kid. Voting for statehood seems like the best option for Guam, to be honest.
@NippleSauce...Yup so true,just because some people experienced racism in Guam during the 1940's doesn't apply to the people of Guam today,because most of us weren't even around during that time. My grandparents were around during World War ll and none of them ever mentioned racism,but were very grateful for the U.S Soldiers who rescued Guam during World War ll. I also agree that remaining with the United States as either a Territory or Statehood would be the best options for Guam and The Northern Mariana Islands.
Also Didint the Japanese slaughter tons of Guam natives?
Its good for the Chamorro people to vote in this issue. Very intresting listening to this video
I would like to say that the two women who hosted this talk were incredible. Well done...I learned so much.
the philippines is in this kind of dilemma before, politicians wants to be independent from usa rather than a colony. now china is creeping the island of philippines. careful guam !!
USA will never let Guam go anywhere.
The moment Guam got independence China & Russia would absorb that island up.
yasar ali by absorb I mean influence. Those other nations has USA heavy influence/military in Asia/Pacific Ocean.
Look at Philippines, Duerte decided to move away from USA. China & Russia jumped in quick to back Duerte. Giving him $$ & weapons.
Syria(which is in Asia) is heavily leaning towards Russia.
This is exactly the point of this vote. The people of Guam want to be able to set the terms of their existence. Governance, economy, as Underwood stated, are other discussions. This one is about being able to have the voice.
radio tech China has absorbed Philippines??? What?
Actually, the United States has no reason to keep the country. There is no strategic value for the country. We spent half a billions dollars each year to keep the country afloat. There is no natural resources worthwhile. If the country wants to leave, just vote for independence, and we'll comply. The country itself is not big enough to spend essentially half a billion each year for some troops for some potential war. It's basically more of a military base and aircraft port at this point.
Alan Scott You **are** aware that We spend billions on our fleet of aircraft carriers, right? Guam is essentially an aircraft carrier that eschews mobility in favor of longer runways, and hence, the ability to launch b52s and b1s.
It's also a giant gate to the east Pacific where Hawaii and the West coast and Alaska is. For centuries state's have sought to extend their defensive barriers beyond their borders and the US, much like the UK, is essentially a giant floating island. It's markets and friends are on shore elsewhere, and we have Bretton woods and the US to thank for the current relative peace and relative prosperity.
Guam, where East meets West. The island has been the battleground for Western ideals for many years at war over a Pacific Island value system that venerates families, people, custom and traditions. It's the ideological divide that is at the heart of the issue. The battle comes with a heavy cost to the Chamorro people whom place a greater emphasis on cultural and traditional preservation over the ideals of individualism of which advances the mission of the United States' push into Asia. Similar to its neighbors to the East, Guam's indigenous people have long placed a value system in sharing, communal system which is closer to its Asian origins. As a part of the US, the Chamorros are suppose to uphold these American values and ways of thinking. But values change over time. Yes, things have changed dramatically for Guam, both in terms of landscape and how this land is shaped by those that would like to exploit its land (property) value.
Guam, inarguably one of America's most valuable pieces of real estate in the vast Pacific Ocean. A jewel in the Crown Empire. Guam is inextricably America's link, a springboard if you will for its military dominance and superiority over Asia, a rising power for the better half of the 21st century. China's economic & military expansion is countering America's hegemony in the region and Guam lies in the proverbial crossroads between both spears. Land, and not people, are what's of value in today's economy. As more Chamorros who have moved to the US and raised families in the mainland see and experience upon their return to Guam, the battle is a new one. It's a battle of land and who has it and who doesn't. We can see it in plain view especially now with China's island building campaign in the South China Sea to counter America's military domination of the region. The Chamorro people and those that identify with them and share their plight are but mere pawns in this chess game. The Chamorro people, once in harmony with nature and the land as the first settlers throughout the Mariana archipelago were and continue to be stewards of their islands that they continue to occupy. Do the hybridized Chamorro of modern day still hold true say over their inhabited land and themselves for that matter or do they get little and more of a marginalized say of how this land is used and exploited is really the central question here.
As an American territory, land is divided and sold to the highest bidder, mostly foreign interests as they have access to vast amounts of capital. Selling, dividing and holding title to land is a western concept which has made many Chamorros prosperous on Guam. It is the one thing that remains of high value to the outside world. If one should tell you it is the culture that is the main attraction to Guam, then they're either deceiving you or are simply misinformed. Is there a unified vision of Guam held by the Chamorro people or is it a divided one? Surely the US would prefer a divided one I posit, a separate but equal vision held that Chamorro people are part of America but separated through its current status as an unincorporated territory/possession. Same goes for America Samoa, USVI, CNMI, and Puerto Rico. The standard strategy to conquer by division is at play here, albeit subtle, and this persistent further erosion of cultural ties to the land is systematically upheld by the Feds wholly control over immigration policies is but just one technique utilized to continue toward these ends. At the moment, US Census figures show that people residing on Guam and that regard themselves as Chamorro are the dominant ethnic race. Will this continue to be that way going into the next century? Is there a growing ethno-nationalist movement happening on Guam now because as the numbers show, Chamorros still have a grip on controlling the local political landscape before it swings too far in favor of other races of people as it will be in the US mainland when Hispanics dominate the racial ethnography within a few decades? Similar to what's happening throughout Europe with its open borders and more migrants, immigrants, and refugees pouring in things will change, specifically within the EU, the UK being the exception to the rule with Brexit. Also, how will rising seas with climate change affect the continued immigration inflow, racial mix and further erosion of Guam's unique culture? Will the US be sympathetic to the Chamorro people? How the Chamorro view themselves and their place in the world will determine the outcome of Guam's political status, whether that be the preferred status quo as an unincorporated US Territory, or perhaps a Commonwealth, or Statehood and or some other hybridized amalgam of the aforementioned.
Dr. Robert Underwood is correct to say that the time has come for Guam to envision a new political reality that either places Chamorro interest first or it will take a back seat and allow others to determine how that future is shaped. In the end, it may be a self-defeating battle as Guam's fate lies solely on the occupier and it will take a exceptional Act of Congress to determine a change of political status. Either Guam sinks as former Congressman Hank Johnson voiced in the halls of Congress as it pertained to the increase in US military personnel stationed there or Guam choose to swim with a life line provided through powerful interests that serve to influence this decision or all get on one big proa and set sail adrift with the support of the UN. One thing is for certain, the island will continue to be regarded as important strategically and used primarily as a forwarding base to project strength, power and influence for whomever may be the superpower at the time whether that be China, Russia or the United States. We're at the crossroads, politically and geographically speaking. Lots of questions with lots of good answers for such a small island with such a large future ahead of itself. Be proud and stand as one message with one voice.
Guam should stay apart of America we wanted to join the United States that's what my grandfather tells me
@Zecheriah Borja...That's what my grandparents told me too is that the majority of Chamorro's want to remain with America which is why Guam has remain with the U.S since 1898.
@JTN L, Article VI, Clause 2 of the US Constitution contains what is generally called the Supremacy Clause. Subordinate jurisdictions of the US cannot limit or restrict federal authority. Perhaps you are thinking of another country, etc...
As I mentioned in the clip, very few Guam voters would give up their US passport. In effect, there are only two directions for Guam. Move away from the US or move closer to the US (including status quo.) US citizenship and the Guam Organic Act were the results of efforts made by the Guam Congress in the late 1940s. The Guam Organic Act is the federal law that set up a civilian government for Guam.
While the term "colonialism" is thrown around in these discussions on Guam, Guam is actually more of a US dependency. I mean this in the political sense. There is nothing stopping Guam leaders from holding a political status vote tomorrow. the result will be what I mention in the second paragraph. We have tested this point many times over the years using all kinds of split samples. The reason Guam leaders (other than Governor Calvo who has supported a vote recently) wont hold a vote is two fold. First there is a notion that this vote should only be for certain people, not all voters. If Guam leaders wanted, they could ask the UN directly what it thinks of racial voting and get a wakeup call. They claim this vote will be presented to the UN. Second, I believe that the vote has been delayed these many years because the answer from the vast majority-- that the US is the preferred choice -- is not suitable to those that control the voting process.
@Tunay; Guam is a very nice community and people here are polite virtually all the time, it is a community value. In this segment, there were just a handful of views on a very diverse subject. Probably the most informed speaker today was Dr. Underwood, but even we likely disagree politely on some of these points.
Guam could have any number of integration options with the United States, we just havent explored them yet. In general, I have termed this a kind the "ruby slippers problem." Like Dorothy in the Land of Oz, Guam can click its heels together politically and get what it wants, but it has to first know what it wants.
I hope these points help with this discussion somewhat. There is nothing set in stone on these issues and the future will most likely just a continued status quo for a very, very, very, long time... ie 300-400 years... ;)
There is one other important point. US citizenship is generally viewed as immutable. Once you have it (as long as fraud is not at play), it generally cannot be taken away unless a person does something that takes it away. For example, changing citizenship to another country, certain crimes, etc...
I agree completely with this.
Another thing that I have come to learn is that the people of Guam, whoever are eligible to participate in the voting, were not properly educated in order to make an informed decision. There was an educational plan set for children to learn of not just Guam's history, but of the political decision that Guam would have to be making and these lesson plans were supposed to let these children growing into adults to realize the position Guam is in and how the people of Guam should go about making this decision, but for some reason GDOE was not able to enforce teachers to teach such materials. Instead, children growing up learned about US History, 44 Presidents, Cowboys, Indians, 13 first US colonies, 50 states and their capitals, but nothing about the issue that we are met with today. When I was a junior in high school, my teacher was letting our class read from books that were outdated and were meant for elementary students. He was an enthusiast of letting our students know about an upcoming plebiscite and letting us know that we have to be more aware of gaining more knowledge of this decision. I am pretty sure he knew that we going to be the newest generation of adults to be able to have a vote to decide whether or not Guam should be Statehood, Free Association, or Independent. Instead of blaming whoever for not being able to teach about such an alarming situation caused to affect the future of Guam, the people of Guam are in dire need of a crash course class of each choice and the pros and cons for Guam. I believe people would say that they have learned enough by how much talk has been going around, but I do believe they are not getting the full gravity of each selection. An example would be the military buildup. Majority of people were for the military buildup because of all of the benefits that people talked about; more jobs, better roads, better economy, better tourism. People failed to see major cons with the military buildup; more jobs, but majority of people on Guam who were unemployed would not be qualified to fill such positions so the US would bring in workers; fuller traffic commutes at Guam's major traffic hours; more land will be taken away from us and a part of a village would be relocated due to a firing range; and since the Japanese were the ones kicking the Marines off their island why would they waste their money vacationing with the very people they just got rid of. I believe the military buildup is a lesson learned for the people of Guam to really listen to the full outcome of a decision. Stop relying on our government leaders to make a decision for us just so that we can make them our scapegoats when everything turns wrong. The people of Guam should be forthcoming of our half-knowledge or lack of knowledge about the plebiscite, and make an effort to understand which status would honestly be the best choice for the people of Guam.
I like Victoria. She makes great points.
No representation without taxation .
Leon-Guerrerro and Cruz. My family!!! Great Bbq. Hafa Adai from the Quengas.
why does Lola look so white? Is she mixed?
Are the people oppressed? Are they denied at education? Are they not free to be part of the capitalist economy?
What people need to remember is that in almost every case, the Call for Self-Determination, or anything like that is a well-known communist tactic. In almost every country that used to be "colonized" but now aren't there has been a near complete meltdown of almost all social as well as economic order and prosperity.
Almost every "former colony" of European control have regressed to oppressive authoritarian countries.
I am NOT suggesting that past colonization has all good, as they say, it wasn't. People died both in fighting as well as diseases that the "settlers/conquerors" brought.
But in the case of Guam, please show me how oppressed the people really are.
I think "independence" is fine for Guam and every island in the chain. But history shows and logic tells you that a small lone disconnected sovereign island will not be that for long if it is of any strategic interest of a world power.
if you want to be like our country The Philippines who used to be an American Commonwealth then ask for Independence...
GREAT that the truth about Guam is now public... Fairness should come soon...
interesting on all sides.. Guam is a strategic location for USA
Guam is a U.S. colonial possession, like Puerto Rico. The United States colonized both islands in 1898. The same year the United States colonized the Hawaiian Islands.
The U.S. faces many issues like this. In 1997, then Mexican President Zedillo proclaimed, “I have proudly affirmed that the Mexican nation extends beyond the territory enclosed by its borders.” A Zogby's poll found that 58 percent of Mexicans agree with the statement, "the territory of the United States' Southwest rightfully belongs to Mexico.”
Most empires have been dismantled, not America’s it would seem?
Because Mexico doesn't have the capability to take it from the United States. Also, because most people in the South West want to stay in America.
Has there ever been an actual petition signed by all the citizens of Guam as well as those who reside within the United States, who support the appeal set forth by the Pacific Island's attorney general?? Even if only 25% of U.S. Democrats and Liberals alone voted in addition to the Guam population, an overwhelming list of 25 million votes would emerge... wouldn't that have any say??
Bring Guam in the U.S. fold
what about those that arent native chamorro who live there and love the island if you choose independence.
Darth Leonard what about them? they can choose to remain on the island or if they dont like it they are free to go elsewhere. just as they freely chose to move to guam. the chamoru people didnt move to guam. its the only land they have therefore it is their right to choose.
What im saying is, with a complete independence and severance, would you ever force non chamorros off the island. ive lived on guam for years. i hate the mainland. i want to stay. what about visa status? immigration policies? what about chamorros in the mainland? filipino dual citizens? this is very complicated. a lot more complicated than "they can stay or leave, its up to them"...
Darth Leonard That is a very good question and Im pretty sure it hasnt been talked about
Good bye to American jobs you have there
Might be a little late here, but all US Territories should be allowed to vote on becoming a state.
But the vote could be skewed by US residents if thy have voting rights...
Many people don't really know this, but America isn't even the biggest "colonial" power today. France is. France still has many significant overseas territories, many of which are much bigger than Guam demographically and geographically. Even small countries like Netherlands and Denmark have colonies still. Denmark has Greenland and Fore island.
ARVIN that great for them, but we are talking to about Guam, the US, AND MY PEOPLE.
@@desmondsannicolas6119 People of Guam love being American, period.
atletico ATM some do, not all. I am from Guam I’m not talking from an outsiders point of view. Older guamanians love America because it saved them, there are Chamorros who want our land back and our indigenous rights. 🇬🇺
BIBA GUAHAN
Guam would be stupid, not to seek statehood. Philippines had that opportunity, and they passed it up, and then in early 2000's oops! they went and petitioned statehood again,, and USA turned them down. Philippines is a crazy country that has taken millions from the States anyway, and has nothing. If that's what Guam wants, go for it.
To Mike Garner: People in Guam are aware of what has happened with The Philippines when they choose Independence...Most people in Guam want to remain with the U.S as either a Territory or become a Commonwealth....The Majority don't want Independence.
Mark Garner the Philippines has nothing? It's the 10th fastest growing economy in the world. Metro Manila is booming and there are skyscrapers everywhere. When people from Guam need to go to good hospitals, where do they go? To the Philippines. Most importantly, we have independence, and a country to call our own. Our native languages are thriving, unlike Chamorro. And Filipinos will never become minorities in our own land like Chamorros have become.
Fake news?
Yeah and look at us now Filipinos,some of us tries really hard to get to US land.Personally,Filipinos really can preserve our culture even under American constitution if ever we became one.
Pay us for protection 💰💰💰💰💰💰
we never asked you for your protection to begin with! you people just go around bullying everyone and force yourselves on them. Bunch of bullies and rapists.
David Honey pay us for the land and water you occupy
shut up
Be careful ,you may just get what you want! It's up to the people of Guam. Study Panama and study Puerto Rico.. It's your decision. America, will prosper whatever you decide !
Go for it. U will be sorry. Pay for
To USA
If Guam is decolonized, how will Guam able to support itself in order to sustain its own economy?
@Dohn Labalaba....The truth is Guam won't survive very well as an Independent Country or Free Association Status either.
These lames are now cashing stimulus checks and federal unemployment aid. I'm sticking with the US.
@@epramos6800 ...Yup some people don't want to remain part of the U.S,but don't mind having those Stimulus Checks coming in or to receive Federal Aid.
@@sagittariusone2753 I'm not from Guam. My wife is from Santa Rita but her family, both sides are originally from Sumay and they can actually see their land from Santa Rita full of naval housing..
My father in law says, 'people talk about de colonization until Lana, a big typhoon or disaster, they dont mind Uncle Sugar has a big bag of money to help them.' He is also a Retired Naval E8 and visits us every year with Nana for A few months but with C19 I haven't had a visit. We hope soon.
@@epramos6800 ...Its true..Some people want decolonization,but when Guam gets hit with a Typhoon or other Natural Disaster,they are quick to get Uncle Sam's bag of goodies.
Have the referendum including all legal residents...the federal judges decision to halt the referendum limited to Native Guam is correct. All legal residents should vote...excluding military personnels.
John Gray why? They come and go. Why should they chose for permanent residents?
well if you happen to be like Philippines in the end better not. Guam and the Philippines were of former Spain patterned after their political legacy of instability. If you wish to be independent think twice or you may end like us.
the Philippines is better off than Guam. Everything in Guam is insanely expensive. American military bases cover 1/3rd of the island. And when people from Guam want to go to a good hospital or even a decent mall, they fly straight to the Philippines
Agree and look at us Filipinos trying hard to go to US land for better life.
Miri M Yes prices may be cheaper in the Philippines but if you compare the ratio of salary over expenses it's not good compare to Guam or any US land. I'm a Filipino currently in Guam FYI.
Guam should be given independence from us
AJ is wrong about Carlos Taitano. He became a Capitan after joining the Army in WW2. He could not get back to Guam until after the invasion. I am Carlos Taitano's son.
guam wants to be like signipore?
wpaia u mean Singapore?
Free the great nation of Guam
@khadidja koka...Born and raised in Guam and me,my family,friends or others I know never had any problems living on a U.S Territory...We all had freedom just like the rest of America does.
@@sagittariusone2753 Unfortunately.
Guam + Independence = No US federal funding = Guam can go ahead and rename themselves Greece
Guam is better off trying to seek US statehood in order to get representation in the US Congress, Guam senators & representatives can vote on bills that could become US laws, Guam people can vote for president and Guam can express their interests in the US Congress.
Plus as being a US state, Guam can actually set their own state laws that could limit or restrict authority of the US federal government in Guam as the federal government has to respect state laws.
If they become a state then they're going to have to pay taxes and be responsible for themselves. Right now the island is corrupt af and nobody cares.
in a business standpoint. independence = renegotiation. new contracts for using their land. no federal funding but an opportunity to make more money, if they want to use their land exclusively.
The thing is, do we have to add another star (or two if Puerto Rico joins) to our flag?
I think Guam will be without US, they had done that for thousand of years.
Kind of an abrasive broad. Yep.
Three choices doesn't work, Puerto Rico is evident of that. It should be Independence or Statehood. The United States are using all of it's territories as military Outpost with total disregard to the native inhabitants. US citizens should be treated equally no matter where you're located. I believe the US should give Independence to all the Colonies they posesiones. The current status is unjust, look how the Hawaiians made out with Statehood. They are a minority in their own country, it's sad! Independence for all the US Colonial Possessions. 🇵🇷🇬🇺🇦🇸🇻🇮🇲🇵🌺
Okay, how many of the population want this referendum? It should be open to all residents excluding military personnel.
John Gray that's like saying everyone in the US should vote for Native American rights. Umm, no. The Chamoru and all the residents and their descendants living on Guam when the organic act was passed should get a say-it's their livelihood, their land and their ancestry.
Sabet Flores I don't think so...Guam residents are US citizens therefore any change in their status they should have a say. With respect to Native Americans( I assume you mean those in reservations) that is different because those reservation are considered sovereignt nations.So, in order to have say in Native American affairs you have to be member of that nation through whatever process those nations choose to admit people. Guam is in a different category.
US citizens with VERY limited rights or a say so in anything that happens to Guam.
Sabet Flores I assume residents of Guam have a choice in their local government? If change in status is wish of the majority than it should reflect in their choice of local leaders and through that Guam has voice to demand change in Status. Excluding residents just because their certain ethnic group is wrong. Have referendum that includes all legal residents.
radio tech Military personnels are only stationed their for short time...they are not member of the community. I assume your under the assumption that military personnel vote based on where their stationed? No, they can only vote in their home county...through absentee ballot. It would be stupid to let military personnel vote in the county their base is located in.
People of Guam, please don't even entertain this , stay with USA
Mawdo Jawo from a cultural standpoint for my people, that would be disastrous. the longer we are colonized the more our culture will be lost. I am not okay with going down the same path as the Native Hawaiians and the Native Americans. No.
first of all to jimmy wtf is american nationality did you mean american citizen?what are you doing representing anyone with your lack of knowledge so shut up the present day second class american citizen is not working for the chamoris of guam and neither is the status quo if not first class american citizen like the rest of the united states of america is enjoying then i think. independence is the best way for the chamori people of guam and yes it is time rockets or not
Self determination is cute and all but Guam isn't going anywhere.
They will when the time come there is no guarantee in life. And all empire are collapsed US is not exception, its will collapse from within, Charlottesville is proven like there.
Stop be American
I feel like this a non-story.
John Gray why? because it doesn't directly impact you?
Because there isn't a big movement for independence. It's like Texas or Cali want to split, only a very few minority vocal groups that the media capitalized on.
return it to Philippines
Guam is not and never was apart of the Philippines! Educate yourselves first!
technically they were. before the spanish, guam and even hawaii was part of the maharlika kingdom.
To Chris Guerra and Darth Leonard:The Spaniards(Europeans) created the term Spanish East Indies which included The Philippines,Guam,The Northern Marianas Islands,The Federated States of Micronesia and Palau...Native Chamorro's never considered Guam or The Northern Marianas Islands as ever part of The Philippines just because the Spaniards created a region called The Spanish East Indies and decided to lump everyone in those islands together.If Guam or The Northern Marianas were part of The Philippines we wouldn't be a U.S Territory or Commonwealth today,and we would be able to understand at least one of the 100's of languages of The Philippines,but we truly can't communicate with any Filipino in their native languages or dialects,but you can go right ahead and believe what you wanna believe and don't try to argue with me on this subject,because I've dealt with people online like you both who try to convince me otherwise.
To Chris Guerra:The Spanish East Indies and The Philippines are entirely 2 different regions,so don't try claiming Guam or The Northern Marianas Islands as belonging to The Philippines...Todu I Islas Marianas Y Tano Chamorro's...If you don't understand what this means then figure it out yourself.
To MIke Jones....Online their are some youtube videos and even some commentators who are trying to convince The Chamorro People that The Marianas Islands were once part of The Philippines and claiming it as history....As a Chamorro growing up in Guam we were never taught in any Chamorro/American History Class that we were once part of The Philippines,but all of a sudden some are claiming it now...Ironically I heard a comment that even Hawaii was once part of The Philippines too.LOL.