RUTH DODGE
Maina

Linda's Comment:

CHAMORRU NATION,
 I find this site quite interesting. Since this site is full of information I've failed to find just who I should direct my comments to.  Hoping that this message will find that specific person. Chamorru Nation... An interesting concept..when did this organization started? As a Guamanian living in the mainland it is a no-brainer to note that our "Islam Guahan" will go through changes... what is unfortunate is most of the guamanians are no longer living in the island because of several reasons.... e.g., education, job opportunities, health, etc. The point I would like to make.... Guam will never be a Chamorru nation. Lets be realistic. Guam is surviving mainly on tourism.... Guam does not export anything major..e.g. sugar cane, beef, etc. Everything needed for the island is imported. Don't get me wrong I'd love to become a chamorru...but they no longer exist.  "CHAMORRU..or "CHAMMORRO" they are our ancestors...and I honor them until I die. I will even go as far as placing a sticker on my car with that name "CHAMORRU..or CHAMMORRO" because I AM PROUD TO BE A DECENDANT. But I am Guamanian...I do not carry the true chammoro blood and I truely believe know one alive has for hundreds of years. My children are being raised here in the mainland... they will learn what I've learned while growing up in the Island... funny as it may seem...but the teachings that my mother, grand-mother, etc. are the ways of the spaniards...even the language has alot of spanish influence... "borrowed language". All in all...I am proud to be a guamanian...born & raised. And as a REALIST.. a guamanian I am and can never be a "chamorro".

Linda O.
Mainland, USA

Chedo's, (Miembron Nasion Chamoru's) Response:
Para Si Linda Osborn,

  It’s sad and truly a tragedy that you would never consider yourself Chamoru. That you are a descendant and therefore a “Guamanian.” That our Chamoru language is relatively Spanish a “borrowed language.” That Chamorus do not exist, and that the upbringing from your mother and grandparents is not Chamoru but instead “Spanish.”
  What seems to be the biggest problem is that some of us Chamorus possess, or have is “LIVING IN DENIAL OF WHO WE ARE AND OUR EXISTENCE AS A PEOPLE.” This, however is understandable since many of us underwent an educational system that denigrates and continues to deny our existence in the first place! The result is that many of our people come out of this system culturally lost! Thus, forming the opinion that Chenchule’, inagofli’e, inafa’maolek, dinanah, mangginge’, poksai, ika, Saina, etc., are Spanish values. IN TRUTH, THEY ARE NOT. THEY’RE NOT EVEN SPANISH WORDS! THEY’RE CHAMORU! Secondly, the term “Guamanian” (if you did your research) first appeared in 1950, during the formulation of the Organic Act; and during the U.S. missions to the United Nation yearly appearances and report to the general assembly. The point is that the fact that it is a recent creation by the United States and an imposed political term DOES NOT NULLIFY YOUR PRIOR IDENTITY OR ETHNICITY! In other words, if today I dictated that henceforth you’ll be labeled or called a “Martian,” will that labeling make you any less “preferably Guamanian?”
  Our parents prior to 1950 have always identified themselves as Chamorus and their parents to them as well. Who am I to deny their existence?? Thirdly, where in God’s name did you get this notion that in order to proclaim your identity, that you have to be “pure?” Language and culture is learned. You don’t get it through your genes! There are NO blood banks in Germany or Spain for example, that can determine a “pure German, or Spanish blood.” There are no walls, fences, or gates built since nineteen tinaki’ so that no one can walk to Sweden or Italy etc.. The only logical measurement to identity or ethnicity is a group of people living in a certain region or area for a certain time, having a common language, sharing a common tradition, and life-style. In short, a common way of life. Thus a German is born, a Spanish, A Tagalu, and a Chamoru. This is why former President Aquino from the Philippines can proclaim that she is a Tagala, and accepted by her people as such, regardless of her surname. This is also the same reason why Governors Guiterrez, Camacho, Bordallo, and Calvo have always stated publicly their pride in being a Chamorro --- Chamoru, and our people accepting them as such. The bottom line is that Chamorus of Guam know who they are. Your concern should be, “Where are you getting false information?” Did you read about? Who wrote it? Was your information written by outsiders? Was it written by “Amerkia-non Pau Asu” believing their somebody else they’re not?
  Regarding our Chamoru language. First of all, like culture, all languages are dynamic. All languages though out the world “borrow” or “create” words to expand their vocabulary and survive in time. Even the English language for example, the fact that half of the English dictionary is borrowed words doesn’t mean that today’s English is a “borrowed language!” People today still refer to it as English. The same holds for other languages of the world, INCLUDING CHAMORUS! The fact that I can be in between a Filipino, Mexican, and a Spaniard and speak or converse with another Chamoru language speaker and not be understood by neither three groups, makes our language uniquely Chamoru, regardless whether I borrowed the word “machete” from the Spaniards. NO language today though out the world can claim that their language has not been changed since tiempon guantis! Liken no one can assert that because languages “borrow” or “create” that they are no longer identifiable languages such as English or Chamoru. All language EVOLVE! Check it out! Here’s a list of Chamoru words. See if you can pick up any “Spanish words.”
1) Asi’i, 2) Yu’, 3) Lai, 4) Lao, 5) Ti, 6) Un, 7) Tungo’, 8) Hafa, 9) un, 10) Sasangan.

“Asi’i yu lai, lao ti un tungo’ hafa un sasangan.”

  Moreover, where did you get this idea that in order for people to survive, that a people must export “resources?” So, because Guam has no oil, iron, gold, etc., therefore we have no “resources?” Let me ask you, “Is land a resource?” Of course it is! Guam has Sumai (Naval Station), Tiyan (NAS), N.C.S., Fena, Anderson, etc.. the only problem is that these lands were taken from our people illegally and unjustly, particularly in a time when we were not even Citizens of the United States! In addition, they’re using these lands, “our resources” for FREE! Have we been HOODWINKED?” What are your thoughts? This to me is a ‘NO-BRAINER!!!!”
  You also had the gall to mention that Chamorus are ‘NOT” living in Guam for better education, jobs, etc... God, if the education system in the United States is indicative of your persuasion and mind-set, then NO THANKS! I’d rather be HOME! Lastly, you mentioned that you’re a realist. Indeed you are, your perception of reality has been prescribed for you and mine has escaped the confines and parameters of the COLONIZER! Spare us your baseless degradation and anti-Chamoru sentiments. Do us a favor, rather than confessing to us proud Chamorus why you are not proud of who you are, why not call on God and confess to him why he created you as a Chamoru!!! Biba Chamoru!!!!!!

Jason A. D.
Anderson, GU

Clair’s Comment:
  “I really think it would be great to be independent but do you actually think it would work with how far this island has come with people other than indigenous chamorros having been allowed to purchase our land in the past?”
My Response:
  Clair, the question is, “What solid evidence, or support do you have in mind that makes you so convinced that Independence will not work?” A working democracy regardless of it’s origin, can provide the people of that country the ability to decide for itself the how the people and the land are to be governed and controlled.
  Regarding the purchase of our lands by people other than indigenous Chamorus “in the past,” let me give you some insight that might enlighten your thoughts on this issue. Our lands are still to this day being purchased by people other than Chamorus because of the current and past written laws that continue to principle our legal system that was provided to us by the Federal Government. Had the Federal Government not entrenched our island with western concepts of their interpretation of their legal system, we would not be in this dilemma today.
Clair’s Comment:
  There is no way we will be able to get the land back. Also, have we actually researched independent countries? Take Palau for example, would our people actually work for low wages? With the businessmen that we currently have in the legislature, I think they would just love for the U.S. mandated minimum wage to be left up to them to lower.
My Response:
  When you mention we in the context above, whom are you referring to Che’lu? I have researched Independence first hand. A prime example instead of using Palau is American Independence. We are currently under the conditions of “Taxation Without Representation,” just as in the pre-Independence of the early American colonies. We are still a colony under American control. Just as the colonists were to their mother England.
Clair’s Comment:
  People in Palau make about $1.50 an hour to pump gas, I know of someone who has been a teacher for over 20 years there who makes about $7.00 per hour. We are way too westernized to regress like that and please do not think that the folks in the legislature and the governor will not allow this to happen to us. Another thing, we all complain about the H-2 workers and the many islanders that are allowed here through the compact of free association, well if we lose our U.S. standing, imagine the influx of those immigrants. I heard on the new today that our congressman is appealing to the federal govenment for monetary help for the GMH crisis.
My Response:
  Regarding the “influx of those immigrants.” The current policy for immigrants to enter the Chamoru’s sacred island has been constructed under the American concept of immigration. The Department of Immigration & Naturalization Services which controls this policy was made by the Federal Government and not Guam’s local authorities. So let me ask this question. Who is responsible for the influx of immigrants into Chamoru lands?
  The great percentage of the generation that whole heartedly took Americans into their hearts and homes was the generation of Chamorus that were not as educated in the concepts, ideals, goals, and the history of the Americans. A very obvious result of American expansion and intent has been the exploitation of Native lands for personal benefit and gain, while simultaneously using their personal intent by stating that it would benefit their people (the Americans) and their country (America) as a whole.
Clair’s Comment:
  If we are so able to be independent then we should be able to solve our own problems. Yet we can not. Look at all the corruption within our government, even under the semi- watchful eye of the U.S. we are still so screwed up. Imagine if they didn't have much to do with us. With the case of major disasters such as typhoon Paka, the feds were right here to help. We need the U.S. and if the main reason you people want independence is to have our ancestral lands returned then you are not seeing the big picture and the repercussions that we will encounter in the years to come.
My Response:
  Again Che’lu, when you mention “we” in the context above, please explain who “we” is. As long as there is optimism, and a great belief in faith, then there is always an answer or a way out of whatever current situation anyone is in. As far as “corruption within our government,” please explain the corruption. What are some of the misconduct’s that are currently, or have been taking place in the Government in the past? Before anyone can make an accusation regarding specific displacements, or misconduct, there must first be concrete, a strong circumstantial evidence of the matter.
  I served close to eighteen (18) years in the United States Army. For the entire time I was serving, there was no question in my mind as to my intent of serving. I was always under the impression that I was fighting for “Freedom & Liberty.” That was not the case though. In actuality, I was serving the country by maintaining it's “National Security” from foreign and domestic enemies.
  The idea of serving the country to maintain “our” “Liberty and Freedoms” was a complete wash. What liberty and freedom do the Native Americans have today? Not much. I have personally maintained an open dialogue with numerous Native Americans who are still pursuing their “Liberty and Freedom.”
  When it comes to Federal aide due to natural disasters. Let me make a humble statement in regards to that. If America is the true democracy which upholds it’s laws by swearing or affirming to the “Holy Bible,” then out of the courtesy to the “Holy Bible” they should help not just “Territories of the United States.” They should help whoever is in need of assistance.
  When you say “WE NEED THE U.S.” I know that I am not included in that factor. To this day, mainstream America still doesn’t accept us as equals, nor do they to any other ethnicity that is not white. To this day in America, prejudice, racism, and ethnocentrism is found throughout most classes of society. A hypocrite is one today in America other than a “Native” who can claim that this is their land.
  So who are “WE?”  When God destroyed the “Tower of Babel” and separated the people there by changing their thoughts and languages so they wouldn’t understand each other, wouldn’t it be safe to assume that God separated the people for a reason? I most certainly do. If his intent was to ensure that there would never be another one single nation alone on this world with one common language, one common culture, then I intend on pursuing that same concept.
  It has been estimated by scientific carbon dating that Chamorus have lived in the islands for close to five thousand years. That means that Chamoru predecessors were on the island living on a day to day basis before “Christ.” Remember, Christ was estimated to have been on this world an estimated two thousand years ago.  Chamorus have come to claim the land of what we currently understand today to be the “Marianas” thousands of years before America’s recorded history. America’s history is the youngest when compared to other industrial Independent Nations.
  In less than five hundred years, twenty five to thirty generations of Chamorus were forced into submitting our beliefs, liberties, and our freedoms to adhere to imperial powers who out powered Chamorus not in numbers, but by technology. Our stones, spears, and numbers could not crush the encroaching explorers and imperial government who were armed with guns and canons.
In less than one hundred years, a great percentage of Chamorus have been instructed by law to adhere to the laws of the colonizing Americans. In less than fifty years, two generations have been born and raised under the concept of western culture. The American way.
  So if this is the case. Then to perpetuate a culture whose existence is only as old as the Constitution of the United States, is to perpetuate a culture of practices and beliefs not of our own. This is a fact. I wish not participate in the perpetuation of a culture that was given birth to by an egocentric, prejudice, self-centered, and hypocritical society.
  Che’lu, I am not here to argue with you on your opinion. Each and every living person should be entitled to their opinion. My personal goal is to perpetuate our culture, beliefs, traditions, and to continue the struggle of getting the lands back to the original land owners of Guam. The Chamorus. My mother’s generation might pass on if we don’t do something to nurse the injuries given to us by people of other imperialistic nations who were responsible for placing Chamorus in the situation they are currently in.
  What makes this world of "ours" so wonderful and exciting is the great diversity in culture, people, and places.  So if I wish to fly to Germany to visit the Deutch homeland and participate in their Deutch culture, I hope that they're still practicing German culture and not another country's. When I go to Japan to participate in their native culture and traditions, I hope they're not practicing anothers culture and beliefs. It would defeat the purpose of my "VISIT."

Florence's Comment:
"Preferably I would like to remain a US Citizen and I don't need you or your organization trying to take that away from me or my family ... You can fight for our Island but you can't keep trying a hopeless case to reform our citizenship... You try to live in a commonwealth community ??? Lets see if you can survive on a minimum wage so pathetic you can barely survive to support your family or ways of living   ... So cut the bullsh~t and get over it.  
  Pardon my rudeness.. But if you want to make a real change why don't you send all the aliens back home to where they all came from ....And lets get our Island back together and in shape and maybe then I'll support the organization ... "