I WAS wondering if the Air Force could expand their annual Christmas drop to include Guam. I am aware that the donated goods come from various businesses, individuals and professional and charitable organizations. But there is a great need on-island as well, given the get-to-turn-the-corner-economy that we have.
Moreover, it will serve to rekindle warm memories of WWII when folks were singing, “When will you return, Uncle Sam?” It would be nostalgic to see the Air Force drop goodies down South, for example, and see the kids (and adults) collect them.
There is a certain thrill just like when the GFD goes around the villages to usher in the Christmas spirit. These events build bonds that need rebuilding, given how far the military and the civilian community has drifted apart over the last 10 to 15 years. If people think the need on-island is not great, then why are there so many petty and not-petty thefts going on all over the island?
The jobs that are in the service sector do not pay enough to sustain a family’s needs and I’m not going to beat up on the hotel and restaurant captains of industry as they have to compete with low-cost destinations. And labor is a big item in the cost structure.
What we need to do as a community is to ensure that the economy creates higher-paying jobs and that will only occur if the economy is diversified. Even tourism alone has many tiers to it and I suspect we are still at the first level, so to speak.
As all can see, the reality on the ground on Guam is a lot different from the hype, just like in Iraq. Even if we “look” prosperous from the air.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam