THE people of Guam need to grab the bull by the horns and take control of their political destiny. It is high time we voice with the federal government our disapproval of how Guam and its residents are being treated. No, we are not oppressed nor abused by the federal government; however, we are exploited, and even worse, we are marginalized.
Guam has enjoyed a proud history with the United States dating back to 1898. Indeed, there have been occasional dark clouds that have stained the annals of our history together but overall, there have been far more bright spots than dark ones. Now that over 100 years have passed since our formal relationship with the U.S. began, it is time we examine the nature of our relationship, what it has been, what it is now, and what we wish it to be in years to come.
Will we be forever content to remain an unincorporated territory of the United States? Will we continue to embrace the status quo as we have for so many decades? Do we deserve greater prominence and inclusion in the United States? These are pressing questions; these are questions that need answers. And it is the people of Guam who must enunciate their answers loudly and clearly to our elected officials.
Senator Lujan has listened to the voice of his constituents and created legislation to seek up to $2.4 billion of federal money to subsidize improvements to our island infrastructure and to remunerate our war veterans and their families. He has also explored various means of strengthening and thereby improving our relationship with the U.S. government. As he has suggested, a change to commonwealth status or even interim commonwealth status would signal countless benefits for our island. If Guam ever hopes to move from the periphery and into the American mainstream, then we must make a concerted effort to change our status and increase our responsibilities and rights as citizens.
If we as Guam’s children are good enough to fight and die for America, then by right, we are good enough to vote and play a hand in the government that we shed our blood to preserve. We will get what see seek and no more. What we have now reflects our self-worth as a people. We have freely given and are deserving of greater acknowledgement than we have thus far been accorded.
I believe America is a truly great country; but I also believe that Guam and its people make American even greater.

KELLY MARTINEZ
Retired U.S. Army SSgt.
Yigo, Guam