Citizens should absolutely have representation in their national government. Territories send young men and women to serve in the U.S. military, and they should have a say in who their commander-in-chief is. An idea which can be proposed in Congress to allow our service members to vote for the commander-in-chief regardless of their residence on Guam seems reasonable.
That said, there are several methods for getting this done, but it would mean an amendment to the U.S Constitution. As I recall, the residents of the District of Columbia got the right to vote for president without statehood through the 23rd amendment. In the case of Puerto Rico, in particular, it could also mean statehood if a majority of Puerto Ricans choose the same process among Puerto Rico’s various status options.
I staunchly supported Hillary Clinton, who, as a senator from New York, co-sponsored the D.C. House Voting Rights Act of 2007, which would have bestowed upon the citizens of D.C. a full voting member of the House. Eleanor Holmes Norton, as a delegate, can only vote in committee but not on the floor of the House, just as the delegate of Guam, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the Republican majority in the House stripped our congresswoman’s committee vote, thus defining her as a non-voting delegate. It’s so important that we vote Democrat next year so that we can bring back a Democratic majority and the ideology that embraces individual choice for all citizens of the United States, a liberal ideology, for all Americans. Both Secretary Clinton and I believe in a similar principle for the U.S territories. If Mrs. Clinton were president today, without a doubt she would push a Clinton administration and Congress to figure out the best way to make that happen so that the people of the territories are properly represented. I fully acknowledge this does not necessarily mean a “voting voice” in the House, since we are a small territory, much smaller than even the smallest state. Our current status falls under the broad description of insular political communities affiliated with the United States.
Guam deserves full inclusion under the rights granted by the Constitution of the United States. We deserve a realistic status as an Organized Incorporated Territory of the United States of America. The whole notion of pushing toward Free Association will only benefit a small percentage of the people of Guam. Saving our Chamoru heritage begins at home, with families and our kids, and not by kicking another nationality out of Guam. If our leaders can’t solve the financial matters of our government, prioritize tax return payments, health care, public safety and education, then how would we be better off without the federal government?
We must take a close look at the option that will best benefit the future of our kids and not rewrite the past. There is selfishness written on the foreheads of those pushing for Free Association. Recently, I observed students of the University of Guam wearing shirts that displayed “Free-Ass” (Association). How do we take them seriously if they aren’t even serious about their decision to support free association for Guam? They are my counterparts and friends, but they are completely lectured with a personal agenda at the University of Guam. If you don’t believe me, take a look at who is teaching the courses they’re taking at the university.
DERICK BAZA HILLS
Agat, Guam
