State governments have followed suit and at least for the next few days or so, debates and augmentations of everything from requisitions to block grants would simmer down, if not ceased. The people look forth to this day.
I am almost positive that most people have been stocking up on supplies – out of the ordinary food, special drinks, and a little extra of this and that; and would most likely be marching in and out of the major grocery stores this week for knick knacks and the “we might need this” and the “just in case” things. Those who own boats probably began saving a few cents here and there during the last several paydays to ensure that the boats are gassed up and in good working order – relatives and maybe extremely close friends almost certainly have called in advance to reserve designated spots on the boats.And so, just about everyone – government officials, ordinary citizens, a few thousand foreign workers, and a limited number of tourists and invited guests – anticipate a day of festivities filled with exceptionally short humorous yet meaningful speeches, a condensed litany of the event, great inexpensive food, live dancing and singing, the occasional boondoggles of candidates currently in the running for varying state governments’ posts and of course, the altruistically suicidal boat operators holding the helms of extremely esoteric fast boats.I, on the other hand, and a few of my friends and relatives have no spare change – not since 1994 and we have been struggling to be independent. I do acknowledge that Palau is indeed independent and I am proud. I will, without a doubt, be a participant of the hootenannies on October 1st. I hope to be moved and that I would miss the malaise in the air.I am saddened, however, that there would be people who will be left out. These are the people who cannot be independent. They rely on others for survival – some since the day they were born. Most of the people they relied on have opted to be independent and have loosened ties with them; and hence, they seem to walk around aimlessly. I feel for them, but independence has been defined and seems to be the rule these days.I do ask, as you make preparations for Independence Day, that you consider acknowledging those us who are “in dependence” of our kindness, generosity, understanding, and respect. If we all learn that as a people we cannot be independent of each other, then and only then, Independence Day would be a much brighter day. Be independent and be proud, but hold your brother’s hand as you sing: “Belau loba Klisiich.”
