I don’t know when the word activist became a dirty word but I figure that it gained “prominence” with the formation of an organization such as “We are Guahan,” hailed as the new intelligentsia by some.
Somehow the word “activist” has been jettisoned and doing so is a disservice to those who have been on the frontlines for years and who believe that there are legitimate issues that need to be addressed, such as return of excess federal lands, the self-determination plebiscite process (which includes participation from the federal side which is happening now with the education program) and archaic federal laws that stifle Guam’s economic prospects in the 21st century.
But specifically, the recent controversy about Senator Ben’s op-ed which appeared in the Guam Variety, was not, I believe, “a smear” against the entire military even if it can obviously be construed as such.
The military is a fraternity and if you insult one, you insult all. It is a little like taking on the entire Muslim word when the Muslims believe that they are all brothers and they are duty-bound to take offense if one is insulted, especially the Prophet Mohammed.
It was specific to a very few individuals but that can be lost in the patriotic atmosphere that permeates the island, as it is a host not just to many active service folk but just as many veterans.
Of course, for those who have always “disliked” Senator Ben and his politics, this is the time to “pile it on.”
Also, I think Senator Ben should apologize if he believes that he actually offended the Marine Corps by making those statements because if he believes he did not, then even if he does offer an apology, it would be an insincere one — for political benefit. And we have enough of that — using the military to score political points come election time.
Lastly, and on a related note, a recent poll by Dr. Ron McNinch and his UOG students showed that while statehood garnered 50 percent when asked what option would people favor for a status change, 27 percent favored independence — a figure even higher than those who favored free association which came out at 23 percent. And if both these groups which favor a looser relationship with the U.S. is added together, they tie those who favor a closer link with America.
So if Senator Ben is catering to the “loser” group, he is not alone nor is he representing a handful of activists.
MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam
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