The Micronesian islands cover a very large area in the Pacific — they stretch a long line south of Honolulu. When Pearl Harbor was attacked and destroyed to the point where the U.S. woke up, this was only possible because the Micronesian islands were in the hands of the enemy then. To secure Honolulu and its interest, the United States must have defense rights over the Micronesian islands. Therefore, the Compact was legally in place for homeland security purposes —the security Honolulu enjoys every single day since 1945. Now, I wonder how much would that cost?
In return for giving defense rights to the U.S., the Micronesians were granted special benefits. In short the security of Honolulu and other U.S. interests depends on its relationship with their fellow brothers and sisters from the Micronesian islands.
Do you think Micronesians are asking for handouts?
The U.S. continues to pour health and other benefit funds into Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Marianas and any other U.S. area that hosts Micronesians in order to fulfill their Compact promise.
All the Micronesians working in these host states and territories are paying a very fare share of their tax. Looking at the homeless shelters statistics, 95 percent are U.S. citizens or of other citizenship and only 5 percent are Micronesians. We have Micronesians currently fighting in the War Against Terror all around the world serving in the U.S. military — Air Force, Navy, you name it. We even have several casualties that came back home in coffins for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Those who belittle the Micronesians must have assumed something else prior to checking the facts. To turn around and cut Micronesians from their health benefits is like asking to give up your own security treaty.
If any of the states feel that they are being shortfunded, it is their obligation to make a case with the federal government and legally obtain the appropriate fund. It is the only moral and right thing to do. There is no need to discriminate other people for that matter.
ALFONIS M. SOUND
Dandan, Saipan
