Obama’s visit is an opportunity for the island’s residents, who do not have the right to vote for president, to voice the many concerns they have with the buildup, according to a press release from the grassroots group.
The petition began circulating when it was announced last month that the president would visit the island.
After reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, released on Nov. 30, 2009, We Are Guåhan worked with other concerned organizations and individuals to educate the community on the impacts of the buildup.
We Are Guåhan, along with government of Guam agencies, other organizations and concerned individuals, submitted thousands of comments on the DEIS.
Many of the comments pointed out the negative impacts outlined in the DEIS.
After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s indictment of the DEIS late February, the group believes that it has become increasingly clear that the military buildup on Guam will threaten the health and safety of the island’s residents.
“We have not been able to say yes or no to this,” said Jon Blas, resident of the village of Tamuning and member of We Are Guåhan.
“Hawaii said no. California said no. But we were never given the opportunity. It’s not fair, especially because it is looking like this is going to hurt us more than help us,” Blas further said.
We Are Guåhan’s growing membership felt that a strong message must be sent to Washington, D.C. The petition states:
“The military buildup will permanently change our island and our lives. The needs of all Guam’s people must come first, for this island is our home. It is critical that President Obama hear our concerns.”
We Are Guåhan has sent electronic and paper copies of the petition to the White House.
There will be a community response slated for March 19, during Obama’s visit, to break the silence and demonstrate that the island’s people demand to have a voice in their future.
Obama is currently not planning to speak with the people of Guam. We Are Guåhan hopes the 11,000 requests so far for a forum will change Obama’s plans.
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