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Dear Editor;
"Another AS New Year Resolution"
What will the 2010 New Year bring for American Samoa and its people? 2009 has been a trying year for the people of our territory as corruption continued to precede our public outcry for a transparent and honest government where leaders would put the public agenda first over their own political and self-centered agenda. It is the latter that appears to be the cause of trepidation and trials that any politician who aspires to attain a position of power and political influence in government has to grabble with. In retrospect, our people have been pleased with DOI's decision that we vote for our own governor and lt. governor. We also have embraced the democratic privilege to elect our public officials to the Fono and our representative to the US Congress.
Such political transformation, perhaps, came at a critical time when our people witnessed the dawn of a new era that gave rise to a challenge of how to balance western political systems and what our leaders would bring to the table with regards to their cultural values and traditions (fa'asamoa) to forge out a functional platform as a guidance for political governance. Although our government has made great strides in our socioeconomic and political progress, many have questioned our leaders' ability, capacity, integrity and moral compass to govern our own affairs and the operating our government due to the long history of corruption with no end in sight. The lack of accountability for federal funds, fraud, waste and abuse seemed to have marred our people with embarrassment and shame. It is almost to be expected that such impropriety and mischief would continue to get worse by every incoming administration as those in power and their associates continue the litany of enriching themselves and their friends and family. Complacency seemed to have trumped the need for proactive anticipation for a future direction and vision with regards to our people's quality of life and political governance and stability.
How can we as a people bring about any changes to the betterment of American Samoa? There is a lot more that needs to be done to advance the cause of a political reform or reshaping the political character of those who aspire to leadership positions in our government. It appears that anyone with a purposeful intention would have to fit a certain mould of cultural and civil prerequisites that conform to the Samoan mantra, "ascendancy to leadership is preceded by service and stewardship" in the community and government. We have seen in recent decades many of our very own sons and daughters who have obtained distinguished educational achievement, especially, the baby boomer generation now holding leadership positions in government. Some of whom are privileged to be from families with pastoral and Christian background and some are fortunate to represent a pedigree of cultural paramount chiefly status that would automatically provide a right of passage to government positions or in the Fono. These are the predecessors that our people would venerate as our cream of the crop that should represent a hope for our future; honest government, improve our economic development and living standards.
Well, unfortunately, history would tell us otherwise - that the picture of our people's aspirations is far from perfect. Some of people who aspire to be promising prospects for political leadership might not have an opportunity to launch their intentions unless they either align themselves with the likings of those who are in high positions in government and leadership. This premise seems inevitable in order for one to receive recognition and validation from the elder statesmen and by the same token, we have a likely situation where "birds of the same feathers always flock together" and "what monkey see, monkey do."
In light of the corruptions we have experienced in recent decades, it appears that the dilemma has run rampant in all levels government. Any corruption that occurs at the top will trickle down to the next generation of would-be leaders and down the administrative ladder. Another major factor that may attribute to the corruption scheme, is the political vacuum that may have been created by the integration of civil western politics and the Samoan culture that creates a perfect opportunity to lure and advance the agenda of the politically wishful and opportunistic individuals. The nature of American politics presents a framework that our cultural politics make a perfect and seamless tapestry of different make-believe ideals, ethos, and political themes that are enmeshed in our new political culture to espouse our coveted personal dreams - enhancement and preservation of self and family rather than what is good for all concerned. Just like the old Chinese adage, "when the fish stinks, it always begins from the head." Corruption is a fact of life but when it goes rampant and uncontrollable, its negative and deplorable ire would loose its abominable value and it begins to take on an acceptable false pretense as a norm.
Such a political integration of the transitional transformation of the upper echelon of our political leaders and the prospective leaders has become a problematic process because of cultural imperatives that have become inherent with one's civil status in government. I am optimistic and truly believe we have respectable, law-abiding, genuine educated American Samoan who are capable and willing to make a difference for the betterment of our territory and into the future. We need people with strong moral values of integrity to do what is right legally and morally. We need people to do the right thing for the right reason.
In my humble opinion and with the utmost respect; the tsunami on September 29, 2009 was a warning and a wakeup call for all of us to check and rearrange our priorities if neccessary. Our model is "Samoa ia muamua lea Atua" Samoa let God be first. We some who have fear men more than fearing God; we have all misunderstood the point by looking beyond the mark. In the New Testament gives us this profound statement that says; "Do unto others that they may do it unto you." In my humble opinion we have tainted and neglected our land with trash, new technology, human and animal waist, hardy anyone work the land like the old days any more, someone said money is the root of all evil. We have depended too much on money, technology and neglect the basic necessity survival of our people and respect for our land. We have forgotten to take care of the poor, needy, elderly, widow and fatherless.
We hope as we begin this New Year 2010 that first we remember who God is and everything else will fall in place. May we never forget those who have lost their lives in Tonga, Samoa and Tutuila alike in the recent tsunami. We hope this New Year will bring new ideas of honesty; integrity, and law abiding leaders who fear God will do what is right legally and morally for the good of the people America Samoa. May those who are elected to run our government of American Samoa be inspired by God almighty to do the right thing for the right reason.
Soifua,
Amerika Samoa ia mataala!
Savaii P. Amitoelau
Olosegia, Manu'a
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