CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER AGAINST A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT?"

 

Dear Editor,

 

Again we are exposed to the irrational thoughts of those appointed over us! Chief Election Officer Soliai Tuipine has been misquoted or has not thought through his comments on the front page of Samoa News dated Wednesday, August 08, 2007. Another explanation is that he does not understand the Democratic process and is misinformed, lacks counsel and guidance, or all the above!

 

Of course change is costly! How can we improve the system without change, but to make the statement that "allowing American Samoans serving in the military to vote absentee would open the door to non-qualified individuals, particularly those born in Samoa who are now U.S. Citizens" leaves me shaking my head.

 

This comment is as bad as "21 Doctors at LBJ sign petition saying we don't have to take the American Medical Association Certification Exams!"

 

Do these officials who are appointed to positions of public trust think that the people of American Samoa are stupid and they can be told anything? Such comments lead thinking individuals to mistrust the motivations and loyalty of such public servants. Are they really "public servants who are interested in improvement of the lot of the common citizen?

 

Their comments say otherwise and reflect personal self-interest, misguided loyalties and poor judgment. All of which lead us to doubt and mistrust the very people who should be taking care of us. These are the same persons who, in their role as public servants, are supposed to protect and defend the constitution and our way of life.

 

If this is a reflection of the mentality of the current administration, which is to prevent legal and bona-fide citizens of the United States from voting due to their country of origin before becoming a citizen, it is a defining moment in the history of Democracy in American Samoa.

 

Actions directed especially at those brave patriots who are serving our country and helping to preserve the very democracy that they are being denied! When it comes time to cast your ballot to decide on maintaining the status quo or full rights as free citizens under the protection of the United States, it would be well to remember these actions of the current leadership, which are designed to take away as much power from the citizens of American Samoa as possible to maintain their grip on the corrupt power and purse strings in the name of, "Samoan Culture and our way of life".

 

Folks this is another way of saying, (although they would never say this out loud), "Lets keep things the way they are, because I benefit most this way!"or "Keep the common people ignorant and suppressed for the benefit of the few by maintaining the status-quo". These few are corrupting and using Samoan Culture against their own people to keep a lid on change for personal gain.

 

You see, a honest and upright public servant has nothing to fear from the Democratic process, only those who abuse their positions find Democracy a threat.

 

Lorn Cramer

Passionate Patriot

Citizen of American Samoa