Chapter 8

Put fin…

(In Conclusion)

              Although the relationship has changed quite a bit; Chamorros now elect their own governor, and send a non-voting representative to Congress, they can now receive Social Security, the flaws, the contradictions that still exist cannot be ignored and have disallowed a complete takeover of Chamorro history and discourse by the first strain. The second strain will always persist so long as the Chamorro relationship with the United States will be a colonial one. And until Chamorros are either placed firmly outside the American fold through Independence of Free Association through Self Determination, or firmly inside through Statehood that relationship will continue to be a colonial one.

            And it is vital that the interplay between the two strains of discourse continue to exist. It is the only way in which the Chamorro’s connection to the US can be evaluated and critiqued. This must be done on a persistent and constant basis whether in terms of moving closer to the US or further away in order, because there must always be a thought process behind actions, in order to avoid being duped or swept up in the fervor of the moment.

It is important for Chamorros today to approach the United States the way their ancestors did more than a century ago, with their petition in 1901. They didn’t approach the US with sweeping statements about how loyal Chamorros are and how they love them so much and couldn’t imagine life without them. They created a connection with the United States through that petition based on a careful critique of American principles and realities in Guam, as well as their own desires for development and improvement. It was a document fraught with idealism as well as well-reasoned realism.

Such is critical more so at present, when identity can easily be simplified to just whatever passport you carry or whatever television programs you watch. Chamorros, especially following such unifying and inspiring events as the war in Iraq or the attacks on September 11, 2001 are quick to merely call themselves Americans and ignore the histories (their histories) they are at least being taught in schools or that are being discussed in homes. Despite any wonderful rhetoric that paints Chamorro loyalty or their sacrifices for the United States as firmly establishing themselves as a member of that wonderful American family, the United State’s interest in Guam has never truly changed. It was a military isle in 1899 and it is to this day. The colonial status will persist as long as the US military desires it, and it is for that reason that Chamorro must still approach the Navy, approach their policies and their motives with the same awareness, apprehensiveness and critique that their grandfather or great grandfathers did in 1901.

    Ono magi ya para makonne' hao tatte gi i main page...