Guam-A Different Perspective


I write this as the Nation celebrates a tradition that started with George Washington in 1776.  This time, I am in the comfort of my home where the two previous presidential inaugurations I braved the snow, the long lines at the Metro Stations and the sheer anticipation of seeing the President walk down the stairs of the Capitol to be sworn in-a sign that our democracy has and continues to work.

 I remember the pride of seeing my Governor enter the ceremony with the rest of his colleagues and the glimpse of my congresswoman making her way down the steps to her seat.  I watched today as a college contemporary led the new Congress into the ceremony as the Majority Whip. I swelled with pride knowing my Congresswoman was again part of this time honored ceremony repeated every four years since 1973-it was her fifth inauguration event.

 It is a ceremony that reminds us that we are part of the American family.  It is a ceremony that reminds us we have a responsibility to share such pride in our President, even though we here in America's Western most territory don't even vote for him or don't agree with his polices and politics.  It is a ceremony that brings us closer to Washington DC, though we are five time zones away.  Most of our island was asleep as the latest transition of power is completed. 

The presidential inauguration is a time to reaffirm our commitment to our roles as part of the American society.  Whether standing on the lawn of the National Mall or sitting in front of the TV in Southern Guam, this glimpse into the transition of government should remind of us of how special it is to be American.
"Faith in America's Future" was the theme of the 57th inauguration.  Many local policy makers are taking up the challenge laid out by President Barack Obama in his inaugural address. Most Senators have remarked that they should reach across party lines and do what is best for the people of Guam in the creation of public policy.  While their respective terms are just underway, it remains to be seen if this will be a true and lasting change to Guam politics.  And even if this attitude is embraced, will new jobs be created, will our kids gain more from their educational experience and will our island streets be safer?  When the first Legislative session of the 32nd Guam Legislature begins in the coming weeks lets all hope the posturing results in positive public policy that benefits us all. 

The Administration is also going to be expected to embrace this new political normal in Guam.  Governor Eddie Calvo will be presenting his third State of the Island Address very soon.  His first term agenda still has yet to be completed.  Tax refunds, merit bonuses and the delivery of critical public services have driven his decision making since being sworn in January 2011.  The people will be listening to his speech with much interest and with his plan to move the island forward over the course of the new year-and with the buy in and legislative assistance of the Guam Legislature.  Don't forget the Judiciary with all this as they too will be looking at the other two branches to ensure that they can achieve their aggressive goals this year and retain the checks and balances of the three branches.

Celebrating democracy is such a fantastic thing.  I am using this blog post to celebrate one of the most important part of our democracy-the United States Constitution and specifically the first amendment .  I am proud to be an American and proud to be part of this great melting pot-Paradise Guam.