Comments on: In search of the rising tide: Why I support improved status for long-term nonresidents http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/ Citizen - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:33:56 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Prevented by Employment http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-572 Prevented by Employment Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:55:41 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-572 Nope, the issue is not "premanent residency", its "non-immigrant status". Big difference. When an alien goes to the U.S. Mainland on a working visa, he is eligible for permanent residency after five years. Tens of thousands receive this status each year. Should the CNMI be that much different? Aren't we Americans? Aren't we part of America? In any case, what is proposed for the CNMI is a much lessor status for contract workers, who have worked here legally for five years. Non-immigrant status does NOT lead to citizenship or even permanent residency. This means no voting rights, ever. Were I a Filipino contract worker in the CNMI, and I were to receive that status, I'd be on the first boat out of here to the mainland. Why stay in a place where I am unappreciated and looked down upon? Why raise my children in a place where they are disparaged by their peer group, until they gradually become ashamed of their heritage? Nope, the issue is not “premanent residency”, its “non-immigrant status”. Big difference. When an alien goes to the U.S. Mainland on a working visa, he is eligible for permanent residency after five years. Tens of thousands receive this status each year. Should the CNMI be that much different? Aren’t we Americans? Aren’t we part of America? In any case, what is proposed for the CNMI is a much lessor status for contract workers, who have worked here legally for five years. Non-immigrant status does NOT lead to citizenship or even permanent residency. This means no voting rights, ever. Were I a Filipino contract worker in the CNMI, and I were to receive that status, I’d be on the first boat out of here to the mainland. Why stay in a place where I am unappreciated and looked down upon? Why raise my children in a place where they are disparaged by their peer group, until they gradually become ashamed of their heritage?

]]> By: Jack http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-520 Jack Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:00:17 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-520 What's all this talk about raceisum! Isn't the issue "PERMANENT RESIDENCY" ??? Where in the world can you go work,send money out to support your family in your home of origin and be given a free ticket for"PERMANENT RESIDENCY STATUS" in the country of employment. Would the CNMI benefit from a move like this or what are the consaquences. I don't know, please enlighten me. I respect Tina's position in many of her issues and respect her for going public with them. Good luck with your endeavur What’s all this talk about raceisum! Isn’t the issue “PERMANENT RESIDENCY” ??? Where in the world can you go work,send money out to support your family in your home of origin and be given a free ticket for”PERMANENT RESIDENCY STATUS” in the country of employment. Would the CNMI benefit from a move like this or what are the consaquences. I don’t know, please enlighten me. I respect Tina’s position in many of her issues and respect her for going public with them. Good luck with your endeavur

]]> By: Stephen Ewen http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-466 Stephen Ewen Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:30:36 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-466 Your words here are balm-like, Tina. Your words here are balm-like, Tina.

]]> By: Ed Propst http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-439 Ed Propst Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:33:53 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-439 Rose, well said! FYI, growing up here, I had friends who would make derogatory comments against Filipinos and I would blast them about it. They'd say silly things like, "You're not really Filipino cuz you grew up here." That always upset me. I am extremely proud of my Filipino roots and I am a huge fan of San Miguel beer and filipino food. But that isn't what makes me pinoy. What makes me pinoy is my bloodline and my heart. I think we are all proud of Tina. Tina, I hope my daughter will be as courageous as you...minus the stubborness...JK. Best wishes, Ed P.S. Rose, I still hope you write for MP! Rose, well said! FYI, growing up here, I had friends who would make derogatory comments against Filipinos and I would blast them about it. They’d say silly things like, “You’re not really Filipino cuz you grew up here.” That always upset me. I am extremely proud of my Filipino roots and I am a huge fan of San Miguel beer and filipino food. But that isn’t what makes me pinoy. What makes me pinoy is my bloodline and my heart.

I think we are all proud of Tina. Tina, I hope my daughter will be as courageous as you…minus the stubborness…JK.

Best wishes,
Ed

P.S. Rose, I still hope you write for MP!

]]> By: Rose Cuison Villazor http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-435 Rose Cuison Villazor Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:00:03 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-435 Dear Tina, I've been reading with admiration and pride about your stance against racism and, in particular, promotion of equal treatment for FIlipino/a residents of the CNMI. As a Filipina who grew up on Saipan, I must tell you how much I appreciate your outspoken and unabashed views about the prevalence of racism, prejudice and bigotry that had remained unacknowledged and purposefully ignored for years. I wish someone had been as courageous as you when I was growing up there. I think it would have made a difference in how I reacted whenever I heard the racist term used for Filipinos, which were at times said in front of me as if I was not part of that group. It might have also made me more accepting of my own culture and identity, something which I honestly couldn't do for a long time because of years of trying to be "local" enough and attempt to fit in and belong. Iimportantly, I think someone with your conviction might have emboldened many local people around me at the time who thought that racism was wrong to proactively do something about it. Unfortunately, I think that the lack of leadership against racism at the time caused many to be silent about things or resist racism in a quieter yet ineffective way. As your former teacher, I want to say how proud I am of you and all that you have accomplished. You have undertaken a challenging task. What you are trying to do is create legal and cultural changes, which as you know will take time to manifest. (I use the word "culture" here to mean a way of life, and not to refer to "Chamorro or Carolinian culture." That is, I don't think that racist thinking or behavior is a local "cultural" thing. I mean that racism has been so prevalent in the CNMI that it has been part of a way of life for years.) It's not easy making these changes but over time, I believe that the necessary changes will happen. Anyway, thank you, again for your vision and commitment to equality. I'll be eagerly waiting for the results of the election. No matter what happens, know that you've won the hearts and admiration of a lot of people, including mine. Rose Cuison Villazor Dallas, Texas Dear Tina,

I’ve been reading with admiration and pride about your stance against racism and, in particular, promotion of equal treatment for FIlipino/a residents of the CNMI. As a Filipina who grew up on Saipan, I must tell you how much I appreciate your outspoken and unabashed views about the prevalence of racism, prejudice and bigotry that had remained unacknowledged and purposefully ignored for years. I wish someone had been as courageous as you when I was growing up there. I think it would have made a difference in how I reacted whenever I heard the racist term used for Filipinos, which were at times said in front of me as if I was not part of that group. It might have also made me more accepting of my own culture and identity, something which I honestly couldn’t do for a long time because of years of trying to be “local” enough and attempt to fit in and belong.

Iimportantly, I think someone with your conviction might have emboldened many local people around me at the time who thought that racism was wrong to proactively do something about it. Unfortunately, I think that the lack of leadership against racism at the time caused many to be silent about things or resist racism in a quieter yet ineffective way.

As your former teacher, I want to say how proud I am of you and all that you have accomplished. You have undertaken a challenging task. What you are trying to do is create legal and cultural changes, which as you know will take time to manifest. (I use the word “culture” here to mean a way of life, and not to refer to “Chamorro or Carolinian culture.” That is, I don’t think that racist thinking or behavior is a local “cultural” thing. I mean that racism has been so prevalent in the CNMI that it has been part of a way of life for years.) It’s not easy making these changes but over time, I believe that the necessary changes will happen.

Anyway, thank you, again for your vision and commitment to equality. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the results of the election. No matter what happens, know that you’ve won the hearts and admiration of a lot of people, including mine.

Rose Cuison Villazor
Dallas, Texas

]]> By: Saipan Writer http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-417 Saipan Writer Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:34:21 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-417 Well, I too think racism has been part of human interaction everywhere, and in all generations, all civilations. Perhaps the ability to classify and the need to sort into us and them is hard-wired into our systems. It is a choice, though, to overcome our natures and be tolerant and less racist, less bigotted than might come to us "naturally." And it's the right choice. Tina, I admire your courage, and respect your ability to state your views in a way that helps show them as the right choices they are. I also agree with you that our flawed immigration system has brought some good to the CNMI, with an influx and mix of races that has increased tolerance and awareness. There's more tolerance here now than 20 years ago when I first came. So your expression now of your opinion is greeted with greater respect and agreement than it might have been at another earlier time. But even those in our community to talk racist aren't always so bad in person and at an individual level. I've known people here (and in the states), who used perjorative terms for people of certain races, who talked about "sending them back" whereever they came from, and other equally offensive things. And then I watched those same people in one-on-one interactions with people of the groups they so denigrated. And in most situations, they were polite, respectful, and sometimes generous and full of love. Sometimes we say things that are more extreme than we really are, and the bigots and bad-talked are also part of our community whom we must learn to love. And as for the comment about "animals," it was offensive and meant to be offensive, but another response would be to acknowledge that we are part of the animal kingdom. In other words, we're all animals. jmho. Well, I too think racism has been part of human interaction everywhere, and in all generations, all civilations. Perhaps the ability to classify and the need to sort into us and them is hard-wired into our systems. It is a choice, though, to overcome our natures and be tolerant and less racist, less bigotted than might come to us “naturally.” And it’s the right choice.

Tina, I admire your courage, and respect your ability to state your views in a way that helps show them as the right choices they are. I also agree with you that our flawed immigration system has brought some good to the CNMI, with an influx and mix of races that has increased tolerance and awareness.

There’s more tolerance here now than 20 years ago when I first came. So your expression now of your opinion is greeted with greater respect and agreement than it might have been at another earlier time.

But even those in our community to talk racist aren’t always so bad in person and at an individual level. I’ve known people here (and in the states), who used perjorative terms for people of certain races, who talked about “sending them back” whereever they came from, and other equally offensive things. And then I watched those same people in one-on-one interactions with people of the groups they so denigrated. And in most situations, they were polite, respectful, and sometimes generous and full of love. Sometimes we say things that are more extreme than we really are, and the bigots and bad-talked are also part of our community whom we must learn to love.

And as for the comment about “animals,” it was offensive and meant to be offensive, but another response would be to acknowledge that we are part of the animal kingdom. In other words, we’re all animals.

jmho.

]]> By: PoliTrix http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-414 PoliTrix Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:10:38 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-414 buboy, tina doesn't know who made the anonymous call; thus, including betel nut chewers, the nmd people in general, and the governor in your post is extremely inappropriate. and mind you, the people of the cnmi paid the hardworking filipino and other overseas workers (not animals) for all their services--be it building our homes or watching over our children. "two wrongs don't make a right." buboy,

tina doesn’t know who made the anonymous call; thus, including betel nut chewers, the nmd people in general, and the governor in your post is extremely inappropriate. and mind you, the people of the cnmi paid the hardworking filipino and other overseas workers (not animals) for all their services–be it building our homes or watching over our children.

“two wrongs don’t make a right.”

]]> By: Buboy http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-413 Buboy Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:42:48 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-413 Tina, I would like to thank you for your stand against racism here in the CNMI. Yes, I am a Filipino, a proud global Filipino. I am not angry being called "animal" because, I know what these animals have contributed to the islands for years. I just had some points of being animals. Calling us animals but, we're the ones who built your house because you don't even know how to build one. We are the ones taking care of your kids, cleaning the house and preparing your food because, you don't know how to do household chores. When your sick, you go to the animals' country because, animals are well-trained and can make you feel better. You admire lady animals because , they dress well and smells good. Your CUC engines run very well in the past because you have reliable animal engineers. Now, what do you think of yourself caller? Human? C'mon! These animals that you're calling don't chew and spit betel nut around your islands making them look ugly to prospected investors and tourists. Think again. By the way, the governor is married to an animal, too, am I right? Tina, I would like to thank you for your stand against racism here in the CNMI. Yes, I am a Filipino, a proud global Filipino. I am not angry being called “animal” because, I know what these animals have contributed to the islands for years. I just had some points of being animals. Calling us animals but, we’re the ones who built your house because you don’t even know how to build one. We are the ones taking care of your kids, cleaning the house and preparing your food because, you don’t know how to do household chores. When your sick, you go to the animals’ country because, animals are well-trained and can make you feel better. You admire lady animals because , they dress well and smells good. Your CUC engines run very well in the past because you have reliable animal engineers. Now, what do you think of yourself caller? Human? C’mon! These animals that you’re calling don’t chew and spit betel nut around your islands making them look ugly to prospected investors and tourists. Think again. By the way, the governor is married to an animal, too, am I right?

]]> By: Ed Propst http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-347 Ed Propst Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:22:58 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-347 Tina, I commend you for taking a stand against racism and for always speaking from your heart. I'm extremely proud of my Filino heritage and the Filipino spirit. I have come to the point in my life where I no longer am angered by racists or racist comments. If anything, I feel sorry for bigots and I pray that one day they will become educated and realize that no race is more superior than another. The only way to erase discrimination and racism is to treat everyone with love and respect. Over 90% of our indigenous people are not just Catholic, but Christian. As a Catholic and as a Christian, shouldn't we love everyone equally, regardless of where they come from? Maybe we need to listen a little more attentively at Church and stop being so fixated on what we wear in Church. It's not a fashion show, it's a House of Worship! For all the bigots out there, I pray for you. Tina, I commend you for taking a stand against racism and for always speaking from your heart. I’m extremely proud of my Filino heritage and the Filipino spirit. I have come to the point in my life where I no longer am angered by racists or racist comments. If anything, I feel sorry for bigots and I pray that one day they will become educated and realize that no race is more superior than another. The only way to erase discrimination and racism is to treat everyone with love and respect. Over 90% of our indigenous people are not just Catholic, but Christian. As a Catholic and as a Christian, shouldn’t we love everyone equally, regardless of where they come from? Maybe we need to listen a little more attentively at Church and stop being so fixated on what we wear in Church. It’s not a fashion show, it’s a House of Worship! For all the bigots out there, I pray for you.

]]> By: Malambot Pusoko http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-334 Malambot Pusoko Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:47:03 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-334 Disgusting In a recent Letter to the Editor Tina Sablan recounted a shocking incident where she was chastised for her stance regarding the alien workers' road to citizenship. She was obviously confronted by a racist who used the most derogatory and disgusting language possible to describe the Filipino race, a comment so vile that I will not even repeat it. I want to thank Tina for bringing to everyone's attention what could be considered systemic racism in the CNMI. One of the first things I noticed upon arriving on island a little over two years ago was that the Filipinos do all the work here and without their hard work the infrastructure that is functioning would not be doing so. I wish the Filipinos were running the government, and then maybe it would be working instead of being the absolute failure that it is. Believe me, I have been all over the world and the Filipinos are among the hardest working and congenial people on earth. I could easily compare the virtues of Filipinos to members of other ethnic groups, one of whose members made the disgusting comment. However, holding an ethnic group responsible for the comments of one member would be wrong and would make me a hypocrite, no better than the person I would be ridiculing. Instead, I would like to address the person who made the degrading slur as the individual he or she is. You are a vile and disgusting excuse for a human being, a parasite who preaches hate and discrimination. Thinking people everywhere see you for what you really are. Doc Murdock Navy Hill TAKEN from SAIPAN TRIBUNE's EDITORIAL OCT. 24, 2007...."Hail to the CHIEF...Chief Doc Murdock.." Disgusting

In a recent Letter to the Editor Tina Sablan recounted a shocking incident where she was chastised for her stance regarding the alien workers’ road to citizenship. She was obviously confronted by a racist who used the most derogatory and disgusting language possible to describe the Filipino race, a comment so vile that I will not even repeat it. I want to thank Tina for bringing to everyone’s attention what could be considered systemic racism in the CNMI.

One of the first things I noticed upon arriving on island a little over two years ago was that the Filipinos do all the work here and without their hard work the infrastructure that is functioning would not be doing so. I wish the Filipinos were running the government, and then maybe it would be working instead of being the absolute failure that it is. Believe me, I have been all over the world and the Filipinos are among the hardest working and congenial people on earth.

I could easily compare the virtues of Filipinos to members of other ethnic groups, one of whose members made the disgusting comment. However, holding an ethnic group responsible for the comments of one member would be wrong and would make me a hypocrite, no better than the person I would be ridiculing. Instead, I would like to address the person who made the degrading slur as the individual he or she is. You are a vile and disgusting excuse for a human being, a parasite who preaches hate and discrimination. Thinking people everywhere see you for what you really are.

Doc Murdock
Navy Hill

TAKEN from SAIPAN TRIBUNE’s EDITORIAL OCT. 24, 2007….”Hail to the CHIEF…Chief Doc Murdock..”

]]> By: Marie Rios-Martinez http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-333 Marie Rios-Martinez Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:40:43 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-333 Yes racism rears its ugly head everywhere. If you don't think racism exists everywhere, then saipan middle road is in denial. To insinuate that the statement "racism is everywhere" labels one a racist defies logic. There is no hidden meaning. What's hidden may be your feelings against the locals. Just like white Americans have been discriminated here in the CNMI, "chamorro Americans" and other Americans including Mexican Americans, continue to be discriminated against in the United States. The Chamorro race is not superior. There is only one race, that's the human race. Remember racism only begets more racism. I apologize to you and to all "white Americans" who have been discriminated against. Yes racism rears its ugly head everywhere. If you don’t think racism exists everywhere, then saipan middle road is in denial. To insinuate that the statement “racism is everywhere” labels one a racist defies logic. There is no hidden meaning. What’s hidden may be your feelings against the locals. Just like white Americans have been discriminated here in the CNMI, “chamorro Americans” and other Americans including Mexican Americans, continue to be discriminated against in the United States. The Chamorro race is not superior. There is only one race, that’s the human race. Remember racism only begets more racism. I apologize to you and to all “white Americans” who have been discriminated against.

]]> By: saipanmiddleroad http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-331 saipanmiddleroad Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:26:14 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-331 racism is everywhere? i believe this term would make more sense when you are being racist, because you are a superior race (so you think) but Americans being discriminated and treated differently here in the CNMI? i've know cases here that white Americans vent about being misjudged and mistreated by the locals. racism is everywhere? i believe this term would make more sense when you are being racist, because you are a superior race (so you think) but Americans being discriminated and treated differently here in the CNMI? i’ve know cases here that white Americans vent about being misjudged and mistreated by the locals.

]]> By: Malambot Pusoko http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-324 Malambot Pusoko Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:25:27 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-324 Tina, I've been your greatest admirer ever. Cheers for the courage and open-mindedness! I LOVE YOU! MPK Tina,

I’ve been your greatest admirer ever. Cheers for the courage and open-mindedness!

I LOVE YOU!

MPK

]]> By: Ron Hodges http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-321 Ron Hodges Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:17:12 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-321 It is refreshing to know that at least one candidate realizes our island will never improve until the quality of life for everyone here is elevated. As for racism, while it may exist everywhere, part of the problem is that some local people were mislead to think a protectionist system could work for an advantage and the economic strategy of protectionism, for products or people, has been tried everywhere and does not work anywhere. I can remember the southern US is the early and mid 60's and I think anyone else alive during that period, even a devout bigot, would agree that their intergrated society and communities today are better now than they were forty years ago. I do not see it at all among MHS students, so hopefully our diverse population will prove to be an advantage rather than a hinderance. Good luck Tina, I wish I could vote in district 1!!! It is refreshing to know that at least one candidate realizes our island will never improve until the quality of life for everyone here is elevated.

As for racism, while it may exist everywhere, part of the problem is that some local people were mislead to think a protectionist system could work for an advantage and the economic strategy of protectionism, for products or people, has been tried everywhere and does not work anywhere.

I can remember the southern US is the early and mid 60’s and I think anyone else alive during that period, even a devout bigot, would agree that their intergrated society and communities today are better now than they were forty years ago. I do not see it at all among MHS students, so hopefully our diverse population will prove to be an advantage rather than a hinderance.

Good luck Tina, I wish I could vote in district 1!!!

]]> By: Carlito J. Marquez http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-317 Carlito J. Marquez Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:59:53 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-317 thank you tina for putting up your conscience amomng other things. To the anonymous caller who called us "ANIMALS", I don't have any regrets after all, WE ANIMALS FIXED THE TROUBLED ENGINE again AT CUC last week without the aid of legislation because we do have the responsibility to the community. Animals do served, don't they... thank you tina for putting up your conscience amomng other things. To the anonymous caller who called us “ANIMALS”, I don’t have any regrets after all, WE ANIMALS FIXED THE TROUBLED ENGINE again AT CUC last week without the aid of legislation because we do have the responsibility to the community. Animals do served, don’t they…

]]> By: gloria http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-316 gloria Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:19:09 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-316 There is racism everywhere...just about...and it has thrived here for a long time. I have lived here on and off since 1963 and continuously since '78, and have seen and witnessed it first hand. We must rise above it, and must all do our part in decreasing it (I doubt if it can be eliminated altogether). It's 'locals' (for a lack of a better description) like Tina who are most effective in exposing and stomping out this problem of racism. However, we who are not of CNMI descents (NOT "ANIMALS" as we have been referred to) must also do our part in creating a harmonious environment. We must strive to be upstanding residents/citizens, by being honest, respectful, and principled people. CNMI can only be the Paradise it should be, if we all work together, each contributing our own expertise. The CNMI descents cannot do it alone, and the sooner that is realized and accepted, the sooner "Paradise" will be attained. Many years ago, I chose to make CNMI my home, (a similar choice made by some of your ancestors). My children grew up here and this has been their home. We've lived here and have each contributed (however small that may be), to the betterment of our community. My family is comprised of various ethnicities. I joke about my immediate family being a small "United Nations" in itself. We are Ulithians, Yapese, Palauans, Filipinos, Caucasians, Samoans, and Chamorros..(Yes! CNMI descents)...AND THIS IS HOME TO US. I have taught my children and grandchildren to be PROUD of who they are...and they have learned well!!! I do not want my grandchildren racially divided or marred in any way even only by racial slurs or stance by racists. So...THANK YOU, TINA for speaking up against racism. There is racism everywhere…just about…and it has thrived here for a long time. I have lived here on and off since 1963 and continuously since ‘78, and have seen and witnessed it first hand. We must rise above it, and must all do our part in decreasing it (I doubt if it can be eliminated altogether). It’s ‘locals’ (for a lack of a better description) like Tina who are most effective in exposing and stomping out this problem of racism. However, we who are not of CNMI descents (NOT “ANIMALS” as we have been referred to) must also do our part in creating a harmonious environment. We must strive to be upstanding residents/citizens, by being honest, respectful, and principled people.
CNMI can only be the Paradise it should be, if we all work together, each contributing our own expertise. The CNMI descents cannot do it alone, and the sooner that is realized and accepted, the sooner “Paradise” will be attained. Many years ago, I chose to make CNMI my home, (a similar choice made by some of your ancestors). My children grew up here and this has been their home. We’ve lived here and have each contributed (however small that may be), to the betterment of our community. My family is comprised of various ethnicities. I joke about my immediate family being a small “United Nations” in itself. We are Ulithians, Yapese, Palauans, Filipinos, Caucasians, Samoans, and Chamorros..(Yes! CNMI descents)…AND THIS IS HOME TO US. I have taught my children and grandchildren to be PROUD of who they are…and they have learned well!!!
I do not want my grandchildren racially divided or marred in any way even only by racial slurs or stance by racists.
So…THANK YOU, TINA for speaking up against racism.

]]> By: Brad http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-315 Brad Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:18:43 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-315 Tina, in behalf of all the innteligent "animals" here in the CNMI I would just like to say that you are one Tough COOKIE! Keep up fight and remember that if you ever do get elected, don't fall into the same trap as the other traditional politicos that have gone before you ok? More power to you and your campaign. Oh and by the way, most of the "ANIMALS" would like to thank the animals who said that we are animals!lol Tina, in behalf of all the innteligent “animals” here in the CNMI I would just like to say that you are one Tough COOKIE! Keep up fight and remember that if you ever do get elected, don’t fall into the same trap as the other traditional politicos that have gone before you ok? More power to you and your campaign. Oh and by the way, most of the “ANIMALS” would like to thank the animals who said that we are animals!lol

]]> By: Barbara http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-314 Barbara Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:16:50 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-314 I can not be more proud of Tina Sablan. I am much older than her (Tina is my second youngest daughter's age) but I want to be like Tina when I grow up. I can not be more proud of Tina Sablan. I am much older than her (Tina is my second youngest daughter’s age) but I want to be like Tina when I grow up.

]]> By: gloria http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-312 gloria Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:43:40 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-312 TINA, JUST WANTED TO ADD...I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF YOU EVEN IF YOU WERE MY REAL DAUGHTER! gloria TINA, JUST WANTED TO ADD…I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD OF YOU EVEN IF YOU WERE MY REAL DAUGHTER!

gloria

]]> By: gloria http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/2007/10/17/in-search-of-the-rising-tide-why-i-support-improved-status-for-long-term-nonresidents/comment-page-1/#comment-311 gloria Fri, 19 Oct 2007 23:40:45 +0000 http://www.tinasablan.com/forum/?p=22#comment-311 Tina, although I've CONGRATUALTED you by email, I just saw this on your blog and would like to add my sentiments here too. Your letter is GREAT and I THANK YOU for writing it. One of the many reasons why I'm voting for you is despite the fact you might lose vote as Turbitt says, YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES (INTEGRITY, HONESTY,GUTS etc.) to do and say what you believe is right...and THAT'S THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE NEED IN THE PUBLIC OFFICE...The racial GARBAGE needs to be cleaned up, and one way to do it is to put people like you in office. I'M PRAYING YOU WILL WIN!!!!! gloria Tina, although I’ve CONGRATUALTED you by email, I just saw this on your blog and would like to add my sentiments here too. Your letter is GREAT and I THANK YOU for writing it. One of the many reasons why I’m voting for you is despite the fact you might lose vote as Turbitt says, YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES (INTEGRITY, HONESTY,GUTS etc.) to do and say what you believe is right…and THAT’S THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE NEED IN THE PUBLIC OFFICE…The racial GARBAGE needs to be cleaned up, and one way to do it is to put people like you in office. I’M PRAYING YOU WILL WIN!!!!!

gloria

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