“We must believe that it is the darkest before the dawn of a beautiful new world.

 We will see it when we believe it.”
– Saul Alinsky

 

Dear people of the Commonwealth,

 

A great yearning has begun to take root in our community. 

 

More than just a dark frustration with tired old-school politics and bad governance, it is a deepening and positive desire for open, responsive, and accountable government.  More than just a cynical determination to vote out leaders who represent little more than the status quo, it is a hopeful searching for fresh and honest candidates who are worth voting for, who would represent the best interests and aspirations of all the people of the Commonwealth, and who would place the public good over personal interests.  More than just a weary recognition of the insanity of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, it is an unflinching faith in the tremendous potential of our islands and our people, and a belief that we can learn from our mistakes and change our course for the better.

 

This great yearning is the energy behind a brave and expanding vision for change that is shared by many in the Commonwealth, but not yet fully articulated and not yet accompanied by a plan of action. 

 

Most of us know the challenges and the opportunities facing the Commonwealth.  We live them every day. And in the last few years, in letters to the editor, public forums, blogs, workplaces, coffee shops, homes, classrooms, and social gatherings, we have collectively done an excellent job of diagnosing the ills of our community, celebrating the wonderful qualities that still exist, and imagining how life could be better here. 

 

Our task now is to get organized, and to articulate, out of the conversations already taking place throughout our community, a cohesive vision of what we want the Commonwealth to be, to define our roles and strategies in bringing that vision to life, and to act according to that plan.      

 

This letter is an open call for all concerned citizens of the Commonwealth to come together in sunrise meetings between February 25 and March 25, 2009.  Sunrise meetings are simply gatherings of people who believe that life in the Commonwealth can and should be better than what it is, and who are committed to making it so.  Anyone can host a sunrise meeting, and may invite anyone to participate.  Sunrise meetings can be held at any time and place of the group’s choosing.  The groups can be as large or as small as people want them to be, and they can focus on one issue or many.      

 

Here are some suggested questions to guide our sunrise meetings:

  

  

1. What should the role of government be in the Commonwealth?

 

1. What are the most important opportunities facing the Commonwealth, and what should be done to maximize them?  What are the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth, and what should be done to resolve them?

 

1. What specific government reforms should be prioritized for enactment?

 

1. To most effectively bring about needed changes in government, should concerned citizens of the Commonwealth focus on: a) organizing a coalition of candidates and supporters behind a common platform; b) organizing a new political party; c) joining and/or reorganizing an existing political party; or d) taking up another course of action?  Please explain.

 

1. What core principles and values should guide the government of the Commonwealth?

 

1. What should life in the Commonwealth be like five years from today?  Ten years from today?

 

1. What are the names of individuals we would like to see in public office?  Please specify the public office, and describe the strengths and potential weaknesses of these individuals.

Sunrise groups are invited to answer as many questions as they would like, and to add questions of their own for discussion. 

 

Between February 25 and March 25, I will be hosting sunrise meetings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.  Individuals who would like to sign up for one of these sunrise meetings can reach me by phone at 285-3935, or by email at tinasablan@gmail.com .  Individuals who would like to host sunrise meetings of their own may do so, of course, at any time, and are asked to submit the notes from their meetings no later than March 31, 2009. 

 

Notes from sunrise meetings should include the names and contact information for all participants; the question(s) discussed; the answers the group arrived at; and any other issues, ideas, or comments.  Notes may be submitted to me by:

 

1.  
   • Email: tinasablan@gmail.com ; or
   • Mail: PO Box 500994 · Saipan, MP 96950.

 

These notes will be compiled to develop a long-term vision for our community, to identify promising and viable candidates for public office who share that vision, and to begin mobilizing the resources and support that will be necessary to advance a new movement for good governance in the Commonwealth.  The vision and plan of action that emerge from our sunrise meetings will be presented at a public forum in April.   

 

These are, to be sure, trying times for us all.  But they are not impossible.  The challenges we face in the Commonwealth are serious and real, but they are not insurmountable.  Our hardships are many, but they teach us much about who we are, and how we need to change. 

 

And change indeed has already begun.  At long last we are coming to realize our power as citizens to take back our government, to replace elected leaders who do not represent our best interests or our values, and to determine the direction of our own development as a community.  The old political parties and powerful family dynasties that once maintained a stranglehold on local politics are now giving way under the scrutiny and discontent of an increasingly free-thinking and free-speaking electorate.  Public discourse has never been more vigorous.  Many of us are ready now to be part of a movement for change in the Commonwealth, and ready to organize our power and resources more effectively.    

 

The sunrise meetings over the course of the next few weeks represent only the beginning of a movement for change.  The direction and sustainability of that movement depend on us.  What is our vision for the Commonwealth?  How can each of us be the change we wish to see in our community?  And how committed are we to fighting the good fight, now and in the years to come?  The answers lie with us.  Change begins with us. 

 

To sign up for a sunrise meeting, or to find out more about how to host one of your own, please contact me at 285-3935, or by email at tinasablan@gmail.com .

Download now or preview on posterous

Sunrise Letter — Call to Action.pdf (32 KB)

 

Sincerely,

 

Tina Sablan

Posted via email from Tina Sablan

Posted via email from Tina Sablan

The following meetings will be held this week:

1) Joint meeting with House Commerce & Tourism Committee and Senate Resources, Economic Development & Programs Committee on Tuesday, February 10 @ 2:00pm in the House Chamber  — to receive a presentation from the Commonwealth Development Authority on loans, foreclosures, qualifying certificates, and other programs.  For more information, contact the office of Rep. Joseph Reyes at 664-8836.

2) 2009 CNMI Agricultural Summit on February 11, 8:30am – 4:30pm & February 12, 8:30am – 12:00pm at Saipan World Resort.  Registration starts at 7:30am on both days.  The summit is sponsored by the Farmer Support Group, in collaboration with Northern Marianas College CREES, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Saipan Municipal Council.  For more information, contact Ms. Carol Hosono at NMC’s Community Development Institute at 234-5498, x. 1010 or email carolynh@nmcnet.edu .

3) House Ways and Means Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 12, @ 2:00pm in the Speaker’s Conference Room — to discuss pending legislation that has been referred to the committee.

4) Joint public hearing with Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development & Programs and House Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday, February 12, @ 6:00pm in the Tinian Superior Court  — to receive testimony on the Neo Goldwings Paradise public land lease proposal.  Witnesses summoned include Secretary of Public Lands John del Rosario, Neo Goldwings Paradise representatives, Tinian Mayor Jose San Nicolas, Tinian Municipal Council Chair Antonio Borja, and Tinian Gaming Commission Chair Francisco Borja.    Members of the general public are also encouraged to submit oral or written testimony.  For more information, contact the offices of either Senator Jude Hofschneider (664-8922 or senaorjuhofschneider@yahoo.com ) or Representative Ray Tebuteb (664-8983 or rtebuteb@yahoo.com ).

5) House Commerce & Tourism Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 17 @ 10am in the House Chamber  — to receive a presentation from the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation on loans, foreclosures, and other programs. 

6) Public hearings on House Legislative Initiative 16-18 –to amend Article XI of the Constitution to authorize the Dept of Public Lands to reserve 20% of its operational expenses to pay and satisfy land compensation claims:

• February 24, 6:00pm – Tinian Court House, Tinian
• February 26, 6:00pm — Rota Court House, Rota
• March 3, 6:30pm — GTC Elementary School, San Roque
• March 4, 6:30pm — Kagman Community Center, Kagman
• March 5, 6:30pm — Multipurpose Center, Susupe 

For more information, contact the office of Rep. Ray Tebuteb at 664-8983 or rtebuteb@yahoo.com .

7) Public comment period on the Dept of the Navy’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement for the military Mariana Islands Range Complex — Public hearings are scheduled in the CNMI on the following days:

• Monday, February 23 @ the Multipurpose Center in Susupe, Saipan, beginning at 7pm;
• Tuesday, February 24 @ Tinian Elementary School Cafeteria, San Jose Village, Tinian, beginning at 7pm;
• With an open-house information session beginning at 5pm on both days. 

Written comments may also be submitted to the following address:

Mariana Islands Range Complex EIS

258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100

Attn: EV2

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

96860-3134

Fax: (808) 474-5419

Email: marianas.tap.eis@navy.mil

All comments must be postmarked or received by March 16, 2009 to become part of the official record.  For more information, visit www.marianasrangecomplexeis.com  

Finally, although the session call has not yet been officially transmitted, the House is likely to have a session this week Friday, February 13.  A key agenda item will be the Governor’s veto of the budget bill.  We expect to officially receive his veto message today.   

Thanks very much and have a good week,

Tina Sablan

The following meetings will be held in the Legislature this week:

• Joint Confirmation Hearing for Public Auditor Appointee, Mr. Michael Pai — today, Wednesday, October 15 @ 10am in the House Chamber.  Acting Attorney General Mr. Gregory Baka, Secretary of Finance Mr. Eloy Inos, CNMI Board of Accountancy Chair Mr. Dave Burger, Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Jim Arenovski,  and Ernst and Young Senior Manager Ms. Nhing Reyes have been invited as witnesses.  The general public is also invited to submit oral and written testimony.
• Saipan and Northern Islands Health, Education, and Welfare Committee –  today, Wednesday, October 15 @ 1:30pm in the House Chamber
• House Standing Committee on Health, Education, and Welfare — today, Wednesday, October 15, @ 2pm in the House Chamber
• House Standing Committee on Federal and Foreign Relations — tomorrow, Thursday, October 16 @ 9:30am in the Speaker’s Conference Room.
• House Session — tomorrow, Thursday, October 16 @ 1:30pm in the House Chamber (draft agenda)
• Senate Session — Friday, October 17 @ 10am in the Senate Chamber (draft agenda)

Also, next Monday, October 20 @ 11am in the House Chamber, a joint House and Senate meeting is scheduled with three White House representatives to discuss the proposed CNMI National Marine Sanctuary.

 This is to announce the following legislative meetings/hearings:
 

1. WAYS AND MEANS BUDGET HEARINGS
   • Monday, May 19 — Public School System @ 9am, followed by the Northern Islands Mayor’s Office, in the House Chamber
   • Wednesday, May 21 –  Judiciary @ 2:30pm, in the House Chamber
   • Tuesday, May 27 — all-day budget hearings on Tinian @ Tinian Mayor’s Office
   • Wednesday, May 28 — Northern Marianas College @ 1:30pm, House Chamber
2. HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE PUBLIC HEARING ON HOSPITAL CORPORATION BILL (HB 16-9, HS1)
   • Tuesday, May 20 — @ 2pm in the House Chamber and @ 6:30pm in the Multipurpose Center.  For more information contact HEW Chair Ralph Torres’s office at 664-8923.
3. PRESS CONFERENCE
   • Monday, May 19, from 10am-11am in my office to discuss highlights of last week’s session — the House resolution objecting to the Governor’s executive orders placing CPA in a state of emergency; HB 16-2 to reapportion poker license fees, referred to committee; HB 16-92, to authorize 24-hour sale of alcohol in the airport passed on first and final reading

Also — volunteers circulating the Open Government Act petitions for signatures are asked to submit their petitions to me by Saturday, May 31.   The petitions can be dropped off to me at my office, or I can arrange to pick them up.  Please call me at 483-3935 to make arrangements. 

 This is to announce that there will be a public forum on the State of the Legislature on Wednesday, May 7 at the Multipurpose Center in Susupe, in the Annex, beginning at 6pm.  

This forum is the first of what will be a series of quarterly forums over the next two years.  The objectives of the State of the Legislature public forums are to provide the community with information on activities within the Legislature on an on-going basis, including bills introduced, voting records, and attendance records of members of the House and Senate; to share insights on the legislative process and how it can be improved; and to promote dialogue in the community on the issues of the day and proposed solutions.  Comments, insights, and suggestions will be solicited from forum participants, documented, publicized through various media, and transmitted to elected officials.  As with the public forums held last year, these State of the Legislature forums will be guided by ground rules.  These ground rules include:

• Everyone has the right to speak.
• Put the Commonwealth first. 
• Come to the forums as a member of the community, nothing more and nothing less. 
• Be honest and direct.
• Be respectful and professional, and stick to the issues.
• Assume nothing, question everything.
• Respect time limits.
• Expect, and welcome, criticism.

The following topics are proposed for discussion at this first public forum: 

1. Solving the Commonwealth’s energy crisis;
2. Improving transparency in the Legislature;
3. Downsizing the Legislature. 

Other topics may be added if time is available.   

The forum is free and open to the public.  For more information, I can be reached at 664-8931 or 483-3935, or by email at tinasablan@gmail.com . 

This is to announce that the House Standing Committee on Ways and Means has called for an emergency meeting with CUC at 2pm today in the House Chamber.

There will be a House Ways and Means committee meeting today, Wednesday, April 9 at 10am in the Speaker’s Conference Room.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Board of Education’s recent decision to shut down operations of the Public School System.  The Secretary of Finance and PSS Acting Finance Director Lori Grizzardo, are expected to attend.
 
Also the House Natural Resources Committee will be holding public hearings today, April 9, and tomorrow, April 10 on House Legislative Initiative 16-5, which proposes to amend the Constitution to allow the government to borrow money for operations.  The hearing today will be at 6:30pm in the House Chamber; the hearing tomorrow will be at 6:30pm at the Multipurpose Center.  Click here for the complete info.

Finally, community forums to explore the possibility of longer-term CNMI residence status for qualified foreign workers will be held this week and next week.  The first forum will be tonight, April 9, starting at 6pm at the Kagman Community Center.  The second forum will be tomorrow, April 10, starting at 6pm at San Vicente School.  These forums are being sponsored by Taotao Tano and various long-term foreign worker groups.  Public Hearing Notice Apr 2008

This is to announce that the House session scheduled for Thursday, March 20 has been postponed until further notice due to Holy Week.  The Senate session is still scheduled for today at 10am.  

Also, the following meetings will be taking place today, Wednesday, March 19:

• Joint committee meeting, Commerce & Tourism and Ways & Means, at 1:30pm in the House Chamber to review the following bills: HB 16-12, establishing a nonimmigrant entry permit category to attract “silver club” market; and HB 16-21 to amend 4 CMC Section 0204 to cap tax benefits of qualifying certificates
• PUC meeting with legislators, at 2pm in the Speaker’s Conference Room:  PUC nominee Ms. Kim King-Hinds and PUC members Ms. Viola Alepuyo and Mr. Kyle Calabrese have been invited to meet with all interested legislators today at 2pm in the Speaker’s Conference Room.  This meeting will be an opportunity for members to interview Ms. King-Hinds with respect to her PUC nomination, and to discuss with all three individuals the scope of responsibilities which they are preparing to take on as PUC members, their vision for the future of public utilities in the CNMI, and anticipated challenges, opportunities, needs, and resources.  This will also be an opportunity to reexamine the confirmation process for PUC nominees, and explore possibilities for improvement in the future confirmation of the remaining PUC members. 

Finally, the usual Wednesday hour with the press will be held today at 10am in my office. 

There will be a House session today, Thursday, March 12 @ 2pm in the House Chamber.  The call for session was sent out a couple of days ago, but a final agenda was not available until this morning.  CLICK HERE for the Agenda.  

Also, the following committees have scheduled meetings this week and next week thus far:

Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation, PUTC: Friday, March 14 @ 1pm, to begin developing a long-range energy plan for Saipan.  Contact myself, Tina Sablan, at 664-8931, 483-3935, or tinasablan@gmail.com for more information.

House Commerce and Tourism: Wednesday, March 19 @ 1:30pm in the Speaker’s Conference Room, to review HB 16-12 (establishing a nonimmigrant entry permit category to attract “silver club” market); and HB 16-21 to amend 4 CMC Section 0204 to cap tax benefits of qualifying certificates

Finally, Rep. Hofschneider will be at the Sabalu Market this Saturday, from 6:30am-8:30am, with an informational display of the five initiatives that he has introduced, which pertain to the downsizing of the Legislature, amendments to Article XII, and a proposal to allow the government to borrow money for operations to address the CNMI’s power crisis.  Copies of the initiatives will be made available to the public, and Rep. Hofschneider will also be conducting a survey to help assess public opinion on the proposals.  His office can be reached at 664-8830 for more information.

This is to announce the following committee meetings scheduled for today, Wednesday, February 20:

• House Committee on Commerce and Tourism, 10am, in the Speaker’s Conference Room — to meet with the Dept. of Commerce to receive a briefing on the agency’s structure and operations, and to review the agency’s budget request
• House Ways and Means, 1:15pm, in the House Chamber — to discuss the budget
• Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee, 1:30pm, in the Senate — to discuss the budget

As previously announced, this week’s press conference will be held on Wednesday, February 13, beginning at 10am (NOT 9am) in my office. 
 
I would like to discuss the following subjects:

• The budget;
• Updates on CUC and the need for a strategic plan;
• Observations on the organizational structure and policies governing the Legislative Bureau, and suggestions for improvement; and
• Observations on the conduct of business in the Legislature, and suggestions for improvement.
  Any other subjects for discussion are also fair game.  I have only listed the ones that seem to me to be the most pressing at this time.

As always, all members of the Legislature are invited to participate.  If it happens to get too crowded in my office, we can perhaps relocate to another office or simply hold the conference in the main lobby.
 
I look forward to an honest and fruitful discussion.

Attached is the amended agenda, received this morning, for today’s House session, scheduled for 1:30pm in the House Chamber.  Two bills have been added, as well as communications from the Governor’s office, and communications from Departments and Agencies. 
 
Also, per the request of numerous citizens, I am attaching the directory of contact numbers for all House and Senate members, and the Legislative Bureau staff.  Official email addresses will also be sent shortly.    

 CLICK HERE FOR THE AMENDED AGENDA

CLICK HERE FOR THE HOUSE AND SENATE CONTACT INFORMATION

This is to announce the following meetings next week:

• Monday, February 11 @ 9:30am, Speaker’s Conference: Ways and Means Committee, on the cover-over funds and the FY 2008 budget
• Monday, February 11 @ 1:30pm, House Chamber: House session, 3rd day (draft agenda is attached)
• Tuesday, February 12, @ 1:30pm, House Chamber:  Presentation by CUC and EPA to the members of the Legislature on the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and updates on the operations and administration status of CUC
• Wednesday, February 13, @ 8:00am, Fiesta Hotel:  Legislative Prevention Day, presentations by Ayuda Network to the Legislature on diabetes, cancer, substance abuse, child neglect, and crime in the CNMI 
• Thursday, February 14, @ 10am, House:  Retirement Fund presentation to JGO Committee

Also, kudos to House Floor Leader Rep. Joseph Camacho for creating a website where citizens can access bills introduced in the House and Senate while we continue to push for improvements in the official Commonwealth Legislature website.  Please visit www.camachocnmi.com .  You can also post comments!  =)

Below is the amended budget hearing schedule for today and tomorrow.  We agreed on Friday to extend the time allotted to each agency, and we covered the Dept. of Commerce, Public School System, Judiciary, Northern Marianas College, Retirement Fund, Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Dept. of Community and Cultural Affairs.
 
Today, Monday, Feb. 4, we will be conducting budget hearings for the following agencies:

2:00-3:00pm — Dept of Lands and Natural Resources
3:00-4:00pm — Mayor of Saipan

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 5, budget hearings will be conducted for the following:

9:00-10:00am — Mayor of the Northern Islands
10:00-11:00am — Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan

The Dept. of Labor, the Dept. of Public Safety, and the Mayor of Rota have notified the Legislature that they will not be attending the budget hearings, and accept the Governor’s budget proposals for their respective agencies.

Here is the budget hearing schedule for Friday, Feb. 1, beginning at 8am in the House Chamber:

8:00-8:30 — Dept. of Commerce
8:30-9:00 — Dept. of Community and Cultural Affairs
9:00-9:30 — Dept. of Labor
9:30-10:00 — Dept. of Finance
10:00-10:30 — Public School System
10:30-10:45 — Northern Marianas College
10:45-11:15 — Marianas Visitors Authority
11:15-11:45 — Dept. of Public Safety
11:45-12:30 — Dept. of Public Health
12:30-1:30 — LUNCH/Press Conference in Speaker’s Conference Room
1:30-2:00 — Judiciary
2:00-2:15 — Dept. of Public Works
2:15-2:30 — Dept. of Lands and Natural Resources
2:30-2:45 — Mayor of Saipan
2:45-3:00 — Mayor of the Northern Islands
3:00-3:15 — Mayor of Tinian and Aguigan
3:15-3:30 — Mayor of Rota

1) The amended agenda for today’s Senate session at 10am in the Senate chamber; and
2) The schedule of Senate calendared sessions.
 
Also, the Ways and Means Committee will be leading budget hearings all day tomorrow, beginning at 8am in the House Chamber, and likely to go all day.  A final schedule is not available yet.  For more information, Ways and Means Chair Ray Yumul’s office can be reached at 664-8841.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
 – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear people of the Commonwealth,
 
Today’s Unity March will be a peaceful and historic demonstration for everyone who cares about the future of the Commonwealth.   The march does not seek to create or sharpen divides in our community.  It will not attack any individuals, businesses, agencies, or ethnic groups.   It will not pit any cultural groups or nationalities against each other, or employees against employers, or the local government against the federal government, or U.S. citizens against noncitizens, or Chamorros and Carolinians against all other members of the community. 
 
A few individuals have suggested otherwise, and have attempted to undermine the spirit of the Unity March.  They speak from ignorance.  Their messages of intolerance should be challenged, of course, but they themselves should be treated with compassion: they may simply not have the capacity, the courage, or the moral fiber to understand that our Commonwealth can and should aspire to be something greater than what it is.   
 
A continued reliance on cheap and indefinitely “temporary” foreign labor without any pathway to greater security for the workers will only perpetuate the problems of low wages, abuse and corruption, limited opportunities for citizens and permanent residents in the private sector, and little incentive for young people to pursue higher education and vocational training and return to work here to practice their professions.   Arbitrary job classifications, artificial quotas, and an ever-changing, laxly-enforced immigration and labor program full of loopholes and contradictions help no one: not citizens, not permanent residents, not foreign national workers, and not businesses.   When our best and brightest people leave the Commonwealth for better opportunities, when businesses raise prices, cut hours, or shut down, when investors shy away, and when government is forced to enact massive layoffs because of the resulting drops in revenue – we all suffer.  
 
We can imagine a great Commonwealth.  We can imagine a thriving economy in which all honest work is fairly valued, wages keep pace with the cost of living, and our quality of life improves over time.    We can imagine a community in which people are motivated to seek out higher education and continually improve their skills in order to compete to the best of their ability for decent jobs.   We can imagine flourishing local businesses that compete for the best, most qualified employees they can find by offering higher wages and better working conditions.   We can imagine a government that looks after the welfare of all its people, and that recognizes the power of the free market, the necessity of transparency and accountability, and the fundamental importance of fair and reasonable laws and consistent enforcement. 
 
Now, I am aware that some have questioned the “appropriateness” of a representative-elect participating in the Unity March.   Some have accused me of forgetting my people, and particularly the people who voted for me in my precinct.  I have also been accused of betraying my Chamorro culture. 
 
Before I decided to run for office, and throughout my campaign, I consistently and vocally supported the extension of federal immigration law to the CNMI, and improved status for long-term foreign national residents.   I have also opposed the new local labor law.  I have taken these positions with the long-term interests of all people who live here in mind.   My participation in this march should therefore be a surprise to no one.  I will be marching with foreign national residents, permanent residents, other U.S. citizens, and business owners, all of whom live in my precinct, and in every precinct, and all of whom have a stake in the immigration and labor issues facing the Commonwealth.   And while not everyone joining the march will be people who can vote, they do live here, work and pay taxes, have children who are U.S. citizens, and contribute to the life and development of the community.   They also deserve to be represented.
 
As for the notion that I am somehow betraying my Chamorro culture by taking on these issues:  I was raised by a Chamorro grandmother, father, and numerous other relatives who taught me to respect others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality, to love all children, to care about the welfare of the entire community, and to be true to my convictions.   I was also raised by a non-Chamorro mother, and non-Chamorro uncles and aunties who basically taught me the same things.  I count Chamorros and non-Chamorros among my friends and family. 
 
To me, being Chamorro is not about tearing down people who are not Chamorro.  Intolerance is not a core Chamorro value. “Respect” for my culture does not mean I must disrespect other cultures.   And we do not regain or maintain our “dignity” by demeaning the inherent dignity of others.     
 
And just as importantly, “culture” is not a fixed and unchangeable thing.  Cultures are constantly changing, adapting to the times, and the ones that survive and prosper are usually the ones that manage to preserve the very best of their traditions while discarding those habits that hinder their advancement.   I would suggest that the habits of fear and intolerance are those aspects of “culture” in the Commonwealth that need to change, because they are crippling us all as a people, while the habits of respect and care for one another are the very best traditions that deserve to be upheld and enhanced because they will continue to propel us forward.  
 
The Unity March represents a vision for the Commonwealth that embraces all people who call our islands home, people who live, work, pay taxes, and raise their families here.   It is for all of us who love these islands, who wish to be part of the effort to rebuild the economy and to help improve the quality of life here for ourselves and our families.   It is for all of us who desire economic recovery through genuine immigration and labor reform and better governance.  It is for all of us who understand that the core values of humanity are respect for one another, and treating others as we would wish to be treated.   We are all called to embrace these values, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion, or occupation.
 
Now, more than ever, we need each other to stand together in mutual respect and cooperation, united by a common aspiration to realize a great future as a Commonwealth. 
 
The Unity March begins at 4:30pm today at Kilili Beach.  For more information, please contact me at tinasablan@gmail.com, or call me at 483-3935.
 
 
Tina Sablan