Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Know Before You Vote: Rethinking Prop V and K

Written by, Ellen-Rae Cachola, Annie Fukushima, Debbie Lee, Gwyn Kirk and Sandra Schwartz


Prop K, also known as the Decriminalization of Prostitution Ordinance, and Prop V, a ballot measure to reinstate Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (JROTC), deserve deeper discussions and critique. Prop K has been hailed as liberatory within San Francisco’s sex-positive culture. But questions of race, class, gender and nation continue to be silenced in that struggle toward liberating sexuality. Prop V was a no brainer for many people in liberal anti-war San Francisco. But when young people gave testimony to defend their right to JROTC, some capitulated to the culture of militarism that pervades US society, of which JROTC is a part.

The purpose of this editorial is not to dictate anyone’s vote, but to invite people to think deeper into these propositions up for vote this November 4, 2008. What are their long term and larger implications if they pass or not pass? How will these proposed changes help or hamper San Francisco’s claim to fame as a city of progressives?

Some Points to think about when Voting Prop K

  • Without legal enforcement behind them, prostitutes may have limited backing in protecting themselves from the abuse of traffickers. This decriminalizing measure does not necessarily mean prostitution will be any safer for prostitutes. This measure not only decriminalizes prostitutes, but also those considered "management." What are the power dynamics in prostitution that are being ignored in Prop K? Will this lead to an "open door" of human trafficking?
  • Cases such as Operation Gilded Cage (2005) where over 100 Korean women were found to be prostituted into San Francisco massage parlors suggests that human trafficking into prostitution impacts migrant communities. Does Prop K address the complexity for immigrants who can’t go to authorities to report working conditions for fear of prosecution due to their immigrant status, not necessarily their "occupation". In addition, traditional western forms of political organizing and empowerment may be culturally incongruent to immigrants and women who have had histories of abuse.
  • There will be a decrease in funding for non-profits that provide exit strategies for people who want to leave prostitution. An organization that will be affected is Safe House, one of five organizations in the U.S. that addresses homelessness and prostitution. Another is The SAGE project that, although critiqued for it's "John School", also provides a myriad of healing services and programs for people who want to leave prostitution.
  • The average age for people to enter prostitution is 13 years. Will decriminalizing prostitution address the fact that many begin "working" as minors? How will getting rid of exit strategy programs limit the options for those in prostitution?

Some Points to think about when Voting Prop V

  • JROTC is a Department of Defense program. The instructors are retired military personnel, the textbooks are selected by the military, and the military provides 50% of the funding for salaries. Having a JROTC program in a school normalizes militarism in our schools. Former Defense Secretary, William Cohen, stated that “JROTC is one of the best recruiting devices we could have.” Commanders from every branch of the military have testified repeatedly before the House Armed Services Committee regarding the success of JROTC programs to recruit.
  • Alternatives to JROTC exist. The JROTC Alternative Task Force recommended to the San Francisco Board of Education on June 9, 2008 a replacement program for JROTC. The task force proposed that the district develop a “Leadership Pathway” program with an Ethnic Studies and Leadership Development course as the foundation course. This program is being piloted at two San Francisco high schools this year. The task force also recommended that drum and bugle corps also be piloted as an after school programs. This program was chosen in response to a survey given to the JROTC cadets. Community service was the most frequently given answer regarding what they liked about the program. The Leadership Pathway will include a service learning focus in 10th grade, an internship in a non-profit in 11th grade, and an independent leadership project in 12th grade. L
  • Additional alternatives include after school programs, youth groups, sports, art organizations, AmeriCorps, and hundreds of volunteer and internship programs.
  • Although JROTC has changed the lives for many young people, it does not take into account the issues of economic and political inequality that produced the initial disempowerment in their community. To say that JROTC is a positive solution for communities does not look at the purpose of military culture, which is to produce violence and disempowerment of others for another people’s gain.

This message is not to sway peoples’ decisions, but to really think about other stakeholders who are usually silenced in these debates. There needs more policies that can address issues of race, class, gender, sexuality and nation so that nuances of communities’ realities can be recognized and justly accounted for in our government.


Friday, May 30, 2008

End Foreign Bases

Thursday  April 17, 2008
7:00 P.M.
Veterans Building, Room 219
401 Van Ness, San Francisco

Join us to HEAR
End Foreign Bases
Protect the people and their lives

Expert witnesses to the cost of US militarism on civilian
communities around the world.

The American Friends Service Committee & Veterans for Peace
& American Legion Post 315 Present

The United States maintains more than 737 publicly recognized
military bases as well as hundreds of secret bases and installations
in 140 countries around the world. With more than 400,000 US
troops "forward deployed" at these bases, they make U.S. foreign
military interventions, wars like the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and even
nuclear war possible.


Andrea Licata (Italy)—editor of an anthology of plans for converting
the long-standing mammoth U.S. airbase in Aviano to peaceful civilian
purposes. Key organizer of the demonstrations that occurred last
December, in which hundreds of thousands of people took to the
streets in Vicenza in protest of the U.S. base expansion. He also
helped create the Sir! No, Sir! Center and GI Rights Hotline in
Aviano.

Sabina Perez—Cultural activist in Guam and in the Bay Area, and one
of the key organizers of Famoksaiyan (a collective of community
workers, educators, and artists dedicated to promoting the cultural-
political sovereignty of Chamorros in Guam and abroad). She has
helped organize Chamorro delegations to testify before the UN.

For more information, call: American Friends Service Committee (415)
565-0201 x 24 or Veterans for Peace SF Bay/ American Legion Post 315,
the Bob Basker Post (415) 255-7331


(Wednesday, April 16- It will be at the San Jose Peace Center 48
South 7th Street , San Jose , Ca 95112. 7:00 pm- Licata only)

(Friday, April 18 – Santa Cruz – Resource Center for Nonviolence -
515 Broadway 7:30 pm- Licata

THE U.S. ROLE IN IRAQ: CAN AN OCCUPIER BECOME A PEACEMAKER?

A talk by Iraqi political analyst and blogger Raed Jarrar, with a response from Jon Osorio, director of Center for Hawaiian Studies

Friday * May 23 * 7pm * University of Hawai'i Manoa Art Auditorium

Raed Jarrar is an Iraqi political analyst and consultant to AFSC's Iraq Program currently based in Washington D.C. He also hosts a blog (www.raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com). Jarrar, who was asked by House Foreign Relations Subcommittee to coordinate a visit of Iraqi Parliamentarians to testify before Congress in June, will be visiting O'ahu, Big Island and Kaua'i as part of a multi-city tour to discuss the initiative. He will also discuss current war funding bills before Congress, the ongoing insurgent conflict, and a vision of what a constructive U.S. involvement would look like.

After the U.S.-led invasion, Jarrar became the country director for CIVIC Worldwide, the only door-to-door casualty survey group in post-war Iraq. He then established Emaar (meaning reconstruction in Arabic), a grassroots organization that provided humanitarian and political aid to Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs). Emaar delivered medicine and food as well as helped initiate micro-enterprise projects for IDPs. Additionally, Emaar engaged in political advocacy on behalf of displaced populations.

On O'ahu, Jon Osorio, Director of the UH Center for Hawaiian Studies, will respond to Raed Jarrar drawing parallels between the present war and occupation in Iraq and the U.S. invasion and occupation of Hawai'i which began more than a century ago.

Background:

The U.S. strategy in Iraq is not working. Five years of occupation has led to the largest forced displacement in the Middle East since 1948 and an estimated 1 million Iraqi dead. More than 4,000 U.S. soldiers have been killed, and the US Government has spent one trillion dollars. The result has been little security and no stability for the Iraqi people.

Inside Iraq, the deterioration of basic services, including the collapse of the health care system, lack of electricity and potable water, and personal and economic insecurity make daily life for Iraqis nearly impossible. Eight million Iraqis are in need of emergency assistance, and more than one in six Iraqis have been forced from their homes. In neighboring countries absorbing refugees, infrastructure is sorely inadequate, and the economic and political strain is increasing. The chaos and violence in Iraq threaten to destabilize the whole region.

A new vision is emerging based on the complete removal of US troops and bases, Iraqi political reconciliation and regional negotiations. It is what the majority in Iraqi's Parliament and a majority of Iraqis want. The peace plan would require U.S. assistance to Syria and Jordan, which are hosting 2 million Iraqi refugees, and dialogue with Iran, an important actor in Iraq.

------------------------------
The event is sponsored by Honolulu Friends Meeting Peace and Social Concerns Committee, American Friends Service Committee-Hawai'i, CHOICES, DMZ-Hawai'i Aloha 'Aina, Friends of Sabeel, Military Families Speak Out-Hawai'i, World Can't Wait-Hawai'i, Revolution Books-Hawai'i, Malu 'Aina Center for Non-Violent Education and Action, Kauai Alliance for Justice and Peace, Hawai'i People's Fund, Buddhist Peace Fellowship-O'ahu, Manoa Mediation & Peace Club, Ohana Koa, Nuclear Free & Independent Pacific, Hawai'i Labor for Peace and Justice.

CONGRESSIONAL STAFF PREVENTS GAO FROM ISSUING FINAL

PRESS RELEASE APRIL 2, 2008

After months of study and consultation with the Commonwealth and interested federal agencies, the Government Accountability Office was prepared to release publicly its final report of the meaning of House Bill No. 3079 on schedule last Friday, March 28. No such report was received by the Commonwealth, as had been promised by GAO on many occasions after circulating its draft report on February 22, 2008.

The Commonwealth has now been informed that GAO did submit its final report to the Congressional requesters on March 28. The report is entitled “Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Pending Legislation Would Apply U.S. Immigration Law to the CNMI with a Transition Period (GAO-08-466).” According to GAO, the Congressional staffers “requested restrictive release,” which means that GAO cannot make the report public for 30 days, unless the Congressional staffers decide to release it at an earlier date.

Governor Fitial expressed his surprise and disappointment with this development:
“Preventing the public release of the GAO report for as long as 30 days means that the Members of the Congress will not be informed of the many serious legal shortcomings of the important bill they are being asked to approve. We pointed out many of these deficiencies in our comments to GAO.”

Governor Fitial has authorized release to the public of the comments submitted by his Special Legal Counsel on March 14, 2008 to GAO regarding its draft legal report. The Commonwealth was informed that comments had also been solicited by GAO from the Departments of Homeland Security, Interior, and Labor. The Commonwealth also recommended that comments be sought from the Department of Justice. As is GAO’s practice, all such comments would be included in the final version of the report.

One of the most controversial interpretations contained in the GAO draft report was its tentative view that the transition period defined under the bill could not be extended beyond December 31, 2014. According to the Commonwealth’s comments, this interpretation of the bill is inconsistent with both the language of the proposed legislation and its legislative history. The Commonwealth believes that the Secretary of Labor is clearly given the authority to extend the transition period for periods of up to five years after considering a long list of relevant factors.

RIP Ka Bel, Representative of the Working Class

KA BEL, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WORKING CLASS

GABRIELA National Alliance of Women mourns with the people with the
passing away of Ka Crispin Beltran, representative of Anakpawis Party
List, representative of the working class Filipinos.

Ka Bel was relentless in serving the oppressed people, enduring the
most difficult of trials, the latest of which was his detention for more
than a year for rebellion case orchestrated by the Arroyo regime. His
dedication to the working class was such that he inspired and encouraged
his own children and grandchildren to become part of the people's
struggle.

Ka Bel was an ideal man – passionate in his commitment to serve, devoted
to the cause of the people, dependable in the most trying of times.

Ka Bel's death is a great loss but more importantly his life, tirelessly
dedicated to serving the oppressed peoples, will forever serve as an
inspiration to continue the people's struggle for genuine freedom and
democracy.

Mahal ka namin, Ka Bel, we will sorely miss you.


--------

News article from GMA News:

ka bel passes may 20th.

Labor leader and staunch Arroyo critic passes away

From the parliament of the streets to the corridors of Congress, Crispin B. Beltran never gave up on his aim of promoting the interest of workers.

The 75-year-old Beltran, born in Bacacay, Albay on January 7, 1933, was a long time trade unionist and chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno before he became representative of Anakpawis party-list.

He met his end on Tuesday, May 19. He succumbed to severe head injuries after a bad fall from the roof of his house in Bulacan province. Fellow leftist lawmaker Satur Ocampo said that he was once told by Beltran that he'd rather die in a protest-rally on the street, in the company of poor people who want change in the government.

He was a political detainee during Martial Law. He was again detained under the Arroyo administration for more than 15 months from March 2006 to July 2007 through a hospital arrest at the Philippine Heart Center.

Beltran was arrested on February 25, 2006, a day after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of national emergency following a failed uprising against her government.

He was nabbed on charges of rebellion, with authorities enforcing an arrest warrant issued in 1982. That rebellion case, stemming from protest actions over the Bataan Export Processing Zone, was dismissed in 1986.

In June 2007, when he was granted temporary liberty, Beltran returned to the House of Representatives in a fighting mood.

While at the plenary, Beltran, in a fiery privilege speech assailed the Arroyo administration, and defended his right to speak against corruption, unmindful of his recurring heart problem, which often made his blood pressure shoot up.

"I am innocent of the rebellion charge against me. It's neither a sin nor against the law to speak against graft and corruption and the killing of hundreds of innocent civilians", he said. - GMANews.TV

KAISA KA to hold National Congress—Call for Support

March 19, 2008

Dear Friends,

KAISA KA, the women’s organization that first came out in 1998 will be holding its first National Congress this coming May.

It took us that long. But we are proud to declare that now that we are holding this congress, KAISA KA has indeed become a national organization with a sizeable membership and a record of achievements in the women’s movement.

It is high time that we call this Congress. Not only will this consolidate the organization and the gains of the past ten years, but also, and more so, this congress shall unite the organization strongly along more effective means of confronting big threats to Filipino women’s human rights and security.

The congress carries the theme: Sulong Kababaihan! Tumindig, Lumaban, Lumaya para sa sarili at sa bayan! (Women, Advance! Make a Stand! Fight! Be Free for ourselves as women, for the people!)

As this congress will take three days and attendees will have to come from as far away as Zamboanga and Davao, the holding of this activity will cost a minimum of
PhP546, 000.00

We need to raise the amount of PhP 8,875 to for the transportation, food and accommodation, conference kit and travel incidentals for every person coming from the Mindanao area. A delegate coming from Cebu or Negros would need around PhP 7,275.

We are asking for donations to help pay for the food, transportation and rental of the venue. We shall accept cash donations and air line tickets, office supplies or free use any transportation facility.

Please inform us about what you can possibly donate as soon as possible. Please find our contact details below .

Yours truly,


CORAZON D. REQUIZO
Secretary General
KAISA KA
22A Libertad St. Brgy. Highway Hills,
Mandaluyong City 1501
Philippines
Tel. 632-5321746
Fax. 632-7173262

Anti-rape/anti-VFA Activists Urge CA not to Yield to Pressure on Smith

Press Release
May 27, 2008
Reference: Yuen Abana - 09162811934
Lotlot Requizo – 0917 860 6650
Pangging Santos - 09156484638


Anti-rape/anti-VFA Activists Urge CA not to Yield to Pressure on Smith

“Enough of the Philippine government’s licking US masters’ boots! Make history by making an independent stand!”

These came from members of Task Force Subic Rape (TFSR) who went back to the streets this morning and trooped to the Court of Appeals to ask the justices not to yield to pressure to acquit L/Cpl Daniel John Smith. A lower court found Smith guilty of raping a 21 year-old Filipina in 2005.

“We got information that a justice is preparing the decision to reverse Judge Pozon’s verdict. We are not entirely surprised because we saw how the US exerted pressure on the GMA government just to have Smith turned over to them after the guilty verdict. We also saw how compliant the GMA government has been, even to the point of stealing Smith from a Philippine jail in the dead of the night.” Yuen Abana of Partido ng Manggagawa explained.

“But we are still urging the justices”, added Pangging Santos of Sarilaya. “Some may have the courage to convict a member of the strongest armed forces in the world as evidence is strong.”
The rally participants decried the Philippine government’s long history of subservience. In Subic and Clark, Filipinos filed some 3,211 different cases against American soldiers from 1980 to 1987 alone but no case ever prospered in court. More than 48 Filipinos have been murdered from 1947 to 1980 alone but local politicians were first to look for an out-of-court-settlement or dissuade victims from pursuing the cases.

“Japan has its first conviction of a US soldier in 1948 and it has convicted some other US soldiers for the same crime. Korea has convicted 84 US soldiers for rape. But the Philippine government, still very afraid of hurting US-Philippines relations, did its best to keep the latest case of a Filipina raped in Japan hushed and is working to clear Smith of that rape in Subic.” Lotlot Requizo of KAISA KA lamented.

Task Force Subic Rape handed to court personnel a letter of appeal for the CA justices before they left.

CHEVRON: FUELING WARS AND ABUSING HUMAN RIGHTS & THE ENVIRONMENT

BY FACES
WEDS, May 28, 7-1030am. Chevron Shareholder's Mtg.
From Richmond to Ecuador, Nigeria, Canada, Philippines, Burma and Iraq

Join FACES, local Richmond groups, Ecuadorian, Nigerian and other international communities and tell Chevron Executives and Shareholders: WE DEMAND PEACE, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. Please arrive at the site preferably at 7am in order to be present as shareholder's enter the meeting, and meet at the FACES banner! Additional signs/posters are welcome.

Location: Chevron World Headquarters, 6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA. Parking is available at the shopping center across the street, and public transit and carpool options are available. (Pls. read full info below).
FACES event contact: Aileen Suzara, aileensuzara@ gmail.com, 808-896-7299. Please contact if you are interested in joining the FACES contingent or have questions about logistics and arranging carpools!

http://bayareadirectaction.wordpress.com/2008/05/14/may-28-demand-justice-from-chevron/

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *****
THURS. MAY 29, 7pm. Community Forum: Capping Chevron's Crude. Richmond Alliance for Environmental Justice hosts a public teach-in on the Dirty Crude Richmond Refinery Expansion plans that will go before the Richmond Planning Commission on June 5. Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Mac Donald Ave., Richmond.

THURS., JUNE 5, TBA
Chevron's Richmond Refinery Expansion plans will go before the Richmond Planning Commission. Stay tuned for details and ways to support this key event in the Bay Area with community groups!

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******
SHAREHOLDER'S Meeting Info:
CHEVRON: FUELING WARS AND ABUSING HUMAN RIGHTS & THE ENVIRONMENT
From Richmond to Ecuador, Nigeria, Canada, Philippines, Burma and Iraq

WED, MAY 28, 7am to 10:30am
Mass Theater Action and Demonstration
Chevron World Headquarters
6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/05/20/18500470.php

Special Guests:
Luis Yanza, Ecuadorian Community Organizer and 2008
Goldman Environmental Award Recipient

Hugo Criollo, Ecuadorian Indigenous Leader

Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian human rights, pro-democracy
and anti-corporate leader.

Larry Bowoto, Plaintiff in the lawsuit against Chevron
for their 1998 flying of Nigerian soldiers by
helicopter to attack a nonviolent occupation of
Chevron̢۪s Parabe offshore oil platforms. Two
activists were killed, others injured, and Bowoto
himself was tortured.

These leaders from Ecuador and Nigeria will
demonstrate with Bay Area environmental justice,
solidarity, antiwar, and human rights groups, and will
also join supportive shareholders and organizers in
confronting Chevron executives and shareholders inside
their annual shareholder meeting. While we take
action at the gates of Chevron World Headquarters
(please come on time so we can greet the shareholders
who arrive by 7:30am), some shareholders have filed a
resolution demanding that Chevron report on the
environmental laws in every country where it has
operations, in an attempt to push for accountability.
http://www.chevront oxico.com/ article.php? id=381

MASS THEATER: We need 100 people to join us, put on
HazMat suits and gloves, and help us clean up Chevron's
human and environmental rights abuses and
oil wars. If you are willing to join us, please send a
note to: info@chevrontoxico. org

How to Get There:
Take BART to Walnut Creek BART: We will provide
shuttles from Walnut Creek BART to the demonstration.
Or you can take short ride on County
Connection shuttle 121, or it's a flat 12-mile bike
ride.
Carpools: (if you have space in your car or need a
ride):
SF: Meet @ 6am; Safeway parking lot, Church and
Markets Sts.
East Bay: Meet @ MacArthur BART @ 6:15am
Driving/Carpooling Directions: Fast 25 miles E. of
Oakland.
Take 580 to Hwy 24 E. to I-680 S to exit #34/BOLLINGER
CANYON ROAD. Left over Hwy. 1st left into Shopping
Center. Park, walk back to Chevron across Bollinger.

Sponsored by:
Asian Pacific Environmental Network, Direct Action to
Stop the War, Amazon Watch, Laotian Organizing
Project, Justice for Nigeria Now, Global Exchange,
Burmese American Democratic Alliance-SF, Filipino
American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity
(FACES), Rainforest Action Network, West County Toxics
Coalition, Richmond Greens, Richmond Progressive
Alliance

For more information:
info@chevrontoxico. org
(510) 984-2566
ActAgainstWar. org

4th ANNUAL QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL

Visit the website at http://www.qwocmap.org/festival.html

FRIDAY, JUNE 13
7:30PM - Opening Night Screening: Kindred Queers

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 **FESTIVAL FOCUS**
2PM - Featured Panel & Retrospective Screening: Pratibha Parmar
5PM & 8PM - Featured Screening: From Queer API Women With Love

SUNDAY, JUNE 15
3PM - Centerpiece Screening: Sexily Subversive
6PM - Closing Night Screening: Delectably Yours

4 Film Screenings: FREE
Featured Panel: $10-$20

Information & Tickets:
www.QWOCMAP.org
festival@qwocmap.org
415-752-0868

VENUE
Brava Theater
2789 24th Street (at York)
San Francisco


******** FRIDAY JUNE 13 ********

FRIDAY, JUNE 13 - 7:30PM
Opening Night Screening: KINDRED QUEERS
Free

From a young girl's magical waltz with the moon, to
a mother-daughter tango of fear and acceptance, to
the quick turns of a dyke couple on a mission to
conceive, these films will shake you in a samba of
spirit and determination.

All films created by QWOCMAP filmmakers. Screening
followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

MAGIC & THE MOON (Pia Infante, 2008)
BOTH/AND (Stephanie Yang, 2006)
JAGADAMBA, MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE (Amber Field, 2008)
RENACIMIENTO DE UNA BRUJA (Zemaya, 2008)
YO SOY/I AM (Nancy Angel, 2007)
SEEING GOLDA (Michelle Alcedo, 2008)
QUEERING MY MOTHER (Lourdes Rivas, 2007)
ONE IN A MILLION (Monifa Porter, 2008)
Running Time: 66 minutes


******** SATURDAY JUNE 14 ********

FESTIVAL FOCUS: Queer Asian Pacific Islander Women


SATURDAY, JUNE 14 - 2PM
Featured Panel & Retrospective Screening: Pratibha Parmar
$10-$20

FEATURED PANEL
Representations of Queer API Women in the Media
Moderated by Helen Zia

RETROSPECTIVE SCREENING
Khush - an exploration of queer South Asians in diaspora
Bhangra Jig - a celebration of culture and desire
Wavelengths - a quest for love and intimacy

~~~~~~~~

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 - 5PM & 8PM
Featured Screening: FROM QUEER API WOMEN WITH LOVE
Free

From a tricky tap dance with immigration agents, to
lyrical interpretations of grief, to the dynamic strut of
a queer secret agent, these powerhouse combinations
are a vibrant groove of heritage, humor and insight.

All films created through QWOCMAP. Screening
followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

LOOK AGAIN (Jennifer Lin, 2008)
LESBIANS TRYING 2 CONCEIVE (Helen Lin, 2008)
PIECES OF YOU (K.V. Cao, 2008)
IF YOU KNEW (Lida Shao, 2008)
VISIBLE VOICE (Paulette Tran, 2008)
JUST ANOTHER DAY (Thu Trinh, 2008)
ALL OF ME (Margaret Rhee, 2008)
LABELS ARE FOREVER (Jinky de Rivera, 2008)
Running Time: 69 minutes


******** SUNDAY JUNE 15 ********

SUNDAY, JUNE 15 - 3PM
Centerpiece Screening: SEXILY SUBVERSIVE
Free

From a 12-year-old who tip-toes around her boyish
desires, to the visual legacies embodied by Black
women, to the fierce shimmy of big bodacious babes,
these films will spin, sway and swing you on the
streets and between the sheets. Explicit content.

Screening followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

S/HE (Gina Chan, 2007)
THE WINK & THE PUCKER (Ami Puri, 2008)
HOKUM (Kortney Ziegler, 2007)
HOT/N/TOT (Stephanie Cooper, 2008)
CAUSE SHE'S GOT IT LIKE THAT (Vanessa Lewis, 2008)
SHE EJACULATES (Nenna Jonier, 2008)
PLAY WITH ME (Leslie Mullins, 2008)
CUT & PASTE (Alexis McCrimmon, 2007)
Running Time: 61 minutes

~~~~~~~~

SUNDAY, JUNE 15 - 6PM
Closing Night Screening: DELECTABLY YOURS
Free

From a yummy chance encounter over Pho noodles,
to a rebellious zapateado against green tortillas,
to tasty platanos from the lands of merengue, salsa
and calypso, these delectable films will move you
while they satisfy your hunger for community and
connection.

All films created through QWOCMAP. Screening
followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

OVER PHO (Rui Bing Zheng, 2008)
FRIED CHICKEN FEET (San Ng, 2008)
TOO MUCH PLAID (Caroline Le, 2008)
YOURS, ANONYMOUS (Puck Lo, 2007)
NO STINKIN' GREEN TORTILLAS (Norma Ramos, 2008)
BANADY & BANARIA (Jay Takeda, 2007)
THE COCK: LESBIAN OWNED & OPERATED (Luna Han, 2008)
MASHED, BOILED & FRIED (Margo Rivera-Weiss, 2008)
Running Time: 78 minutes

Suffering Without Suffrage



Here is a link to the documentary:

http://current.com/items/88967762_suffering_without_suffrage

Please watch and leave comments. Current TV will also air the documentary on its TV stations, which have more than 54 million viewers in the US, UK and Italy.

Si Yu'us Ma'ase,
Victoria

Friday, February 29, 2008

STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF CHERRIE ANN GUZMAN-COLEMAN

Philippine Women’s Network on Peace & Security

Amnesty International-Pilipinas * Buklod Center * KAISA Ka* Metro Subic

People’s Task Force on Bases Clean Up * WEDPRO * WomanHealth-Philippines

Member, International Women’s Network for Genuine Security



On October 4, Cherrie Anne Guzman-Coleman died under suspicious circumstances, allegedly by hanging herself. Cherrie was the bride of SSgt. Glenn Edward Coleman of the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, which is stationed at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The two met when Cherrie worked for six months in Okinawa as an overseas performing artist, and had only been married for five months when Cherrie died. Coleman claims that Cherrie took her own life after a “slight” domestic disagreement. Cherrie’s friends have said that the couple often quarreled due to Coleman’s jealousy. They had seen Cherrie distraught, in tears and bruised after such incidents. On October 13, the battered body of Cherrie Ann Guzman-Coleman arrived in the Philippines and was claimed by her grieving mother, Ms. Myrna Vergara.

Almost 50,000 US forces and their dependents are stationed in Okinawa’s 42 military installations under Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, current commander of all US forces in Japan. Sexual crimes and violence directed at women, including domestic violence, are the most common forms of human rights violations in the world. Violence against women is particularly pervasive in the context of military bases and prevailing military culture and training. The number and gravity of cases of violence against women have been especially shocking in Okinawa where US bases began its operations in 1945. In the past 62 years, hundreds of victims have been attacked, kidnapped, abused, gang raped or murdered, including a nine month old baby and girls with ages ranging from six to fifteen. Cherrie may well be the latest in a long line of women who have been attacked, kidnapped, abused, raped and even murdered by US servicemen in Okinawa.

Actions taken by Coleman and US military authorities in Okinawa have raised speculations that they have engaged in an attempt to cover-up the real facts regarding Cherrie’s death. The 20 year old Filipina’s death certificate, signed by medical examiner Capt. James Caruso of the US Naval Hospital in Okinawa did not contain cause of death, although an autopsy was supposedly carried out.

The Philippine Women’s Network on Peace and Security Network (PWNPS) calls on the Okinawan authorities, along with the Japanese Government, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on the death of Cherrie Ann Guzman-Coleman.

We call on the Philippine Government to assist the family of Cherrie through her mother, Ms. Vergara, to determine the actual cause of her death and seek justice for the untimely death of her daughter.

We call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to fulfill its responsibility to protect and promote the well-being of all its citizens, including Cherrie Ann and all Filipino women living and working in military facilities all over the world.

Ref: Women’s Education, Development, Productivity & Research Organization (WEDPRO), Inc.

Convener and Secretariat: Philippine Women’s Network on Peace & Security (PWNPS)

Email: wedprophils1989@yahoo.com

‘What are they hiding?’ Knocking on a US base’s door in Zambo, a citizens’ group is shut out

CITIZENS’ PEACE WATCH
PRESS RELEASE
19 February 2008, Jolo Sulu


ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 18, 2008) -- Members of a citizens’ fact-finding mission walked up inside Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City and confirmed the presence of a little known fortified US military base with communication facilities inside the Philippine military camp.

Asserting the right to information and transparency, the Citizens’ Peace Watch knocked on the doors of the base requesting to inspect its premises and to meet with officials of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P).

The JSOTF-P is the unit of US Special Forces that – unknown to many Filipinos – has been headquartered in the said US military base in this city since 2002 and has been deploying to various parts of Mindanao since then.

The members of the Citizens Peace Watch were told to wait, and they waited, only to be fetched by a Filipino soldier called up by the JSOTF-P to send the group away.

The JSOTF-P later sent a fax to the group saying they don’t have the authority to grant the request for a visit. They claim to have forwarded the request instead to the Armed Forces of the Philippines which is supposedly in the position to decide on the matter.

Such an explanation, however, was contradicted by a Filipino military official whom the group interviewed inside the same camp. Capt. Vicente Enriquez of the Western Mindanao Command had earlier told the group that it was not up to the AFP to approve any requests to visit the US military facilities. Only the US military can decide, Enriquez said.

Even Filipino soldiers, Enriquez stated, are not allowed to enter the military base without the US military’s permission.

“By the Philippine military’s own admission then, what we have here is clearly a US military base that is outside the control of the Philippine military, where the US exercises sovereignty within Philippine territory, and that is off-limits to Filipino citizens,” noted Atty. Corazon Fabros, a member of the Citizens’ Peace Watch.

“The ‘visitors’ have not only stayed on, they have set up camp in our house and told us – their hosts – to go away,” added Fabros.

The US military base stands out and is sealed from the rest of Camp Navarro by walls, concertina wire, and sandbags. The actual size of the area it occupies could not immediately be established from the outside. But communication facilities such as satellite dishes, antenna, and other instruments are visible.

US Marines provided protection for the facility; some workers were seen wore IDs identifying them with DynCorp, a controversial US military contractor.

What other facilities were inside the base is also unknown but the US embassy – responding to an earlier report exposing the granting of a P700-million peso contract to a company providing “base operations support” – had confirmed that they are constructing structures for “medical, logistical, and administrative facilities” for US troops “to eat, sleep, and work.”

The Citizens’ Peace Watch’s requests to various members of the cabinet, military officials, and the US embassy for meetings and for an inspection of US military facilities in the country was effectively rejected, with a Philippine military official saying that such requests would be acted on in “two months or in 2013.”

“What exactly are they hiding here? Why all this secrecy?,” asked Amabella Carumba of the Mindanao People’s Peace Movement, a member of the mission.

The following organizations are represented in the Citizens Peace Watch mission: Alyansa ng Kabataan sa Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan, Anak Mindanao Party List, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Bangsamoro Women’s Foundation, Citizen’s Coalition for Human Rights, Focus on the Global South, KaisaKa, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA), Mindanao Peoples Caucus, Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement, Mindanao Tri-People Women Forum, Moro Human Rights Center, Muslim Women’s Organization, Peace Women Partners, Peacebuilders Community, Pinay Kilos (PINK), Resource Center for People’s Development, STOP the War Coalition Philippines, Sumpay Mindanao, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Tulong Lupah Sug, Inc

REFERENCE:
Atty Corazon Fabros: +639178871153

Rage against Rape, Rage against US Bases and War

Kaisa ka 22A Libertad St. Brgy Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Tel/Fax:7173262

Press Statement
February 22, 2008
From the Desk of: Atty. Virginia Suarez-Pinlac, Spokesperson, KAISA KA-KPD

KAISA-KA, a progressive women’s organization in the Philippines strongly condemns the rape by a marine staff sergeant of a 14 year old girl in Okinawa. We sympathize with the victim and we hope that she gathers enough strength so that she, her parents and her supporters resolutely fight for justice.

The news of the rape saddens us. As supporters of the victim in the 2005 rape in a former base in the Philippines by a lance corporal from the US Marines, we in KAISA-KA know the emotional and mental anguish the victim and her family are going through.

But more than the sadness is our outrage. Rape and other military abuses have been committed against several people around US bases in Okinawa in the past several decades. People have been opposing the bases but these bases have been in Japan for 62 years now and have even expanded. And worse, the Japanese government has now allowed its armed forces to be dragged into US’ wars.

Wherever US troops are, cases of rape and other sexual abuses abound. A US naval investigator even admitted in the course of his testimony during a hearing on the Subic rape case that 50% of the cases his office attends to involve rape.

We believe, a US official’s promise of countermeasures to prevent recurrence of military sexual abuse will not bring peace of mind to the Japanese women. US officials make this promise every time cases of rape or molestation happen.

The problem lies in hosting bases for the armed forces of the only superpower. Because of its economic and military might, the US government forces upon other countries unequal agreements. These agreements give erring soldiers immense protection, virtually giving them license to bully locals.

The US establishes bases for its interventionist wars. To keep its soldiers in “fighting form”, it allows its troops to have “rest and recreation” (R & R). R & R for them largely include taking liberties with women. The areas around bases are places for these. Hence, women and children in communities around bases become more prone to abuses of their soldiers who may be drunk, demoralized, and alienated.

No less than the dismantling of the US bases and the complete withdrawal of US troops from Japan will give peace and security to the ordinary people of Japan, most especially to its women and children. A united people strongly against interventionist wars can make this happen!

US Troops: Terrorizing Women and Children

Kaisa ka 22A Libertad St. Brgy Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Tel/Fax:7173262

Press Statement
February 22, 2008
From the Desk of: Atty. Virginia Suarez-Pinlac, Spokesperson, KAISA KA-KPD

The Philippine Senate should terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement and send US troops in Mindanao and Sulu out of the country now or people, especially women and children, will remain gripped in terror.

No self-respecting sovereign nation would allow foreign troops to run circles around its own army as well as its own citizenry which has been the case with the permanent presence of these US troops since 2002.

The shooting incident that happened on February 4, 2008 in Barangay Ipil in Maimbung, Sulu was clearly a massacre. As established by the fact finding mission of the Citizens’ Peace Watch, Filipino and American soldiers fired at civilians. Nine people including a pregnant woman and two children got killed. The survivors of the incident are not only grieving. They cower in fear as they remember the barbaric rampage.

This is not the first incident US soldiers got involved in shooting of civilians. Earlier, a certain Sgt. Reggie Lane fired at a civilian, Buyong-Buyong Isnijal, in Basilan.

The national government and the US Embassy should stop making cover up for the involvement of these foreign troops in crimes against the people. After all, the terror and the social problems that result from their presence and operations far outweigh the benefits of their so-called humanitarian missions.

Prostitution is flourishing in areas surrounding the US bases. The “rest and recreation needs” of the US soldiers encourage this phenomenon. It will not take long before the country confronts a host of other social problems related to this—illegal drugs proliferation, more sexual abuse and violence against women and children, abandoned Amerasians, and a rise in the cases of sexually transmitted diseases, especially AIDS.

We call on the Philippine Senate to conduct an immediate investigation of the massacre and the whole conduct of the US troops in Mindanao instead of ratifying into a new treaty the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia. The senators should see for themselves the US facilities and make a firm stand to end Visiting Forces Agreement.# # #

Urgent Appeal for Information About Military Crimes and Bases

FYI reagarding 19 year old girl rape on Iwakuni base
Japan.

tk

--- Joseph G. wrote:


Friends,

Following is an urgent appeal from Steve
Leeper, who is senior staff for Mayor Akiba of
Hiroshima. Please read it and, if possible, send him
whatever information you can about U.S. military
crimes against host nation communities and citizens.

With appreciation,
Joseph

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Leeper
[mailto:leeper@pcf.city. hiroshima. jp]
Sent: Wed 11/7/2007 7:27 PM

Dear Friend of Hiroshima,
We need some help real quick.

Last week some American soldiers raped a 19-year old
girl in Hiroshima. This
is happening at a time when the nearby base at
Iwakuni is planning a major
expansion that could result in fighters sonic
booming right over Peace Park.
We need to use this incident to fight that base and
bases in general. Plus,
we want to make sure this incident is taken
seriously by all local
authorities, including the US base.

To that end, I am writing to ask if you have any
information or can point me
to any information about the relationship between US
military bases and
crime worldwide. This is certainly a problem in
Japan. We have heard it is a
problem in Germany and elsewhere, but we lack hard
core facts. Do you know
other bases or countries that have trouble with
crime? Can you help with
this effort in any way?

Thank you,
Steve

Okinawa Women Protest Statement against Rape by US soldier

February 13, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
Consul General Kevin Maher
United States Consulate General in Naha, Okinawa
Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer
US Military's Okinawa Area Coordinator


We protest the sexual violence against an Okinawan girl by a U.S.
Marine

We demand withdrawal of the U.S. military from Okinawa

We, people of Okinawa, particularly women, are outraged at another
heinous crime committed by a U.S. serviceman on February 10th, 2008.

We have been imposed the burden of hosting U.S. military and bases.
For long 62 years, the lives of women and children in Okinawa have
been made insecure by the presence of the U.S. military and bases.

The fact that the perpetrator took the victim from city center where
local residents spend their leisure time on holidays and weekends,
demonstrates the close proximity between our daily life and the
violence and danger caused by the U.S. military. The perpetrator, a
Marine who belongs to Camp Courtney lives outside of the base in a
local residential area. Why should U.S. soldiers be allowed to
freely enter a residential area at any time? Why is a safe
environment for children and women not assured in Okinawa? The fear
of the victim, the anger of her family, the shock and anxiety of the
local residents are all immeasurable.

The U.S. military has promised over and over "the requirement for
the highest standards of conduct," every time a crime was committed.
It is evident that these promises resulted in nothing. It needs to
be reminded that in the past, during long weekends such as
Independence Day weekend, many girls were revealed to the violence
if U.S. soldiers. Behind the crimes that have been made public are
many more women and children who could not speak out about the
violence they were exposed to.

We call for withdrawal of the U.S. military in order to abolish such
violence. We argue that the military is a violence-intrinsic
institution. And true security cannot be realized by the military in
our community nor between nations.

We demand:

careful and adequate psychological care of the victim,

apology and compensation to the victim,

strict punishment of the perpetrator,

tighter discipline and control over soldiers living in off-base
housings.

The realignment and transformation of the US-Japan military alliance
will only intensify the functions of the U.S. bases in Okinawa. We
demand withdrawal of the U.S. military from Okinawa and closure of
the U.S. bases in Okinawa.


Co-chairs, (Ms.) TAKAZATO Suzuyo, (Ms.) ITOKAZU Keiko
Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence
3-29-41-102 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa, 900-0015
Ph. Fax. 098-864-1539

Activists report on GI atrocities against Japanese

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Marianas Variety News Staff
January 28, 2008

AN activist group from Okinawa has released a report
compiling over 400 documented cases of gang rape,
abduction, beating, murder and other forms of abuses
committed by American soldiers against the Japanese
people from the post-war period until recent years.

The reports compiled by the Okinawa Women Act Against
Military Violence showed that only 29 cases had
corresponding records of convictions.

Most of the cases were never prosecuted and the
suspects were allowed to go scot-free. Others had
records of arrests but no charges were filed.

"Violence, human rights violations and sexual assault
on women are among the problems brought about by U.S.
military presence. We want to discuss these issues
with women in Guam to find a way to minimize the
problem," said Suzuyo Takazato, director of the
Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence and
chairman of the Okinawa Rape Emergency Intervention
Counseling Center .

Takazato, a former Okinawa council member and 2005
Nobel Peace nominee, will keynote today's forum on
women and human rights at the lecture hall of the
Jesus S. and Eugenia A Leon Guerrero Building at the
University of Guam .

* Relevant *

Takazato said the forum is particularly timely and
relevant to Guam as the island prepares for the
arrival of 8,000 Marines from Okinawa .

"I don't know how much the people of Guam realize the
impact of having a big military concentration in a
small island. Guam is half the size of Okinawa , where
we have 28,000 troops and 22,000 families. The
military presence is creating serious problems,"
Takazato said in an interview with Variety.

"As this region becomes the world front for the war in
Iraq and Afghanistan , we can expect more
aggressiveness to come," she added.

Besides the impact on the social landscape, Takazato
said the Okinawa population also has to deal with
environmental destruction and noise pollution brought
about by military exercises.

"Our government only sees the economic benefits of
having the U.S. military but we really have to think
about the problems that it brings. I feel that Guam
should be aware of this," Takazato said.

"Most people in Okinawa know Guam only through
(travel) advertisements. Most Japanese know Guam
simply as a tourist destination," Takazato said.

* Similarities *

What most Okinawans don't know is the similar
histories shared by the two islands, Takazato said.

Like Guam, she said, the island of Okinawa was
captured by a foreign government and battered by the
war. The continuing U.S. military presence gives a
constant reminder of the traumatic episode in history,
Takazato said.

Okinawa lost a quarter of its population during World
War II
. While suffering from the abuses of the U.S.
troops, Takazato said the Okinawans also feared the
Imperial Japanese Army.

"The Japanese troops were stationed in Okinawa to
protect the territory and not the people. The Japanese
soldiers killed the Okinawa people that they suspected
to be spies. Many families experienced the loss of
family members and many children became orphans,"
Takazato said. "Those experiences are seated deeply in
Okinawa people; this is why we have sentiments against
the military presence," she said.

Takazato said the cases of abuses committed by the
American troops during the postwar period were never
solved and those who committed them were never
punished.

After the war, Okinawa was placed under the control of
the U.S. military beginning in 1945. During which
time, Okinawa couldn't prosecute crimes committed by
military personnel. "It was only after Okinawa was
reverted to Japan in 1972 that military crimes were
brought to civilian courts," Takazato said.

* Nightmares *
While the people of Guam are still awaiting war
reparations and apology from the Japanese government
for the sexual enslavement of Chamoro women and other
atrocities committed by the Imperial Army, the people
of Okinawa have their own nightmares to confront
related to the abuses of the American troops.

The documented cases included incidents such as women
being gang raped in front of their husbands and
fathers.

Women issues in relation to the military relocation
will be the focus of today's forum, which starts at
3:30 p.m.

The forum was organized by the Fuetsan Famalao'an, the
Women and Gender Studies Program and the Department of
Social Work at UOG.

Takazato's lecture will be followed by a panel
presentation from representatives of the Asia-Japan
Women's Resource Center delegation.

Join us for a historic trans-pacific call on CNMI federalization issues- 2/11

February 11, 2008

Please join the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF)
and Famoksaiyan for the first ever national educational teleconference
on the Northern Marianas Covenant Implementation Act (H.R. 3079/Title
7 of S. 2483).

When: Monday, February 11, 2008 at 3:00p.m. PST
Call-in: 605-990-0550
Pass: 548473#
RSVP Tiffany, tiffany@trconsultingbayarea.com by Feb. 11 12p.m.
EST/9:00a.m. PST.

Who: Our speakers will be joining us from across the Pacific and
continental U.S.:

* Dr. Keith Camacho, Assistant Professor –UCLA Asian American Studies
Dept. (Los Angeles)
* Deanne Siemer & Howard Willens, CNMI Special Legal Counsel – Wilsie
Co. LLC (CNMI)
* Sabina Perez, Organizing Chair - Famoksaiyan (Guam)
* Sam Sablan, Organizer – Famoksaiyan (SF-Bay Area)
* Tiffany Rose Naputi Lacsado, Organizer – Famoksaiyan & NAPAWF Board
Member (SF-Bay Area)
* Priscilla Huang, Policy & Programs Director, NAPAWF (facilitator)


Why: 8,500 Miles away in the Western Pacific, the U.S. affiliated
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) eagerly awaits
Congress' decision on Omnibus bill S. 2483 Title 7. This bill, if
enacted, will greatly impact CNMI's labor and immigration practices as
well as the indigenous and foreign worker community in the islands.
Foreign workers make up one-third of the island chains' population and
hail from Asian countries such as the Philippines, Bangladesh, China
and Indonesia. Many of them have been long time residents of CNMI. If
enacted, this bill could require all foreign workers regardless of
length of residency in the islands to return to their home countries
with no hope of accessing a pathway to citizenship.

What: Please join us as we aid a network of progressive Pacific and
U.S.-based organizers who are trailblazing the way to building
national awareness on this and other related issues impacting the U.S.
affiliated Micronesian region. S. 2483 Title 7 is a crosscutting issue
and we strongly encourage members and allies who are interested in the
complex intersections among labor, immigration, decolonization,
colonialism, human trafficking, militarism, immigrant and indigenous
rights issues, and who are also interested in building their own and
organization's awareness about U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands and
their communities to join us on this historic call.

To learn more, please review the attached documents:


Legal memo by Howard Willens highlighting some of the key deficiencies
in the bill
Statement by CNMI Governor Fitial on HR 3079

Plastic Recycling on Guam

February 11, 2008
Famoksaiyan Friends

Good news!


Recycling of plastic bottles is now possible - water bottles,
juice bottles, laundry detergent canisters, etc..


The Guam United Methodist Church (corner of Rt. 15 and Fadian
Point, across Eagles Field) is a collection center. Entirely
non-profit, GUMC will help collect plastic bottles and arrange to
have them shipped off-island. They ask only that the bottles be
clean - easy, eh?

(GUMC will also take your aluminum cans.)

Asking the wrong questions on the build-up

Marianas Variety, February 15, 2008

The military officials' Joint Guam Program Office and its contractor for the military build-up Overseas Environmental Impact Statement have sent out a set of questions that indicate just what they are looking for in fulfilling their responsibilities under the National Environmental Protection Agency.

While a number of their inquiries will yield some information on what people think the impact will be, and while they are looking for existing data (i.e. things the Government of Guam already knows), they show no evidence of having a sociological or social imagination or framing of the problem.

Here are just a few of the problems.

A great number of the questions are framed as if the goal, at best, were to understand how to get more money into the pockets of Guam businesses and get more labor access with the least conflict for military construction.

In other words, the questions are not "how will military spending, military construction, and military operations help or hurt each of the different kinds of people on Guam (different demographically and different in terms of vulnerability to impacts or likelihood of losing or making money or health or confidence in the future and the self)?"

Instead, the underlying questions and concerns are mostly those of the military itself and some of the more powerful business people. They include underlying questions like "how can we get enough people to do the building and who would cause the build-up the least trouble?" not, "how much will inequality grow during the build-up?"

Or, "how can we reduce 'racial conflict'? as we go about the military build-up?" not, "how bad is existing racism against people of Guam within the US military and the groups who will be brought in as labor, and is it likely to get worse or better?" The difference between "racial conflict" and "racism" of course, is the difference between acknowledging or denying that racism exists.

Section II includes a military frame or a "military definition of the situation" by focusing on military spending, not costs like road wear, use of local recreational facilities, and tax revenue, not tax losses.

The focus on high-paying, high profit construction jobs rather than low-paying retail or service jobs¡½the real long term jobs that would stay in Guam¡½also matches the military myopia and bias that Tec Inc. has taken on in this study.

There is no explicit attention to population growth as a problem in and of itself, or the many other social and health and environmental issues that last year's public meetings made them well aware of.

The final sign that this is not a social impact assessment is Item IX which says as much. Their goal is not to understand actual impacts but just list "Chamorro interests and concerns." This is flat out insulting.

The general question we should be asking then is: What is your falsifiable hypothesis about the social impact of the build-up?

And the final question is how much this for-profit corporation will make for this work; what kind of expertise do the people who come to do the work have in the required full range of social sciences; and, who pays their wage?

Can we rely on the military's JGPO to find out real answers for Guam and its people? How do we get this military contractor to make meaningful sense of their social-economic impact assessment as a part of this EIS/OEIS? As it is currently designed, it is quite outrageous.

Hope A. Cristobal

Former Senator, Guam Legislature