"HOUSE
STALEMATE POLITICS"
Dear Editor,
I would like
to add my concern and support for the Governor, Senators and
all our military service men and women to expedite the passing
of the military voting amendment bill through the House. It has
become never ending hard ball politics by the local House to
come up with the last minute stalemate to add to the bill ministers.
If the House
wants to add the new changes to the military voting bill then
I strongly agree with Command Sgt. Maj. Savusa. The local legislators
will now have the uphill battle to allow every citizen of American
Samoa on and off island to vote in all local elections. Ministers
are not military personal or federal employees they are just
regular common citizens in the public community. In my humble
opinion, this is unconstitutional as far as separation of church
and state is concerned. What voting right do ministers have that
is any different from any local common citizen?
Some food for
thought.
I also agree
with the local Senators that minister voting rights is a separate
issue and it needs to be addressed in another amendment. The
local legislators also need to look at the separation of church
and state issues which might be a political dilemma of great
concern. We all understand the culture and the belief of our
people in God and ministers. Our local legislators needs to tread
lightly when we start adding someone or something that has any
image of religious affiliation into the political arena. I am
sure the local Fono lawyers will be able to address these important
issues with the lawmakers.
I commend the
efforts of the Governor, Senators and Congressman Eni in expediting
the process of this military voting bill. I'd also like to thank
our people in our local territory and off island for their great
support for this bill to pass. The men and women who are putting
their lives on the line in harm's way in the war on terrorism.
We would like to give our utmost respect and faaalolalo lava
and thank you for the greatest service and sacrifice you are
giving on behalf of the free world and the people of American
Samoa.
We continue to
encourage our local lawmakers not to give up but to do the right
thing for the right reason. Election year is fast approaching
and this bill needs to be passed and signed by the governor before
then.
Soifua,
Amerika Samoa
ia Mataala!
Savaii P. Amitoelau
Olosegia, Manu'a
"CREATED
EQUAL?"
Dear Editor,
Since there is
no separation of church and state in American Samoa, the Fono
now wants to make certain laws that affect "clergy and family."
That tells you that clergy have more rights than others born
in American Samoa. Clergy and not we the people?
It is beyond
the scope of the legislature to create laws only for those "of
the cloth." The missionaries have been doing OK without
the lawmakers, why start now? Why not include college students,
and all US nationals who will not be here in November? Why not
change it so that either the Governor or Lt. Governor must be
clergy? That is the way it is heading!
Regards,
Saved
© Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves
all rights.
|