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Letters and Editorial Policies
Letters and Editorial Policies
I'm 100% for Jones for Governor, do you like to know why? He is not a High Chief that you I mean, ALL OF YOU fakely address and fakely respect as a Matai. I can communicate with them on in any level for what to do and get em fix for our gov't and people. Enough on that faaaloalo issue it does not fix pot holes and all other corruption like "si au mea sia CHIEF"!!!!!
!!!!!!!! FINALLY, HE IS A PALAGI!! Born and raised in AMERICA!!! Now, Tuika on the other hand, he's very well versed with all the wrong doings in those department that controls and disburse monies and waste. He's been screaming about it for a long time but his voice is never heard by those "CHIEFS". lET'S VOTE THEM IN FOLKS...
I will not try to persuade your vote for the Team I believe to be the best as of now. May I also say, NO not my immediate family member, wife nor I received any loan from HTC Lolo.
Here are some places I read;
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-FaaSamoa-factor-NO-SPIN-ZONE/25989049...
here at samoanews.com
talanei.com
everyone of their websites, their facebook pages, and twitter accts.
basically Googling each candidate.
Look at what they have done in the past. I will not attempt to pollute your mind with the things I have read. Thank You for your curiosity, but the decision is yours and Team L&L to persuade your vote, most of all you questioning and by participating in the process and encouraging participation demonstrates that you have already made a difference. Your responsibility as a voter is to use your power wisely.
It is simple minded people bashing on the success of another human being. If you remember the story of why you dont cover a bucket of Samoan Crabs, it is a simple fact. Samoans love to smile in your face, and stab you in the back.
Draft report is as fake as the person who wrote/published it. If you do not who or whom are puppets, then you are very oblivious to your surroundings.
Im asking an honest question here. Not being sarcastic or anything. Im truly searching for answers because I dont have them. What makes Lolo in your mind above the rest? I heard him speak before. He seems like a nice man. His partner Lemanu seems very strong. In fact impressed me. But Lolo is the front runner so I want to know what makes him better then the rest.
I can only say one thing about Lolo in my mind. He was President of the Senate. The most powerful political position in American Samoa. What did he accomplish with that power? I cant think of anything. So if I cant think of anything, it could not have been too much. It certainly wasnt anything positive towards the economy, roads, hospital or education. Which is really the foundation of our society. In my opinion. Maybe he made yoru loan easier at DBAS but is that really a qualification for governor? Im just asking.
So unless someone can tell me that being a nice guy is more important as our Governor then accomplishing great things with very little to work with, I am going to have to say that Save or Jones look to me like pretty good choices. S & S are new blood and definitely have a lot to prove so would work hard to get their accomplishments on record. T & T combine international business and money management which we know has been a weak point for ASG. Having these two great choices out there standing alone with out all the cultural biases and who you know family votes for the big dogs with high titles throwing money at village matai for votes seems to be a good thing.
But thats just where my mind is at now. Its open for change. Thats what these discussions are about right?
Oh and I see Afoa is way ahead in this poll on Samoa News. Which makes me wonder if they are voting for Afoa or Carlos Sanchez. Because Carlos Sanchez seems to be in the middle of everything. Isnt that Afoa's Son in law? Afoa is another very likable man. But based on what I see, wouldnt it seem clear that a vote for Afoa is a vote for Carlos Sanchez. Do we want Carlos Sanchez running the Government? Only in Samoa.
What a surprise - Yet another government official in American Samoa is accused of corruption and embezzlement. And the defense will undoubtedly have something to do with "our culture."
Sorry Jr, but every time you post something it sounds like a untuned violin.
I commend Save & Sandra for challenging the Election Office, and forcing Chief Election Officer Soliai to review and assess if there is a legit breach of law. Save & Sandra are intelligent individuals and if this is their conviction and belief let the Appellate Court bring light to the challenge and issue a ruling fair in the eyes of the law.
It will all come down to the interpretation of ASCA 6.0301 (f), and if Sandra & Save have reasonable and sufficient evidence to substantiate their challenge.
My concern is that under Title 6, Elections Chapter 3 Issues/Candidates, subtitle (f)All candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and Delegate to the United States House of Representatives are entitled to a list of all the qualified electors in the Territory within 10 days after the close of registration for the Territory.
What is in the by-laws for Chapter 6 Elections, differs from what Samoa News cites as the basis for which Save & Sandra has issued a challenge - that the other gubernatorial candidates legitimacy to be on the ballot should be denied because they failed to resign from their position in ASG 60 days prior to actively campaigning. Was this law a addendum to Chapter 6, or is it another code. Because it is not ASCA 6.0301 (f)? If so, where can I find this?
Good luck to the Appellate Court. I'm sure their ruling is forthcoming. The outcome will either be political assaination for Save & Sandra or another gubernatorial team. At least Save & Sandra exercised their rights to do the right thing. They are a team that goes against the grain and status quo and I like that.
Thanks
Does he play illegal poker games at $50 buy ins?
After your very intellectual insights, all I read are a bunch of Sandra PICED Lovers, Afoa Landowners, and June Jones Football Teammates. (Sorry wrong Jones)
Read for yourselves. While your heart may be ignorant, your brain, that God blessed you with, can be utilized for something your eyes may be deceiving. If you can, without bias nor love for your family/friends, etc... tell me how Lolo is not above any other Candidate for Governor, then I will CHANGE my vote.
Please read the law before stating an opinion, and casting your support to Tim & Tuika will be your weakest decision ever. Vote for a better tomorrow
Fa'amolemole to maia lau pule........
The Senate of American Samoa are the guardians of American Samoa culture. However, the Governor errors in thinking the election process can be kept a local issue. The election process under US federal law "in which we are a territory of" CAN NOT have racial language or bias in any way. Under the US umbrella, you can not discriminate in an election. Togiola is a lawyer. Maybe he likes the idea of open elections and maybe I even agree with him. But to say you can have elections under US rule that is bias, racial and unconstitutional? What was he thinking? If a Chinese is born here, is of age and has no felony record, he should be allowed to run for senator under normal US election laws. Samoan Titles and such will mean nothing under election laws as viewed by the USA. American Samoa is not a sovereign country that can make its own laws with out any say whats so ever from the United States. We can make changes to our daily routine with out to much trouble. But change election laws that violate US constitution. How stupid is that...
Jr
I dont take any offense to your response as it would seem you may have desired me too. In fact I embrace your willingness to voice your opinion as you are most clearly entitled to it. You also speak very intelligently so I feel strongly you should be heard. (Minus the "clownish" remark.) But I think you may be over looking some very clear facts. Past mistakes or unrecognized violations of election law are not grounds for allowing continued violations. Save and Sandra have petitioned the election office and appealed to the court in the matter of violations that seem to be clear by law. It is absolutely in their right to do so.
Where this matter is different from any other violation of local law which the US federal government turns a blind eye to on a daily basis at the will and insistence of our own leaders is that this is still a US territory. And there are three things that the US Federal Government will jump all over our butts on which are; human trafficking, human rights violations and election problems. The phrase "Federal zero tolerance" comes to mind. The USA projects its power and policies across the world by doing its very best to keep its own house in order on these three fundamental issues. Not perfect but definitely something they take very very seriously.If you think that Judge Kruse who is not an employee of ASG rather a a direct hire from the US Federal Department of the interior is going to allow even the slightest infraction of election law brought before him under his watch and the watchful eye of his bosses at the interior, you are sadly mistaken. Kruse is a hard man but he is no idiot.
I understand why you said my post was very presumptuous. Yes, perhaps it was a little. But the law is clear and the violations were clear and documented. This is about as close to an open and shut case as there ever was. I dont feel there is any chance for these four Gubernatorial candidates and their lawyers to maneuver. Clarity is there. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow and the sun will set in the evening. This will be a Save vs Jones race. The only question in my mind is what I have already stated. Will Save and Jones stand their ground and not play politics with the ejected power houses so for once we have a chance at a cleanly run Government instead of a mafia style government. Or will they cave in to the temptations of powerful endorsements to win the election at the cost of being puppets for the next four years.
Save may have under-estimated the huge cultural back lash from his choice to pursue this and realize he must strike a deal to get back in good standing with his own people. But Jones doesnt have this hanging over his head. He is the anomaly. He is probably the only one the voter can trust because he can be held accountable and easily impeached. Not so easy with a Samoan. We forgive our people for anything. Even things they do right before our eyes. But we would not forgive a Palagi. So he is more likely to not mess around. But he also can not be bargained with as easily either in things that go on behind closed doors as we know they do now. So I dont know. I think this election is very exciting and will make history books no matter how it turns out.
TO MR. MIKE NIUMATA
I DO NOT KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE, BUT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT OUR FOREFATHERS ESTABLISHED ABOUT OUR SENATORS AND NOT TO CHANGED ANY THING THAT THEY (FOREFATHER)DID FOR US. I AM WITH YOU A 100% BUT THIS ARE THE SAME PEOPLE (FONO/SENATORS) THAT MADE THIS CHANGES THAT WE HAVE AND THIS ARE THE SAME MATAI/SAOS/TOFAS THAT ARE CRYING NOW ABOUT WHAT THE GOV. IS SAYING NOW. I AM WITH THE GOV. WHY NOT THE PEOPLE OF TUTUILA AND MANUA VOTE FOR THERE SENATOR TO THE FONO.
MAKE A LONG STORY SHORE
MR. NIUMATA! WHAT OUR FOREFATHERS ESTABLISHED FOR TUTUILA AND MANUA WAS THAT "ONLY TAMALII FROM EACH COUNTY CAN BE SENATORS" NOT ANY TULAFALES OR TOFA THIS IS WHAT OUR FOREFATHER ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED FOR US AND OUR TRADITIONALL CULTURE.
THAT IS WHY VELEGA, LUALEMAGA, CALEAI, GAOTEOTE AND OTHER TULAFALE OR TOFA ARE AFRAID OFF. IF THIS GOES BACK TO THE ORIGINAL CULTURES (TAMALII AND MAOPU ONLY).
SO IF YOU WANT WHAT OUR FOREFATHERS THAN LETS GO BACK TO "NA O MAUPU/TAMALII E TOFIA I LE MAOTA MAOALUGA O LE FONO" E SA SA LAVA SE TULAFALE PO O SE TOFA. O LE MEA LEA SA FAAVAE MAI AI TUTUILA MA MANUA. A E LE TALITONU ALU E FESILI I NI TAGATA MATUTUA PE SUESUE TALAAGA O SI TA MALO.
GOD BLESS TUTUILA AND MANUA AND OUR PEOPLE. GOD BLESS USA.
I have known Tim Jones for over 30 years. He is very committed to the service of others for as long as I have known him.
Since we are digging up articles...here's one that you may find interesting...
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=24057
Editor's Note: A not guilty verdict returned in Jones’ rape, sexual abuse trial on March 2, 2007 after a jury trial. Here is the text of the Samoa News story from March 3, 2007, written by La Poasa:
A six-member jury found businessman Tim Jones, 41, “not guilty” of rape and first-degree sexual abuse yesterday at the High Court, bringing to an end a year old case that has caused hardship for all involved - the 14-year-old complaining witness, Jones, and their families.
The jury deliberated for more than three hours before reaching its decision. Immediately after the clerk read out the verdict, Jones let out a sigh and his attorney, Sharron Rancourt was in tears.
Rancourt said she’s happy that the jury did the job they were entrusted to perform.
“Mr. Jones maintained his innocence from the beginning and I hope he can put this behind him now,” Rancourt added.
Jury foreman John Lafaele said this was very difficult case and the jurors closely reviewed the evidence to reach their verdict. He said the government’s case could’ve been stronger and there were questions that came up unanswered and most of it revolved around the Attorney General’s Office as to whether a thorough investigation was conducted.
The government’s case was based on the victim’s statement to police in January 2006 and there was no physical evidence as the alleged rape occurred December 2005.
“It was very difficult,” Lafaele said. “I’m thankful it’s over!”
Assistant Attorney General Fa’amomoi Masaniai, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, said he was very disappointed with the verdict.
“Basically what the jury is telling the people of American Samoa is that if a little girl is raped, don’t come forward. Don’t say anything because were not going to listen to you and that’s disappointing,” said Masaniai. “I still believe in the victim. I believe her.”
He said it’s unfortunate now that victims do not have an outlet.
“There’s no justice for them and that’s something we’re going to have to address in the future,” the prosecutor said.
The complaining witness told the jury that Jones called her over to his truck and when she got there, Jones pushed her in the truck, drove her to his home and had sex with her.
Jones testified that he never had sex with the complaining witness and never touched her in a sexual manner.
Jones had faced between five to 15 years in jail for statutory rape, and up to five years for first-degree sexual abuse.
The trial was heard before Associate Justice Lyle L. Richmond and associate judges Mamea and Saole.
Better verify...because I believe your man Tuika Tuika was still at Department of Treasury until just recently. If this case goes through, he would also be disqualified, leaving only Save Sandra...just saying...
I humor u not when i say that after Tuesdays hearing all ur candidate will be out... and when this happens Tim Jones and Tuika Tuika will rise to the occasion and Bring American Samoa out of its dark regime days.....Best of luck to Tim Jones and Tuika Tuika
Afoa is a lawyer. Not a bad person and very likable but a lawyer. Not a money manager or business person which we so desperately need. We have seen first hand that lawyers as Governors dont do well in managing money. Afoa made his fortune in land by taking cases and payment in land from people who couldnt afford to pay cash. Lawyers make money on the conflicts and hardships of others. Thats what you want as a Governor? Too funny.
But that isnt what disturbs me about Afoa. Any politician that repeatedly runs and loses is completely disregarding the will of the majority. Its all about him and not what the people want. You think it will be any different if he actually does get elected one day? The situation we have now at the courts with all the candidates getting disqualified. If Afoa's team wasnt one of them, he could have actually been elected this time and not truly by the majority of the people that wanted him. And then you would get your wish.
Everyone has thier favorite candidates for one reason or another. Lolo is no doubt very popular (especially if you got a bank loan from him)and Faoa who is a very struggling candidate as an incumbent has a strong following for all the people he got jobs for in ASG.
But when you say "JONES WHO", you clearly have not researched him. You can probably start here at the United Nations Web site about Jones. http://www.un.org/smallislands2005/tonga.html
After that if you really want to see what one man can do with out asking for any praise or public notice, just keep digging and you will see. He has fixed our roads with his own resources (documented by Samoan News), he has built from scratch two international companies.
I spoke to him about a month ago. I asked him if he was still running as there were no signs up and no bumper stickers. He told me that signs and bumper stickers are the mark of a politician "something he was not" and the beginning of the first lies.
I dont know about you but thats not only funny but very true! He also said he was waiting for the right time to launch his economic recovery plan for American Samoa. I heard a little piece of it and Im pretty sure you wont be saying "Jones Who" when you hear this. It is pretty amazing and nothing like any other candidate is saying.
Like you, Im tired of the lies and promises during election time. Politicians are so full of it. But dont discount Jones until you meet him. He is stronger than you give him credit for and will make his move soon enough. Right now I will tell you this, Im a strong family member of one of the other candidates. I walk the villages and have my family candidate bumper sticker on my car. But, Im voting for Jones. The Governor needs to be good for everyone. Not just one family. In my humble opinion.
Junior everytime you talk all I hear is blah blah blah. Why do you insist on bringing up what someone could have done in the past... that is such a lame argument. The "allegations" that these candidates resigned after actively campaigning is public knowledge due to the fact that it was publicized on Samoan news. The people of intrest here are not even going to argue that matter in court. Now your argument on time constraints is also absurd because Save and Sandra wrote a letter of complaint 6 months ago and Soliai decided to wait to the last minute to give his response, obviously in hopes that their team would not have enough time to present their case.
Then you go on about the influence the federal government will have on our election process??? Really??? It is in our very own laws, the same laws that went through our fono... are you saying that there are some laws that we shouldn't abide by?
In the mean time, Save and Sandra have been out and about campaigning and getting their platform out daily...wait a minute ...I thought you weren't demeaning their campaign, or is it time to go back on what you said because you have no leg to stand on?
Hang it up Junior, your out of plays. Your decorative words are not fooling anyone here. Your arguments hold no weight, they're as valid as an expired gallon of milk...and smell just the same. It's Sunday so ... Mr. "Tama faiumu", go handle your business.
Malo Mr. Sole. Thanks for the journalistic entertainment and conjectural hypothesis. Reading your fictional story-book conclusion of the supposedly scenario to this Save Sandra complaint, is what tabloids are made of. Your presumptuous arrogance in assuming that this matter has already been concluded with the Save and Jones team being the only gubernatorial candidates to legally run for office is “clownish” and fodder for amateurs.
Instead of concentrating on their campaign and sending their platform message to the voters of the territory, the team of Save Sandra have decided to stir up the ire of the people by crying “FIRE”, when there’s less then 50 days left before the November election. It’s as if they are saying that the people of the territory, along with it’s leaders, are not capable to run their own government or legislate laws.
For over 30 years, since we’ve been electing our Governor and Lt. Governor, the territory has enjoyed a smooth and harmonious transition of power in between. Albeit, that the style of campaigning has changed a lot during these past years, we have managed to operate and run our election system without federal intervention or local manipulation.
That was then, now we have a relatively unknown gubernatorial team in this years election, trying desperately to unhinged our election process, by crying foul.
Their challenge is that the election laws have been violated by a few candidates who they “alleged” did not resign from their government jobs, prior to their campaigning for public office. Although, this suit is against the few gubernatorial candidates and the chief election officer(CEO), the ramification of this mess, if there ever is one, goes beyond just the gubernatorial election, if proven true. It also questions the legitimacy of the House of Representatives and their respected Faipules. But, more than that, this matter has a southward trickling affect to the days of our first Governor, Peter Tali Coleman.
My question to the Save Sandra team is “why did you not bring this matter up in past elections?” I am sure that the former Judge Save must have had some insight understanding of this particular campaign legislation during his term with the judicial branch. Why did he not argue this with the Fono membership for their investigation, or for that matter, why did he not being it to the attention of the CEO back then? Sandra is versed with our local laws, why did she not bring this matter before the Fono, during her prior employment at Speaker of the House, Matagi McMoores, administration?
If the court upholds this claim by the Save Sandra team, what does this say about our past gubernatorial elections? Are we to expunge and undo the people’s hard work all these past years to elect their leaders, because a team of newly, amateurish political pundits cannot strategize their campaign to come up with ways to challenge their opposition? As sad as this may sound, but, in my opinion, this is their last stand in making their position known.
If the court rules against their claim, the team of Save Sandra will be the laughingstock of the territory and political circles. It behooves their cause that they win this argument before the court. A lot is at stake for them, but, especially for the territory. Because failure for them, at this moment, will not only be devastating, but, it would be strategically beneficial for their team and supporters to start looking towards other teams to support. But, I know that in the end, the court will rule in favor of the people and put this matter to rest, once and for all.
JR Faaola
On March 3, 1945 the U.S. Congress first used the constitutional provision allowing congressional overrides. This also represented Congress' "parting Gift" to President Tyler as he left office.
Two weeks earlier Tyler vetoed Congressional bill that would have denied him the power to appropriate revenue to build cutter ships without Congressional Approval. Let's give Governor Togiola a parting gift and approve the veto override referendum in November.
Another great parting gift would be a kick in the _ _ _ to speed the process since he wants to get paid for excess leave.
I totally agreed with Senators Velega and Galea'i concerning Governor Togiola's idea to select Senators for the Senate by the general votes rather than through their respective Districts.
As a matter of fact, our forefathers originally established the selections of Senators by Districts for a good reason. It is the only way to maintain and carry-on our samoan cultures and traditions.
I've seen so many well educated young Samoans graduated from various prestigious Universities that have no clues on our cultures and traditions. They are smart, but too pride and arrogant to cherish our way of life. Therefore, please don't change the way we have been selected our Senators...Let's yield to the way our forefathers already established for the selection of our Senators....
"Serve your time and Get Out"
The Kovaga probably got a standing ovation from his cabinet for his opinion on Senators being elected by the people. Senator Velega Savali gets a standing ovation from hundreds of people for his opinion on the Kovaga. Serve your time and Get Out Togi.
I did not say that I researched all the candidates ... I was questioning the 'research' that individual claimed to have made. As for Afoa, well all I know is that he went against his word last election and ended giving into the power house that is leading us now. As far as their qualifications as a team...well i guess that remains in the hands of the courts now huh? At least Save and Sandra are standing up for what is right and what is legal...no other 'clean' team is taking a stance..
Is that peso's or like Swahili rock money dude. Nome of that stays in American Samoa nor any of the island nations mentioned. Bull-crap Kagan. We get crap for the fish we own.
Paulo
The ballots have already been cast. Shut the doors, the club is about to go bumping.
Paulo