At the congressional forum hosted by the American Samoa Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA) last week Thursday, one of the question’s posed to the candidates was their view on whether or not they support the US involvement in the war on terrorism.

The candidates who attended the forum, which was held at the ASCC gymnasium, were Aumua Amata, Mapu J. Jamias, Mark Ude, Meleagi Suitonu-Chapman, Rosie Fualaau Tago Lancaster, Togiola Tulafono, Tua’au Kereti Matautia Jr., and Tuika Tuika. Incumbent Faleoamavaega Eni Hunkin was absent.

Meleagi said she agrees with our involvement, noting that it’s because “we are patriots who have dedicated their lives to the United States for freedom and peace, and we are part of the freedom and peace.”

“After the war in Afghanistan and Syria there will be another war and another, because that is what happens when we have to fight for peace and freedom, so yes I do support the US involvement,” she said.

She also noted that if we don’t get involved then we’re going to be in trouble. 

Rosie also agreed with the US involvement and pointed out that the United States of America is part of the world community. She also said that while she supports it, it’s time for the US Congress to define and spell out what are the exit strategies. “Its time for the leaders in Congress to define our mission, when they will get out and also resources, because currently a lot of resources are being confiscated by the enemy, and they are using it against our people,” said Rosie.

“No one likes war,” said Amata, who also noted “in order for everyone to be safe, there are certain things that we need to do, and the whole world looks to us for that support.”

Mark says the whole Congress has the power to declare war and he believes that the American Samoa delegate to Congress should have the final say, whether American Samoan troops go into war, as American Samoa has the highest casualty rate since the war on terror was established.

“Evil prevails when good men do nothing, and I believe that you have a situation, and in order for you to have peace you have to prepare for war, you have to maintain a strong presence.” Mark said American Samoa has an interest in making sure the world is safe. 

Togiola supports the military where they are represented or deployed legally by the United States Government, however “we need to consider the fact that sometimes the lines are very fine; but when it becomes blurry we need to be strong in supporting our people who are putting their lives on the line.”

“We can‘t afford to send troops abroad and then have turmoil domestically. I object to that, as we have seen that in the Vietnam war and the results of that were devastating and we don't need anymore of that.”

He said the USA occupies a special position in the world where everyone looks to America for leadership pertaining to terrorism around the world, because eventually it ends up on our shores.

Tuika also supports the US involvement in the war against terrorism and two of his children served tours in Iraq. “I support them and I support the US,” he said. 

“Freedom is not free… we’ve been at war for the last 12 years and war is not a good thing because some of us don’t make it back,” said Mapu. He also stated that what happened was, we should’ve never gone into Syria. Our journalists told us to get the hell out and now we’re back fighting an even tougher war on terrorism because we looked the other way.”

“Sorry to say, we’re involved, but that’s the only way that we can enjoy this freedom,” said Mapu.

Kereti said he takes this question with a heavy heart as this is the greatest nation on earth. “We don’t let the world see whether our national interests are at stake, we don’t make decisions to colonize or to combat our troops. Our purpose is to transfer courage and democracy wherever they are called, as this is what America is.”

“Sons and daughters of American Samoa are called to war, I will make sure that their vital interests are at stake,” said Kereti.