Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Despite facing criticism and murmurs of discontent from some members of the public, senators yesterday stood firm in their decision to continue recording and posting Senate proceedings, including confirmation hearings, on social media.

Towards the end of their regular session, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean addressed the issue, noting that numerous criticisms had been posted on social media regarding the conduct of Senate members during confirmation hearings for individuals nominated by the governor for cabinet positions.

Tuaolo suggested that members meet at 8:30 a.m. today to discuss the matter and decide whether to continue the practice.

The Senate President mentioned that the Senate proceedings posted on YouTube have been very popular among Samoans in the military and the Samoan community in the States, as they keep them informed about important issues affecting the government.

However, he expressed concerns about the strong criticism from some individuals questioning why confirmation hearings are being held without any questions for the nominees and only recognizing family ties.

He noted that some have accused Senator Togiola Tulafono of aggressively questioning certain nominees while having no questions for others. Additionally, the President revealed that some individuals have even made derogatory remarks about the oldest senator in the chamber, Muagututi'a Tauoa.

Tuaolo reiterated a statement he made during a confirmation hearing last week, emphasizing that the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a were not ceded to the United States by degree holders. He pointed out that it was the foresight and vision of the forefathers responsible for the many blessings and benefits the Territory is now reaping from the United States government.

"Now we have people who think they know what's best for American Samoa, suggesting that Senate members should be elected just like the House of Representatives," Tuaolo said. "They have gone so far as to claim that we are just a bunch of old men who know nothing about the workings of government. This is false and extremely disrespectful.

"I'm not worried about any criticism against me because I have been involved in politics for a long time and am used to it. But I worry about the honorable members of the Senate because it was my idea to record and post our proceedings on social media four years ago. That is why I want to discuss this issue with you tomorrow. If there is a consensus to put a stop to it, it shall be done."

Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono addressed the gathering, stating that no force in the world can stop people from grumbling, murmuring in discontent, or criticizing something or someone. He emphasized that this is human nature, and by voicing criticism, individuals feel they are contributing to exposing what they perceive as wrong.

Togiola reasoned that members of the Senate must accept the fact that not all their decisions will be universally accepted without differing opinions. He stated that there will always be someone who criticizes decisions and people who grumble and murmur in discontent.

He urged the Senate to embrace the people's criticism and discontent, suggesting that parts of these criticisms could be useful in improving their roles as senators.

Togiola pointed out that the matter has intensified in magnitude due to Facebook, which has provided a platform for everyone, from high chiefs and orators to 14-year-old high school students, to voice their opinions.

"Everyone has the right to say and post anything he or she wants on this global platform," he said.

The Sua senator urged the Senate President to continue posting the proceedings on social media, highlighting that the number of people posting criticisms is only a small fraction of the thousands of viewers who are thanking them for the content they can watch online.

"That is the main thing they want,' he argued. 'They want transparency and accountability. So whatever transpires in our proceedings and hearings, our duty is to make it available to them. Whether they like what they see and hear or not, that is up to them.

"When members of the Senate speak during our proceedings, they are articulating what they believe in, from the heart, and no one can take that away from them,' Togiola declared.

He also addressed criticisms against him for aggressively questioning some nominees while not posing any questions to others.

"What those people don't know is that before the nominees appear before the Senate, we have studied their resumes and bios, including all other information pertaining to their experience relating to the positions they have been nominated for," Togiola explained.

"So when I see situations of potential conflicts of interest, I pursue them in my line of questioning until I am satisfied I understand that particular scenario. However, if I don't see any reason to pose questions because I have read all the information about that person and am satisfied that he or she is the right person for the position, then I don't bother with questions."

Togiola once again urged the President to continue broadcasting the Fono proceedings on social media, asserting that the people's right to witness what is transpiring in the Fono is more important than petty criticisms.

Senator Muagututi'a fully supported Togiola, stating that criticisms against him do not faze him at all, and he considers them rubbish.

He said he will continue to speak his mind and heart during Fono proceedings and hearings and is not worried about what others think. He declared that the only one he cares about and fears is God Almighty.

Muagututi'a defiantly looked towards one of the Fono media cameras and challenged anyone watching who wanted to criticize him to come to the Senate and say it to his face instead of yapping like an old lady and posting rubbish on social media under a pseudonym.

President Tuaolo thanked the senators for their input on this important issue, and remarked that this might be the reason why the Speaker of the House of Representatives does not want to air their proceedings on social media.

He concluded the session by stating that the Senate proceedings and hearings will continue to be aired on social media whenever the Senate is in session.