Amata's Pacific Notebook: "EFFECTIVENESS"
July 25, 2007

by Amata Aumua
Reprinted from Samoa News


Last week I had the privilege of attending the annual Washington commemoration of Guam's Liberation from Japanese forces in World War II and the American victory in the Battle of the Marianas. Of course these are major holidays on Guam and in CNMI but, following so closely on the heels of the invasion of Normandy in 1944--the occasion for substantial ceremonies on major anniversaries--the Marianas campaign has been little noticed in Washington until recent years.

Initiated a number of years ago by Guam's then-congressman, Robert Underwood, as a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a small gathering for refreshments back at the congressman's office, this observance has grown to the point that it now rivals Pacific Night as the "event of the year" on the Pacific Islands social calendar in Washington.

Much credit must go to the current Guam Congresswoman, Madeleine Bordallo, who graciously has shared the spotlight by turning what had been a Guam Liberation Day celebration into a Guam-Northern Marianas event: recognizing the closely related Battle for Saipan, giving the Northern Marianas resident representative equal billing, greatly expanding the invitation list and moving the reception right into the Capitol complex in the Cannon Building's cavernous House Caucus Room.

All the while, the wreath-laying ceremony remains a separate, smaller, dignified Arlington event to which a senior federal official always is invited to participate as a representative of the federal government.

For the reception, however, ably assisted by the Guam Society of America--a local social club of Guam expatriates, Delegate Bordallo and CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio provided an array of traditional Chamorro dishes to a crowd of 800 guests that included congressional staff, Bush Administration officials, Government of Guam officials, members of the Armed Forces (from enlisted personnel to generals and admirals), a variety of others with interests in or responsibility for Guam and, of course, a number of Members of Congress, many of whom took the occasion to make remarks to the audience. The Guam Chamber of Commerce also co-sponsored the event, making it possible for talented Chamorro entertainers to perform for the appreciative attendees.

A number of years ago Guam officials adopted what they called a "Team Guam" approach to Washington, in which they pledged to each other that no matter what the party affiliation of the governor, speaker of the legislature and congressional delegate of the day, they would speak with one voice in Washington. Although the term has fallen into disuse, Madeleine has refined the approach to a fine art; it is no wonder that she has achieved an admirable legislative record in her short three terms in the House.

Among other things, she is on the verge of gaining congressional approval for reparations for Guamanians who suffered in World War II, a feat that eluded all of her predecessors (who she nevertheless always is quick to praise for laying the foundation). In fact, her accomplishments have been met with such wide approval at home that she has been reelected twice now without opposition.

It is no wonder that Guam is on the cusp of economic boom times with the impending transfer to the island of 8,000 Marines, who will be accompanied by even more dependents, support personnel and a variety of other people who will move to Guam as a result of the military buildup. Some estimate as many as 30,000 new people will moving to the island.

I do not mean to suggest that Madeleine's winning personality or party hosting skills are more responsible for the Pentagon's renewed interest in Guam than is the island's proximity to major Asian trouble spots, but it has not hurt for Madeleine to have a committee assignment key to Guam's interests: Armed Services, and for official Washington to be exposed to the patriotism and enthusiasm of the Guamanian people as evidenced by the Liberation Day activities. It made little difference that the crowd mostly drowned out the remarks of the U.S. representatives who trooped to the podium at Madeleine's behest. What mattered more was that those Members of Congress saw a room packed with joyous faces, especially the ample number of people of Marianas origin, commemorating the end of the Pacific War in their islands and celebrating anew their membership in the American political family.

It also did not hurt that Madeleine was a member of her political party's national committee for almost 40 years, the last number of years during which she was first in seniority. That political exposure gave her a huge circle of friendships at the national level that was already in place the day she was sworn into Congress.

All that translates into effectiveness in Washington - the kind of effectiveness that cannot be bought by hiring even the most expensive lobbyists in town. Liberation Day has become much more than a battle commemoration and a social event, and Madeleine Bordallo has demonstrated that she knows exactly how to use the occasion to advance Guam's federal agenda as well as acknowledge an important milestone in Guam's history.

As always, I'd love to hear your comments. Write me at aumuaamata@mail.com.

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