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H.R. 44, The Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act
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Visitor Comments
Manny Cruz
February 23, 2009, 4:02pm (report abuse)I am concerned about the eligibility provisions of the bill.It is still not clear who will be eligible. The Guam Claims Commission limited the eligibility to only those who are still living from 1990 on. Both my parents suffered enormous difficulties during the three and a half years under the Japanese occupation. My father was tortured because of his involvement in the hiding of George tweed. My mother was in the concentration camp in Manengon afetr marching there with hundreds of people. Both passed away..my father in 1984 and my mother in 1971. If the legislation is correct, they will not be entitled to any compensation at all, nor their heirs. Where is the fairness?Just because they passed away, they will be forever forgotten.
Julia Chargualaf Miller
March 4, 2009, 3:59am (report abuse)U.S. Senators, the contribution to the WWII survivors of this horrific experience is not even going to be a drop in the bucket in our President's Stimulus Package. At least one "pork" identified in The Package should be given up for Guam's WWII survivors.
Truly, America (Guam) was conquered, used, and abused. America cleared the Japanese from paying for these autorcities. Now, America should pay for that mistake.
As America took care of Neisi-Americans, so must it take care of Guamanian-Americans.
Look at the present military record: Guam has the largest American military personnel(per capita)serving our great country. We were and still are America's most loyal citizens outside of Mainland, U.S.A.
We are asking for a small recompense before our generation of patriots from that war expire.
Thank you,
Julia
Tony Artero
April 4, 2009, 2:29am (report abuse)There is no misunderstanding on the need to keep our country strong. In fact, the WWII experience showed that the people of Guam have literally taken their shirts off their backs to defend America. Many people of Guam have given their lives without any hesitation and without expectation of recognition. That is no reason for America to ignore the sacrifices, take advantage of, and worse, continually mistreat the people of Guam today. America ignored the people of Guam’s sacrifices 64 years ago and ruined a people once self-reliant with great pride.
America has treated its enemies far better than its treatment of Guam and its people. The opposite is true for Guam and its people placed in Uncle Sam’s plantation to this day. I urge the Senators, please, read the book “Robinson Crusoe - USN” published in 1945 and reprinted in 1994. Know the history and the sacrifices for democracy, freedom, and justice of the people you are representing. Tony Artero, Submariner - US Navy, (Ret.)
JimM
August 28, 2009, 7:29pm (report abuse)I don't see this as a pork-bill of any kind since (correct me if I'm wrong) the natural residence of Guam can't vote as of yet. Even if I'm wrong on that point, the total amount of money called for is insignficant against the national budget (or an anveraged-sized lobbying firm).
While the decision of how to treat the defeated Japanese nation was correct in the big picture, we have the responsibility to do right by these people who suffered under the occupation of the Japanese military - quite possibly the most brutal occupation force in the last 100 years.
I regret that this hadn't been addressed over 50 years ago to directly aid those who suffered first-hand. And while there wasn't much hope for passing this bill under our previous president, perhaps our current president will take up the cause and handle this in a way that makes future Americans proud, in Guam and everywhere else.