Auntie Charo's Soapbox

I cut and pasted the letter without the writer's name;"January 13, 2007Something from Auntie Charo whom I consider a special cyber friend. We've been exchanging thoughts for several years now, though I haven't heard from her in several months. Here's what she has to say about the uproar that some are making about the Marines coming from Okinawa. Some even elected public officials.
I totally agree with Charo and have so said in a few previous e-mails to most of you guys. Enough of this the sky is falling bull puckey, I say! As you know my wife *** is Okinawan. Neither she, nor her large family ever harbored any ill will or hostility towards Americans. That would include Marines. And hopefully me too since I married their daughter/sister. Her brother ******* ******* was an Okinawan policeman for 41 years and I've never heard him criticize Americans or Marines. He lives in Ishikawa, just
a few miles from the Marine's Camp Hansen, where my wife worked in the Base Exchange during our second tour in Okinawa. She thought they were gentlemen and treated her kindly. Her brother ****, who has worked on Kadena AB for more than 30 years and he isn't critical of Americans either. Three years ago he and his wife visited Guam. Enjoyed a day of golf on Andersen. His wife's mother resided in Agat until her death some years ago and she now resides in Our Lady of Peace cemetery in Windward Hills. The point is, as Charo points out, that there will always be some malcontents and problem cases in any large group. I don't think it's any secret that many crimes, especially assaults, have been committed by locals against Americans and yes, even against those big tough Marines. The same is most likely going to occur when they arrive here on Guam. It will be
interesting to see how many locals chime in and say, "I told you so!". I'm sure one lady senator already has her words ready for the press. I guess since she's spent a few days in Okinawa, and briefed by some Okinawans, that she is now qualified to address the matter.
What I wish the lady would pay more attention to are the abhorrent crimes taking place right here on island Guam. Does a week ever pass that a young child isn't abused in some fashion? How many such acts are committed that aren't even reported and kept secret within the family? More than a few I'd guess. What would you and I know, eh Sgamby? Or any of the other Marines receiving this who have spent some time in the 3rd Marine Division. Color me very disappointed in what I've seen on TV, heard on the radio or have read in Mr.
Webber's newspaper. The one some call fish wrap. Why is that Lee?
Fish wrap is a term often used on K-57's Message Board before it was so unkindly 'deep-sixxed.' There used to be some very smart people posting there. Pretty sure many of the elected officials, our Fearless Leaders like Felix and King Karl and his minions, didn't appreciate what was being put into print. The truth hurts maybe?
OK, stop reading my malarkey and read what the nice lady Charo has to say. For Charo: Hopefully more like you will be receiving the Marines, and the Air Force and Navy new arrivals too, as you do. You'd make a great Director of Hospitality, if there were such a position. ****** in Guam"

I hate that Marines and the building for the arrival of same is equal to money and for that, people are running in circles trying to get a cut of the pie......otherwise, they hate the coming of the Marines.
What hypocrites we are.

It's so stupid that we can't all forsee that more Marines and their dependents will be earing more hamburgers from the fast food joints, that more of them will watch movies, shop at K-Mart, shop at Home Depot, who may be trained in teaching and will(if we're lucky enough) will apply to teach our children, giving them a view of the world from the eyes of someone new. I'm sorry(and I say this tongue in cheek) I fear more for the safety of the marines rather than the safety of our people. What a wonderful and perfect world it would be if we could practice getting along with them as we wait for their arrival.

Dear Marines and your fmilies. Chamorros are basically a loving and hospitable people. They will adopt you as their own. They'll delight in teaching you about our favorite delicacies. We'll love your children and we'll enjoy being envited to your homes. Please don't let those who have hate in their heart scare you into thinking that your tour of duty will be anything but a happy and a loving one. I grant that when the time comes, there'll be tears spent because you'll be leaving behind people who love you and who'll miss you.

How ever long way ahead your arrival will be.........I anticipate i'll b a happy one. Welcome to Guam!