Auntie Charo's Soapbox

Tube 7 reported a litany of the woman's great work. All the lady's first milestones, done by no other Chamorro woman. She attended the best school in California, was a vice-speaker, etc....etc. While listening to the diatribe, it was almost as if the next thing from the reporter's voice was the announcement that she would be beatified by the sitting pope. I wondered how this reporter could leave out one of the worst things that this woman suffered because of bad judgement and how she was sent away because her judgement caused her to break federal laws. The reporter trivialized this part, as if it had never happened.
And so, it seems that others had forgotten the time the woman served in whatever prison it was for however many years she spent, paying her debt back to society because of her bad choices. Tonight's KUAM news reports: "Through her long journey as a public servant, Dr. Katherine Aguon became the first Chamorro woman to receive a doctoral degree, receiving hers from the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Aguon was also the first female to become vice-speaker during her first term in the 14th Guam Legislature and served as a senator for two terms. She retired from her position as the administrator of the Division of Research, Publication and Training for the Department of Chamorro Affairs. She is known for her guidance and leadership in promoting the preservation of the Chamorro language and has published several books that focus on teaching Guam's indigenous tongue and the island's rich history and culture. Dr. Aguon stated at a retirement ceremony held in her honor Wednesday afternoon in Adelup, "Now I am going to catch up on all the time I have missed with my family, they were there for me from the beginning and are here with me now, at the end of a long career."
Kuam also reports that the acting Gov gave her an ward for her services. "Acting governor Mike Cruz presented Dr. Aguon with the Guahan Award for her commitment to the island and its people." Of course this makes one wonder if they'll give the award to just anywone.
My personal opinion is that Ms. Aguon doesn't hide from her past and would have not been offended if the months/years or whatever time it was that she vacationed with Uncle Sam was mentioned as a part of her celebration. The lady that she is, she was able to make something of herself after she served her term. I have to say that she is one of the island's true 'givers', giving of herself to anyone who needs her help. Knowing her, I think that she probably didn't want such a public presentation.
Unfortunately, what we did was again, send the wrong message to our children. We basically said that it's okay to break the law....and when you do....you'll be given a good party. There's a double standard that we seem to have when it fits our needs. We've got to stop doing this. It's either black or white......too many gray areas confuse our children......it's no wonder our children lie, cheat, steal and destroy the our island. They're so confused about what's right and wrong that they're stealing cars and breaking into homes.....after all, we'll all forget what they've done and some day, even through them a going away party.
What very funny times we live in!