Telling It Like It Is
Uludong, Francisco (1972-03-02). "Telling It Like It Is". Marianas Variety. Saipan, Mariana Islands.
- Has attachment: File:LCXRK3X5.pdf
Abstract: The article “Telling It Like It Is” addresses the challenges faced by the people of Micronesia in their efforts to gain increased self-governance and autonomy over their internal affairs. The text underscores the frustrations encountered due to the resistance from the United States and the Trust Territory Administration. Micronesian leaders find their attempts to secure more self-government often blocked by rigid adherence to Presidential or Secretarial orders, conflicting policies, or practices that fit more with American territories such as Hawaii, Guam, or American Samoa, rather than with Micronesia’s unique context.
The article critiques the influence of the lower-echelon staff of the Trust Territory Administration, who are perceived to manifest a negative and paternalistic attitude towards the desires of the Micronesian people, often presuming to speak on behalf of higher authorities like the High Commissioner or the President without their direct endorsement.
There is a notable emphasis on the need for a revised approach in governance policies, advocating for greater flexibility and positivity from the administering authorities to foster good relations between the United States and Micronesia. The author argues that these relations are of mutual and overriding interest, thus requiring mindset changes from the U.S. officials in the territory.
The article also mentions the essential work of the Micronesian Legal Service Corporation and highlights concerns about the potential impact of President Nixon’s plans to dismantle the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), which might affect the funding for these services. This possibility could necessitate the local government to step in with financial support to maintain these crucial legal services for the people.
Extra details:
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.04902 PMID: 25325311 PMCID: 4199075 MAG: 2106313150 CorpusID: 36809601 OpenAlex: W4210697363
