Google, Oscars, and politics dominate the stage

From an island perspective, it was great to see that Google Translate has added the Hawaiian and Samoan languages as part of their “machine learning-based translations,” making it possible for 120 million people to communicate this way. Google, however, is quick to admit that they will still need the assistance of the public to verify the accuracy of the translations because the machine-learning process will not be able to cover the breadth of a language. Active participation of linguistic experts is how languages like Scots Gaelic, Frisian, Shona, and six others were able to join Samoan and Hawaiian as the latest additions to the Google Translate family. Think about it: a similar conscientious effort could lead to the Chamorro and Carolinian languages making the list.

I was happy to see NBA basketball star and Harvard alum Jeremy Lin was the first one out of the gate to voice his objections to the stereotypical depiction of Asians during the recent Oscar telecast. While complimenting comic actor Chris Rock on his overall emcee performance, Lin didn’t cut Rock or the Motion Picture Academy any slack on this feeble attempt at humor. Considering the Academy was roundly criticized for the lack of racial diversity in several of the leading award categories, you’d have thought that they’d show a little more sensitivity on racial issues. What were they thinking or were they thinking at all? The Academy finally came around to apologize for its insensitive actions upon receiving a letter of protest that was filed by some Asian cinema stars. I suppose better late than never and let’s hope this type of insensitivity doesn’t rear its ugly head again. 

And while we’re on the subject of “not getting it,” President Obama has announced his nomination of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Merrick Garland to fill Justice Antonin Scalia’s vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Senate Republicans are digging in their heels, holding to their vow not to consider any nomination put forth by the President. At a time when anti-Washington candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are showing surprising popularity because of their dismissal of the divisive partisanship that has paralyzed Congress for so long, it’s surprising that the Republicans are demonstrating the very intransigence that is frustrating and angering so many Americans.

The Senate has an obligation to consider the nomination of Judge Garland. Senate Democrats gave nominee Robert Bork a public hearing and rejected the nomination. If the Republicans have objections to the qualifications of Mr. Merrick, they should say so publically and then exercise their prerogative to vote against his confirmation. But refusing to even give the man a fair hearing is undemocratic and runs counter to the principles of open government. 

Which brings me to the campaign for President. If someone had told you a year ago that Hillary Clinton would be tested big time by a little-known U.S. Senator from Vermont or that a wealthy, controversial New York businessman would be the frontrunner in the GOP race for President, besting current and former Governors and Senators along the way, you would have said in your best Big Apple imitation, “Get outta here!” 

No question Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump have defied the odds and have now become household names in the world of American politics. So whether you support them or not, they have taken advantage of the frustration and anger that many Americans on the left, right, and middle are feeling and articulated in such a way that translates into votes—not an easy thing to do. Pundits are still predicting that at the end of the day, and especially with the latest March 15 primary results, Clinton will prevail as the Democratic nominee, provided that her email controversies/FBI investigation are settled sooner rather than later. As for Trump, the establishment and others will continue to intensify their efforts to deny him the nomination so fireworks will fill the air non-stop. But he does have an amazing following from Hawaii and the CNMI to Florida, Illinois, and Massachusetts. It seems that the more you attack him, the more it fires up those who are swayed by his persona and message. 

For us in the Pacific region, Clinton, the former Secretary of State, is the only one who has traveled, visited, and spoken extensively throughout Oceania. I would love to see a question or comments about the Pacific region surface during the debates, especially as we head to a general election runoff when more people are going to be paying attention, other than from a defense-related standpoint with North Korea and China the subjects or trade-related focusing on Japan or China. Stay tuned for more fireworks , entertainment, drama, and even some education—the Presidential election season has just begun!