Random thoughts from Uncle Felix

By FELIX AGUON
Special to the Saipan Tribune

If you have lived in this region for as long as I have you probably would have noticed that there are many things that happen regularly that for the most part leave you absolutely perplexed and hobbling around for answers. I, for one, have been particularly vocal about things that I have noticed, particularly those where I see great personal and community benefit or a need for improvement or action or just an elimination of it from the face of the earth.

It is my contention that we need to discuss the issues that are important to the people of this region because we need to understand that it is often the opportunity to seek and discuss things that we can eventually be empowered to make changes for the better. Every time a new business comes into the area there is a great deal of enthusiasm that comes with the introduction of a new product or service and if properly cared for could mean good things for both customers and the owners of the business. If the labor pool is properly indoctrinated into the type of product or service available it could help in its longevity. I feel that, no matter how good the product or service is, with it needs to come an interest from the market/customers and effort from the business to continually upgrade itself to stay or remain competitive within the locale.

Every couple of years the electorate goes to the polls to choose from a limited list of candidates those people who will make decisions that will affect the lives of the people who go to the polls and, of course, those who don’t go to the polls. In political circles your future will be determined by the way you are able to function within these groups. Among the issues that most people have and quite often are not discussed in the political arena are the goods and benefits they personally have that brought them to the conclusion that one candidate in particular would do more for them than the others presented.

Health wise, because we live in a society that savors the type of food served at most family gatherings—and even outside of the home—most people in our area are affected about the same way. In our society we tend to have illnesses and take on certain body shapes that will eventually make it harmful for us to continue to live life the way we would prefer or are accustomed to. There are things that we haven’t been told as young people by our parents—that everything we were served as toddlers to our teens would eventually lead us to serious ailments or conditions like diabetes.

When I was young I reached my peak of height when I was about 14 years old and thought that I was amongst a privileged few Chamorros who could ever attain that height naturally. I ate my cornflakes as the commercials on TV convinced me that it would help me grow to my tallest height. However, when I turned 30, I began to see the next generation peaking out at my height or just a little taller. The thought being that with each generation if given the proper diet and genes each generation will increase in height.

Every once in a while we may also encounter situations that make us remember a particular time of the year such as a holiday or some event that made us participate in an activity or just outright reject it for lack of interest—or was that really the reason. There are also people who have been a great influence on the paths we have chosen or what we choose to do with our lives as adults. There are some great people who we look up to as role models when we are young, only to find out later that they were just as bad as the alcoholic/wife beater down the street who thought that he owns his spouse and life partner.

Sometimes we are inspired to act or discuss things that may not but should matter to everyone but the majority of the people do not because each hour of the day is filled with something to do.

Were you brought up in a family or society that taught you from a very young age to do what you think is right and hand everyone else’s opinion? Or were you taught to do the right thing regardless of the consequences, good or bad.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring my thought and those of the people who have something to say to be placed in this medium. You will be hearing from me again!

(Felix Aguon is a Guam-based writer.)