Do not be disrespectful

Dear Mr. Dubrall: I have followed your letters to the editor in both papers and at first glance I was impressed with your astute knowledge about what has been happening on our small islands, especially when you mentioned that you’ve moved around and have lived in many places and recently in the Philippines. I must admit that for a while you spoke of helping and coming up with suggestions and making some sensible solutions on how to take care of our many problems.

But, sir, you do not need to be disrespectful and leave a bad and stinky taste in our mouths. Yes, you are our brother and fellow American, but this is not the U.S. mainland. We have cultural differences here that you fail to recognize, which only shows how disrespectful you are. I fail to note where you are being denied because of your U.S. passport or citizenship. Your attacks on the people of our island and community show your true nature as an out-of-date colonialist and imperialist. Unfortunately, with your attitude, you will never be accepted as an islander.

Do not treat us the same as our American brothers treated the indigenous Native Americans and Hawaiians. Just because you are a U.S. mainlander does not give you the right to denigrate this island that most of us are proud to call home.

If you are so righteous, I am not sure what you are doing on this island. You do not hear me or anyone of us making stupid statements and disrespectful statements about our U.S. President or the governor of the state where you were born, right?

Your letter today said the governor should wait and “hold for four months until the people of the CNMI decide the issue.” You really have no idea what you are talking about. I am a retiree with a family of five. I was a firefighter at the Commonwealth Ports Authority for many years before retiring in 2003. I am now forced to find employment to make ends meet for my family because of my retirement cuts. What do you offer that is a sustainable and real solution that would help many of the other retirees maintain a simple life and live in humble and comfortable homes?

Many of us who are retired and senior citizens are only looking for what is owed us and to live in peace.

Pedro Kileleman
Garapan, Saipan