Comments for Samoa: One Nation, Two Failed States at http://atlanticfreepress.com , comment 1 to 51 out of 20 comments http://atlanticfreepress.com Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:21:13 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-10064 (Western) Samoa is actually showing great promise by liberalising the economy and cutting the inefficient public sector in half over the past decade. It has privatised some state-owned enterprises, whilst making all remaining govt agencies and ministries conform to corporate efficiency standards. The main problem is the lack of markets for our exports. However, the government is really working its arse off to try and open up the fiercely anal NZ and Australian markets for our agricultural sector. The tourism sector (and the poly-blue airline) is a remarkable success story earning much-needed foreign currency for the economy. Unfortunately our economy is susceptible to natural disasters (cyclones, tsunamis). Check back in ten years time, I am confident that the economy will be much more improved. By the way, our chiefs are elected by our families to lead (they can rapidly become unelected if they muck around too much). They are merely trustees of family and village land. The nature of Samoan cultural leadership is quite democratic. Look up what the samoan saying: "O le ala i le pule o le tautua" means. Mr Dude e ese le poto ma le faafiapoto. Aua e te osovale pe a e le o iloa se paupau. - Ioane mai le maumaga Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:57:16 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-7406 I'd have to agree with most of the sentiments in here. A poorly researched, biased piece. Perhaps your next article should be about the falling standards of American journalism? - NiuZila Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:43:36 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-7166 One of the things about Polynesia in general is how it has been defined in western terms since the arrival of the missionaries. Very few western reporters ever consider the fact that all Polynesians originated from Southeast Asia. By this time even the Polynesians have begun framing their own reference in western terms (as you point out in a sort of backward way) When I scripted a one hour "CD audio tour" of Tutuila, the response from local young people was enormous. And predictably when the forum section of the Western Samoa tourism authority website began posting responses from kids wanting to know more about their pre-Christian origins, the post was shut down for "maintenance " reasons. But in this media environment official mindkeepers will not alter the force of user generated news. I think there were bright spots for you to find in Western and American Samoa, but understandably your western approach makes it difficult to tease out 4000 years of pre-Christian history, arts and culture of Polynesia.. a print text of the cd can be found in the blog section at www.myspace.com/busycorner From Pago Pago, John Wasko - John Wasko Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:46:15 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5741 I find that what foreigners see in Samoa often reflects their own internal state. Some visitors find an archipelago of incredible beauty, a loving and peaceful people whose culture based on hospitality, and an intact and magnificent culture that has continued more thatn 2,000 years. Mr. Vitchek focuses on negative issues. Yes, there are some teen suicides, there cases of child abuse, yes there are obese people, yes there are young people who are caught between cultures. These problems are real and need solutions. But what Mr. Vitchek fails to point out is that all of these problems also are abundant where he lives in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam pornography and its degradation of women is broadcast 24/7 on the public television, there are major rings promoting child pornography, drugs of all kinds are sold on the street, poor women from eastern block countries are displayed in street front windows for prostitution more as less as sex slaves, women who write about moslim issues are targeted for death and are murdered, Molluccan immigrants are impoverished and treated as second class citizens, to gain citizenship, you have to pass an exam which proves that you are properly Dutch in your social attitudes including acceptance of public nudity, violent bicycle gangs beat up rivals -- well you get the picture. Does Mr. Vitchek really want to argue that his home in Amsterdam is superior to Samoa? And yet Amsterdam, like Samoa, is actually a very lovely place if you approach it in the right way. Right there, past the McDonalds and the cathedral which was built with funds "extracted" from the locals is beautiful canal, where you can ride a boat for a small fee. The window boxes in the apartments are filled with flowers, and you can pedal your bike down to the museum to see some of the world's most beautiful paintings. The town is filled with gardens, and the people are very friendly and always willing to help a visitor. It is a terrific place to visit, if you got with the right attitude. I have travelled the entire world, and have never found a people as loving and kind as the Samoans. They will feed you, house you, and give you the shirt off their back with no expectation of return. The villages are peaceful, with violence rarely occurring. The Samoa culture is beautiful, and the chiefs- who are chosen by their families -- are usually very wise in their leadership. And the Samoans are a genuinely religious people who trust in God, rather than an army, to guard their freedom. If you look for ugliness, you can find it almost anywhere in the world, but if you look for beauty, you can find that almost anywhere as well. And in Samoa, the most beautiful thing of all, is the Samoan people. Please, Samoan readers, know how grateful we palagis who visit you are for the kindness, love, and hospitality you show us. - A palagi friend of Samoa Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:38:13 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5686 I hear the rage in the Samoan responses posted here. The solution is simple. Samoa is for Samoan People - period. The Palagis, Koreans, Chinese, Tongans, and anyone else not born on Samoan soil should just LEAVE and go back where they belong. But do ME a favor, stay the hell out of Washington, Utah, Oregon, California and anywhere else in MY homeland. If you show-up, I'll make sure to great you with the same attitude of superiority you've shown to me. I'm not Samoan. I am clearly made to feel that I do not belong here. Moreover, I'm made to feel UNWELCOME here. How wonderful that the superior Samoans do not need help from outsiders like me. I'm leaving very soon. I'd love to see Hawaiian Air booked full of non-Samoans fleeing this rock. You should be careful what you wish for. - Samoaumu Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:46:38 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5644 What a load of shit.... - Angry Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:01:00 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5633 we samoa never was two state until colonial european cut us in two parts and run. now 21st century their great great grand children like andre vltchek bark like a dog with no leash.2 to 3 police station in the entire samoa goverment. matai system is the main respectful force in the island,keep peace,law and order culture and tradition keep us in harmony with the new era.i don't blame you any way,you just a tool of the most powerful weapon of today(media).we all human with too much knowledge to waste.both american samoa and samoa are one in their culture,tradition and language,is important to keep those force forever,for many souls to pass by these world and appreciate its diversity. - matai Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:46:50 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5618 Samoa has huge economic potential. We don't need you Mr V to tell us how beautiful our islands are. In fact a Hawaii-based hotel group is about to start a half-billion dollar five-star resort in Savaii - Kome Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:22:40 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5591 Yes, Samoa has economic problem, but there are bright spots in the economy that you were blind to because of your bias; for example, an article in the Samoa News today had the headline of the subject above and it tells us that "telephone subscribers have jumped from 12,5000 in 2002 to 101,400 at the end of 2007." And that, "About 95% of the country is now accessible by phone compared to only 30% five years ago." In addition, "Internet subscribers have more than doubled from 3000 in 2002 to 7000 at the end of 2007." This is expected to continue to increase with the installation of the fiber optic cable I mentioned before. Also noted is that the number of radio stations has grown from one to eight. Perhaps if you had done some research you would have noticed these facts. - Tavita Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:07:19 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5585 Why are u so ignorant? This article is so under researched.... Its a shame Atlantic Free Press think you are a worthy journalist to submitt articles on the website. This article by far has to be the most grossly over genralised article I have ever read..... You have not put in enough reflection and thought into this one...You have really missed the true issues that are there.... Please get a brain! - Not happy! Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:06:27 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5576 Dear Andre, I think you really need to applogise to the people who are deeply offended by your gross over genralisation and assumptions... It is really a hope that you would acknoledge that in fact you have made many wrong judgements in your article. I hope that you can find it in yourself to say sorry for the mistakes in your article... But im sure your ignorance will cloud your better judgments.... - You need to say sorry! Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:58:11 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5573 I'd rather live in China than a nation with an extremely liberal president; if he gets elected in November! - Koko Samoa Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:35:00 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5567 It's easy to trash anybody else's culture from the outside but remember, your own culture may not look that attractive to those outside it and it may not be comprehended any better than you comprehend the culture you're not a part of. Nothing wrong with having an opinion, or even publishing it, but it pays to remember how easy it is to be wrong and how easy it is to offend. I've had the good fortune to visit Samoa once. Was it perfect? Of course not. Samoans are people and people are never perfect. Are Samoans any worse than any other people? Probably not. I live in a metropolis of millions. It's easy to do mean things and get away with it. In Samoa your neighbor knows your face, your name, maybe even your foot print. It's an intimate place. It's much harder to get away with misbehavior. I only wish people where I live would behave as well as people in Samoa. Of course people will misbehave anywhere but compare the stats in Samoa to those where I live. Our murder rate is terrifying. Samoa is small and Samoan families are often large. Many Samoans have to leave Samoa to make a living. But they try like crazy to come back! Maybe a writer should think about that before criticizing. If so much is wrong with Samoa why do Samoans love it so? Maybe our world outside isn't so perfect either. - alohasholom Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:21:33 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5548 I know they you claim to be a 'dude' but you write like a bitch!(female dog not a women!) Just want to invite you to a holiday with me to Samoa soon if your intrested. The you can take off your western vision and we can emerse ourselves in Samoan culture. Then you can see what the real problems are and this time suggest ideas for change.... Well I am waiting for your response.... I have looked at other articles you have written but this has to be by far the worst piece of bullshit you ever wrote! see you later mate! - Australian-Samoan Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:44:09 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5543 Vitchke spend time with the Samoa people then you will find out,they are true to there faasamoa and very proud of it..You owe the people a well researched article.. - Miyh Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:13:36 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5540 Dude are you really a writter??????? If you are then take your article and put it up your ass...Yes there are problems in both Samoas, but isn't it everywhere in this world..How could you come in my PARADISE and write negative comments about it...Dude get another job you kio... Tulou ile mamalu, I just don't like the writter at all... - True Samoa Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:07:32 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5534 Yes, I got carried away. Manu'a is a part of Samoa and was once said to have dominated the western islands. Over time their influence diminished, but my understanding is that they maintained themselves as a relatively powerful semi-autonomous part of the group. As one historian put it "the inhabitants [of Manu'a] although not personally isolated [hence the sharing of language and culture], remained politically aloof from the main current of events in the rest of Samoa." Manu'a has a deed of cession that is separate from the one signed by the chiefs of Tutuila in April of 1900. Manu'a did not sign a deed of cession with the United States until July of 1904. American Samoa's Flag day has celebrations in April of each year, but the Territory also recognizes a Manu'a cession day in July. My point was that the people of Manu'a do see themselves as relatively independent and, though I could be wrong, there does not seem to be any great desire to become part of the modern nation state of Independent Samoa. If anything, because of their separate deed of cession, there has been discussions of trying to negotiate a separate relationship with the United States independent of Tutuila. Nothing has come of it, but there it is. - Tavita Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:24:47 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5531 Well Dude...I'm glad you've clarified that issue yourself. I couldn't agree more with you on that, you must be a Dude because no women I know are this ignorant...So Hooray to Dude, the king of Dunces! DUDE...All the issues and problems that you've mentioned in your articles are common struggles in every part of the world. And Samoa is no exception to that,...Surprise! We Samoans, both overseas and in Samoa are quite aware of the issues confronting our people. So PLEASE GIVE US A BREAK! Have you ever considered the fact that most of those issues confronting the Samoan people today are mostly caused by newly transported ideas, values, and forces from outside of Samoa. I guess not...too much for a Dunce like you to comprehend that. It is mind boggling for me, trying to understand how you could write such a kakamimi article about my people and my culture using statistics that do not standup when you put them under any kind of scrutiny. The bottom line is that "You've "Fucked Up", Dude! You are just a dumb DUDE lost in his own Crappy world. So my advice to you, DUDE,...take a crap before you take up another writing task, because holding all that bullshit inside you obviously has given you crappy ideas. This article about Samoa may be your crappiest work. Muamua oute fa'atulou atu i o'u uso ma tuagage o Samoa. Ia malo lava le onosai. Aua le avea upu faifai olenei tagata ma se mea e fa'aleaga ai le va tatou Samoa. Also I like to acknowledge all of the Samoans and Palagis who have responded to this pathetic article, who live and call Samoa home,..."Thank you" - Sasauli Satele Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:38:53 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5530 Very imformative article and very true. As a person of Samoan ancestory, I am proud of my culture. I have had the unique oportunity too have grown up living in both Samoas/Hawaii and the US mainland. The problems that the two Samoa's face are real and exposed in the article. Combine that with the failure of both Governments (blinded by pride) to address the problems will only make it worse. There seems to be a lack of leadership and an abundance of corruption with the two entities. The current Govornor of American Samoa has multiple members of his govt. (including the Lt Gov.) being investigated or charged by the FBI with felonies. He also failed to stop the Immigration problem that ensued with Samoa by coming to a compromise that would not hurt the travelling public. He also tried unsuccessfully to force out the only airline (Hawaiian Air) that had consistantly served the islands from Hawaii for years. (probably to benefit himself) and not the travelling public. The list goes on and on ........... In Samoa, the Prime Minister and other officals in Parliment decided after overwhelming opposition to switch thier automobiles/roads from LH drive to RH drive. Not only was it a safety issue, but also a huge financial toll to many poor Samoan families, who struggle financially. Another problem the author describes in the article is the poor state of Polynesian Airlines. Long a financial liability to government of Samoa, it should be privatised and rid of by the government. - Hawaii Boy Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:04:13 +0100 http://atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/4211-samoa-one-nation-two-failed-states.html#comment-5527 I agree with everything you say Davy, just the Manu'a part. Manu'a has always been a part of Samoa. At times the center of Samoa. The last time I was there, the Manua'ns spoke intelligible Samoan. The problem is the Manu'ans ar4e a stuck-up bunch with a low opinion of Tutuila (some say was a penal colony for Upolu chiefs). The only equals Manu'ans see are the royal families of (western) Samoa- Malietoa, Tuiatua, etc.. - Tuimanu'a Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:09:42 +0100