In defense of people on Tinian

I have noticed that there have been some serious words tossed around by Dr. Jesus Camacho. I wonder, though: who gave this man the right to badmouth everybody on Tinian? I mean, “The only way that Howard Cole and Joan Muna Flores would be able to come to grips with this reality is for both of them to travel to the mainland and find out for themselves that their mindset is in the minority and does not reflect the norm and/or mindset of contemporary society. Or, they can stay in Tinian and always be a part of the minority in terms of their views on titles.” What is that?

I don’t have a degree in anything, but when I arrived here in Seattle, I had the same mindset as most everyone here. Sure, I had a little island in me, but who doesn’t after being on the islands for so long. Oh, but I don’t have a doctorate. I know a few people, though, and sure, they came home to give back to the “people.” Been doing it. Mr. Cole has been a teacher of mine on and off for years. I wasn’t the greatest student around, but I do recognize when others are great at what they do. And Mr. Cole is a great teacher. He came here, loved it so much and has been giving to the community ever since—and he’s not “originally” from Tinian either. So I would suggest not touching the subject of giving back to the community, it wouldn’t be too bright. Remember, you’re in California. He’s back home.

The issue of Mr. Cole not being able to own land? The nerve to bring up the subject of land ownership, when you have never met the man or understood his place in our community. When I own land on Tinian, he can stay at my house anytime. Know why? Because that is and will always be a part of “our” culture, whether it’s Tinian, Saipan, Rota, or Guam. It just so happened your insults were thrown on Tinian. But what do I know? I dropped out and got my GED but I’m here in Washington living myself an independent life. Sure, struggle hits from time to time. I’m 24, learning life on my own. But I love it. I respect my elders. Give when needed. Learning everyday. Because everyone is a student for life. Planning on going to school soon…but I don’t have a doctorate. So I should stay out of this, right? Maybe after I get a couple more things off my chest.

Joan (I say Joan because everyone on Tinian knows everyone on Tinian, we talk to all, help all, feed all, pray for all, hence Chamorro culture, or am I too young to know all this?) defined a doctor in this section as: “A real doctor earns that degree because he/she is genuinely passionate and worthy of learning. He/she is also willing to use that learning and expertise for the advantage of others.” Now if that’s not true, then I personally think you jumped into the wrong profession. My parents have done nothing but work for theirs and have never once looked down on someone. And they love what they do. Always taught me that I would know I have hit “my” profession when I love what I do.

Take note, not once did I say in this letter that Dr. Camacho is not bright, or that he isn’t good at what he does. I just think that his pen is made of poison from time to time. I have no say in anything that he does with his life, whether it has to do with mining issues or dealing with office decisions. But no one, and I mean no one, gave you the right to offend the people of Tinian, and your comments are highly offending to me. I have clearly just written what I thought without using personal attacks, I have laid out nothing but facts. So if you think not having a doctorate, being from Tinian, and loving my job along with all the other “quacks” is a bad thing for the mind, then I am screwed. Have a good day now.

Matthew B. Blanco
Seattle, Washington