‘Pray for peace in Ukraine and our region’

The war in Ukraine that was invaded by Russia and its ruthless leader, Vladimir Putin, without threat or any compelling reason whatsoever reminds me of how fragile our world is today. It also reminded me of how lucky we are in the tiny Pacific islands whose relationship with the United States guarantees us protection from being invaded by a larger nation with powerful armies and military armaments.

How can you defend yourself here in the Mariana islands without the full backing of the U.S. military? We have no chance at all. Seeing Ukraine being bombarded and its people displaced, buildings, homes and infrastructure destroyed to the ground and, worst of all, being killed in this unjustified war is heart-wrenching to watch and comprehend. Watching young children cry because they lost their parents is so painful bear.

While the war is in Europe, a far-away continent, the ill effect and its associated wrath has no boundaries. Look at our gas prices today. It was only $4.26 last week and today it is over $6 per gallon. Who knows it may exceed $10 before the war is over. I could only pray for peace. Lord help us!

And those responsible for the killings will face their own demise when it’s time to face our creator.

Meanwhile, I want to remind our people that it is important to acknowledge and be thankful for our relationship with the United States of America. Let us be reminded that the safety and security of our people should be priority No. 1. Our Covenant with the U.S. is not a perfect document. Yes, there are still issues that must be updated and improved for the benefit of both the U.S. and our Commonwealth.

The changing needs of our people must be part of the mix when it comes to the military requirements in our area. We must work with the U.S. government and its military to co-exist and to make sure that we are safe in the region. We’ve seen their financial assistance year after year, with lots of grants to finance not only our government, agencies, and instrumentalities but many non-profit organizations. Our people are benefiting from healthcare and Medicaid services and food subsidies, not to mention the financial windfall every time they declare the CNMI a disaster area after typhoons. Many other financial assistances like the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and business payroll subsidies have benefited our people. Other islands and nations that are not affiliated politically with the United States do not benefit like we do. And so we must be thankful and frugal. Let us pray for peace in Ukraine and our region.

Glenn H. Manglona
Host, Marianas Agupa talk show