Envisioning Guam as More Than Just the "Tip of the Spear"

Guam has had the longest history of colonization on earth if you count from when Spain claimed the island in 1565, to its present status as a “non self-governing territory” owned by the United States. Currently the U.S. military owns about one-third of Guam’s land and is increasing its militarization efforts in a big way. The U.S. military holds an image of Guam as “the tip of the spear” and seems to view this massive buildup (the largest in U.S. history) as a sharpening of the tip.

I bring up several questions my social welfare professor asked in response to this visualization:
• If Guam is the tip, then who all makes up the shaft?
• Who are we pointing to?
• Who is pointing back at us?

There are countless concerns that the people of Guam feel about the military’s expansion. Among them are: dramatic population increase; overcrowding in schools, the hospital and on the roads (each already a problem), destruction to the environment, increased poverty gaps, and international threats due to increased military presence.

Having been born and raised here, it’s a personal issue for me, and I believe to some extent, a global issue. There is no place on earth like Guam and I love it dearly. Beauty in the land and sea, diversity of people and culture, familiarity, and the paradox of simplicity amongst a very complex circumstance, all make Guam unique and valuable. Its strategic location in the Pacific is what has attracted colonizers since the 1500s and is the main reason behind some of the major changes and challenges it faces today. Few people know much about Guam, its history, or present challenges. As the only member from Guam so far here on World Pulse, I feel it is my duty to help bring awareness to Guam’s issues.

My vision is simple in its essence, and infinitely complex in its details, and goes something like this: A self-sustainable island full of lush jungles, fertile farmlands, and pristine coral reef ecosystems; A diverse people full of love, respect and generosity, and rich in culture; The utilization of natural energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power; Social welfare and equality, with evenly distributed resources and care throughout the lifespan for all people; Public transportation with zero emissions; Fresh organic produce available for all; Community sharing and support for the extended family; Unity in achieving self-determination. This is my vision for my personal life, my community, and the world.

World Pulse came to me through this vision. Just as I was clarifying my purpose in life, a friend sent me here, and I knew this community would play a part in making my vision a reality. And of course, why hadn’t I thought of it before, that WOMEN would play a huge role in this global transformation? A world long-ruled by masculinity has been tipped out of balance. I see a shift where a dramatic amount of femininity needs to come into play, until the two balance each other in harmony as originally intended. How am I contributing to this shift? By becoming fearless in my authenticity, in honoring the guidance of my intuition and fully embracing femininity. By sharing the magic that I see, and empowering others to also open their eyes to the beauty and infinite opportunities for peace, joy, and love in this life. I do this by writing, sharing artwork, hosting events, nourishing my soul so that I have the energy to uplift others, and by being proactive about human rights issues locally and around the world. World Pulse provides the platform for outreach, connection, and sanctuary. I have spent a large part of my life thus far rediscovering who I am, and what my purpose in this life is, and I am ready to face the next stage, which is sharing my ideas on a global scale. With radical trust and great love, it is time to share my vision with the world and to collaborate with all the awesome people that are coming into my life. Together we can truly move mountains. Global change here we come!