Comments for Rice in Samoa next Saturday at http://www.samoalivenews.com , comment 0 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.samoalivenews.com Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:17:30 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.samoalivenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1346&Itemid=59#pc_2647 In the aftermath of Dr. Rice's visit to Samoa I've had time to reflect back 25 years to my experience in W Samoa. I am dissappointed to hear that there are as many, if not more, PC Volunteers in Samoa today as there were in 1974. It was my understanding that the purpose of my two year stay was to educate young Samoans, enable them to pass NZ school entrance exams, further their education with the thought that they would return to Samoa and take over the education jobs that Peace Corps Volunteers performed..... It seems the plan has failed, unless someone out there can enlighten me further about the Peace Corps mission in W Samoa?? Before I left in 1975, a Samoan told me that "a University graduate could make more money hacking a cab in NZ than they could teaching in Samoa." At the time I thought he was joking, perhaps he was simply being practically forthright.... Let's see - 1900 volunteers divided by let us say 40 years, that equals 47.5 per year(51 in 2008). That's about right. Assuming the Samoan government's investment in providing those 47.5 volunteers per year is $0.00 dollars, then the US government has invested a rather large sum of money in Samoa with no return on their investment (or Samoa's educational benefit) . Excuse me for being honest, but I believe that the good ole US of A has entitled itself to at least two "rest stops" in the forty plus years it has provided free educators to benefit W Samoa. Do the math and you'll see that the small amount of water she might have used to flush the toilet and hand soap is a small price to pay for 40 years of free education that Samoa has received - and who should care if she stuffed one of Aggie Grey's towels in her luggage before departing? I guarrantee the fuel and other costs of her visit was paid for by US taxpayers not the Samoan government. She probably used US taypayer money to leave tips, as all expenses are generally included in her expense account. The Samoan people should be happy that she visited, all be it acouple of hours - she left a few US dollars in country that wouldn't have been there if she had stopped in Am Samoa.................... - tavita Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:11:32 +0100 http://www.samoalivenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1346&Itemid=59#pc_2350 “Other forms of US assistance to Samoa are [NOT] limited.” US NGO’s - incl. individuals/citizens, churches, companies, etc., - have all made their marks in rendering assistance to Samoa. Perhaps the best example is the recent case of Baby Miracle. As far as individuals and others are concerned, I’m reminded of Greg Casagrande who founded the SPBD Foundation (watch video link below). The Rock and Bill Gates have given assistance too. Expertise in technology through the NUS and other institutions have been given freely as well. I have also learned that the LDS Church gives help in medical supplies to the Tupua Tamasese Hospital from time to time, not to mention the fact that it was the first foreign help at Faleolo (a 747 packed with supplies) right after one of the major hurricanes several years ago. With the US being the main financier of the UN, as a country/government, she also gives assistance, albeit indirectly (in most cases), to Samoa through the UN agencies. I’m sure the list is unlimited. One aspect of this issue that needs to be understood is that most, if not all, of US assistance is near-charitable in nature. Conversely, foreign aid as given by countries like China - especially -is motivated by the benefactor’s self-interest; often on a quid pro quo basis. Hence, if US assistance is limited, compared to China and other close friends of Samoa, as perhaps implied in your article, then I would suggest switching to a more profound perspective. The point is, that US assistance (esp. being the country with unmatched standing in rendered assistance worldwide - humanitarian and otherwise) in whatever form, should not be categorized as being “limited”. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/12271988#12271988 - Sifa Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:56:53 +0100 http://www.samoalivenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1346&Itemid=59#pc_2340 Talofa/Hello: Is she going towards America? Visiting only Samoa? on a Saturday? what about AS(American Samoa)? Two hours? Starting from the moment the airplane lands? or starting the moment she actually shakes hands with the PM Malielegaoi and other Pacific Leaders? Seems to me that's all the time she will have is "shaking of the hands" then it's time to get back to the plane and on to more important issues of the day. Sounds like a lay-over to use the 'ladies room' and maybe pick up a souvenir--I'm sure with all her travels in Africa and the Mediterranean she really needs another head trinket--there's no lavatory in the plane??? What gives? If they are just refueling, you mean gas is cheaper in Samoa than in AS(American Samoa)? Who plans these itineraries? Or her itineraries? Would it not be economical maybe even feasible if the Prime Minister and delegates came over to AS and shook the Secretary of State's time honored palms of the morning? Where are my manners... a Lady shouldn't be kept waiting. She should be pampered in those two hours and we should give her a manicure in a Kava bowl! What do those men know? I know what the Sista needs to make her trip to Samoa memorable - grin. --Manaia - Manaia Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:38:32 +0100 http://www.samoalivenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1346&Itemid=59#pc_2323 a high position in government to grace our shores. Rice is a force to be recogned with in the U.S. and abroad. Let Samoa welcome her with open arms! Only a non-class idiot would treat her otherwise! Samoa's foundation is built on respect so I would not worry about her reception. - Pulili Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:27:25 +0100