So What If Secretary Rice Is Coming To Samoa!

oooohhstop it!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:10:25 +0100

So is this the best, and all you can do...is attack and impugn my Samoan-ness? It’s definite that you are the one with serious psychological problems! How can a true Samoan, born and raised as a native Samoan “try hard to assert” his “Samoanness”? Isn’t that something that’s visceral and comes naturally to such a person? Well I pity you more “Cheesy” ... that you were not born Samoan ... ‘cause therein lies the root of your psychological problems! ...LOLLLLL!!!!! - Sifa

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Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:18:27 +0100

i pity you sifa, the posturing... tall poppy display, makes one think if there are deeper psychological problems at bay here. whats the matter? mommy didnt pin your bilingual essays on the fridge? ;D quite sad you try very hard to assert your "samoaness" online... dont worry, youll always be a full blooded samoan on the comments section of samoalive news, and dont let anyone take that away from you champ ;) - GC

cheesy again.............

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:58:07 +0100

...with demonstrable envy and spite in your comments, I'm surprised that you do have friends; so are they ..oops....is she/he a wannabe too?....lol!...cheesy ..pau a ga...pau a ga o Samoa e know e a'u ....hehehehe - Sifa

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Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:27:09 +0100

sifa, i showed my friends your posts and they are all impressed. indeed, we were all in agreement that typing in english and samoan is a very special skill for a very special boy. keep on truggin soldier. - GC

GC=Cheesy (as in shoddy and of very poor quality)

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:20:06 +0100

Wuuzzup GC? Are you Samoan and/or linguistically challenged? LOL! ...too bad! It’s obvious that your forte lies in attacking the person and not the issues. Why does this trend seem to appear more of a “standard” (in fact it should be called a “substandard”) here, even among those who occasionally and sporadically display hints and signs of intelligence? Is this proof and application of the proverbial “[pig] wallowing in the mire” or the Ethipoian unable to change his skin and the leopard its spots? GC, from your writing and demeanor you are either a palagi or a fia-palagi (wannabe)....so sad! “...sifa tries too hard to convince people that he is bilingual.” Apparently, you have not read my post in which I said that I am a full blooded Samoan. More than just being a full blooded Samoan, I was born and raised in Samoa ... I write and speak Samoan as my first/native language (English, is my second language). Therefore, neither I try hard to convince people that I am bilingual, nor to have them “notice” me. My knowledge, articulation, speech, etc., in Samoan are beyond the vernacular/street and everyday language and diction. I am quite skilled in all the different components and nuances of the chiefs’ language (gagana faa-faleupolu), elders’ language (gagana faa-toeina/toeaina) and other elements of traditional Samoan oratory. In other words, my Samoan is not artificial neither is my knowledge of the Samoan culture. I know how to cook the Samoan way including the pusaina/faia o le umu[i] (cooking using the [i]umu method), I have crated taros and prepare the complete faausi dish, the taufolo, etc., I have the skills and strength of a Samoan taule’ale’a (non-titled man) and the eloquence of a typical tulafale (talking chief). “Noticing” me more now? ..heheee ...be glad! My comments that are typed in Samoan are done to illustrate a point and/or to respond (in like manner) to the responder .... In that way, I hope that clear and effective communication is achieved. Anyhow, I’m glad that you have finally “noticed” me. Now you know who you’re dealing with....be mad! Hope to see you around da house.................. Soifua! Sifa (see far...hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.... vs. “cheesy” (GC) ....hehehee) - Sifa

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Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:53:48 +0100

OT but me thinks sifa tries too hard to convince people that he is bilingual. ok sifa i noticed that you can type in both english and samoan and i approve of your "notice me" efforts. - GC

American Interest

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:42:58 +0100

America has interest. For our regrion in the South Pacific, it is mild at that, perhaps counting on NZ, Japan and Aussies to keep things in check. But, overall America has been a friend to the region of the South Pacific. Obama may be the Pres. and if he wins more power to him. He does have a shared set of values from those that have been Presidents in the past of the U.S.A The number #1 hope all Americans want is Security. And if that fear is realized thru acts of war, the offender will feel the surge of an impatient nation. When we pray, we give thanks. When we say amen, it usually means what it says. Obama as the Chief will understand that we usually fight when provoked. - Don't Know

Say MOO!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:46:41 +0100

Semu (Say Moo!): How about some real insights into the issues instead of spewing regurgitations and generalizations? The US government may not have helped directly in Nanai’s case, but can you effectively dissociate a government from its people, especially if it’s a government “by the people”? The type of government a people has, can be reflected in how they live and in the values they espouse. Ideologically, America means a lot to the people of Samoa! I’ll let you digest that and see if you understand what I mean. Try ot do better next time! - Sifa

Faafetai Tasi!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:35:09 +0100

Tasi, ia o fea na upu lapopo’a e te ta’ua? It’s all relative I believe. E faalagolago lava foi i itua’iga feutaga’iga. Ona o le olaga ma ona anoanoga o iai nei, e tofu vaega o fesoota’iga ma fausaga o feutaga’iga ma o latou upu talafeagai (jargon). I tulaga o finauga poo feutaga’iga maualuga i tulaga faale-a’oa’oga ma le poto maoa’e (intellectual debates), e faaali ai manatu loloto, ua iai fo’i upu ma gagana talafeagai. Aga faapea la kakou ke poka i le malae i le po masiga, ia e ‘ese foi upu e faaaoga ai. A ole (woo) foi e se tama se tama’ita’i, ia o upu ole teine fo’i e faaaoga, aea? :D Oute malamalama i mea o loo e talanoa mai ai, ae maise le faalaua’itelega o le mataupu. E ui fo’i o le ‘auga o le mataupu o le asiasiga a Rice, ae o loo iai i totonu o le tusitusiga a Pio sana tuua’iga e ogaoga ma le fetaui ma nisi o le ‘au faitau ma le ‘au maitau. O le tuua’iga lea o le faailoga lanu ma faailoga tagata o le Iunaite Setete e tusa ma aiaiga faale-femalagaa’iga i le va o Samoa e lua. Afai la ae faia nei tuua’iga, e tatau lava ona lava taoso le tagata e lagolago, faamautu ma faamaonia nei manatu, ae ‘aua le faia o ni manatu e so’ona fai ma le le faavaea. Ae faafetai mo lou sao i le mataupu. Ia manuia le aso. - Sifa

Sioa=Staring...blankly! Parting repartee

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:28:21 +0100

Mr. Sioa: E lelei pe ana e tali sa’o lava e tusa ma le ta mata’upu, ae aua le faa’alo’aloa au tali atoa ma le tele o isi au si’omaga. Your trivialization of the important issues by making snide, ad hominem and sarcastic remarks is offensive to this forum’s intelligentsia. It is also unbecoming of someone who has a responsibility in information dissemination as well as in a position of influencing people’s opinions. Yes, America does not need defending; rather, it’s you who needs to defend your positions. The problem in forums such as this is that writers/bloggers/posters write and editorialize, but would not want to defend what they write, especially when they make some bold and flagrant accusations. You seem to expect your readership to just read and accept; or do you wish that we take every word you put up here as truth? Is there some kind of blogger’s executive privilege or immunity of which I am not aware? In the academia and the world of information sharing, there is this “thing” called “intellectual honesty”. Basically, if a person subscribes to certain beliefs, his/her convictions should be in proportion to valid and proven evidence/facts. You have failed in that regard. To an average mind, the title of your article (“So What If Secretary Rice Is Coming To Samoa?”) immediately elicits controversy and debate with the indifference and contempt flavor of your “So what?” overture. But then stashed in your piece is a blatant and absurd accusation which has been the crux of my inquiries. Here’s that accusation (apparently of the US): [quote] “It does grind on the nerves when Samoans in Apia are forced to go through all that bureaucratic red tape, when passport holders of other nationalities are extended a simple ‘‘show and go courtesy.’’ If that is not racial discrimination , what is?”[/quote] What? Racial discrimination? Now that is a harsh incrimination and an ignorant insinuation. During our exchange you have not even come close to qualifying and proving your accusation. You keep dodging the issue. Why? Because your charge is an ill-advised one and therefore cannot be defended, at least in an honest, intelligent and credible manner. All you have given are generalities, speculation and exaggeration. And trying to steer the discussion from Rice’s visit to Obama is a careless and irresponsible move. E te lavea ai fo’i iina, my friend. ;D - Sifa

I think it is more anti-Republican, rather

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:58:33 +0100

If Obama becomes President, I'm sure America's popularity around the world will increase. It has taken a huge hit since Mr Cowboy bushwacker has been in power. - Geoff

hhhmmmm....

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:37:53 +0100

sole Sifa, makua lapopoa ga upu eke faaaogaiga, koikiki oka foa ile mamafa o ga vocab looool. Well e magaia le magaku o Pio, kai peiseai o le manatu o Pio lae faaali mai le lagona faapea, afai ae taunuu le malaga mai ole tamaitai Failautusi ia Rice, ole a le a la le mea ole a tatou vesi vale ai fua, given past experiences by fomer MPs and the country as well when similar visits by renowned world leaders occured back then, in which cases, accordingly, foreign leaders did not seem to care much about the agenda, but rather just to do and get the meetings done over with. Ae ua contradict la e Sifa le manatu lea ona ua manatu Sifa faapea ua tatou le amanaia le tala aao mai o Rice. Ae leai, e manino lava le talimalo ole tatou atunuu, e tele lava faamatalaga e lafo ma manatu ole tagata, ae tanu uma lava i lalo na lagona pe a tatou talimalo. Ae manaia foi i la'u faitau le manatu o Sifa, ia ae o opinions na o tatou tagata lautele ese mai foi ile vaega lae saofafai mai luga i tulaga fai ole malo. O le mea la lea, oute faapea atu ai, malo lava le faaali manatu, ae ole auga ole mataupu, e faatatau ma faaautu ile malaga mai o le tamaitai o Rice aemaise foi ole va fealoai o le atunuu o Amerika ma Samoa. E leai la se mea ole a lua tauaimisa ai Pio ma Sifa, ae o mai loa nai o'u tei fai se tatou tala malie e faauma ai le vaiaso hehe. Ma tatou faatalitali le oo mai ole susuga ia Rice a ea? hehehehe... take care both of you and everyone else, have a good weekend and God bless!! - tasi

People That Need Help!

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:43:59 +0100

Ha Ha ! Pio, I kind of figured out that Sifa's brain was out-of-whack. I eased back from our discussion because I seriously thought I was only feeding his frantic barrage of garbage. The quy keeps alluding to the idea that we need to be educated and be more informed on matters of current affairs, foregn affairs, Samoan proverbs and immigration laws to name a few. Anyone who flaunts what little he knows and sounds that defensive is certainly not so sure about what he's saying. As one of my drinking buddies would say: If you throw enough garbage on the wall some will stick ! We appreciate the help the Nanai family received in the United States - according to Sifa this was the direct result of some assistance by the US government and not by those compassionate individuals ? I did not know that or it was not publicized ! But if thats the case Sifa, I hope it doesn't have to be extreme cases of hardship and suffering before we get that much needed helping hand from your Uncle. Have a nice one Saturday. - Semu

Sioa=staring.......blankly....Part Bye Bye

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:22:18 +0100

Sifa, America does not need defending. Certainly not by the likes of you. You’re delusional if you think you are doing a good job standing up for Uncle Sam’s honour and virtue. Washington will probably rate you a loud blabbermouth who is big on the long words and so thread bare in substance. You’re doing such a hash of it you’re a liability the CIA ought to liquidate. Washington will be even more concerned about your fixation with defaming other people’s good name…VERY DISTURBING. As you yourself have said, ‘What’s in a name?’…yes indeed pray tell. IS it some kind of kinky turn on for you or is it a throw back to some childhood trauma where name rhymes with shame? You really should see someone about it….you need help. I’ll give you a pointer to help keep your sanity and maybe save, Semu and Jerry, from being chased down by a suicidal bomber. Follow my friend Barrack Obama’s lead and be inspired by his call for change in America and in America’s foreign policies. If anyone is likely to allow for free travel between the Samoa’s it’s Obama ….not Dr. Rice even if she spends 2 days, weeks. months, years in Apia. I ‘m sure you’ll make a good lobbyist for free travel between the Samoas, but only after you’ve fixed your head problems first. Make that your priority. Next time you post, please provide some kind of certification to show that you have been pronounced mentally capable. E pau ai points a lau kama pea iloa gei e Jerry ma Semu o oe e ma’i. ;) - Sioa

Malo Leilua, or is it Leiloa, as in “leiloa se mea

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:33:06 +0100

Mr. Uelese: It would help Pio’s case in a more effective way had you articulated and offered some good intelligent points on the issues, instead of just playing the part of a dumb cheerleader. I am a true blue, full blooded Samoan who happens to be fairminded about America’s role and contributions to the world, and to Samoa. The USA is not a perfect country, but considering and weighing all positive and altruistic influences, against some of her flaws, the scale drops immediately on the positives, many of which are principle and ideologically based. In the case of Mr. Sioa’s accusations, he has not been able to make a convincing case for his indictment of America's racist immigration practices. Again I support Pio’s right to his opinions, however, he needs to provide ample, persuasive and credible support for those opinions, otherwise, he can easily be dismissed as a cynic armed with a gnawing grudge for the US. In an overall and broader perspective, his skepticism needs balance as in a similar article in the Samoa Observer by Ah Mu on Rice’s visit. Below is the counterbalancing part of the Observer editorial. [quote] “...there is an affection and admiration [in Samoa] for [the USA] not felt about any other country in the world. No other country stirs those qualities in Samoa as much as the US. Images of the US flag are stuck on motor vehicles and driven around proudly. Some homes fly the US flag. Hardly anyone displays the flag of New Zealand so openly despite that country’s years of sustained aid to Samoa and ties so close 1,100 locals are invited to move to live there every year. Perhaps it’s because New Zealand does not encourage emotional responses from those it extends kindness to. It might be too humble a country not given to self-glorification or glamour. Even in the way we speak English tends to be more American than Kiwi. Japan has been a steady partner in development of Samoa’s. Yet no open displays of affection are ever directed at that country. The only flag of China’s that is flown here is at their own embassy at Vailima. For these countries and others like Australia, who are more active partners in development with Samoa, there is respect and appreciation but not the straight out affection and admiration the US attracts. More of our young men and women join the US military than the armed forces of any other country. In the meantime, based on the aforementioned, Dr. Rice should receive an enthusiastic welcome here.[/quote] By the way, my name is Sifa, abbreviation for Sifaifailemuesaogalemu... but what's in a name? http://www.sifa.com.au/images/s_logosmall.gif - Sifa

Sydneysider

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:20:34 +0100

Malo Pio Sioa, Man great stuff give it to these yankee doodles.a true blue samoan schalacking of Sifa whose real name must be joseph abbreviated sefa!!!hahaha theres one thing Samoans dont like being harassed by people still colonial in their mentality.GO Pio - Leilua J Uesele

Best Frienemies Forever!

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:55:16 +0100

Sole, a'e se soia le faama'imau e oe le kaimi o a'u ...egiwei, learning seems a critical need for you.... Well, which one is a truer friend? A friend that says he/she’s a friend and then does not act on it, or a friend who is already there helping, and yet it is for the sole purpose of advancing his own goals and plans? You become a means to his goals and plans. It’s called a trap. In other words, do you prefer someone’s passiveness or manipulation and guile? How do you feel in the end - after the truth is revealed? ... hmmm...feel cheated and used? Again for your information, the US is not a passive friend either. Instead of trying to recount the points of my post to Ms. Jackson on this issue, I’d suggest that you go and read or re-read it, and refute my comments there. Then we can further and continue our conversation there. Semu: “what does the USA mean to our people?” Go and have a chat with the Deputy PM . Mr. Telefoni will lecture you on the answer to your question. Incidentally, he’s in the US this week...hehehee..so make an appointment when he returns. Or again, ask the Nanai family since it's a recent case involving what the US mean to the Samoans. You “see” other countries making solid contributions?...hehehee...I wonder what you DON’T and CAN’T SEE?!?!?!....so how about the US contributions I mentioned in that other post in the “Rice in Samoa Next Saturday” article?...Huh? - Sifa

Sioa=Staring ....blankly! Part III

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:38:03 +0100

Hi Pee-oh! I have a simple suggestion: Why don’t you hop down to Stui’s office and ask him how he feels about the US Secretary of State visiting Samoa? But that’s too easy, I would guess ....se’i vaai pe le laua ai fo’i lou faavalevalea e Tui. I’m giggling hard because you said that you have given me facts, instead, your comments are still vague, exaggerated, pompous, disconcerted and circumventive. Anyway, let’s get a little deeper into the issue at hand. Let’s employ a more scholarly approach to it; I’m sure you are quite capable of such a task. Let me set the stage. I have gathered that you are blaming the US solely for the lack of “show and go” privileges as well as mistreatment and racial discrimination against Samoa’s passport holders in American Samoa. I have also established, by your comments, that the AS governor and other leaders are innocent in all this. Therefore, as you said that the “facts of [the] case are simple”, convince me and indulge me - and others - on the reasons, you believe, the US is masterminding such racist immigration policies, as you charged, for AS. Recount and recall any historical and other relevant facts that support your accusation of the US for the conspiratorial treatment of Samoan passport holders. Please substantiate the underlying animosity and hostility of the US towards Samoa, as implied in your comments thus far. If you may, please present these within a broader context and background of the United States’ role as a world leader in advocating democratic principles, of which Samoa is a subscriber and participant. I have made these suggestions since, so far, all you have done was tossing in personal views, opinions and accusations - nothing substantial. It would be even more constructive if you would write an in-depth editorial or op-ed on the issue. I’ll be curious to know how far and how much you would be able to write and still maintain the intelligibility the issues deserve. Tids and Bits: A. Semu knows true Samoan loyalties? I doubt it! ...Proof: For him to ask: “what does the USA mean to the Samoans, is an indication of not knowledge but ignorance. Maybe he, and you, should ask the Nanai family that question, aye? B. On the reciprocality of respect and other Samoan traditional values, you’re right. Traditional expressions such as: “A e iloa a’u i Togamau oute iloa fo’i oe i Si’ulepa” confirm the conditional/reciprocal basis of these traditions. HOWEVER the question is: How “noble” is this reciprocality or conditionality versus ..hmm... the higher and nobler “unconditionality”. I’m questioning your “noble” categorization of the traditions. C. What can one achieve in 2 hours? In international relations and political protocols, gestures are very important and oftentimes go a long long way in establishing, improving and stabilizing relations between/among nations - you pee-oh brain! Take some classes in international relations and contemporary politics, will you? ...I don’t want to overwhelm that pee brain of yours, so let me check and see if Western Union has my money yet..... later - Sifa

Sioa=Staring ....blankly! Part II

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:26:13 +0100

Try this one out Sifa Sioa = staring……heavily! (heavily as in deep contemplation……..it makes your insinuation and infantile insult on my dad’s name (RIP) and others of the same name, less childish…) …as for your emotional tirade… Spare me the ‘unincorporated territory’ baloney,” Sifa. What exactly is a territory? You can toss in all your mile long words and complicated legal concepts, but as a territory, Am. Samoa is autonomous only as far as Uncle Sam allows it. Would the ‘chicken and string’ rule, ring any bells for you Sifa? How about the asserting presence of the ‘man on the bunyan tree’? If Governor Togiola had ‘unincorporated’ powers to allow for free travel between the two Samoas, why hasn’t he done that already? Simple ! The poor man can’t; (1) Uncle Sam Has A Chicken String Tied To His Leg (2) Uncle Sam is sitting on the bunyan tree looking down on him. Have you tried asking why there are ‘spillovers and leftovers’ of the inter-Samoa immigration talks you referred to? You shouldn’t have any problems with that one. Simple common sense….elementary really… my dear Watson. Exaggerated Scenarios : Of course scenarios are meant to exaggerate! They are deliberately conjured to highlight a reality that the facts of an issue holds. The facts in this case are simple. Samoan passport holders do not have the same ‘show and go’ privileges of an Australian or New Zealand traveler. Go check that out and save yourself the embarrassment of being shown up. Sept. 11 was yesterday… that’s another fact for you to learn. By the way are you a Samoan passport holder? It might help explain your naivety….(I was about to write ignorance but it’s too harsh a term for a ’Beautiful Mind’ like yours). The fa’aaloalo and the ava fatafata of the fa’aSamoa you pointed out are noble traditions indeed. They are founded on mutual respect, understanding, compassion and all the other passions you can think of. As Samoans we extend that respect cordially knowing that it will be returned…it’s reciprocal. Will Uncle Sam appreciate the deeper meaning of our traditional system of respect and deference, by instructing Ms. Rice, while in the country to reciprocate by declaring free travel between the Samoas? Maybe We should ask Houston ….Hello Houston!…. Apia Calling Houston!…. Houston we have a problem here!… What international relations and co-operation are you referring to…you silly pea brain. Uncle Sam is boss unto itself and no one else. Samoa is only worth a 2 hours visit by The Secretary of State, after two decades since Dr. Schultz made a similar short call 20 years ago. What can one achieve in 2 hours ? Ahem…I hope Ms. Rice is not gonna Wham Bam Thank You Maam, on our man Stui!! I don’t think he’s in shape! Oh well Sifa….feels like I’m flogging a dead horse already…go research some facts of your own first before you try me again… …you have so much to learn… Don’t worry about Semu…seki a le koeaiga….he knows more about true Samoan loyalties than you ever will, with your half baked imitation of the yankee doodle do jive. - Sioa

Best Freinds Forever !!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:32:03 +0100

Sifa, which one is a true friend - someone who says he/she's a friend or someone who is already there helping ? I admire the energy behind your comments but the issue we were trying to establish here is what does the USA mean to our people ? And more importantly what has happenned since the last time old man Schultz visited: Nothing to write home about. I see these other countries making solid contributions and helping improve the lives of our people. I know what their real motive is : they want to be our Friend- or BFF as my 14 year old would text it. They dont want our money because we don't have any, and they dont want land because we dont have any left. They just want to be our friend, thats it , and they've already shown it in the past umpteen yrs. So until next time, you have a nice day too Condi ! - Semu