Newpaper Quote of the Day!

As I peruse the various local papers I am struck daily with quotes that simply stun me. I must say that today's quote is also from a blog post.

QTD: "While I am sympathetic to their individual plight, and speak from the privileged perch of white male American, there is something unsavory about the desperate efforts of many Filipinos to flee their own country." [emphasis added]

From Mr. Turbitt's Blog/Column

One thing that added to my frustrations was the comments that people left on this blog post. One said that Jeff had hit the mark regarding aliens. Another said that they agreed with his concise analysis. Another mentioned it was a nice piece.

Nice piece?

Hit the mark?

In regards to the "unsavory" efforts of the "Filipinos" to "flee" their country statement Mr. Turbitt made, I have a few thoughts and questions.

What of those aboard the Mayflower? This too was “unsavory” in Mr. Turbitt's book? How odd that we celebrate their one-way departure and their landing in America with a nice savory cooked turkey in just a few days.

What too of the inscription on that lady's statue off New York? “Unsavory” as well?

What too of Mr. Turbitt that is here in Saipan? “Unsavory” for he has left his “home”?

There is nothing unsavory in my book about individuals relocating. Whether or not they have intentions of returning from where they came from and regardless of their individual reasons for leaving (be it due to lack of jobs, lack of food supply, disease, persecution, etc.).

The indigenous people of these islands many years back made a trip from a distant point and landed here in Saipan. They made this their home. Many did not return. Every day others from all across the world land on Saipan and set in their roots. They too make this their home.

Not every individual is nationalistic. It is not a duty of an individual to be such. To each his own.

I do not think you hit the mark in regards to aliens.

I was very disheartened by your remarks.

I guess what maybe savory in your book would be a group of "Filipinos" boarding a vessel and coming to Saipan. Then upon landing overthrowing the government and raising a new flag. Or perhaps had the Pilgrims decided to work for the Native Americans rather than taking their land would have been "unsavory".

I will not even touch on the "privileged perch of white male American" statement Mr. Turbitt made as it just screams "WTF".

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

"The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus. inscribed on the Statue of Liberty

Boycott Porky's!

PP