Thursday, March 6, 2008

SUPER DEBATE 2008

OTV and other individuals are organizing a first ever live broadcasted Presidential Debate for this coming election. The debate will be a milestone in political campaigns and elections. Campaigns have always been about huge promises and "please vote for me" rather than offering goals and clear strategies to reach those goals. The debate will give the public a chance to ask questions and discuss important issues with the candidates. It will be interesting to see their approaches to different issues such as our economy, climate change, 99yr lease, dual citizenship, etc. So please support and encourage our candidates to participate in the debate. It's about time to get to the bottom of things and vote based on knowledge of who is most competent and promising to our nation.

Yours truly is involved in this event and wishes that you all get involved by pitching in questions that you would like the candidates to address. You can just post your questions and ideas on this blog or email them to ngelekelbelau@gmail.com with the subject SUPER DEBATE 08.

"Palauan children, it's time to rise up and take a stand against the status quo so that we can help build a just nation for us, our parents, and our children."

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Should non-resident workers be granted minimum wage?

Sen. Surangel Whipps proposed a bill last month that seeks to require employers to pay the minimum $2.50 to non-resident employees. This would only apply to bussiness employees since farmers, fishermen, and domestic helpers and employees of non-profit organizations and businesses that earns less than $50K are exempted. Sen. Whipps explains that if this bill passes, employers would hire more Palauans since it would be expensive to hire non-residents (granted that they have to provide them a place to live.) Whipps claims that there would be great economic advantages to the employees, the businesses, and to our country.

So what do you all think about this? Consider what it could do to the unemployment rate as well as aggregate spending. And also consider the social signifigance of this bill if it ever passes (race and equality.)

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Complaint filed against Koror State Traditional Leaders for enforcing a bul on Ngemelis. What do think?

KSG,Adachi,Legislators vs. Traditional Chiefs

The Koror State Government has filed a complaint against the Traditional Chiefs for enforcing a bul on Ngemelis island in the basis that the chiefs are disobeying a law that was passed in Dec. 25, 2007 which designated Ngemelis as a tourist area. The complaint basically says that the Traditional Chiefs are disobeying the law by not agreeing with what KSG has set on the table. My question is: is this law a good law or is it unjust? Keep in mind that if Ngemelis becomes a tourist and fishing spot (the new state law allows fishing within a mile of Ngemelis), it could effect some of the national conservation areas. Do you think this is environmental injustice?