Give Us Our Space - Respect Our Place

Tonight from the RNC, I experienced a metaphor of the quintessential Virgin Islands experience. And, all I can say to the powers that be is:

As we stood in the designated spot for the US Virgin Islands on the Convention Floor, our aream became inundated by the press. Our location was directly in front of the "VIP Section," and the press was hoping to garner great shots of Sarah Palin's family.

So much press crowded around the small area for the Virgin Islands, that we were being pushed out of our space. In addition, the area was so crowded that no one could move in either direction. Security came by to clear the confusion. However instead of moving the press, they decided we needed to make room.

We ended up sharing space designated for the Virgin Islands. Soon, our space was overrun...the press had taken control. There was nothing our small delegation could do about it. There was nothing that anyone else would do to assist our predicament.

Here's the metaphor:

We are a small colony - I mean territory - of the United States. And, just as we were disrespected on the Floor of the RNC, we are disrespected in this Country. Yet - even more strangely - we continue to wait for those who disrespect us to act in our favor!

Well, let me tell you: we will not have the pleasure of their respect until we take it.

It behooves us as Virgin Islanders to "join or die."

We must join together and stand up for our beloved homeland. Because of our apathy, our land is ripe with corruption. Due to that corruption, we are subject to greater and greater encroachments upon our liberty. Because of these offenses, we are forced to seek an existence in a community other than our own.

ENOUGH!

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Virgin Islanders for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!