Leadership that is LONG Overdue...

I know when I say this people are going to say it's expected.  But, I ask you to read this post with an open mind.  When Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama, there were some (Rush Limbaugh) who took the attitude that the General's actions were expected.  He - and others - ignored the well thought out statement made by General Powell and those, rather, to focus on trivial nuances.  So, let me reiterate: I ask you to read this post with an open mind.

I endorse my father Krim Menelik Ballentine for the Virgin Islands Legislature from St. Thomas.  Shocking, eh?  But, here's why:

A Constitution has been written for the Virgin Islands.

Over the past few months, you and I have engaged in a dialogue about the issues facing the Virgin Islands - mostly surrounding "the struggle for self-government."  Using that framework, together we have established a rough definition of "the true Virgin Islander."  As we discussed, the true Virgin Islander is someone who is fighting for the VI and understand the role of a constitution.

Several of you made mention that we fail to understand the nuances of government.  Yet, no one thinks the task should be that difficult for our leaders to resolve.  Although we do not necessarily agree on how they should assert themselves, we all agree that our leaders must assert themselves towards an end of Liberty and Democracy for Virgin Islanders.  We also agree that it is a travesty of immense proportion that Virgin Islanders are treated as second-class citizens and denied the right to vote in National Elections.

My father has been fighting for the Virgin Islands for many years.  He filed suit for our rights as United States citizens (see here).  This is what Yale Law School had to say.  And although this effort has been - so far - unsuccessful, the effort was made.

Now I read this.  As we see the Fifth Constitutional Convention extended without end, we are reminded about the fundamental chaos that exists in the Virgin Islands.  (Frankly, as we read the news we are reminded of the chaos and corruption.)  You may agree with the language in his Draft Constitution...you may disagree.  But, we all should agree that a draft was completed that we could discuss.  What are your thoughts?

This is the type of leadership that is long overdue.

While other candidates offer us fish frys and boat rides, my father is offering a passion for the Virgin Islands and the rights of her people.  What is more important?

While we get "hung up" on Party affiliation, the people suffer.  What is more important: Party or people?

No - I'm not asking you to ignore ideology.  I am asking you to embrace ideology...an ideology that looks first to the Virgin Islands.  We need Democrats for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need Republicans for Virgin Islands empowerment.  We need everyone for Virgin Islands empowerment. 

Don't you think that should be the primal goal?  What do you think is more important?

We've elected smooth talking folk for decades, who either rape the Virgin Islands economy or preside over the pillage.  Can you tell me a reason to vote against someone who is passionate about the rights of Virgin Islanders?

Honestly, I don't know.  Maybe I'm too close...but, it seems to me that if 96% of you believe that Virgin Islanders should be considered Americans, and 91% believe all Americans should have the right to vote, and 95% of you believe Virgin Islanders should have the right to vote, then we must seek out those who will fight for that right.  Am I missing something?

I can take critique, so please don't spare me - hit me hard if I need to be hit.  But, I would love to know: what do you think of the Draft Constitution?  Did you even know about the law suit?  What are your thoughts on that?  Do you think these things even matter?  And, if they matter, what bearing should they have on defining someone's character and committment to the Virgin Islands and Virgin Islanders?

Let your voice be heard!

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Virgin Islands, Campaign 2008

Did You Know? UN Committee on Decolonization Addresses VI Issues

Searching through the news on our site (below - sidebar), I found this article that you should find interesting. The Fourth Committee is a "Special Political & Decolonization" committee of the United Nations. One purpose of the Fourth Committee is to handle Decolonization matters. In a recent meeting, the committee heard dozens of petitioners from Gibraltar, Guam, Western Sahara and the US Virgin Islands. In the world's eye, all of these places - including the Virgin Islands - are regarded as Non-Self-Governing Territories where colonialism still lingers.

All of the areas had several representatives. They had officials from their governments, international lawyers, university professors, clergy, local poets, actors and other luminaries. All areas were well represented - taking their status seriously...all except the Virgin Islands!

The only person there on behalf of the Virgin Islands was community activist Edward Browne. Mr. Browne stated that we still existed in a colonial relationship with the United States, and that he hoped to encourage the US to end the xenophobic and discriminatory policies adversely impacting the Virgin Islands for more than 91 years (since 1917). According to the 7th Space report:

He recalled that Justice John Marshall Harlan had said that the idea that the United States could acquire territories by conquest or treaty and hold them as “mere colonies” or provinces while the people inhabiting them only enjoyed such rights as Congress chose to accord them was “wholly inconsistent” with the United States Constitution. The United States Virgin Islands would continue to seek justice and equality through non-violent means. The delegates to the Virgin Islands Fifth Constitutional Convention were in the final stages of drafting a Constitution and the Governor of the Virgin Islands would be traveling to Denmark to discuss important related issues.

Mr. Browne said all of these things, but he was the only representative. He spoke of the Fifth Constitutional Convention, but Gerard "Luz" James (Convention President) was not there to testify on behalf of the Constitutional Convention. Mr. Browne spoke of Governor deJohngh's efforts. But, the Governor - nor any representative - was not there to present.

All of this begs the question: "Do Virgin Islanders deserve a Constitution?" Or, "do we deserve Liberty?" In his book, The Revolution: A Manifesto, (you should really read this) Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul states the following:

If the people want to be free, if they want to life themselves out from underneath a state apparatus that threatens their liberties...there is no force that can stop them.

If freedom is what we want, it is ours for the taking.

Let the revolution begin.

I applaud the efforts of Edward Browne. But, we must be just as serious about our situation. Or, maybe I'm on an island by myself, aimlessly waving the banner of revolution.

Talk to me...let me know where you stand and what you think.

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Come Out for the Virgin Islands!

Listen to Bambu Station here.

To RSVP or for more information contact: info@simmondsballentine.com

Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Territory First!

I learned something great from Senator John McCain. His campaign slogan is "Country First." And, recent discussion have caused me to think about what that means for us as Virgin Islanders.

Several people have asked me: "I'm a ______. What does it mean for me when you say: 'Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders?'"

Then, I recently had an argument with some members of the Virgin Islands Republican Party. Certain members had the audacity to be racially insensitive, and then intellectually oblivious. Instead of embracing the Virgin Islands Community, they choose to remain separate from the majority - confining themselves to a country club of sorts, organized for their own self benefit.

These are the types of people that are detrimental to progress in the Virgin Islands. These are the type who seek to benefit from the lack of structure in the Virgin Islands, and the ease of corruption. These are the type who use the Virgin Islands to rebuild from the failures of their path, in a location where they are not known. If that were not the case, they would gladly weave themselves into the fabric of Virgin Islands society, right? And, we must be on guard against their kind at every turn.

So, I am forced to think: "where must we draw the line?" I found myself beginning to understand why there's a debate over who is, and who isn't, a Virgin Islander. And, although I disagree, I also understand why folks are caught up trying to define a "Native Virgin Islander" in our Constitution. Yet, in all of that, I think I may have found a solution.

Let me be clear: this is not a White thing or a Black thing. It is not a Republican thing or a Democrat thing. This is not an issue of who is native and who is foreign.

The issue at hand is: who answers the call in defense of the Virgin Islands? Who thinks "Territory First?" Who is asserting our position as a free and independent people? By those actions we shall know who is - and who is not - a Virgin Islander.

What does it mean to be Territory First? It means that we see everything from the perspective of the Virgin Islands. Territory First implies that we always seek ways to advance the Virgin Islands either politically or economically. Being Territory First means that no matter our outlook, we all stand on the foundation of the Virgin Islands.

Regardless of where we're from...regardless of our ethnicity...regardless of our political affiliation, we must all tout the mantra of Territory First. So, ask those who wish to be leaders: "what will you do to advance the Virgin Islands?" Ask them: "what do you bring to the table to enhance life for Virgin Islanders?"

If they cannot answer those questions, we must reject them. They can feel free to live amongst us, but they ought not have any role in VI society. We should not frequent their businesses; we should not elect them into public office.

It's time that those of us - Black, White, Indian, Frenchie, native, transplant, Democrat and Republican, Christian, Muslim, Jew and Hindi - who care about the Virgin Islands step up in defense of our homeland before it's too late. Before the colonist-minded folks find a way to gentrify the Virgin Islands, we must stake our claim.

What has been your experience? Have you encountered people whom you know have no concern for the Virgin Islands? Do you know folks who only desire to serve their self-interests to the detriment of the VI? How does it make you feel? What do you think should be (could be) done?

Only through self-government can we secure the blessings of Liberty afforded by our homeland. And, only through a Constitution can we develop the framework that will fortify our stake in the Virgin Islands. Only we can do it...our ancestors are counting on YOU.


Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Why is it so Hard? Are we Incompotent?

September 17 - 23 marks Constitution Week in the United States. The purpose of Constitution Week is to focus on the purpose of the Founding Fathers of America, and the purpose they undertook in establishing a nation and promoting Liberty for All.

Now, we need not argue about the "birth defects" of the Nation. Yet, we should think about the applications for the Virgin Islands and for us as Virgin Islanders.

As President Bush said:

In the summer of 1787, delegates convened in Philadelphia to create "a more perfect Union" and craft the document that is the foundation of our country.

During Constitution Week, we ought to renew (or find) a commitment to the principles of Liberty. Without a Constitution, what is the foundation of the Virgin Islands? And while we argue about who is and who is not a "Native Virgin Islander," we are faced with the question: Does the Virgin Islands really exist? Are any of us Virgin Islanders?

Today, the true Native Virgin Islander no longer exists. All of us are transplants: some by choice, most in chains. And, while we argue our Country - our land - remains unfounded.

Before the US Constitution, the settlers were no more than subjects of the Crown. It was not until drafting the Declaration of Independence that they began the process of becoming American. And, not until drafting the US Constitution did they solidify their standing as Americans.

We have not declared a status. We have not drafted a founding document. So, who are we - really? We have only accepted a status given to us by our modern-day Crown, and capitulated to their prescribed framework for our existence. Can we be anything more than subjects?

Graphically, the "unique idea" of the Constitution is explained thus:

CREATOR

People

Government

But, what is our model in the Virgin Islands? With the Organic Act as the source of our existence, and a US Congressional declaration as to our "unincorporated" status, our model is effectively thus:

CREATOR

Government

People

Is there not something wrong with this?

Yet, here we are: convention #5 and nothing to show for it besides disunity.

Why is it so hard? Am I the only one who thinks this process should not be so complicated? For the remainder of Constitution Week, I hope to hear from you...

Answer the call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!

Does the Virgin Islands Flag Call for Revolution?!

I just posted my voki to the left.

And, as I look at my avatar standing in front of the Virgin Islands flag I couldn't help but remember the meaning - symbolism - of the flag.

In the VI flag, we find a copy of the United States Seal.

If you read from Wikipedia, you will find the following:

The main figure on the obverse (or front) of the seal is the coat of arms of the United States, a bald eagle with its wings outstretched (or "displayed," in heraldic terms). From the eagle's perspective, it holds a bundle of 13 arrows in its left talon, (referring to the 13 original states), and an olive branch, in its right talon, together symbolizing that the United States of America has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war."

If you look at the Virgin Islands Flag, you will find three (3) arrows in the left talon. Obviously, that refers to the 3 islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).
And, here's how some have described the symbolism of the eagle:

The eagle represents freedom. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of Nature, he has unlimited freedom, whether with strong pinions he sweeps into the valleys below, or upward into the boundless spaces beyond...

Thus the eagle, full of the boundless spirit of freedom, living above the valleys, strong and powerful in his might, has become the national emblem of a country that offers freedom in word and thought and an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future.

So, what does this mean for us as Virgin Islanders?

Well, one assessment is that the Virgin Islands is to have "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war." And, what war is that? Well, the eagle tells us - "an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future." Are you ready?

Have we reached the finish line? Do we - as Virgin Islanders - have the freedom to fully expand into the future? Or, are there things that limit us? What do you think?

I'm looking for a Virgin Islanders who are passionate for the Virgin Islands! Are you one of them? If so, subscribe to this blog! Leave us your thoughts!

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

The Role of a Constitution

It has come to my attention that some may not know the role of a constitution and why it is important. And, that's not our fault...but we live in a culture that has detached itself from the American Constitution. So, how can we expect to understand the importance of such a document?

Here's an article that can help you understand the role of a constitution much better than I ever could: http://www.fff.org/freedom/0801a.asp

Now, as he said: "a constitution has a dual purpose: to call into existence a government but, at the same time, to limit the powers of that government." Therefore, without a constitution we could say that a people do not have a government. Or, we could say that, that people do not have any way to limit the powers of government.

We have seen the excesses of our Virgin Islands Government, right? It would be great to have a way to hold the government accountable, right? So, would you not agree that we need a means by which to hold it accountable and limit its power?

Right now, we have no way to hold the Virgin Islands Government accountable. A constitution will give us the tools to ensure that we can control the Government and thus the direction of the Virgin Islands. Do you like the way things are going in the Virgin Islands?

If not...


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

Do Virgin Islanders Deserve a Constitution?

Ok...I was frustrated before, and those frustrations keep mounting.

I just read an article in the St. Thomas Source about the Virgin Islands Constitutional Convention and their deliberations over public education. You can read the article.

In this article, the Source describes a plenary session of delegates to discuss constitutional provisions to construct the Board of Education in the Virgin Islands. What?! Yes, they are drafting text to outline what the Board of Education should look like - in a constitutional document.

When I presented to the Delegates to Convention, I told them that many of the issues they are fighting over should not - and do not need to - be addressed in a constitution.

One of the delegates - Douglas Brady sets the tone for what has always been my argument with the delegates:

What you just read seems to me like a regulation from the Department of Labor. Which is exactly where a lot of this language should be. This is not constitutional stuff. We should be laying out the framework of the government and then the government in place puts in the fine details. (emphasis mine)

I couldn't agree more. A Constitution is the framework for laws and regulations...it is neither law nor regulation.

The Delegates to the US Constitutional Convention were not government officials. The Framers of the US Constitution were not (originally) legislators; they were Revolutionaries. The delegates to the various State Conventions were also revolutionaries. There were no governments at the times these conventions were being held. Even under Reconstruction, the governments that existed were viewed as Rebel Governments and thus invalid. So, those delegates were also Revolutionaries. These delegates weren't there to craft legislation. They were crafting revolution! They left the legislation to the Government they were founding.

The Delegates to the Virgin Islands Constitutional Convention have yet to realize that they are, in fact, Revolutionaries. Our delegates are caught treating the Constitution as a piece of legislation - worrying about issues that should be dealt with in a legislative body. They are to be founding a new Government - not reforming an old one. Yet, they are at the whim of the VI Legislature that is fundamentally opposed to the success of a Convention. The Legislature may say they are for a VI Constitution, however most of them are surely against it as order and accountability that come from structure (a Constitution) will - possibly - mean less graft and corruption.

One official in Governor de Jongh's cabinet actually told me that he prefers the Virgin Islands to adopt the Revised Organic Act of 1954 as our fundamental document! Yes, one of the people entrusted to lead Virgin Islanders advocates that the Virgin Islands be governed by a document written by Congress - and people with no vested interest in the Virgin Islands. With the Organic Act, it will take an act of Congress to change anything - on the ground - in the Virgin Islands...and we know how quickly that will happen.

Do Virgin Islanders deserve a Constitution? Did Britain write the US Constitution? Did the Federal Government write the Constitution of Delaware, Virginia, Florida, Georgia or any of the fifty states? So, why should the Federal Government write our founding document? As a matter of fact, can we even say that the Virgin Islands have truly been established until we craft our own document?

How can Delegate to Convention expect the Government of the Virgin Islands to support the creation of a document that will curtail their power? I'm not so sure that will happen. Could that be the reason we are now in our Fifth Constitutional Convention? Could that be why this convention is struggling? Just a thought...

Freedom and Liberty are things we must fight for, and they are things that the Government will not give to the people. Freedom comes when people seize the moment and take control of their own destiny. Are you willing to do the work to the freedom of Virgin Islanders?

What do you think about a Constitution for the Virgin Islands? Do we need one? Should we simply adopt the Organic Act, written by Congress? Do you think a Constitution will be of benefit to the Virgin Islands?

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

Campaign for Liberty and the VI Constitution

Today, I was at the "Rally for the Republic" hosted by Campaign for Liberty.

One of the key ideas hammered upon was that the Constitution was written in order to restrain the Government from infringing upon the rights of the people. Further, it is the restraint of Government that ensures the liberty of the people. And, it's liberty (freedom) that promotes prosperity. Without respect for the Constitution, the rights of the people are ignored and the people become subject to government tyranny and corruption. And, until the people stand up for the Constitution, they will not be able to end the corruption and reclaim the land for the people.

Hmmmm......

I cannot help but think: In the Virgin Islands, we don't even have a constitution! By that standard, we Virgin Islanders have no liberty. We are subject to government tyranny and corruption with no recourse to end the plunder. The Government runs rampant, stealing money here and cutting deals there, while "We the People" - we the Virgin Islanders - are left defenseless.

Maybe that's why we don't have a Constitution? Too many people would be held accountable. Maybe that's why "they" don't want a VI Constitution? It will end their plunder. Maybe that's why we hear nothing about/from/pertaining to the current (delayed/beleaguered) Constitutional Convention? They don't want to become accountable to you.

If we had a constitution, we'd have a framework by which to retake our beloved islands. At this point, a constitution might not even need to be drafted by the "Powers that Be." They are the problem. And, the reason a constitution is not forthcoming as that there are powers trying to find ways to craft a document that will enable them to continue raping our home and our people.

Key dates are upon us people...check this out.

Keep watch, and remain vigilant.

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