You’re reading The Husk's Friday edition, our Weekender, a countdown/roundup of miscellanea from Micronesia, Guam, and Earth.
…things from Micronesia
Not even a month after COP 26 wrapped and after the world agreed that we need immediate action to save the planet, rising seas inundated Micronesia for three days straight. Climate change is here on our literal doorstep. This RNZ article has photos of the ocean at people's actual doors rushing into their homes, wholly unwelcome guests.
Listen to Dr. Emelihter Kihleng, Pohnpeian poet and urohs activist, on the One Micronesia Podcast below. I enjoyed this episode a lot. Dr. Kihleng talks about urohs that are on display in a museum right now. Urohs! in a museum!
Some sad news: Christina Kiki Poll Stinnett, an instrumental female figure in Micronesia has passed away. Our deepest condolences to the Stinnett family. The family has, in countless ways, positively impacted Micronesian communities across the region and the world.
…Compacts of Free Association things
The Associated Press this week wrote about the possibility of China gaining some ground with the Marshall Islands as the U.S. and the Marshall Islands re-negotiate the Marshall Islands Compact of Free of Association. The economic assistance that's part of the Compact is due to expire in 2023.
The AP reported:
The U.S. is refusing to engage the Marshallese on claims for environmental and health damage caused by dozens of nuclear tests it carried out in the 1940s and ’50s, including a huge thermonuclear blast on Bikini Atoll.
The dispute has some U.S. lawmakers worried that China might be willing to step into the breach, adding to a bruising competition for geopolitical dominance between the two superpowers.
Another report from the Pacific Island Times this week, headlined, "Slow-moving COFA talks putting regional partners’ loyalty to test"
...more quote from K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
“My advice to aspiring Micronesian professionals is to just remain true to your roots.”
I thought K-Andrea's quote was a fitting reminder for this Weekender.
With that said, I'll see you all in your inbox on Monday. Until then,
Imagine coming into someone's home and ruining it and ensuring their family and descendants live with significant health issues for generations to come, all the while telling people you're, like, the most principled and lawful person in the world and you're here for the equality, and e pluribus unum, etc. etc. and then that person whose home you destroyed is like bro like hello? help? and then you turn around and you're like we already talked about this but then you continue to use the land and region for your military purpose lol