The former senator , a Republican who served two terms , is never afraid of going against the tide . As a talk show host , Klitzkie is never coy about expressing conservative opinions that may run counter to popular views .

He has been an advocate of fiscal prudence , less government and lower taxes . He endorses a part-time legislature with streamlined functions — a proposal he first introduced when he was a member of the 28th Guam Legislature . He continues to defend this idea — which has repeatedly been reintroduced in succeeding legislatures — although it ’ s a long shot in a community where the government is the largest employer .

In May , the 36th Guam Legislature adopted Resolution 56-36 , rejecting the Insular Case doctrine that has been the basis of unequal treatment of citizens of the U . S . territories including Guam , Northern Marianas , American Samoa ,

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Puerto Rico and the U . S . Virgin Island .

While demonizing the Insular Cases may be a popular trend , Klitzkie offers a differing point of view . He puts forth some counterarguments that need close attention and discernment if Guam is to rightfully choose its path forward .

In an interview , Klitzkie points out that Guam has unique benefits as a U . S . territory . To wit , birthright citizenship , income tax collections stay on Guam , exemption from federal income tax payment , and duty-free ports and tax holidays are enjoyed . He questions the logic of demanding “ equality ” when Guam certainly enjoys the perks of being an unincorporated territory .

He further opined that Guam must understand the differences between political rights and federal mandates . Guam ’ s political rights are different from those enjoyed by incorporated states . Guam does not have a voting representation in the U . S . Congress , and is not entitled to electoral votes for president . There are also some federal benefits Guam residents can not enjoy , such as Supplemental Security Income , Medicaid funding , and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program . But he noted that these differences may soon be moot as the Biden administration recently signified its intent to move towards parity federal

benefits for territories

What ’ s the potential problem at hand ? Klitzkie said : “ Should Guam want equal footing with other states , then the constitutional uniformity clause would have to apply as well . Do people even understand what that means ?”

The Uniformity Clause of the Constitution states that , “ the Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes , duties , imposts , and excises , to pay the debts , and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties , imposts , and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States .”

The implication of this is that Guam may lose some of the core benefits currently enjoyed by the territory , such as the duty-free shopping that lures tourists to the island , the Section 30 that brings military personnel ’ s taxes back to Guam , and qualifying certificates among others .

“ All our beneficial perks would fall to the Uniformity Clause . Because the Constitution would apply , ex proprio vigore independence is off the table ,” he added .

He is adamant that people should try to understand what is at the core of the issue . On one hand , the Insular Cases ’ wordings are 100 years removed from the current day preferences . “ This is present-ism . You cannot judge the language with today ’ s connotations . That ’ s totally putting it out of context ,” he said .

On the other hand , he said , Guam is in danger of losing its hold on self-determination when equality is demanded ( and granted ) and the only option left is incorporation . Klitzkie emphasized that

Guam currently has the option of maintaining the status quo as an unincorporated territory or taking itself toward three distinct paths – independence , statehood , or free association .

Born on Dec . 20 , 1938 in the metropolis of Elkhorn , Wisconsin , Klitzkie served 10 years in the Army National Guard that ended in 1992 when he reached his mandatory removal age . He was a lieutenant colonel when he left the service .

He came to the island after accepting a teaching position about 50 years ago . He married Lourdes Palomo . He was one of those who came and fell in love with Guam . He has since Guam made his home .

He feels very strongly that Guam may be pushing itself toward a slippery slope . While the legislative resolution on Insular Cases does not clearly state the path for Guam , making the island an incorporated territory limits its path to only statehood .

Does Guam wish to change from the status quo ? He doubts that . Before anything else happens , differing opinions must be heard . He points out that his radio talk show “ Tall Tales ” on 93.3 FM does exactly that . “ People should listen to it . We dive deep into these issues . We are not superficial and we do proper research ,” he added .

There you have it , Guam . The future rests on leaders to forge the way forward . But the onus is for them to understand what Guam truly wants . Intelligent debates and not tall tales can make that happen .