C M More than 30 members of an American Samoa family pose for pictures Nov. 8 at Th ompson Hall. Th e soldiers are advanced individual training students and most Y K are enrolled in the Unit Supply Specialist Course taught by the Quartermaster School. In all, there are 41 members of the same Samoan family training at Fort Lee. See story inside for details. [photo: Terrance Bell]

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PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017 $1.00 PET OF THE WEEK Former cop and drug WHY IS MY DOG LOSING ITS HAIR? suspect Steve Tuatoo alleged to have fl own the coop by Ausage Fausia Samoa News reporter One of the three men arrested during raids by detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit last Thursday is nowhere to be found. Samoa News understands that Steve Tuatoo, a former police offi cer, was released from the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) after the 48-hour holding period expired, and according to reliable sources, Tuatoo has already departed the territory. Efforts to obtain a comment from the Department of Public Safety yes- BEFORE AFTER terday were unsuccessful. Samoa News sought a comment via email from Skin problems are one of the most insects have developed resistance to many Police Commissioner, Le’i Sonny Thompson who is off island for the PTCN common things seen at the Department common medications. conference in Hawai’i but there was no response at press time. of Agriculture Veterinary Clinic, located ALLERGIC DERMATITIS: As the Samoa News also tried reaching out to Acting Commissioner, Falana’ipupu in the Sen. Daniel Inouye Industrial Park- weather turns hotter, and plants start Taase Sagapolutele for a comment but efforts were unsuccessful. Tafuna. It is part of the American Samoan blooming, we see many itchy dogs at the Sources tell Samoa News that Tuatoo, along with Cody Christian Woods Government and run under the Department vet clinic with allergies. and Taisia Lemalie, were arrested by police last week after a string of raids in of Agriculture, headed by Director Fili- Dogs manifest allergic symptoms by Taputimu, Alofau, and on the main road, and all three men were taken into cus- faatali Michael U. Fuiava. developing itchy skin and ears. When the tody and held for 48 hours, to await the fi ling of criminal charges against them. Often people think there is one simple skin gets red and unhealthy, bacteria and After the 48-hour window expired, Tuatoo was released from custody while thing that causes dogs to lose their hair and yeast that live normally on the skin have the other two men were still behind bars. An employee at TCF told Samoa be itchy, but in actuality, there is a multi- the opportunity to cause infections, and News that Tuatoo was released because the TCF never received any communi- tude of diseases and conditions that affect dogs develop bacterial and yeast infections. cation from the Attorney General’s Offi ce, about Tuatoo’s situation. C M dog’s skin and hair. Allergies in dogs can be frustrating and In the meantime, Samoa News has received numerous reports that Tuatoo Y K The vast majority of these conditions chronic, but the symptoms are treatable. allegedly left the island, immediately after he was released from jail last are treatable and curable. Seen in the photos is Bunny that came weekend. MANGE: Mange is a common term to the Vet Clinic as a puppy and had lost During a press conference this week, Falana’ipupu confi rmed that Tuatoo used to describe small microscopic mites all of her hair. She was found on the side was arrested during the early morning hours last Thursday, after police exe- that live in the hair follicles. of the road. cuted a search warrant on two homes, including Tuatoo’s home in Alofau. Here in American Samoa we see two After a couple weeks and some It was also confi rmed during the press conference that all three men were kinds of mange mites. simple treatment, Bunny grew all of her slapped with criminal charges and had to make their initial appearance in the One is SARCOPTIC mange, which is a hair back and was adopted by her foster District Court this past Monday. However, Tuatoo never appeared in District contagious mite, spread via contact between family. Bunny had sarcoptic mange, and Court. dogs. This mite is treated with injections was treated with 2 injections, two weeks It’s believed Tuatoo, who was a sworn police offi cer for many years, was of ivermectin, and can be cured. DEMO- apart. never served an arrest warrant. DECTIC mange is non contagious, and If your dog is itchy and losing its hair, During last Thursday’s raids, police confi scated items including a large common in adolescent dogs. This mite WE CAN HELP! quantity of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value between $50,000 requires a longer treatment, but is also Determining what kind of treatment and $55,000; marijuana with a street value between $20,000 and $25,000; 3 curable. your dog needs requires a visit to the vet guns (12-gauge shotgun, 357 magnum, and a pallet gun - all fully loaded); 144 FLEAS, TICKS, and LICE: These par- clinic. bullets for the 357 magnum; various stolen items; and drug paraphernalia. asites are visible and live by sucking dog’s We are available from Monday through $54,003 in cash was confi scated from the home in Taputimu, in addition to blood. There are topical and oral treatments Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4 pm. An exami- $459 found on Woods. available to prevent and treat these bugs. nation costs $20. Some medications may Woods, whose bail is set at $200,000, is scheduled to appear in court next Here on island, over the counter fl ea require additional charges. Monday for a preliminary examination hearing, while Lemalie’s PX hearing is and tick collars and sprays do not tend to set for next Wednesday. His bail is set at $5,000. Both men are still in custody, work as well as they used to, because the [photos: courtesy of the Vet Clinic of Am. Samoa] unable to post bond. Page 2 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Lolo says it’s his duty to create more jobs PRIVATE SECTOR: ASG IS HIRING MORE PEOPLE THAN THEY CAN PAY

by Ausage Fausia people, those they feel are suit- Samoa News Reporter able for each vacancy. Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga He urged all directors to go said during last month’s Cab- through the proper hiring pro- inet meeting that part of his cess, and let the Department of duty, as the territory’s leader, is Human Resources do their job. to ensure the government is cre- “We are not trying to stop ating more jobs for the people. you from hiring suitable people This was Lolo’s response to for certain vacancies; but we complaints from some in the have to follow the law and let private sector, whom he said us be an example to the people,” have accused the government Lolo continued. of hiring more people than they He said although the Fono is can pay. hiring more and more people, When addressing the cabinet he doesn’t want to interfere on various issues, Lolo said that because Fono leaders are doing despite the many complaints a good thing — hiring our own from the private sector and people so they can have jobs to members of the community on care for their families. how the government is running, He told the cabinet that he and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti American Samoa is a democ- Mauga both believe the reason racy, and the three branches why they were selected to lead include the government, pri- the government, is to make sure vate sector, and the media. He the government is serving the said although the media some- people. times doesn’t have their facts “The people selected us straight, at least they are part of to serve them and that’s why a democratic nation. Members we’re here — to serve and of the cabinet were laughing to make sure our people get when Lolo talked about how the what they deserve,” Lolo said, media handles news coverage. adding that the governor is not “That’s why we encourage someone who just sits in a chair the media to be part of all our and swings from here to there, cabinet meetings and every- but instead, the job comes with thing our Administration does, duties that include creating jobs because we want them to report and “this is what we’ve been everything we do so the people doing since we came in.” will understand what’s going In trying to defend the fact on. that there are a lot of people “That is why we have an employed by the government open policy to the media — already, Lolo told directors they they will report to the people have to follow the law when it that the Governor, Lt. Gov- comes to hiring government ernor and all of you directors employees. He said he’s aware are doing their jobs,” Lolo said, that some departments are adding that without the media trying to minimize the hiring at work, no one will know what process by selecting their own (Continued on page 6) AP source: Mulvaney to temporarily lead consumer agency WASHINGTON (AP) — Mulvaney will succeed White House budget director Richard Cordray, an Obama Mick Mulvaney is expected appointee who announced his to take on a second role in the departure on Wednesday. The Trump administration as acting White House said Wednesday director of a consumer fi nancial that Trump would choose a suc- agency created by the Obama cessor “at the appropriate time.” administration. The president could appoint Mulvaney is expected to be a new director who could named to lead the Consumer remake the agency and poten- Financial Protection Bureau on tially roll back the protections an acting basis in addition to his Cordray and his staff put into duties as director of the Offi ce place. of Management and Budget. The CFPB was created as That’s according to an adminis- part of the laws passed fol- tration offi cial familiar with the lowing the 2008 fi nancial crisis FAIRNESS plan, who spoke on condition of and subsequent recession. The We make an issue of it every day. anonymity to describe internal agency has acted as a watchdog If you want to comment about our fairness, deliberations. for consumers dealing with call Samoa News at 633-5599 An announcement is banks, credit card, student expected in the coming days, loan and mortgage companies, the person said. White House as well as debt collectors and offi cials declined to comment. payday lenders. samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 3 Strength in numbers — extended Samoan family of 41 invades Fort Lee to train by Terrance Bell In 2014, a local Army U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee recruiting station was the Public Affairs most productive in the world, FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. according to the Samoa News 16, 2017) — Enlisting in the website. Still, kinship is what Army with a childhood friend drives most to take the oath of or relative is a generations-old service. practice meant to bring famil- “The thing we care about is iarity and comfort to an expe- supporting our families,” she rience fraught with stress and said. “If that means (sacrificing) uncertainty. our lives, yes, we have to fight So, does signing up with for them.” more than one recruit further It also is legacy. Many of the ease the difficulties associated Soldiers are the latest to uphold with initial military training? family traditions. The answer is an emphatic “Most of my siblings are “yes” as it relates to members of in the military, and I’m the a Samoan family with a decid- youngest, so I wanted to follow edly large footprint at Fort Lee. in their footsteps,” said 25-year- There are 41 of them enrolled old Pfc. Vasati Saua, Whiskey in various Sustainment Center Co., 244th QM Bn. of Excellence courses here, Pvt. Talalelei Ames said his twisting the old adage “strength parents also spent time in uni- in numbers.” form, and his father is a retiree. “This is good for us,” said Enduring long periods of sepa- 30-year-old Spc. Joseph Taui- ration while they served, he said liili, assigned to Papa Company, his military ties were not strong, 244th Quartermaster Battalion, but that has changed since he and the oldest among relatives took the oath. in various stages of advanced “Wearing the uniform makes individual training. me feel I am more connected to “We come from American them,” said the 19-year-old. “I Samoa, and we’re basically think it’s pretty awesome. thousands of miles away from I never had this much fun in home. Seeing them by my side my life and never had this much keeps me motivated every day.” responsibility. American Samoa is a U.S. Now, I know what my par- territory and part of the Samoan ents went through to protect the Islands, an archipelago that also country.” includes the independent nation The question of whether the of Samoa. Samoans are a close-knit clan or It is located in the Pacific a loose group of relatives was Ocean roughly 2,500 miles answered during a recent photo southwest of Hawaii and a little session. over 2,000 miles northeast of The QM School’s Sgt. Maj. New Zealand. Micheal Lambert, who orga- The Samoans in training nized the gathering, said there here – first, second, third and were smiles, hugs and kisses fourth cousins – hail from reminiscent of a family reunion. Poloa, an area near the capital To top it all off, they postured city of Pago Pago. as if performing a traditional All are related to the same dance complete with contorted malietoa or chieftain. Their facial expressions decision to join in close prox- “They are definitely a imity was partly based on strong family,” said the Logistics familial and cultural ties, said Training Department SGM. Pvt. Siiva Tuiolemotu, assigned At some point during their to Whiskey Co., 244th QM Bn. training, the Samoans must “We wanted to stick together face an inherent component of in training,” the 20-year-old Army life – family separation. said, noting her country’s com- The sheer number of Samoans munal culture. wearing uniforms, however, Most of the Samoans are along with the richness of training in the Unit Supply Samoan culture is comforting Specialist Course taught at in light of the prospect, said the Quartermaster School. A Tuiolemotu. few are enrolled in courses for “I’m the first one who will other quartermaster military leave the group,” she said, occupational specialties, and at noting a pending Fort Riley, least one attends the Ordnance Kan., assignment. School. “I’m not worried because American Samoa, which has there are a lot of us out there. struggled economically, boasts I’m bound to meet another strong traditions of military ser- relative somewhere. That’s for vice, said Tuiolemotu. sure.” Page 4 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 GONG SHOW LOCK AND LOAD...

FILE - In this Sept. 6, 2016, fi le photo, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Aleppo Media Center (AMC), shows medical staff treating a man suff ering from breathing diffi cul- ties inside a hospital in Aleppo, Syria aft er a chemical attack. Rival U.S. and Russian resolutions to extend the mandate of experts trying to determine who was responsible for chemical attacks in Syria were defeated Th ursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at a United Nations Security Council meeting. (Aleppo Media Center via AP, File) Rival US and Russian resolutions defeated on Syria weapons By Rhonda Annesley, editor clearances. In one of his recent cabinet Samoa News has been told UNITED NATIONS (AP) China, Bolivia and Kazakh- international norms.” meetings, Gov. Lolo told his it’s because of the drug problem — Rival U.S. and Russian stan voted in favor while seven Those who voted against the directors and agency heads that as the DPS and DHS as well as resolutions to extend the man- council members voted against Russian resolution put forward part of his duty, as the territo- others in the Lolo Admin are date of experts trying to deter- and four abstained. by Bolivia “bear the full brunt ry’s leader, is to ensure the gov- spouting that the conduit is the mine who was responsible for Japan late Thursday pro- of responsibility for the ces- ernment is creating more jobs ‘Chinese’ (Samoan language chemical attacks in Syria were posed a 30-day extension of the sation of the operations of the for the people. uses the word “Saina” to iden- defeated Thursday at a heated JIM and the Security Council JIM,” Nebenzia said. This is true — only not by tify all people of Asian descent.) Security Council meeting that was expected to discuss it on Russia has been highly crit- hiring more people than you Whatever the reason for refl ected the deteriorating rela- Friday. ical of the JIM’s fi ndings that have money to pay them… these DOH/ DHS forays — you tions between Washington and At the heart of the dispute the Syrian government used GONG! have a problem — it’s called Moscow. was the demand by Russia, chlorine gas in at least two That particular road is called due process under the law. You The result of the two votes Syria’s most important ally, attacks in 2014 and 2015, and fi duciary irresponsibility and don’t get to go in and search means that the expert body — for major changes in the way used sarin in an aerial attack on creates a culture of gatekeepers, premises under the guise of the Joint Investigative Mecha- the JIM operates and the U.S. Khan Sheikhoun last April 4 protecting their little piece of ‘cleaning toilets’ — no matter nism known as the JIM — will insistence that the JIM’s current that killed about 100 people and the pie, instead of innovative how bad they smell… GONG! cease operations when its cur- mandate and independence be affected about 200 others who and creative thinkers who will My fi nal rant for the week: rent mandate expires at mid- preserved. survived the nerve agent. bring new ideas and money to Have you seen those elec- night Thursday. After the votes, the United Syria repeated its denial of the table, to allow our island- tronic billboards in Tafuna- air- The U.S., its allies and States and Russia blamed each using chemical weapons. economy to thrive. port road and Fagaalu? I’m told human rights groups called other for ending the JIM’s The JIM has also accused the It’s about creating job they are owned by the Depart- it a serious blow to efforts to operations, both insisting they Islamic State extremist group opportunities in the community ment of Health. hold accountable those respon- wanted it to continue. of using mustard gas in 2015 through policies that encourage Never mind the driver safety sible for carrying out chemical “To my Russian friends, the adsnd again in September 2016 the private sector to invest in issues — let’s talk about how weapons attacks in Syria. next chemical weapons attack in Um Hosh in Aleppo. expanding services and goods billboards are illegal in the ter- During a three-hour drama, is on your head,” U.S. Ambas- Nebenzia accused the JIM of offered in the Territory, as well ritory — and how the govern- Russia fi rst vetoed the U.S. draft sador Nikki Haley said. “By not “fundamental fl aws” in blaming as bring new businesses to the ment is now taking business resolution which was supported having a JIM, you are basically President Bashar Assad’s gov- island. away from the private sector. by 11 of the 15 Security Council telling the entire world that ernment for the attacks. Not taxing the hell out of us Where are we supposed to get members. Bolivia joined Russia chemical weapons are OK to He cited its use of “remote to make sure the government the money to pay the govern- in voting “no” and China and use. That’s what we should be working methods” and failure can make its payroll and pay its ment’s new taxes? Egypt abstained. embarrassed about today.” to visit Khan Sheikhoun, bills. What next? Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Russia’s Nebenzia shot back “focusing solely on dubious And, it’s not about creating Should we be scared that Vassily Nebenzia withdrew the saying: “Today it became abso- testimony from opposition an environment that uses racial when “they” come knocking on Russian resolution over Mos- lutely clear we need a robust and even terrorist groups, the profi ling to prove a point. our doors they have no warrant cow’s insistence that it be voted professional mechanism that disregard for the whole range For example, Samoa News and instead, they will just be on second not fi rst as required will help to prevent the threat of rules and methods pro- was told that the Department “locked and loaded” to ask us under council rules. But using of chemical terrorism in the vided for under the Chemical of Health inspectors are going for our birth certifi cates? another council rule, Bolivia region, and you need a puppet- Weapons Convention.”Haley into Asian stores with Depart- Remember… some DHS then resubmitted and called for like structure to manipulate countered that Russia and its ment of Homeland Security offi cials are now certifi ed to a vote on that resolution. public opinion — which on allies “want a JIM that doesn’t offi cers? They are asking for carry arms… maybe arming It failed to receive the min- the basis of false information have independence.”“They IDs — under the guise of health Health Inspectors is not too far imum nine “yes” votes required will time after time accuse the want a JIM that doesn’t have permits, as well as Immigration down the road… GONG! for adoption. Only Russia, Syrian government of violating reporting,” she said.

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Please address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above. Please visit samoanews.com for weekend updates. samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 5 Page 6 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Hawaiian Airlines announces CEO Dunkerley retirement PRESS RELEASE team will lead the company to — Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 — further success.” Honolulu, Hawai’i — Hawaiian Chairman of the Board Airlines today announced the Lawrence Hershfield thanked planned retirement of Mark Dunkerley for turning Hawaiian Dunkerley, president and chief from a struggling local car- executive officer, and the selec- rier to a global industry leader tion of Peter Ingram, execu- and also for ensuring a smooth tive vice president and chief leadership transition. “Mark’s commercial officer, to replace abilities as an airline chief exec- Dunkerley, effective March 1, utive are evident in the phe- 2018. Dunkerley’s departure nomenal growth and success will end 15 years of leadership of Hawaiian Airlines over the during which the company exe- course of his leadership,” said cuted a remarkable turnaround Hershfield. “It is also a measure to become one of the world’s of his commitment to Hawaiian most successful airlines. that in extending his tenure for During Dunkerley’s tenure, 14 months he gave the Board Hawaiian Airlines success- time to consider options for his fully embarked on a bold Asia- prospective replacement.” Pacific growth strategy, adding Continued Hershfield: “Peter service to Tokyo, Osaka and Ingram has been an impor- Sapporo, Japan; Seoul, South tant part of Hawaiian Airlines’ Korea; and Beijing, China as growth and success for the past well as new routes to Auck- 12 years, and we are confident land, New Zealand; Sydney and in his deep knowledge of the Brisbane, Australia; and New airline, the industry and the York City. Since December community.” 2002 Hawaiian has doubled the Ingram joined Hawaiian number of passengers flown as chief financial officer in annually, to 11 million. Over December 2005, six months the same period the company’s after its emergence from gross revenues have increased Chapter 11 Reorganization. four-fold, to $2.64 billion and In 2011, Ingram became chief its employee count has doubled, commercial officer, overseeing to 6,600. Its share price has risen marketing and sales, revenue from a 52-week low of 29 cents management and network plan- in 2003 to a high of $60.90 over ning, loyalty programs and the last 52-week period. cargo during a period of rapid “This has been a heart- revenue growth for Hawaiian. wrenching decision,” said “I am humbled by the Dunkerley, who joined Board’s confidence in me and Hawaiian in December 2002. excited by the opportunity “I am so proud to be associ- to lead an incredible team as ated with this company and our Hawaiian’s CEO,” said Ingram. employees. Hawaiian Airlines “Mark has been an inspirational is truly in a class of its own, dis- leader for our company and tinguished by all the employees mentor to me and many others I am honored to call my col- and I will be proud to continue leagues. At the same time, I am pursuing the strategy for growth excited by the new opportuni- and success that we have been ties ahead of me and I am con- following for the last several fident that Peter Ingram and the years.” ➧ Lolo says… Continued from page 2 is happening in government, or make sure everyone will ben- maybe the government is just efit from what the government doing work without anyone is doing. We also want to edu- complaining about anything. cate our people, especially our He said the media is children, because they are our spreading the news across future,” Lolo said.Working for the territory, and even though both the government and the sometimes they report things private sector for over 50 years, that are untrue, at least there is Lolo said his experience from someone doing the reporting for many years of service has given the government. him the knowledge and ideas on Cabinet members laughed at how to run the government. the governor’s comments. “I learned a lot from my Samoa News was present work experience on how to run during the cabinet meeting the government, and the first when Lolo spoke about the role thing we need to do is educate of the media in government. He our young people so they will thanked the media for reporting be well equipped and become on a lot of issues that are impor- good leaders for the country tant to the government and the in the future,” Lolo said. “So, people.“We want our people it’s our job as leaders to utilize to know and understand that all the opportunities. We have the government is still trying to give our young people the to do everything in its power chance for a better education, to develop our economy, build to help with the development of up our infrastructure, and to our nation in the future.” samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 7 Pacifi c Island News in Brief Compiled by Samoa News staff Christmas experience. SEIULI’S DAUGHTER MENA and Eveni are getting NAMED GOLDEN GLOBE together to launch their new col- AMBASSADOR lections in time for Christmas. Simone Johnson, the The launch is scheduled in daughter of Samoa’s most the next few weeks. famous Hollywood son, Seiuli Both Samoan brands have Dwayne Johnson, has been made successful transitions selected as the Golden Globe across to New Zealand with Ambassador for the 75th anni- local marketing, retail and dis- versary of the Golden Globe tribution channels in Auckland. Awards. A key part of their sales The announcement has been strategy has been a strong focus made by the Hollywood For- on the e-commerce market. eign Press Association Presi- MENA’s growing online dent Meher Tatna. channel has seen the business “As we look forward to the consolidate their retail and 75th anniversary of the Golden online operation to new prem- Globe Awards, the Hollywood ises in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Foreign Press Association Likewise, Eveni- Koko members decided to expand Pacifi c has gained signifi cant this role to embody the HFPA’s reach with their prominent philanthropic efforts year social media campaigns. round,” said Tatna. Both labels have a following “The honoree will now be of over 100K on their respective referred to as the Golden Globe Facebook pages. Ambassador and we could not Although MENA and Eveni- think of a better representative Koko Pacifi c target slightly dif- than Simone to carry on this ferent sectors of the market, the tradition, as her values closely team at MENA is optimistic of refl ect everything the HFPA the benefi ts to both brands in stands for.” this collaboration. Simone Johnson announced Jackie Loheni says that their that she’s partnering with Glo- MENA brand has always looked balGirl, which is supported by to innovate in what is always a the HFPA and empowers young challenging retail environment. women in journalism from dis- “A key driver for us is advantaged areas by providing deciding who to partner with them the tools they need to is making sure that the busi- chase their career goals. ness is sustainable and that we “I’ve been lucky enough to are aligned in our values, we grow up in a household with are very excited to launch our strong role models and feel so Salamasina Collection along- honored to represent the HFPA side Eveni- Koko Pacifi c. Eveni for its 75th Anniversary,” said Carruthers has a wonderful Johnson. story with a rich 88-year busi- “As the newly minted ness history in Samoa and we’re Golden Globe Ambassador, I really proud to be working hope to serve as a role model alongside them.” to young people everywhere (Source: Samoa Observer) and empower them to speak out THE PSUSY POSSE on issues they are passionate Jaya Beach-Robertson and about.” Aria Dehar are the talented The 75th annual Golden team behind the New Zealand Globe Awards will air on Jan. 7 (and decidedly NSFW) web from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. series PSUSY. Simone Johnson will usher pre- Even though her male friends senters on and off stage along insist on saying ‘pa-sussy’, It’s with handing out awards. pronounced ‘pussy’, Jaya tells The most recent honorees Bryan Crump. were Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet “I’m like ‘actually, no. It Stallone, daughters of Sylvester was a marketing decision. You Stallone. can say the word ‘pussy’. It’s Other honorees include alright’.” Corinne Foxx, daughter of Jay and Aria (who play Karen Jamie Foxx; Greer Grammer, and Sharee in the show) fi rst daughter of Kelsey Grammer; met as wine telemarketers. Sosie Bacon, daughter of Kevin “We were the people who Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick; called you up in the middle of Francesca Eastwood, daughter the night and went ‘Kia ora, of Clint Eastwood and Frances would you like a case of sav Fisher; Sam Fox, son of Michael today? Oh, no. You don’t? … J. Fox and Tracy Pollan; and Bye,’” Jaya says. Rainey Qualley, daughter of Jaya was then an aspiring Andie. actor experimenting with (Source: Samoa Observer) writing something that refl ected FASHION GIANTS herself and the women she JOIN FORCES knew. FOR CHRISTMAS “There’s such a spectrum COLLECTION of women and such a small In an ever changing and percentage of the multifaceted dynamic retail environment, people we can be are repre- two of Samoa’s high profi le and sented in media.” longstanding family businesses, She wanted to work with MENA and Eveni- Koko someone who wasn’t “cookie- Pacifi c, have joined forces to cutter white girl” and her co- give their customers the best (Continued on page 9) Page 8 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 White House: No, Trump isn’t jet-lagged but full of energy WASHINGTON (AP) address nearly the entire fl ight — White House offi cials are back to the U.S. on Tuesday, pushing back on concerns senior adviser Stephen Miller that President Donald Trump said. appeared exhausted from his Communications director 12-day Asia trip when he spoke Hope Hicks said she briefl y rapidly and took several sips of pretended to be asleep when water during a televised recap Trump visited the staff cabin of the grueling tour. aboard Air Force One to seek Trump’s shaky 23-minute out Sanders. performance Wednesday came The offi cials said they wor- a day after his return and drew ried that Trump would grow widespread ridicule online. The frustrated with the extended episode revived clips of Trump time on the road but added that C M mocking Republican primary their concerns were unwar- Y K opponent Sen. Marco Rubio ranted. “He never complained,” for a similarly awkward, mid- Hicks said. “He was working speech water break. the entire time.” Multiple offi cials and aides Sanders said Trump was were eager to promote Trump’s unfazed by hopping across so stamina with The Associated many time zones. “He’s twice Press on Thursday. my age and he has twice my In interviews, they said chief energy,” she said. of staff John Kelly had ordered As far as the gulps of water, a day off for staff traveling the offi cials said the travel had with the president and advised left Trump parched. Trump to rest as well. Trump had boasted to However, they said, Trump reporters aboard Air Force One insisted on quickly summa- about how well he was holding rizing his trip for the American up on the trip. people. “A lot of people said it’s “The staff is exhausted, but almost physically impossible he wanted to go out there,” for someone to go through press secretary Sarah Huckabee 12 days,” he said. “Anybody Sanders said. that took the bet, pick up your Trump worked on the money, OK?”

C M Y K samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 9 Ra’a asked Tongan academic ➧ Hufanga Professor Doctor Pacifi c brief… ‘Okusitino Mahina to represent Continued from page 7 the Kingdom of Tonga. She said it took some con- worker Aria was unique and to share the lore of the region, vincing to get Dr. Mahina on funny. including the classic Samoan board, due to the different styles Aria’s fi rst scene for PSUSY myth, Sina and the Eel. of storytelling from the Pacifi c. (and fi rst-ever acting experi- Stories from Cook Islands, “He said that Tongan sto- ence) involved using a grape- Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu rytelling is a dying art and that fruit as a sex toy – “I can’t were present at the Corban Tongans don’t do it the way believe she’s still here”. Estate Arts Centre in west Cook Island people do it. The pair collaborate on script Auckland. “I told him, ‘no I don’t want ideas and Jaya does the writing. Ms. Ra’a said the Pacifi ca you to do it the way I do it. I The imperfect lead charac- Mamas, a group of women who want to know how stories are ters Abby and Ilana in Comedy travel around New Zealand told in Tonga’ and he said, ‘well Central show Broad City were a teaching Pacifi c culture, was her we tell stories all the time in my huge infl uence, Jaya says. motivation for this event. faikava group’.” To her surprise, men have “I started storytelling for the “I thought, can you imagine been relating to the show and Mamas in 2008 when I worked the kind of stories that come out fi nding it funny. for their Pacifi c experience of the kava bowl?” she said. “They are like ‘This is really program. Ra’a wanted to prove that gross and weird and I like it’. “One day we were hosting stories in the Pacifi c language The pair hope to get funding a workshop for school kids would not be a barrier for the C M and international distribution around the ‘Sina and the eel’ audience to understand. Y K for the third series of PSUSY tale and our Niuean mama usu- Pacifi c poet, writer and musi- and extend its 5-minute epi- ally tells that story.” cian Daren Kamali represented sodes to 10 or 25 minutes. “However, she was away Fiji, with his bilingual story “Aria’s got a trove of experi- sick and so I was thrown in the written on Masi or tapa cloth. ences that have not been tapped deep end and stepped in her Mr. Kamali was initially yet so I don’t think we’ll be run- place on the day. Since then, worried the audience would ning out anytime soon,” Jaya storytelling has stuck with me,” not understand the plot due to it says. she said.The event was part of being in Fijian and English. You can watch PSUSY on the Pacifi ca Mamas exhibition Ra’a told all her storytellers YouTube. called ‘Turou’ meaning the call for the event that people tend to (Source: RNZ) from our ancestors, and featured observe the storyteller’s facial TRADITIONAL PACIFIC in the Pacifi c Heritage Arts expressions, gestures and body STORYTELLING Fono (PHAF 2017). movement to get the gist. ‘DESERVES A HO The director of the Pacifi ca “It’s a rare opportunity to get ME IN NZ’ Arts Centre, Jacinda Stowers- a taste of this authentic style of The instigator of “Moana Ama approached Ra’a to bring storytelling and you won’t see Pacifi c Storytelling” says she storytelling to the community this in the theatres. saw a need for traditional Pacifi c during the fono.The theme for “It is truly an expression of tales to be told in Aotearoa New the PHAF 2017 is transmission, identity, an expression of cul- Zealand.Pacifi ca Arts Centre’s preserving, developing and ture, a vehicle for the language,” project manager Tuaratini Ra’a passing on Pacifi c heritage art she said. Tuaratini Ra’a gathered Pacifi c storytellers forms. (Source: RNZ) [Photo: RNZI/ Sela Jane Hopgood]

C M Y K Page 10 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017

Security personnel guard the Supreme Court during its hearing in the crucial case to dissolve the country’s main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Th ursday, Nov. 16, 2017. Cambodia’s Supreme Court ordered the main opposition party to be dissolved on Th ursday, dealing a crushing blow to democratic aspirations in the increasingly oppressive South- east Asian state. Th e decision clears the way for the nation’s authoritarian leader to remain in power for years to come. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) Cut ties with Cambodian gov’t, says exiled opposition leader WASHINGTON (AP) — An exiled leader of free or fair.” Cambodia’s political opposition said Thursday The United States and 18 other governments the international community should cut ties with signed the 1991 Paris Peace Accords, which Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government after the ushered in democracy after the genocidal rule of court-ordered dissolution of the only party chal- the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s, then lenging his three-decade grip on power. occupation by Vietnam and civil war. Sam Rainsy told The Associated Press that Thursday’s court verdict, read by a judge the Supreme Court ruling was the death knell who is member of the ruling party, came amid of democracy and presented a credibility test to an intense push by Hun Sen’s government to world powers that had sponsored a 1991 peace neutralize political opponents and silence critics accord in the Southeast Asian nation, which ahead of July 2018 elections. committed them to supporting an open political There was no immediate reaction by the U.S. system there. administration. American infl uence has been He called for governments to drop their recog- waning for years as Cambodia edges closer to nition of the prime minister and “delegitimize the China, which has supported Hun Sen’s efforts to Hun Sen regime.” “protect national security and stability.” Rainsy used to lead the Cambodia National In Congress, Republican Sen. John McCain Rescue Party but went into exile last year because called for the administration quickly to sanc- of the threat of prison in legal cases against him tion all senior Cambodian government offi cials that are widely regarded as politically motivated. responsible for violating human rights and sub- He and a half-dozen CNRP lawmakers are in verting freedom. Republican Rep. Steve Chabot, Washington to lobby U.S. lawmakers and State co-chairman of the House Cambodia caucus, Department offi cials. said Cambodian elections next year would be a Rainsy urged the Trump administration to “sham.” pay more attention to Cambodia and impose tar- Current opposition leader, Kem Sokha, has geted sanctions on senior Cambodian offi cials — been imprisoned since September, charged with although not broader economic restrictions that trying to topple the government with U.S. sup- could hurt Cambodia’s 15 million people. port, which Washington has said is a baseless “The international community must not do accusation. business as usual with Hun Sen following his “When you put your principal opponent in very undemocratic and shocking move to dis- jail and half the elected offi cials in the opposition solve the only opposition party,” Rainsy said in have to fl ee the country for their own safety, you an interview. “It is a matter of credibility for the have basically disqualifi ed yourself from being a international community following Hun Sen’s legitimate leader,” Chabot said of Hun Sen. violation of an important international treaty.” Rainsy said CNRP would continue to operate The White House released a statement as a party that represents “the will of the people.” Thursday night expressing “grave concern” and “We will do our best to channel the popular promising to “take concrete steps to respond to discontent, the popular frustration, into a peaceful, the Cambodian government’s deeply regrettable continuous fi ght for democratic change,” he said, actions.” voicing confi dence that “the international com- White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee munity will not allow Hun Sen to kill democracy Sanders said: “As a fi rst step, we will termi- in Cambodia.”Hun Sen has been prime minister nate support for the Cambodian National Elec- since 1985 and has held a tight grip on power tion Committee and its administration of the since ousting a co-prime minister in a bloody upcoming 2018 national election. On current 1997 coup.The CNRP captured nearly half the course next year’s election will not be legitimate, seats in the last national elections in 2013. samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 11 Escaped hospital patient aimed to show he could be outside HONOLULU (AP) — A driver. Hawaii psychiatric patient who It took the hospital at least acknowledges killing a woman eight hours to notify law nearly four decades ago said enforcement that Saito was Thursday he escaped from his missing. Hawaii Gov. David Ige hospital and fl ew to California has said the public and authori- to prove he could live respon- ties should have been notifi ed sibly in the community. much sooner. Randall Saito told San The state has placed seven Francisco television station hospital employees on unpaid KGO-TV in an interview that leave while it investigates the Hawaii State Hospital the escape. It’s also begun wouldn’t give him a chance. reviewing patient privileges and He says every time he applied public visitation polices and has for release, offi cials made him ordered more fencing. “sound like a bad guy.” Janice Okubo, spokes- “I decided I needed to escape woman for the Hawaii State and prove that I’m on my own,” Department of Health, told the Saito said in an interview at AP last year the majority of a jail in Stockton, California. those who escape are returned Th is Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, image made from a video camera inside a Charley’s Taxi shows “That I can be out here and act within a few days. However in escaped mental patient Randall Saito using a cellphone inside the taxi in Honolulu, en route to appropriately. Even though I 2009 one person escaped and Honolulu airport and a fl ight from Oahu to the neighboring island of Maui, then boarding another escaped to do it,” was missing for nearly three plane to San Jose, Calif. Saito on Sunday left the 202-bed Hawaii State Hospital outside Honolulu, The 59-year-old Saito was years before being arrested. where he has been committed for 36 years since being acquitted of murder by reason of insanity. arrested on Wednesday for Saito was captured in Stockton, Calif., Wednesday. (Charley’s Taxi via AP) investigation of felony escape. He walked out of the hos- pital in suburban Honolulu on Sunday, got a taxi to the air- port and took a charter plane to Maui, where he caught another fl ight to San Jose, California. Saito told KGO he fl ew to San Jose because it was the cheapest ticket. He said he used fake IDs featuring his photo and another person’s name to get past the Transportation Security Admin- istration checkpoint. He wouldn’t say who helped him in the escape. Saito was acquitted of murder by reason of insanity for the 1979 killing of Sandra Yamashiro. He said he fabri- cated mental illness — he was diagnosed with sexual sadism and necrophilia — to get into the hospital. But he said he regretted doing so. He also regretted killing Yamashiro. “I regret the murder. Let’s just make that clear. I do have remorse about it. I am abso- lutely contrite. No one else can be more contrite than I. Because no one is more responsible. What do they want me to do? I can’t turn back time,” Saito said. He said he was a substance abuser for three years before the killing. “I was in bad shape. I was paranoid,” he said. Saito is one of 17 people who have escaped from the 202-bed hospital in the past eight years. Most happened when a patient broke “curfew” and didn’t return after being allowed to leave for a period of time. Saito didn’t have privileges to leave the hospital grounds without an escort. Repeated attempt by Saito to win such passes were rejected by the court. He was allowed to roam the hospital grounds unattended. Saito was captured Wednesday in Stockton after authorities got a tip from a taxi Page 12 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, center, and his children, Robert and Alicia, leave the federal courthouse in Newark, N.J., Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. The federal bribery trial of Menendez ended in a mistrial Thursday when the jury said it was hopelessly deadlocked on all charges against the New Jersey politician and a wealthy donor. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Menendez avoids ‘political grave,’ but cloud still looms ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. Menendez for possible viola- in April 2015. He raised $2.5 (AP) — New Jersey Democratic tions of the public trust and the million for his re-election from Sen. Bob Menendez exited his Senate code of conduct. January through September of federal bribery trial after a mis- The allegations that this year and had $3.9 million in trial Thursday with an eye on Menendez helped his friend and his campaign account. a 2018 re-election effort, but co-defendant Salomon Melgen Menendez’s senior political with him neither acquitted nor with a Medicare billing dispute adviser Mike Soliman says the convicted, the cloud from the in exchange gifts and trips are two-term incumbent will decide investigation remains. likely to be included in attack in the coming weeks whether The mistrial gave Democrats ads by Republicans running to seek a third term, but that hoping to hold onto the seat in against him. all signs are that he will run, next year’s midterm elections But Brigid Harrison, a polit- including the fact that he con- cause for some optimism, but ical science professor at Mont- tinued to carry out his duties spurred Republicans to keep the clair State University, said that during the 11-week trial. pressure up ahead of a campaign Democrats will be able to point Former Democratic Sen. season that could feature plenty to prosecutors’ failure to con- Bob Torricelli was among those of attack ads against Menendez vict Menendez to blunt those planning for a possible vacancy, based on the allegations that attacks. but said Thursday he will not he helped a wealthy friend in “Menendez today emerges run in a primary. “I think doing Ph. 252-2964 exchange for luxury trips and perhaps stronger than ever, the preparation of defending the Location:Room 209, Tedi of Samoa - Fagatogo campaign donations. with the ability to rail against a seat in case of a vacancy was Menendez, himself, was Justice Department that could always the right thing to do,” Office Hrs. 9am to 2pm buoyed by the decision. not successfully make a case Torricelli said. “I congratulate “To those who were digging against him,” Harrison said. Bob Menendez and I wish him (684) 633-0179 my political grave so they could Half of New Jersey voters well. He has, to date, survived jump into my seat, I know who said in a poll released in Sep- an extraordinary ordeal.” Family Owned & Operated since 1998. We are American you are and I won’t forget you,” tember that Menendez did not While it remains to be seen Samoa’s only full time Pest Control Company. We provide Menendez said. deserve re-election and only whether Menendez will draw A bi-partisan group of law- 31 percent approved of the job a serious primary challenge, a very affordable and friendly service. makers on the Senate’s Ethics he was doing. The Quinnipiac New Jersey’s most influential Committee said Thursday University poll surveyed 1,121 Democrats on Thursday stood Do you have ROACH, ANT, FLEAS, TICKS, TERMITE, it would resume an inquiry people and had a margin of up for Menendez, as they have RATS, AND OTHER PEST PROBLEMS? into Menendez that started in error of plus or minus 4 per- throughout the trial. 2012 and was deferred a year centage points. “Too many people tried to • Call for a FREE PEST EVALUATION OR NO later because of the criminal While it dragged down his convict him without his day in OBLIGATION INSPECTION investigation. popularity, the more than four- court,” said Democratic Senate “His trial shed light on year criminal investigation President Steve Sweeney. • We do GROUND TERMITE TREATMENT & serious accusations of violating hasn’t stopped Menendez from “Should he decide to seek CONSTRUCTION PRE_TREATMENTS the public’s trust as an elected raising money and keeping the re-election, he will have my official, as well as potential vio- support of elected Democrats in full support,” said New Jer- • We provide services for Houses, Boats, Cars, lations of the Senate’s Code of the state and beyond.Menendez sey’s Democratic Gov.-elect Conduct,” Republican Senate has raised more than $6 million Phil Murphy, who had declined Offices, Warehouses, Storage, Restaurants, Furniture Majority Leader Mitch McCon- between a legal defense fund to comment during the trial pieces, stores and cafeteria and health clinics. nell said Thursday while calling and for his 2018 re-election whether Menendez should step on the committee to investigate campaign since he was indicted aside. samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 13 Page 14 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017

Nashville Police Detective Steve Jolley testifi es during a preliminary hearing for Emanuel Kidega Samson in general sessions court Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting one person and wounding others at a Tennessee church on September. Jolley said Samson told him he heard voices and had visions. Jolley also testifi ed about a note in Samson’s car that referenced a white supremacist’s 2015 massacre at a South Carolina black church. Th e case against Samson was bound over to a grand jury. Samson did not appear at the hearing. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Police: Man accidently shoots himself, wife at church TELLICO PLAINS, Tenn. in churches. it out saying the gun was not (AP) — Police in Tennessee Parks said the man pulled loaded and pulled the trigger. say a man accidently shot him- out .380 caliber Ruger handgun, Parks said the bullet sliced self and his wife while showing removed the magazine, cleared the man’s palm, then entered the off his gun in church. the chamber, and showed the left side of his wife’s abdomen Tellico Plains Police Chief gun. He put the magazine back and exited the right side. Russ Parks told The Knoxville in and returned the gun to its The couple, in their 80s, News Sentinel that members holster. were fl own to a hospital with of the First United Methodist When someone asked if they injuries that didn’t appear to be Church were talking about guns could see the gun, he pulled life-threatening. Woman with crude anti- Trump truck decal arrested DALLAS (AP) — The speech and we’re exercising it.” organization. The ACLU noted driver of a pickup displaying Nehls on Wednesday posted a 1971 U.S. Supreme Court an expletive-fi lled message to a photo of the truck message on case that overturned the convic- President Donald Trump and Facebook alongside a request to tion of a man for disturbing the his supporters in the Houston speak with the driver. peace for wearing a jacket with area was arrested Thursday on Nehls in his post said that an expletive as part of an effort an outstanding warrant. a county prosecutor told him to protest the military draft and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s the message could warrant a the Vietnam War.A woman Offi ce records show Karen misdemeanor charge of disor- who raised her middle fi nger in Fonseca was arrested about derly conduct. But at a news October to Trump’s motorcade 2 p.m. Thursday on an out- conference later Wednesday, as it passed her in Virginia was standing fraud warrant issued in he seemed to back away from fi red from a government con- August by the Rosenberg Police that idea. Nehls said he supports tracting fi rm for violating the Department. She remained in freedom of speech but worried “code of conduct policy.” But the county jail Thursday night that profane messages could the Texas case differs in that a with bond set at $1,500. incite others and lead to con- government entity threatened A sheriff’s spokesman has frontations that would disturb punitive action for vulgar mate- not answered a message seeking the peace he’s pledged to keep. rial directed at the president. details behind the warrant. A spokeswoman for the Lynne Rambo, a law professor Fort Bend County Sheriff sheriff’s offi ce, which covers at Texas A&M University spe- Troy Nehls had threatened Fon- the county just southwest of cializing in the First Amend- seca with a disorderly conduct Houston, said Thursday that ment, said Thursday that the charge over the decal. However, Nehls’ post was removed once 1971 Supreme Court case made District Attorney John Healey the pickup driver was identifi ed. two points clear: the state’s said he didn’t think it would “Due to the hate messages attempt to regulate profanity have been a prosecutable case. he has been receiving toward or civil discourse is not a suffi - Fonseca had said she would his wife and children, the sheriff cient reason to justify restricting not remove the decal. She said will not be commenting on the speech, and profane language she had been stopped by law matter further,” spokeswoman directed at a specifi c person is offi cers, but that they have no Caitilin Espinosa said by email. different from vulgar content grounds to issue a citation. The American Civil Liber- that’s broadly disseminated. “It’s not to cause hate or ani- ties Union of Texas posted on “It’s state action to threaten mosity,” the 46-year-old Fon- Facebook that Fonseca’s mes- as (Nehls) did and he really seca told the Houston Chron- sage is protected speech and ought to know First Amend- icle. “It’s just our freedom of urged her to reach out to the ment law better. samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017 Page 15

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., center, shares a laugh with Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., right, as Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., left , watches following a news conference aft er a vote on tax reform on Capitol Hill in Washington, Th ursday, Nov. 16, 2017. Republicans passed a near $1.5 trillion package overhauling corporate and personal taxes in the House, edging President Donald Trump and the GOP toward their fi rst big legislative triumph in a year in which they and their voters expected much more. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Big House victory for GOP tax plan, but Senate fate unclear WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans rates for many taxpayers and erasing or shrinking rammed a $1.5 trillion overhaul of business deductions. Projected federal defi cits would grow and personal income taxes through the House by $1.5 trillion over 10 years. Thursday, edging toward the code’s biggest As decades of Republicans have done before rewrite in three decades and the fi rst major leg- them, GOP lawmakers touted their tax cuts as islative triumph for President Donald Trump and a boon to families across all income lines and a the GOP after 10 bumpy months of controlling boost for businesses and the entire country. government. “Passing this bill is the single biggest thing we The mostly party-line 227-205 vote masked can do to grow the economy, to restore opportu- more ominous problems in the Senate. There, a nity and help those middle income families who similar package received a politically awkward are struggling,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan verdict from nonpartisan congressional analysts of Wisconsin. showing it would eventually produce higher Democrats said the measure would dispropor- taxes for low- and middle-income earners but tionately help the wealthy and mean tax increases deep reductions for those better off. for millions. Among other things, the House leg- Those projections came a day after Wisconsin islation would reduce and ultimately repeal the Sen. Ron Johnson became the fi rst GOP senator tax Americans pay on the largest inheritances, to state opposition to the measure, saying it didn’t while the Senate would limit that levy to fewer cut levies enough for millions of partnerships and estates. corporations. With at least fi ve other Republican The bill is “pillaging the middle class to pad senators yet to declare support, the bill’s fate is the pockets of the wealthiest and hand tax breaks far from certain in a chamber the GOP controls to corporations shipping jobs out of America,” by just 52-48. declared House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Even so, Republicans are hoping to send a California. compromise bill for Trump to sign by Christmas. Thirteen House Republicans — all but one “Now the ball is in the Senate’s court,” Vice from high-tax California, New York and New President Mike Pence urged after the House vote. Jersey — voted “no” because the plan would Speaking at a conservative Tax Foundation erase tax deductions for state and local income dinner in Washington, Pence said, “The next and sales taxes and limit property tax deductions few weeks are going to be vitally important and to $10,000. Defectors included House Appro- they’re going to be a challenge.” But he added, priations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelin- “we’re going to get it done” before the end of ghuysen, R-N.J., who said the measure would the year. “hurt New Jersey families.” An earlier White House statement that “now is Trump traveled to the Capitol before the vote the time to deliver” also underscored the Repub- to give House Republicans a pep talk. lican Party’s effort to maintain momentum and “He reminded us that is why we seek these outrace critics. Those include the AARP lobby offi ces,” said Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas. for older people, major medical organizations, Participants said he told them he’d spoken to Realtors — and, in all likelihood, every Senate Johnson, the dissenting GOP senator, and said, Democrat. “He’ll come around.” With this summer’s crash of the GOP effort to Besides Johnson, Republican Sens. Susan dismantle President Barack Obama’s health care Collins of Maine, Jeff Flake and John McCain law, Republicans see a successful tax effort as of Arizona, Bob Corker of Tennessee and Lisa the best way to avert major losses in next year’s Murkowski of Alaska have yet to commit to congressional elections. House Republicans con- backing the tax measure. ceded they are watching the Senate warily. Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation esti- “Political survival depends on us doing this,” mated that the Senate plan would mean higher said Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. “One of the taxes beginning in 2021 for many families things that scares me a little bit is that they’re earning under $30,000 annually. By 2027, fami- going to screw up the bill to the point we can’t lies making less than $75,000 would face tax pass it.”The House plan and a comparable pro- boosts while those making more would enjoy posal Republicans hoped to push through the cuts.Republicans attributed the new fi gures to Senate Finance Committee by week’s end would two provisions.One would end the measure’s deliver the bulk of their tax reductions to busi- personal tax cuts starting in 2026. The other nesses.Each would cut the 35 percent corporate would abolish the “Obamacare” requirement that tax rate to 20 percent, while reducing personal people buy health coverage or pay tax penalties. Page 16 samoa news, Friday, November 17, 2017

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