On June 15, 1944, my Dad, James Waterworth, and 20,000 Marines engaged the Japanese who had invaded the Northern Mariana island of Saipan.  After 35 days of fierce fighting, 3,426 Americans were dead and 13,110 wounded.  Of the 180 original men of my Dad’s Marine Company (I-3-8) that started the War, only two were left alive after fighting on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan.

Dad was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds in this battle.  The people of Saipan received their freedom and to this day their island is considered a Commonwealth of the United States, falling under the control of the United States and, of course, Congress.

The people of Saipan were invaded and enslaved for a second time several years ago, this time by American corporations.   Because Saipan is a United States Commonwealth, it’s unique in that anything manufactured there is able to carry the valuable (for corporate public relations) "Made in USA" label.

For years the people of Saipan and people from all over Southeast Asia were brought to Saipan by American corporations, kept prisoner, and forced to work for little or nothing making goods for the American market. See: http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Investigation/story?id=647725&page=1

When Democratic members of congress worked to improve the workers’ conditions they were resisted by Tom DeLay, who used his legislative power to help the corporations maintain their hold on the island. It’s not known to me how or what Ray LaHood did during this time on this issue, but Tom DeLay received his power from the Republican Congress, so I think Ray LaHood deserves at least some of the political blame for the treatment of the people living on Saipan.

Eventually the conditions of the workers improved, but not until there were years of legal action. See: www.globalexchange.org./campaigns/sweatshops/saipan/index.html

The battle to help people enslaved the world over continues today.  If Saipan is any indication, the Republican Congress will continue to turn it’s back on working people, just as it did for the people of Saipan. Through its actions, Congress dishonored the sacrifices of heroic men like my Dad, who fought and bled to free the world from Japanese tyranny, by allowing corporate America to abuse and enslave workers across the globe while under the protection of the United States Congress.  A true American disgrace, Tom DeLay and his congressional colleagues are totally unworthy of their power and privilege.  America can do better.  See: www.cleanclothes.org/legal/04-01-08.htm