My third day in Guam was spent giving three speeches to lawyers and judges on the island. It was an extremely interesting exchange with the bar here. I am speaking at the conference with Judge Paul Jeffrey Watford of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Watford was on the short list for the Supreme Court for President Obama and was viewed as a leading contender for the Court for Hillary Clinton if she were elected. This is a fascinating bar with some of the truly nicest people I have ever met in my life. This is a vibrant bar with unique elements for lawyers in dealing with cases on the various islands. There is a deep civility and mutual respect that permeates the place. Indeed, what really comes through for visitors is the sheer sense of joy that everyone seems to have in working and living in this paradise.
Today was a conference day so I am sharing some of the pictures taken on the hikes by Karen Quitlong, Law Clerk to Chief Judge Frances Marie Tydingco-Gatewood. This is a picture of all of us cooling off on one of the amazing waterfalls in the jungle. With us in this picture is Senator and attorney Therese Terlaje and our extraordinary guide. What is amazing is that after one of our more grueling hikes, Therese went straight to a hearing for veterans. It is not uncommon for lawyers and legislators to pop off for some scuba or hiking in the midst of their days. There remains a profound connection of everyone here to the island and a continual level of delight in everything that the island offers.
Last night, the Watford and I joined judges and lawyers for an incredible Chamorro dinner. I sat next to one of the survivors from World War II and one of the first lawyers on the island. This year’s recipient of the Cristobal C. Duenas Excellence Award was Joaquin C. Arriola. In his nineties, Arriola is still practicing law. He was one of the most radiant and engaging people I have ever had the honor to meet. A true icon of his island. This morning I am off to catch an early flight over the Saipan, one of the most beautiful islands and the location of some of the most brutal fighting of World War II.
This just in from Cloud 9. Trump in an email says that yes he is going to have a Two China policy. He is going to call it: North China and South China (Taiwan). He is going to have Taiwan become “a special partner”. I don’t think he is talking about sex here.
Jack Ruby – if you are not joking and Trump is going for a two China policy, one of the Chinas is currently spinning like a top. We live in interesting times.
Where are the weekend warriors? It is almost 7 oclock and there are no articles up on the blog for Friday.
It makes sense that a bunch of lawyers on an island would hang out at a bar.
Hafa Adai!
We’re looking forward to having you join us here in Saipan. Please shoot me a line if you’re in need of some good hiking/touring Saipan while you’re here.
Thank you for coming!
Bon voyage,
W
For those interested in reading the 9th Circuit’s ruling against the administration in the immigration issue here it is.
http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2017/02/09/17-35105.pdf
Love the travel report. Great pictures. Keep them coming.
Nothing better than friends from the bar.
Oops! I meant a past life….LIFE! Not past wife….for heaven’s sake, I’m blushing. 😊
As usual, I always enjoy your trips vicariously, JT. The photos are beautiful and commentary enjoyable. You must have been a travel writer or jet setter in a past wife. LOL!
I think modern westerners would be better if they were less insular and be more at home outdoors and treat nature as family.
It’s hard to be less insular when you live on Guam.
Hafa adai!
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you got to Cocos Island. I prosecuted out of Guam for 2 years and enjoyed the island and the people. The Blue Lagoon and the asian restaurants are worth the trip by themselves.
Buen biåhe
Safe travels
Thanks for the always appreciated photos and journal. One of my simple pleasures hiking is to have access to a lake or ocean and to jump in after sweating profusely for miles. You can feel your body temp slide back to normal in a minute or so.
Robert Klitzkie – I think JT is against life tenure for federal judges.
It is beautiful! Be careful you guys don’t tip it over! 🙂
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Don’t you think federal judges in all the territories should have life tenure?
Having appeared before some of them in the past, a resounding “NO.”
It is my understanding that Guam has been fortified such that it is no longer in danger of capsizing. Representative Hank Johnson spearheaded the project.
Oh, Thank Goodness! It must have been one of those Obama shovel ready jobs that nobody ever saw. Now we know why! Because they were in places like Guam!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
DRB – did they sink piers to stabilize it?
No. He is still alive. I saw him on Twitter this morning!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
No, that was me, not Penelope. I changed it before, and it should read me, now. Trying out a bluetooth keyboard on one of the Kindles.
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Still testing.
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Now it has me!
SFGR
Squeeky – thought one of you was having a psychotic break. 🙂
I think she used to use that Kindle to check Pansies for Plato for comments. Anyway, it looks like the wordpress thingy is now set on me, instead of her.
Plus, since you like to read weird things, you might want to check out “Une Semaine de Bonte” by Max Ernst. It is a surrealistic college novel by him. I think it means in French “Remember the Maine!” I ordered it, but it hasn’t come in yet. I never even knew he wrote novels, much less surrealistic college ones. But I saw it on Amazon, so what the heck!
Squeeky Fromm
Girl Reporter
Squeeky – I am 3 books behind right now. Let me know what you think of the book.
I don’t know, it might still tip over as the High Command building makes it top heavy.
LOL!
Thanks!!! Looks beautiful
We’re holding the fort. If it wasn’t for being near Copper Canyon and the other side of the same ocean I’d be jealous!!!
Glad you enjoyed your stay, Jonathan.