The sentiments of OLP followers are summarised succinctly and beautifully in a comment just in from a reader . . . she shows indignation, a desire for exposure and for change, but also a desire to understand and to want the best for Samoa. I expand and explain how this is outworking amongst the Samoan Diaspora. Enjoy.
The Samoan Prime Minister Tuila’epa is coming under serious attack as long term activist and anonymous online blogger O Le Palemia (OLP) gains traction.
Accusing the PM of a raft of corruption, and for a long time too, OLP has really taken it to the ‘old man’ up there in Samoa and the criticisms are starting to bite. He’s already tried to find OLP using the Police [that failed!]. He’s recently instructed the Attorney General to reinstate criminalisation of libel [and actually quoted OLP as the source of this request]. Some of his team have instructed their staff to remove all Likes and Follows to OLP’s Facebook pages and aparently interviewed the ones that did [holy sh*t!]. Government employees are specifically prohibited from joining a political march under direct threat of losing their jobs. [Dictatorship or freedom of thought? This conduct is reminiscent of Nazi Germany and the feared SS, or Communism and the KGB, or China and the underground churches, not surely peaceful ‘Christian’ Samoa, founded upon God!]
These are all the signs of either paranoia (if the claims of OLP are the bleating of a nutcase) or probably more realistically, recognition that OLP’s onto him.
It is telling that OLP’s questions have not been met with evidence to the contrary. Makes you think eh?
A recent comment sums up the sentiments of the people (particularly the off-shore Samoans, but increasing numbers of on-island Samoans too) beautifully. Her comments are worthy of reflection, and give a great demonstration of human nature. Let’s hear her in full before I have my say:
I have been following OLP, and I support everything that has been mentioned in regards to the corrupt PM, his minister’s in Govt and family members. We need to act now, we need to address this to the elderly people of Samoa, we need to protest his position and annoint an educated, intelligent candidate who can run Samoa in a proper fashion, with morals, of family values, respect, common ground with our people, we need a born leader, with a vision with direction, a bright future, and to make our country prosper.
I have had enough of this greedy self centred idiotic individual whose only goal in life is to feed his own fat ego, abuse his power, use and abuse any monetary gifts, living like he’s the king of Pop, when he’s the King of Flop, uses bribery as a means of control and the list just goes on…..
I honestly don’t know how he can sleep at night knowing that he has only dug a bigger hole for himself, how sad would that be, to know that, you as PM will be exposed for what you have done in the two decades. Why our people of Samoa are suffering, why the economy is slowly fading. I cannot recall anything extravagant or in good deed that this man has produced for Samoa. And I gladly applaud OLP and all the supporters out here in Aus, NZ and abroad to expose, dispose this individual for who he really is, who ever you are, keep up the good work.
Time to oust this incompetent loser for good. Samoa deserves a leader with compassion, respect and vision.
Whew! She doesn’t mince her words does she? And it is a rich resource for understanding the people and how they feel.
Commentary
Let’s get started.
I have been following OLP, and I support everything that has been mentioned in regards to the corrupt PM, his minister’s in Govt and family members.
This lady has followed OLP. There are thousands of people who have done this and are following him. I have too. I really kicked into full attention mode quite recently though when OLP claimed that Tuila’epa knew about the political assassination before it occurred and that there was no way Tuila’epa was the intended target. That was a real face-palm moment for me. “Well duh!” I thought. NOTHING gets past the old man. NOTHING. Of course he will have known about it, and OLP’s words rang so true to me.
Realising that Tuila’epa could have either engineered that event, and if he didn’t actually arrange it, then knew about it was a turning point for me. Of course he knew. Of course. Of course. You’d be NUTS not to think this. I’d spent heaps of time with him in the early days of my stay in Samoa. I’d crossed swords with him; written the book Corruption in Samoa, exposed his Mistress, gotten booted out for my troubles and yet I still fell for the line that Tuila’epa was the “intended target”. I can tell you that OLP really had my serious attention at that point.
As I started to analyse OLP’s materials, there was an overwhelming sense that he was onto it, not just a bleating whinging naysayer, but a man dedicated to the truth, and that his bitterness at Tuila’epa’s corrupt leadership was indeed valid. As an investigator, and a truthseeker, I am experienced in digesting ‘stories’. OLP’s work has what we call an “internal consistency” where the message is the same, never diverges, cannot be ‘broken’ with internal consistencies, or realistic factual challenges. it’s the sort of thing that my blog does too – 1.5 million words that speak the truth, day after day after year after year. I liar can’t even speak 10 minutes without conflicting statements, let alone speak for so long like OLP does with the same story.
Tuila’epa’s words and conduct has the opposite impact – it reeks of opportunism, political BS and yes, clear signs of the self-interest and corruption that I have talked about and that OLP has been exposing.
We need to act now, we need to address this to the elderly people of Samoa, we need to protest his position and annoint an educated, intelligent candidate who can run Samoa in a proper fashion, with morals, of family values, respect, common ground with our people, we need a born leader, with a vision with direction, a bright future, and to make our country prosper.
What a dream!
This lady’s vision is echoed in the bible. Global consciousness change, Nirvana and enlightenment are also the desire of many other religions too. Unfortunately while this dream is held by most caring and sensitive people, we live in the real world, a fallen world and she is unlikely to see this in her lifetime.
Remember what they did to the last dude who met her criteria . . . a couple of thousand years ago? The Master? That’s what people-power and politics does to you when you take a stance for good.
Just putting my own situation into the mix here for a minute too, and no, I don’t claim to be Jesus, but I did sacrifice all to love and help and bless and do the right things for Samoa for seven years. I got the same treatment from the old man (and many others too I might add). And why? Because I had the audacity to hold him to account. He sinned. He got himself compromised and then ripped me off over another ‘fat floozy’ who spreads her legs to get power. If people really knew what happened to and around me, the PM and Sonja, they would be soooooo disgusted and livid with these leaders, they’d lynch them both. And if you think that’s just bitterness on my part and very un-Christian to say, tell the Master He shouldn’t have called the crooks he named a “brood of vipers” and “children of the Devil”.
Yes, it’s a great dream she has here, but it’s a dream nonetheless. Yes for sure, she and others can ask their people to raise up leaders who can do it right. Yes, she should continue to pray for this to occur. Yes, she should believe and hope for and work for it. Jesus Himself taught us to petition “Thy Kingdom come” which is a prayer specifically for this dream to occur . . . but [and there is a but] it won’t be happening overnight, sorry to say.
I have had enough of this greedy self centred idiotic individual whose only goal in life is to feed his own fat ego, abuse his power, use and abuse any monetary gifts, living like he’s the king of Pop, when he’s the King of Flop, uses bribery as a means of control and the list just goes on…..
So here she lets her feelings out. This is the disgust that I was just talking about coming out into the open.
She lists the things that frustrate her:
- greedy
- self centred
- idiotic
- feed[ing] his own fat ego
- abus[ing] his power
- use and abuse any monetary gifts
- living like he’s the king of Pop, when he’s the King of Flop [cute]
- bribery
- control
Apart from (7.) and perhaps (4.) which may be a bit of value-based judgements, these are all frustrations built on provable reality. The people know it too.
The thing also is that these are not new claims. Many people would switch off their TVs or make negative comments about Tuila’epa if/when he came on TV. I’ve said previously that he is not widely liked. Sure that doesn’t necessarily mean that a leader is not doing good things for the country. Tui’s problem though now, politically, is that he is not just unliked, as his corruption gets out more and more, the respect that he’s had, as leader is dropping fast. Samoans culturally always respect their leadership – that’s why the faifeaus have it all their way.
The process that is underway with Tuila’epa losing respect is common in political circles. People come in with a vote based on promises, bribes or faith in a political party; the ones voted power do their thing for a while; dissatisfaction increases; then their time on the stage is done and they move on or are moved on. The process repeats.
I honestly don’t know how he can sleep at night knowing that he has only dug a bigger hole for himself, how sad would that be, to know that, you as PM will be exposed for what you have done in the two decades.
That’s a common sentiment – not able to understand how he can be or do what he does. The reason is because most people don’t really understand the nature of political power, which as they say corrupts. Jesus refused it. Tuila’epa actively sought it.
Tuila’epa is an astute politician. He has the power and he knows how to use it. He doesn’t understand the modern age and technology; he has no vision and is an opportunist. With power you don’t need God, you can make decisions (even of life and death) and your thinking is governed by the power (and responsibility) that you have. Your conscience becomes seared and you are trapped in the hell-hole that you have dug for yourself.
Tuila’epa has made some god-awful decisions in the past. He can justify his poor decisions today because he had the power to decide given to him previously and he exercised that power. I’ll give you two examples of this:
1. The .WS namespace. Before the DOT-COM bubble and the rise of the Internet, Tuila’epa along with Octevi from CSL (which was a government entity) sold the entire .WS namespace to a private company offshore. They were ripped off, and big-time. It is hard for me to explain how big a mistake this was. Not one event in Samoa’s recent history shows how stupid the PM is than this. Maybe his involvement in the political assassination might be greater because it involved human life but this single act equivalent to selling not the crown jewels or the golden eggs, but the goose that laid the golden eggs or the gold mines of the King. No other country on the planet would be so stupid as to do this – he did. This is an ongoing goldmine of millions, tens of millions, and now probably hundreds of millions that should have been coming into Samoa but instead goes offshore to a private company. What can the man do about this? It is too big of an error to explain, to even talk about. He’s trapped. He must lie or hide because to confess would bring him and his power into huge disrepute. Samoa is a laughing stock in the IT industry because of this stupidity. Can you see how this previous decision holds him captive?
2. Then there is his Mistress. Once he’s compromised, he’s then captive to her every whim. This the way of immorality isn’t it? This is why she has her contract renewed every three years. This is why STA has such a poor track record; and why people say “Tui & Sonja are close!” without ever talking about the sexual relationship that everyone knows existed but nobody dares mention! This is why she is the last one out of his office after every meeting. This is why he [painfully I might add] ripped us off and in the end had no choice but to boot me out. I wouldn’t go voluntarily and I was a threat.
Multiply that all by 20 years and extend it across the entire portfolio of the PM and you can see how cognitive dissonance has to become the norm. He has no choice BUT to make decisions, minute by minute, day by day and justify them to himself. That’s what he sought for himself – power. He’s got it. He has to sleep at night, so the human brain finds ways to justify his lifestyle and cope with his lot. It’s the same as a child who has a severe abuse situation at home who has no choice but to go to school and smile and do what’s required of them.
I suspect that as he ponders things, and he does, he would wish that he’s done things differently, perhaps in regards to me and certainly in regards to some of his bigger cock-ups, but as a Samoan Matai and PM he could never admit to an error, or say sorry.
Why our people of Samoa are suffering, why the economy is slowly fading. I cannot recall anything extravagant or in good deed that this man has produced for Samoa.
This is a common sentiment and is widespread but Tui’s supporters don’t see it this way – it is only really his detractors that claim NOTHING good has come from him. I can list lots of good things “he has done”.
The other thing is that he is a PM and has a team around him. He is quite right that he is not fully responsible for all decisions. He is however at the top so he must get the brickbats and bouquets, eventually.
And I gladly applaud OLP and all the supporters out here in Aus, NZ and abroad to expose, dispose this individual for who he really is, who ever you are, keep up the good work.
There you go OLP . . . take a bow.
Time to oust this incompetent loser for good. Samoa deserves a leader with compassion, respect and vision.
Yup! Let’s change the world at the same time eh?
Sadly this is unlikely to occur with the removal of one snake-head. I do not advocate removal of Tuila’epa from the political position he is in. This will simply bring in another “talking head” and would probably be worse. Instead my advice is for this lady and her ilk to do the right thing herself. When she hears the voice of the Lord and does it, whatever it is, in the power of the Holy Spirit the world WILL become a better place.
I’ve blogged about this previously and it’s probably one of the hardest things for us to understand – WE are the ones who empowered the idolatrous systems of Samoa when we voted, used their interest-bearing currencies and schemes, and put Fa’a Samoa above the Lord. WE are the ones who sustain TPTB through submission to their laws. OLP is dead right when he stands tall and says:
Every Samoan ought to remember this: There is no one above you. Live as a free person. Stop thinking and living like a slave to others. You were born into this world to be free. Don’t let others with their evil intentions tell you what to do, to become what they want you to become and think what they want you to think and believe.
“OLP was never born a slave – OLP was born a free man. OLP was born a free Spirit.”
Then if we want lasting change we must submit that spirit to THE Spirit.
Thank you to this lady for putting her thoughts in writing. Thank you too for reading. There’s more to come on this subject – a lot more!
Diana Nuuelua says
My husband and I moved and retired to Samoa five years ago and I didn’t know much of Samoa only what I was told by my parents and hubby. I had always considered Samoa as this beautiful island of paradise and considered living here is a dream. But as I listen to numerous bloggers and their disappointment at the government and the leader, I thought I will register to vote and vote these people out of office. Not, there system of government is what blows me away. There is no way to get these people out of office. So, I heard of Ole Palamia and decided to follow him and see what he has to say. To my surprise, he was exposing the PM and his HRPP party of what amounted to years of corruption. I haven’t been here for the years of corruption by this PM but I now live here and I don’t agree with some of these laws that he just passes without any input of anyone, not even his own party.
Let me just say, that for the last five years of living here, this PM has been very disrespectful, arrogant and the way he talks to people whether it be on TV or radio, he is an ass.
I support the movement in regard to the land and title and would march for this on the 17th of December. But let’s see if his supporters will walk the talk.
Thanks for your time.
Dennis says
Thank you for commenting Dianna. I endorse anyone marching, especially government employees and I am happy to help expose corruption if anyone does get fired for marching. But having a say in the spirit of rebellion is simply perpetuating evil. I’ve blogged about the solution to turn to Him. Blessings.
Sonya Stanley says
It’s 1:38am in our time and I have to wake up reading this. You have had speak my mind in regards of Justice, Peace, Freedom, Future, Fairness for all individuals and recognition. I believed now my big brother is talking from his grave alright, if any of you recalled his unfairness dismissal from Polynesian Airline after 30 years of long service after his passing. I’m still not over him, I missed him so, so much and the leads of his deaths caused by stressed and depression. If any of you recalled our STANLEY HOME AT SAVALALO CASE BETWEEN OUR OWN FATHER SISTER FROM WELLINGTON, NZ VS MY MOTHER/ SIBLINGS! THE AGONY AND SUFFERING THAT I AND MY FAMILY THROUGH. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND VERY DISTURBING. Obedience towards my mother why I changed my Testimony Speech on my brother’s funeral ae o le a o’u aloalo e fai le Polynesia Airline i le ofe
Whoever is Accountable for the cause of his death? I absolutely SALUTE you! A lea ua revealed mai e le Atua ma faagagana ina tagata i le mea leaga sa fai nei e tagata LEAGA. It’s a long story but this is just briefly my painful story.
Dennis says
Thank you for commenting here Sonya.
moana says
its time for a big change.
Dennis says
I hope it is a change in individuals lives, Moana. That is the solution. Expose the crooks by all means, but doing the right thing for His sake is more important.
Taofi Fa'atau says
I too have been following OLP since 3 months after I first read his writings about the assassination. That was a chilling read and it drew me in as I did recall hearing something about this murder years ago when my parents were alive. I couldn’t believe it then and I still can’t believe now that a “mafia style” of settling a score could be used in our Samoa political arena, let alone a Samoan to another. It is therefore no surprises to me what I have read from OLP’s revealings of corruption and dirty deeds this bloke has dished out for decades. Ican go on venting out my anger here, but the first time I saw this “lunatic” (OLP’s names) one of many which best sums up this lowlife.. see I lost all respect when I first saw him being interview by Australia 60 minutes regarding – the rape of an Australian woman by an escaped prisoner from Tafa’igata. I was dumbfounded, disgusted + most of all so embarrassed as a Samoan that I had to post on my fb to my friends as most of them are papalagi Aussies. I wanted them to know that the prisoner and the PM were both disgusting and both an embarrassment to all Samoans! These 2 guys do not reflect the True Samoan values + beliefs to care and treat each other with love and respect. This is extended to our neighbors and anyone else especially visitors to Samoa. If anyone watched that 60min interview, you would agree he is a total ‘aivalea + some other olp said he eats lols lols.. My first impression was he didn’t care about the woman, he couldn’t answer what happened to all the millions of aids from Australia how the most dangerous prisoner got out + raped a woman infront of her husband? What was Kui’s blubbering reply? Oh well maybe they should’ve stayed in a hotel in Apia town not gone out to stay somewhere else. . I have to agree with all the names OLP calls him. The bloke is a BULLY!! Oh I heard recently my village Matais blocked the road so DOG couldn’t cross haha because the crazy lunatic/bully called them names + stupid so n so’s… I’m hoping they will be marching infront with OLP and others on the 16th. I’ll be marching with you from Australia and in Spirit to support a better future for our Samoa. To stamp out the bullies in power running the country down. SAMOA MO SAMOA indeed.
Dennis says
Malo Taofi and thank you for bothering to put your thoughts down here. I’m an investigator. I care. I went to Samoa with an open mind and after seven years very hard yakka, I have come away convinced that Samoa represents hypocrisy and deceit to the world far better than it does truth and love. Palagi who know the real Samoa call it a land of Sunday Christians. Samoans from off-shore themselves call it “all for show”! OLP and his followers call it corruption. From a biblical perspective it is simply human nature – greed, self-interest, sin, pride. With increasing belief that Tuila’epa either ordered or at the very minimum knew about the political assassination beforehand, the feelings of being “chilling” as you put it MUST gain headway. When this occurs, watch those that live by violence and deception exercise their craft. It is sadly, war. You also clearly need to come to terms with reality in Samoa better. While you may extend a welcoming mat, demonstrate love and grace and goodwill, you are in the minority in Samoa if you do. This is reality up there Taofi. I gave a detailed commentary at the time of Tui’s disgrace on 60 Minutes. I was privileged to be counseling Tui at the time that John Campbell challenged him. Tuila’epa does not understand the Palagi ways and is too proud to take counsel. That one interview, in my opinion, has done more to destroy Samoan tourism and goodwill than anything else he or the government has done in the last 50 years. Australians to a man turned at that point from questioning whether there was truth in the claims that there was missing Tsunami money to a clear belief that Tuila’epa WAS the problem. Your disgust at his performance, attitude and how he presented Samoa is widespread. Claims of his involvement in the assassination will put him on par with Mugabe in many peoples’ minds now. It is a very serious situation for him and for Samoa. I would though like to draw to your attention my plea for all in and associated with Samoa to turn to the Lord, not to worship Samoan culture. He alone has the solutions – not your culture.
Normie says
We are with you all in prayers. Please people of samoa don’t give up or give in to evildoers but let’s stand together as one in Christ Jesus. Manuia le aso faamoemoe OLP and all the supporters. God bless you all xx
Denise says
I pray for my beautiful Samoa n one day all these crooks will answer to God. What I don’t understand is why people keep voting them in. If there’s too much corruption petition to have the Government dissolved. Samoa it is important to have freedom, to be able to arm oneself to protect your country, family as well as yourself from tyranny and oppression, murderers n thieves .’PEOPLE POWER ‘
Dennis says
No. People power got Samoa what it has! Crooks. People-power is a deception and a temptation. You need God power and you only get that from choosing humility to hear and willingness to obey. Sorry to burst your bubble Denis. Please think about it. Passion is good but not when it leads you astray. Please read my advice elsewhere on how to save Paradise.
FSM Taua says
Dennis,
I have to thank you for your contribution to these issues. I believe that you were treated unfairly by Tuilaepa Malielegaoi. Many are reading your blog for insights and I can tell you that your words carry a lot of weight. What amazes me is the blackout on media coverage in Australasia about this Dictator. Keep up the good work and I will be following all of your work in future.
Dennis says
Thank you brother! You have me ROFL with the understatement of the year there: “treated unfairly by Tuilaepa Malielegaoi”. I agree that my words carry a lot of weight but may I ask you why this is so? I think it is because I have paid a huge price, personally and this sacrifice brings credibility. In an upcoming post I will be sharing more about the march and why it will fail. In part is because Samoa is not yet ready. Yes, for sure . . . march by all means . . . get the word out, but the things of God always come from sacrifice, and I don’t see Samoans yet dedicated to Him. Samoa Mo Samoa – sure! Exposing Tuila’epa and HRPP yes, this is the current state of Samoans’ minds but doing it all because of Him, no. I do not fear loss of the lands. They have already gone. The deed is already long done. They simply CANNOT reverse this even if they wanted to (which they don’t) and I will explain why this is so shortly. The people, sadly (like the Israelites before them) need to learn the hard way. It was 40 years in the desert that a proud and rebellious generation needed. I very much suspect that this coming generation will make the same mistakes, thus repeat history. Faafetai for responding here. I respect your work too FSM Taua.
Wendy joyce says
I had not been on any social media sites for political reasons but had to join FB to follow OLP. I am so glad I did. Very enlightening. I was so interested in what OLP was posting because I could sense the terror in TUILAEPA. GOD WORK.
Dennis says
You mean “GOOD WORK”?
Yes Wendy, the PM is worried. Unfortunately he is also a powerful and astute politician with access to massive resources by way of International interests. Understand that TPTB have no hesitation in using force – none at all. In fact their attitude is that conflict assists their cause – they call it “order out of chaos”. The laws are already in place so that the UN can bring in peace-keepers who will ensure that their Agenda is complied with. Tuila’epa’s Samoan side will want to negotiate or talk the situation through but at the end of the day the land has been sold.
Thank you for commenting.