Mutual agreement

Having listened extensively to discussions and debates on Pew’s proposal to have U.S. President Bush designate the three northernmost islands into a marine monument, I find it very disturbing that a lot of people have the audacity to speak about Maug, Asuncion and Uracas, three islands they’ve never seen and don’t know much about. The only information they have is what they hear on the streets and those who come out in the newspapers pretending to know something they’ve never even seen themselves.

What is even more disturbing is the fact that most, if not, all of these self-proclaimed scientists are not even stakeholders here in the CNMI. Just take a closer look at the names of those individuals who supposedly signed Pew’s petition and even the faces of some supporters who appeared in the newspapers. You will find that most of them are outsiders. Please do not be misled by advocates who are probably getting paid handsomely to forcibly influence your decisions. Give yourself enough time and material to realistically learn as much as you can in order to make a sound and prudent decision.

You might want to take a look at some important observations I have to offer. Come Nov. 4, the good ol’ U.S. of A will add a new chapter in the American history. From all indications, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama would become the first African-American president of the United States. This is largely attributed to the fact that President Bush tainted the GOP because of his woefully poor economic policies. He has very little or no regard at all to people’s culture and belief. With such arrogance, he might indeed designate our precious islands for his legacy and will definitely victimize us, just like he will victimize poor Sen. John McCain in the November polls.

My brothers and sisters, please remember that we are the stakeholders of our Motherland. Let us search our souls and speak to our ancestors and ask them for guidance before we give away this precious heritage they fought and died for in order to provide us with pride, dignity and ownership to our birthright inheritance. Just think about this for a moment. The Covenant that established the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America is based on four fundamental principles: 1) Economic Self-Sufficiency, 2) Educational Development, 3) Preservation of Culture/Resources, 4) Self-Government.

The Covenant is a very unique and a sacred document that was mutually agreed upon by both the CNMI and the United States. Article VIII, Section 806, Sub-section (b) of the Covenant explicitly states that any concern on any provision in the document must be discussed bilaterally and any resolution must be mutually agreed upon. But in the case of Pew’s proposal, the United States seems to ignore these mutual consent provisions. Whatever happened to mutual respect and mutual consent? Oops, you’re stepping on my toes.

A warm pugua Hafa Adai and please don’t forget to spit responsibly.