Clinton’s latest economic policy

Saying American businesses must invest in markets at home in these good economic times, President Clinton urged the nation’s chief executives this week to breathe new life into neglected cities and rural areas. “We don’t have to leave anyone behind”.

“I have lifted things from almost every entrepreneur here. This is a beautiful market. I think it’s important that we try to take this example to the whole nation…I want people to see and believe that it can be done in their communities”.

“We shouldn’t be thinking of our success without an equal determination to give every one of our fellow citizens a chance to be a part of it as we go into a new century”.

These are very encouraging words for every US Citizen between the Appalachian hamlets, Los Angeles barrios and these isles. And as we review the words of the President to American business investors, we again noticed the apparent exclusion of US Citizens outside mainstream America such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

As US Citizens, we thirst for the equal application of President Clinton’s policy on reinvesting in communities all over the country. It seems intended to include everybody, including the often stampeded tiny isles of the NMI. And we couldn’t agree more that the benefits of a robust American economy must filter down to every level of society. In President Clinton’s words “We don’t have to leave anyone behind”.

The president’s proposal includes the creation of a new private investment partnerships to be known as “America’s Private Investment Companies” patterned after the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The entity would make equity investments in larger businesses that expand or relocate to inner cities and rural areas across the country. This program, Mr. President, must also include encouraging US corporations to invest in the NMI.

We’ve also followed such economic programs known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative designed to encourage free trade between the US and that island nation. The administration’s proposals, while encouraging for nations engaged in the CBI program and those that fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement, always excludes the economic interest and future of the NMI. It’s mind boggling how the NMI has been the subject of consistent bashing as part of the American Economic Community over US trade partners in South America.

We pray, Mr. President, that you make your policies ring with inclusionary commitment in much the same way when you declared: “We shouldn’t be thinking of our success without an equal determination to give every one of our fellow citizens a chance to be a part of it as we go into the new century”. We couldn’t agree more and all that we seek from your presidency is equal application of your latest economic policy of investing in local communities throughout the country. Si Yuus Maase`!