Asunton Coñgresso

Constructive and frank exchange of views is a healthy exercise in our collective search for the truth. But promoting yellow journalism locally has contributed to the loss of credibility of the so-called Fourth Estate both here and across the country.

This has been and continues to be the agenda of the Marianas Variety’s editorial writers, all of whom have demonstrated their agility as purveyors of yellow journalism. But then, what can anyone reasonably expect from people who never emanated from mainstream newspapers in their country of origin, much less those who learned the trade right here in the islands.

The vilification of my efforts to assist in fundraising activities for the national GOP’s presumptive presidential candidate George W. Bush is a perfect example not only of hollowness, but of a complete case of shallowness. It is a strange form of advocacy journalism riddled with pots shots that must have emerged from the cranium of a frustrated non-mainstream journalist.

If this alleged journalist has any social conscience, then he should have ably addressed the very essence of my voluntary work, which is an attempt to rebuild a ruined federal relations through George W. Bush whom I know would lead the country beginning January of 2001.

Rebuilding this relationship would be less costly for the CNMI struggling to stay above water as its economy is reduced substantially to the brink of bankruptcy both by the Asian Flu and the ruination of our image by our dedicated detractors. Our relationship need not be confrontational as has been the case since 1993. Thus, the need for local leadership (Republicans and Democrats alike) to rally behind the benefits of visibility in this year’s presidential election.

If the Marianas Variety’s editorial writers have difficulty perceiving or conceptualizing the essence of rebuilding a ruined relations with the powers that be in Washington, then it only goes to show their lack of perception of the benefits of harmony between the CNMI and Washington.

Image is everything and it is this very aspect that current and future investors look for so critically as we beg of them to help our efforts on economic recovery.

More specifically, how many of the 4,000-plus locals attached to the non-garment sector of our apparel industry can the Marianas Variety employ in its news organization? In short, Mr. Publisher, put your mouth where your money is, so to speak. If you can’t lead or follow, then please step aside for others are willing to take a stand to protect the economic and political rights of US Citizens in this American Archipelago.

I expect honest differences of opinions, but to the extent that it becomes a nuisance so entrenched in shallowness and hollowness, then it’s time to lay down your pen in order to allow well-rounded journalists who came from mainstream newspapers to get the job done with a sense of responsibility and accountability. Si Yuus Maase`!