Strange tidings in paradise
The increase in crime, i.e., tourist beatings, purse snatching, cattle rustling, rape, child molestation and poker joint murders is a reflection of the economic bad times in paradise.
Then there’s the struggle of various industries who haven’t been able to scrounge up enough money to pay their employees.
Yet, there are government agencies who live it up high as to turn austerity on its head. Did someone say CUC?
In the face ot cuts in scholarship funds, unpaid debts with Honolulu hospitals, unpaid obligations with the retirement fund, deficit spending, among others. Did someone say CUC played Santa Claus in the dead heat of summer with generous pay raises and first class junkets?
We should bring in the Rescue Squad–Commonwealth Ports Authority–to literally teach these guys the real definition of austerity. Perhaps we should loan the services of CPA Board Chairman Roman Palacios and CPA Executive Director Carlos Salas to CUC to fix up the mess. The two gentlemen have done an exemplary job in real cost cutting measures allowing CPA to stay solvent amidst bad economic times.
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Most policymakers need to take a refresher course on government in order to understand the concept of the separation of powers of the three branches of government. There’s a reason for this recommendation: The occasional attempt to usurp the purview of one branch of government in the implementation of laws. It’s called micro-management which would have derailed the independency of each branch or semi-autonomous agencies.
It should be understood that the establishment of semi-autonomous agencies is to allow greater independence in the decision-making process. Such is the intent to weed out any undue political power peddling or influences on boards and commissions in the formulation of policy decisions. To veer from it would be an undue attempt to micro-manage these agencies. It should be discouraged forthwith lest we’d be boasting to students of government how poorly we understand the concept of separation of powers.
The legislature can keep these agencies in check without attempting to micro-manage their operations. Tell `em to ship-shape or ship out. Political interference shouldn’t be used for purposes of platitudes, sound bytes and good news copy. It never gets the job done!
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“Never let the bastards wear you down”. That’s the credo of any journalist worth his salt. I despise politicians with reptilian tendencies that only add to an already confused governance. I have no plans to cease and desist from my social responsibilities as a journalist either.
For those who espouse sentiments contrary to the wishes of the silent majority here (governance), you ought to know by now that in that sacred document (Covenant) is inherent our people’s sacrifices in the name of posterity. It is the freedom so inherent in the basic provisions of the Covenant to which they rely upon as vital components to enhancing and enriching the livelihood of Chamolinians.
If you don’t understand this as a public official or you refuse to understand it out of hollowness and shallowness, then your best bet is to revisit the issue once more. I have every intention to defend our political and economic freedoms `til that fine day when I no longer can lift a finger. After all, the coveted trophy of justice is only rewarded to those who work for it.
Strictly a personal view. John S. DelRosario Jr. is publisher of Saipan Tribune.
