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Senate keeps hope alive in the CNMI
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Posted on Jul 09 2004
Thank you senators. Your decision to support the mining in Pagan reminded me of the civil rights days at Mason Temple in Memphis when Rev. Jesse Jackson would speak to us and drill into us: “I am somebody,” and “Keep hope alive.” The senators have spoken and sent a clear message that hope is alive in the CNMI. We all know the mining is an experiment and regardless of the results, the point is you tried. Nothing is really guaranteed in this world—not even tomorrow—but your efforts will surely be appreciated. Just as so many of us have been critical of our senators, we should also be just as thankful when it is obvious they have tried to do the right thing. I hope others will join me in thanking our senators for keeping hope alive in the CNMI.
To the people of Pagan, your willingness to cooperate without further protest will surely be appreciated. I’m sure you know the situation facing the CNMI and any sacrifice you have to make to help make this a successful venture will forever be appreciated by me and I’m sure many others. As I have said before, this was much bigger than just the people of Pagan. I hope that you won’t hold any animosity toward the Senate or the company for putting the interest of the many over the interest of a few because their actions were driven by the very principles of our democratic capitalistic society. Their decisions also included the people of Pagan because your quality of life will be much better and safer on Pagan should you stay and your sacrifice can never be forgotten by the rest of the Commonwealth. The people of Pagan will be the true winners and heroes if this venture turns out like it’s planned.
Special thanks goes to Senator Reyes and Senator Crisostomo. I have a lot of confidence the mining will be a successful venture, especially with people like Mr. Farrell on the forefront whom we know has a winning track record and possesses more knowledge about the CNMI than many locals. I’m sure if we all work together in good faith on this one project in a real cooperative fashion, we will all be winners and will have truly demonstrated the power in the concept of “one people, one direction.”
Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman
