The Go for Broke Brigade

I usually find pleasantries talking to my two old buddies, Juan and Pedro Malas, when vital issues turn into the talk of the town. Last Saturday, after a long day under the blistering sun mixing cement, we sat down for beer at a small shack they’ve built near the wooden area in the back of the property.

Quizzed Pedro: “Lahiho, what’s all this news about federal agencies assuming roles beyond their boundary? Did I read you correctly on this issue?”

“It was US Congressman Don Young who brought federal officials here to their senses for the willful transgressive role they’ve assumed on policy questions”, I offered. “Their role is strictly limited to enforcement, but they have ventured into policymaking themselves solely reserved to the US Congress”.

Offered Juan: “That would be the equivalence of police officers and other government officials changing the laws of the NMI at will, a role strictly reserved for the legislature. You see, that role (policymaking) is a constitutional mandate reserved only for the legislature.”

Said Dung: “Imagine if Interior’s Allen Stayman, David Cohen, Daniel Aranza are part of the local police force. They’d be changing traffic laws and miranda rights in the middle of beach road and upper highway. They’d be walking around like super cops, yeah?”

“It’s tantamount to reinventing the so-called Jungle Rules of Might Is Right and every ounce of civility is compromised to the hilt”, said Juan.

Figure I wasn’t prepared for another bout with heavy issues, I asked to be excused for it was time to head home to the shower room. They were all smiles saying “Si Yuus Maase`” to Congressman Don Young for putting our confused federal officials in their right place. The over anxious suckers at Interior would be hearing a lot from the Alaskan Congressman about their purposeful infringement of Congressional authority.
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It was mid-week as I gauged the speed of approaching traffic from both sides of the main highway to catch the flow and head home. Between the Tribune Office and home, I literally ran into 12 CUC vehicles. I started quizzing myself if there are in fact serious water, sewer or power problems out in the community to warrant the constant presence of CUC vehicles everywhere! I mean, do these employees really earn their eight hours of salaries when half the time they’re out patrolling the streets?

I also understand that the administration has decided to clamp down on expensive and luxurious car leases from auto-dealers. With alleged austerity in place, I quiz if this is just a public relations stunt and has it really reached the implementation stage. Or has someone decided to ignore it temporarily–a temporary decision that translates into permanence? I mean, the parade of Altimas and Camrys being wheeled around by government employees really makes you wonder whether these suckers are truly mindful of the constant contraction of government revenues!

When this bad habit is sported publicly like there’s no tomorrow, it really makes you think if drone government employees have any perception of the seriousness of revenue generation having consistently gone south. It brings into focus the dire financial straits of the Public School System and the Commonwealth Health Center. I say return these luxurious vehicles today and use the money for teachers’ salaries, school and medical supplies. This is the most responsible thing to do today, not tomorrow when the local treasury is literally empty! Hello, anybody home?
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For those who flaunt the rights of employees (local or guest workers), we ought to seriously consider punishment Mexican Style: Sent the bastards to jail and while looking to see you off, flush the keys into their own toilet bowls. That ought to do the job loud and cleeeaaaa!