All noisy on the Western Front

I’m no political expert, but I do have the clarity of vision that comes from having common sense. As the status of the CNMI is debated in Washington, we’re going to find that the skirmish is taking place not only with the labor union lefty types. That’s a disreputable bunch, and I doubt all their shrill nonsense will carry much weight when the CNMI presents the facts. And the facts are, clearly, that OSHA and everybody else who’s looked into it has given our garment factories a clean bill of health.

But the lefties aren’t the only bunch we’re going to have to contend with. As the suitcase squad (professionals leaving the island for their home turf) settles into new jobs in the states, a lot of them are probably talking to their congressmen about how they were treated out here. Much, if not most, of the suitcase squad is college educated, articulate, and business oriented. You won’t see them agitating outside of GAP stores wearing Birkenstock sandals and Bob Marley tee shirts. No, they’re in (freshly purchased) Brooks Brother suits carrying (new) briefcases. A lot of Republican congressmen and their staffers are also in Brooks Brother suits, carrying briefs on the CNMI. And I suspect a lot of them are hearing from the suitcase squad.

The suitcase squad will be the first to debunk the leftie gibberish and slander aimed at our garment sector. But it is also going to point out that many of the economic problems the CNMI faces are due to local policies.

The bottom line is that the United States takes a strategic interest in this region, for obvious geopolitical and military reasons. Sadly, the health of the local economy is not a major issue of concern to the Uncle Sam. Access to seaports and airports is the issue. The Commander of the Seventh Fleet couldn’t care less if you and I drive a new, air-conditioned Toyota Camry or not. Never in my experience as a naval officer did anyone ever instruct me to go somewhere and see if the folks were satisfied with their cable television service.

As that sleeping giant China begins to stir, flexing its muscle, building nukes, and aiming to be acknowledged as a major player on the world’s stage, a lot of the strategic thinkers in the states will be pointing at us on the map. No news, this, to folks on Tinian, who are finding themselves hosts to China’s economic refugees.

The Commonwealth can use its strategic importance as an asset or as a liability. Our importance gives us a voice that will be heard. On the other hand, it can tempt Uncle Sam to overlook what is important to us locally so that he can use us as a mere tool to address his strategic goals. It’s a ticklish time and a fine line we’re walking, eh?

And, in the heat of this challenge, if the CNMI burns its businessmen and professionals, it will find that they’ll lob some flares back in this direction. I already see the smoke. The skirmish is opening up on the other side of the political aisle in the states, and the Commonwealth is now up against two fronts of contention.
You don’t have to be an admiral to know that fighting a war on two fronts is dangerous. Anyone with common sense knows that. But just how common is common sense?