End 'discrimination'

This is to seek support for those sons and daughters of the Marianas who have enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in service to the country for whom we owe allegiance to. The country for whom we in the Commonwealth have entrusted to provide for our military defense. For that reason we live with the comfort of knowing that we are under the protection of the most powerful nation in the world.

Recently, I learned that these brave men and women of the CNMI who are in the armed services and are stationed overseas are denied the privilege of qualifying to receive homestead property. A privilege enjoyed by those enrolled in college abroad. It is difficult to grasp the rationale behind this gross disparity aimed at those who choose to seek training in the military as opposed to those who choose to do so on college campuses throughout the nation. And, if you doubt the training and education of the military, a simple survey should show the growing number of productive citizens in this community who had served in the Armed Forces.

I want to appeal to authorities to end this apparent injustice against those Commonwealth citizens who are members of the Armed Forces. These men and women of the Armed Forces should not be penalized and discriminated against as is being done. Instead, this government should show deep gratitude to these growing number of men and women of the Commonwealth who are willing to put everything on the line so that we can enjoy the comfort and security of life in a free world. Let’s show them that we are grateful by allowing them the privilege to receive homestead property which have been granted to college students. We would expect the same enthusiasm - if not more - for this proposal as there was to secure cemetery plots for these brave men and women. Let’s give them something to come home to.

Jose C. Mafnas