Entrenched racist politics

There is at least one CNMI legislator I know who is an absolute, flagrant racist–who would employ the local applicant, or confirm the local candidate, over any mainland American–any time–no matter how competent (or incompetent). Your last name is Tenorio or Sablan?–you’re hired. You’re confirmed. Your last name is Smith or Stephanovich?–thank you very much, we’ll be getting back to you.

Call it Chamorro pride. Call it “preserving our heritage and culture.” Call it “protecting our infrastructure.” Call it what you will, but the result is still the same: political racism and economic protectionism.

The entire basis for the proposed two, three, four and five-year alien worker limits, in fact, is racism–xenophobia, fear of foreigners. Appeasing the federal government and protecting our “overtaxed infrastructure” are merely rhetorical diversions. The real issue is racist politics.

As my mainland American friend Ron reports, “An article in today’s Variety quoted Frank Cepeda. I have nothing against Frank, but I wonder if he really understands the message he is sending out.

“He was sounding the alarm about a ‘terrible calamity’ which may overtake the CNMI in the next 15 or 20 years if something isn’t done about it.

“The horrible fate? Naturalized Americans and Statesiders may actually integrate the legislature!!! He said that in the future we may find names like Kim, Lee, Smith and Jones in the legislature.

“That last sentence was his exact words. How well did he think that one through? Heaven forbid that we have a Jones in the CNMI legislature!

“Yeah! What a tragedy! Think of it Charles:

“1. All the people on this multi-ethnic island might have a voice in how things are run. (Taxation with representation!)

“2. The needs of all the people might be addressed, as opposed to only those of a select minority.

“3. Some legislators might end up spending 80% of their time attempting to make this a better place to live, as opposed to 80% of their time involved in family politics.

“4. Some legislators might actually be elected based upon their qualifications, or proven track record, as opposed to their family name. (Pure heresy!)

“5. Some legislators might even believe that their principal purpose was to serve the people, rather than line their own pockets.

“6. Hell! A Kim or a Lee might even feel that promoting business and investment in the CNMI was a top priority.

“Yeah, Frank! We certainly have to avoid that kind of a catastrophe!”