In Search Of Our Identity By: Anthony Pellegrino, Part I I

The first words of the Preamble of the Constitution of the United StatesnnWe. the people of the United States,…do ordain and establish…” were, in 1787, almost as revolutionary as the Revolutionary War itself. Here for the first time the radical idea of the political theorists that a government rests upon the consent of the people was, by a stroke of the pen, made a political fact. In seven succinct articles a new nation was established giving hope and promises of a better future to millions of people.

“The Bill of Rights” of 1791, rounded out the pledges of human rights and freedom that have worked into our charter of government. In the first original 10 articles the firm foundation for the liberties that most Americans have long since come to accept as a part of our way of life: freedom of speech, of the press, and of religion; freedom to assemble peaceably; freedom from search and seizure; the right to a speedy and public trial. Today the “Bill of Rights” contains a total of 27 articles. However it took over 200 years and much debate to add the additional 17 articles.

The “Preamble of The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands boldly states: ” We, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, ordain and establish this Constitution as the embodiment of our traditions and hopes for our Commonwealth in political union with the United States of America.” The Constitution came into effect on January 9, 1978, making us a full pledged member of the United States.

The CNMI Constitution is a wise and well-thought out document in that it defines our personal rights and the structure of our governing bodies. Though it has been altered repeatedly in its short 21 years, it shows that we have accepted human rights and the political philosophy of the United States as found in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth … also demands thorough understanding as it is a clear beacon of our future relationship with the country we opted to adopt and emulate. It is to be expected that as the CNMI matures, it should seek remedies to ideas that seemed amiable at their inception but currently cause differences of interpretation. This is healthy and desirable. But again caution must be used. Clear and sound thinking must prevail, not hot-headed confrontation.

It is necessary to review from whence we started since 1945 if we are to find our identity. As we grow into a global economy, do we move along with the changes or shall we be left behind? We have to understand that along with economic growth comes a downside. We have to “pay” for this growth. It does not come cheap. We must decide what price we are willing to pay for continued protection under the umbrella of the U.S. and for continued economic growth.

We must have the will and wisdom to make a decision for only then can we be truly free. Let us tread lightly and wisely lest we lose more than we gain. Frankly speaking, not only is the future of the CNMI at stake, but the future of our children may be in jeopardy. In reviewing the documents I have suggested you read, be sure you share them with your children. It is your parental duty and responsibility to inculcate a formative political philsophy.

Are we citizens of the CNMI or the United States or of both? Decide!