Fixation with boogeyman politics

Interesting how incoherence has blinded some of our esteemed senators into misrepresentation, i.e., Senator Pedro P. Reyes (Slow) saying US Senator Frank Murkowski won’t support any legislation that would strip the CNMI control of its labor and immigration.

Gee, that is the best tidings I’ve heard since 1993 on this issue IF it is a factual statement from Murkowski. Otherwise, it’s an assertion that falls short of the truth. And until Senator Slow produces documents that confirms his assertion, I’d believe it otherwise.

Logic dictates that if Senator Murkowski supports the CNMI’s position, he would have slammed the Senate bill sponsored by Senator Daniel Akaka to ensure the CNMI doesn’t suffer from economic annihilation. He didn’t. In fact, the Akaka bill was approved by the Senate earlier this year. Thanks to the Friends of the CNMI (Preston Gates), it’s dead on arrival at the door of the US House of Representatives. To mirror what you said versus that of Murkowski’s action just doesn’t go together, does it, Senator Slow?

Too, how despicable the prevailing view among several senators here that it is better to save $2 million in order to facilitate the loss of over $200 million in annual revenue.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern such mathematical anomaly even kindergarten kids could deduce with ease. Be that as it may, I still want to see an official letter from Murkowski confirming Senator Slow’s assertion.

Must reappoint public auditor

The term of the current Public Auditor Leo Lamotte expires in May of next year. The question is: Should he be reappointed by the governor for another term? The answer is YES!
Mr. Lamotte came to the job with extra ordinary credentials. He’s an attorney and a certified public accountant. Most importantly, he has upheld the independence of the office charged with ocular review of government expenditure.

The one unique aspect that is a rarity among other applicants is the fact that Lamotte is not in anyway associated with politics or bogged down with any influence that may compromise his independence.

He also has a law degree, a rarity that enables him to interpret local laws sought by, i.e., any and all bidders on huge government bids. So far, he’s demonstrated his impartiality and has rendered decisions premised on pertinent letter of applicable laws.

Yes, he may have bruised the fragile ego of politicos for his independency and in calling for accountability of taxpayers money. But he is simply reminding one and all that we can’t be negligent in the expenditure of public funds.

After all, building accountability in the expenditure of public funds is a substantive undertaking in our continuing efforts to refining our democratic institutions. Mr. Lamotte definitely deserves reappointment. It’s for the good of the CNMI government.

More biz closure

A week or so ago, I saw one of my favorite restaurants board its main entrance and windows. Then on my way home, I saw another grocery store permanently chain its main door, too. I was like: “Gee, so we haven’t hit rock bottom yet, right?”

I quizzed my son why the closure of more businesses as we head down the balance of the year. Said he: “It’s the Asian Crisis, dad!” I agreed with a third of what he uttered, but then I’m convinced that the greater crisis these days is one of leadership, specifically, the lack of it.

We have senators who are nimble at walking the quiet corridors of influence peddling to absolve a savior from alleged violation of laws, administratively. Then, there’s the issue of inviting the governor to deliver the State of the Commonwealth Address. They won’t affix their signature to a letter unless our White Knight in Washington is accorded the time to deliver his own address. On what? The infamous Franks bill that he didn’t see passing under his nose?

Is your Japan trip (for another barbecue) more important than getting together with the governor for real sashimi in all that you have failed to do to alleviate the continuing and deepening economic crisis?

Gee, you have problems setting priorities, yeah? No wonder the obvious incoherence that has translated into a legacy of hard economic times against the very people you promised to help, di ba?