“Special Interests”? Yes and No but hardly so.

Before we delve into the issue of “special interests,” as the term is currently used in political circles, usually to smear the opposition, we need to define our terms. Specifically, we need to define what we mean by the word “special,” since the word “interest” or “interests,” in the plural case, is rather straightforward and not particularly subject to confusion or dispute.

When we say that something is special, we could mean either of two things. First, we could mean that the thing is rather particular, distinct, or exclusive. Or, second, we could mean that the thing is rather exceptional or important. Of course, in some cases, “special” could mean both “particular” and “exceptional.” But that would be a “special” case.

Now having said all of that, let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: A few unscrupulous political opportunists have maliciously linked a prominent political candidate with certain “special interests.” Instead of debating the real issues with facts and reason, these conspiracy theorists would much rather level baseless accusations at a promising gubernatorial candidate, hoping that the general public will be too ignorant to see through their wicked ploys.

These political operatives will stop at nothing to discredit the new political party and the man at its helm. They think that they can instantly destroy this candidate’s credibility by simply uttering these two magic words: “special interests.”

Well, it just isn’t so. The candidate linked to certain vital segments of the business community is not out to protect the interests of any one businessman; on the contrary, he is out to protect the mCNMI’s entire economy. And it just so happens that a substantial segment of our economy is made possible through a particular and exceptional–well, special–industry.

Make no mistake about it: The garment industry is not out to penalize anyone. It is not out to close down any business or inflict any harm upon the community. The garment industry is no different from the tourism industry in this particular sense: It wants what is best for our economy. It wants local control and local self-government. It wants economic prosperity. It wants democracy.

The garment industry has no special interests in the sense that what it ultimately wants is what nearly all of us want: a thriving, healthy, vibrant local economy. This is not a particularly special (distinct) interest. This is in the best interests of all of us. This is a common interest for all but the most ideologically insane.

So, in one sense, the garment industry has no special interests (in the sense of particular). It wants pretty much what all of us want: a good investment climate, a revived economy, opportunity. On the other hand, the interest that it does have in the continued viability of the CNMI economy is rather special (in the sense of exceptional). So it is a special interest depending on what we mean by the word special. But it is not “special” in the derogatory and libelous way its detractors understand the word.

Strictly a personal view. Charles Reyes Jr. is a regular columnist of Saipan Tribune. Mr. Reyes may be reached at charlesraves@hotmail.com