Chicken Little….

Well now, isn’t this just too interesting? Seems that some didactic fairy tales, fables and children’s stories may be coming true right here in the CNMI!

What was it that some of our writers and speakers have been preaching for the last year or two? People like, Harry, Gonzalo, Jack T., Doc Jesus, Nicolas, Juanita, both editors of our daily newspapers and a few other well versed ladies and gents, just to mention a few. But have ANY of our “leaders” ever harkened to even the slightest bark, woof or bay? Nary a one, so it appears! But alas!, a voice is rising. Why…is that Chicken Little’s voice I hear resounding out of the depths of the halls on high?

“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” he told the king! And all because no less than 108 venerable U. S. congressmen have proposed identical bills in the U.S. House and Senate that suddenly have become the harbinger of disaster to the CNMI. Four or five years ago, Congress was just about ready to “federalize” the CNMI. They were persuaded to back off and, in my opinion, primarily because of the portent of a “new era” in government to be ushered in by a highly touted John Babauta. We HAD our chance three years ago—but it flew out the window along with just about every single campaign promise and platform plank it was all based on (see Jack T.’s January 2003 letter). Sure, I too voted for the man, because the potential was there. However, within a year, it became apparent that this was going to be just another attempted “ride to glory” for the power-hungry, the corrupt, the iniquitous, the immoral, the special interests and all on the back of an ever hopeful citizenry.

So, the voices began to speak out—on the radio and in the papers—but no one listened….EXCEPT perhaps the U. S. Congress. In fact, some of those inquisitive voices (Harry?) were proscribed from briefings, meetings and even certain properties! Now I don’t know if all this is mere coincidence or if Congress really has been listening, but it is becoming ever more clear that our officials’ bungling self-interests and nepotistic appointments are eventually going to result in just what so many of us have been warning about in the last two years: federalization! It’s all about an administration that has not only thrown out its initial promise, but has yet to produce a single iota of useful policy; a Legislature that apparently (as yet) couldn’t write a decent piece of significant legislation if it were handed down on stone tablets; an Executive Branch that hasn’t been able to tender a single step toward long term financial recovery.

Oh, I almost forgot: Someone wants to float a bond for $100M and pay off the debt! But in typical fashion, wants to use 20 years of FUTURE promised federal money to pay it back—money that is supposed to benefit the people of the CNMI. So that “new” money won’t be there and not one single thought is being given to how we need to restructure our system to pay for our needs or to prevent the same humongous debt from building again—even faster! A debt that now totals (as if we actually know the real total!) a whopping $4,000 for every man, woman and child of the CNMI—more than any other per capita national debt anywhere in the world! Now here’s the really scary part: It’s not even owed to somebody else, it’s owed to OURSELVES!

A few weeks ago, the Governor gave us a highly upbeat “State-of-the-CNMI” speech – full of past glory and future promise. But was it really bona fide or only so much claptrap designed to mollify the doubters and disguise the fester? Are the majority of citizens better off today than they were three years ago? Are there any useful proposals from this governor that promise to turn us toward the light? How many times have we seen “his” picture in the local papers? Hundreds, perhaps. And 90 percent of them have been a snapshot made while signing some “proclamation” to declare yet another day, week or month for some special event—and all the while wearing an ear to ear grin under an ever-present mwar-mwar! I’m beginning to wonder just what that “grin” is all about, ‘cause I sure don’t see many of the people around me wearin’ that “grin.”

Well, there is at least ONE promising spot in the CNMI—and I’m not saying this just because I happen to live on Tinian. But, compare some things: Tinian has potable, high grade, pressurized water everywhere it’s needed or wanted 24/7. Do you? Tinian has a non-polluting state-of-the-art power plant and distribution system that puts dependable power everywhere its’ needed or wanted 24/7. Do you? The entire island is in complete compliance (or soon will be) with EVERY single major EPA or DEQ environmental requirement. Are you? The Tinian municipality is able to assist most everyone who needs off-island medical treatment with supplemental transportation and per diem. Can you?

I’m convinced that there are a sufficient number of good, honest, ethical and knowledgeable people here in the CNMI who know what needs to be done and how to do it. Problem is, none of them are in government service and those that are just don’t want to hear anything from those that know! Could the reason be that IF things were done right—ethically, honestly, openly and with reason and thought—it just might contravene the personal power and fortune so vehemently hoarded by some? All those writers and speakers I mentioned in the first paragraph have espoused upon or allegorically tippy-toed through the swamp—and all, including myself, have fallen on deaf ears. Well, maybe it’s time to pay the piper, so to those in power who would cry about the sky falling: Don’t bother, it’s too late. The rest of the upright, honest, hard working, conscientious and ethical people who are left standing will pick up the pieces and go forward while leaving the “Chicken Littles” relegated back to the coop!

Dr. Thomas D. Arkle Jr.
San Jose, Tinian