Calling on Secretary Salas

Your arrogance in seeking the assistance of the public auditor calling for an investigation of the Army and Air Force Exchange System troop store within the United States Army Reserve compound is uncalled for! You even went so far as to offer to intercede to the federal government, under the collar of your office, for an investigation.

Your action to call for an audit from the state (local) government, in my personal opinion, is cowardly, unpatriotic and downright hypocritical. It is my hope that all family members, veterans and retirees, and especially those who wear the uniform join me in taking a stance against your actions. It appears that during an election year, your unsolicited actions are a sequel in crucifying AAFES shoppers. During your two years in office as a Representative, not once have you spoken about your “concerns”. One is left to wonder where Pacific Trading Co. enters the picture here.

We have continually been victimized by your clumsy attempts at a “balance” while crying unfair competition for retailers. Frankly, we are tired of your nuisance.

Generally, our military pay is far less than that of civilian counterparts. Just ask a soldier with the rank of private! Our privileges, be it the Exchange or Commissary, are a part of our non-pay benefit for this reason. However, I do not expect you to understand this unfair competition, as you yourself have never had to put up with the extreme hardship (mental, physical and emotional) of preparing for war or uncommon weather conditions while trying to hone your skills at defending the freedom of innocent people, yourself included!

Out of your arrogance (emphasis added), the AAFES Committee members have met with you on a few occasions to hear your concerns. Although not required to do so, they listened! They have positively responded to your concerns by implementing more stringent control measures than ever before. In spite of everything said and done, you have failed to realize the potential sufferings caused to us at the bottom of the ranks, who must rely on our earned privileges to support our families in today’s economy.

Incidentally, the governor is vigorously trying to establish a National Guard in the Marianas, while you are trying to sabotage those efforts by meddling in affairs you know nothing about! I am confident that the National Guard will look at your meddling in a negative manner. Mark my words, because of your political interference, the National Guard will not be established here anytime soon. You can count on it.

Your previous claim that 500 hundred privileged shoppers buy 70,000 cases of beer per year shows how ignorant you are. Using your “stats”, let’s figure it out: 70,000 cases of beer divided by 500 shoppers divided by 52 weeks per year, comes to approximately 2.7 cases of beer per shopper, per week. Alarming, I think not! Check the math, Andrew! I know people who can easily handle 2.7 cases of beer per day!

You have declared war against us! We are prepared to defend and protect our rights and privileges! This is yet another example of big government talking of support of our troops when in fact their actions speak volumes in opposition!

Cathy Benavente
Saipan