A New Deal for Better Times

I must say that I am impressed by the new approach to governing by our new Governor and Lt. Governor. The similarities to the New Deal of FDR and the new administration’s approach to governing are too striking to be ignored—whether purposely or by happenstance—so here it tis (tis is Ebonics for “is”).

– FDR was the first president to make the shift from being a party member to become the “party leader” just as our new Governor has clearly made the shift from a party member to become the party leader. In fact, the Governor took it a step further by creating his own party—a touch of greatness.

– Governor Fitial has made a wise decision to cross political lines in making appointments in an attempt to unite and political and social power which parallels FDR’s appointment approach.

– Now the Governor and Lt. Governor have consented to weekly radio interviews that will take place with Mr. Harry Blalock, which is a page out of the history books. FDR did his weekly fireside chats, which is also what catapulted him to become the “igniter in the forefront” of public opinion, as opposed to being the subject of public opinion. Kudos to the Governor and Lt. Governor for their willingness to be held accountable for their actions on a weekly basis and thank you Harry for your excellent reporting. Keep telling it like it tis.

– Another thing that caught my eye was the interest our Lt. Governor has shown toward social reform and the desire to address the unemployment among the indigenous people. If I recall correctly, social reform to create jobs was also a big part of FDR’s New Deal. The Lt. Governor is on the right track and I’m sure the youth graduating from high school appreciate what the Lt. Governor is trying to do because they are looking for some kind of employment reform that will allow them to get a good job above the minimum wage.

– The Governor is restructuring and consolidating the various agencies for better efficiency just as FDR did. He is already working on a 25 percent reduction for CUC that should eliminate the surcharge (I pray). But if our new Governor could come up with a “new and cheaper” power system for us like FDR did when he created the Tennessee Valley Authority to create hydroelectric power that now distributes power to several states, he would surely achieve greatness as a CNMI leader. A good start would be to get our Washington Rep to try and tap some of those billions the President has just assigned to “alternative power sources.” Maybe we should really look for alternative fuel sources if we want to make major improvements to our power situation, especially when the feds are willing to help.

Although I could see no correlation with FDR, I was very impressed with the Governor’s selection for his special legal adviser, Howard P. Willens, because if anyone knows the legalities of our relationship with the United States, it is Mr. Willens. But it’s obvious the Governor and Lt. Governor have done their homework. Come to think of it, I remember seeing then Speaker Fitial always taking notes whenever former Governor Babauta spoke in public and it shows from the many actions he is undertaking to correct the problems.

But speaking of greatness reminds me of how often I discuss FDR and his greatness with my students in U.S. Government. One of the main components for greatness is the fact that greatness requires an opportunity to be great and, given our state of affairs, there is a lot of opportunities for greatness. It is clear the Governor and Lt. Governor are in a position to be great by doing great things to change our degenerating economic status, which is the primary source of all the other problems we are facing. The Legislature is to be commended for their commitment to support the Governor and so should we all.

The Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s New Deal for Better Times is still in the horizon but at least we are out to sea and we must do all we can to support the new administration if we are to reach better times and we can only reach better times as “one people headed in one direction” or we don’t get there. It’s just that simple.

Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman High School