Get off scot-free
Former attorney general Edward Buckingham came to answer the allegations while he was the CNMI attorney general. The sentence has been handed down.
I am a little confused. He got off free because there is no imposed punishment except in paper—all suspended.
This sends a message. To me, it is alright to do wrong as a government high official. As an official, you get a slap on the wrist and go free. What will prevent other high officials from doing wrong, to do the same things that Buckingham did or even worse?
The CNMI citizens are left with nothing; nothing seems to be protected. Any high government official who is inclined to do wrong can do so. After all, there is no punishment, just a slap on the wrist. This place is a haven for people who can be high government officials—they can never do wrong that will merit punishment.
Fe Y. Calixterio
Fina Sisu, Saipan
