It should matter to all!
It matters to me the simple lives of folks in this archipelago, the resiliency of our ancestors perpetuating our peoplehood through shifts in colonial powers, the sheer beauty of these isles; the corrupt disposition of major policy matters ignoring “we the people”; the deteriorating health of the indigenous folks; and the uncertainty of our future amidst persistent fiscal crisis and how it would make it harder for the simple folks to increase their quality of life.
It matters to me the quality of instructions in our public schools, progress at NMC; increase in various forms of cancer among young people; increase in dialysis and heart patients; gradual loss of cultural traditions; the economy tanking to an all-time low; future of renewable energy that would reduce power rates politicians have missed by oceans apart; how much more would health premiums increase; and what lies ahead in the Nov. 4 general elections.
These are some issues that have engaged my attention, kept my mind awake even at night. Or allow pausing for a minute or so, enjoy some moments of graceful laughter or something or other. Some issues needed research or reading up mega-analysis or concepts to secure clarity of understanding or probe where global investments go that skipped these isles from nearby countries. What have we done wrong? Are we aware of our egregious misgivings and have we reset our buttons?
I could have entered politics given its capacity to mold policies that enhance the livelihood of the multitude. But I opted to guard the uneven turf of this venue where the unruly or those who have lost their true north plunder the livelihood of the multitude. It matters to me that issues are presented so readers could draw their own conclusions. In the end it undoubtedly commanded use of my pen to present a viewpoint. No regrets!
Ungrateful: Recalled in the early ’70s the first PanAm flight from Tokyo with just over 200 Japanese visitors. It comprised friends who lived here before World War II. Many of them kissed the tarmac upon setting foot for the first time since repatriation prior to the hostilities.
This was “home” for many of them who were born and lived on the islands alongside our very own. It is indelibly embedded in their minds. There were tears of joy! It was through these ambassadors that the Land of the Rising Sun pioneered tourism here. Why the adolescent attitude to now trash investments from the Land of the Rising Sun? What a bunch of dimwits!
Doomed! I’m reminded of days in recent past when JAL would arrive in the afternoon and leave in the evening. Those were the boom years. JAL and other major Japanese investments have taken to the jet ways. It has stopped flying, including Continental Airlines! Didn’t know we have the special ability to roll out the carpet of doomsday. Well, here we are, struggling in the filthy swamp of economic dystopia—where nothing works—quizzing what went wrong. It must be self-denial in perpetuity!
Economy: We once had a bustling and thriving economy with an annual budget of $256 million that’s now reduced to $135 million. The shift is hard where we’ve basically turned into a ghost town. It would be very hard finding funds to pay for public services beyond the settlement fund and PSS. We owe CUC $23 million in utilities but can’t find the money for it; CHC needs at least $42 million for operations, among other obligations. Troubling!
Infrastructure: It’s the economic arteries and veins of major investments. It deals with roads, seaport, airport, power lines, and underground cables for communications that enable people, goods, commodities, water, energy and information to move about efficiently.
Without it, everything comes to a screeching halt, e.g., casino industry to which no land has yet been selected for such a development. Moreover, no matter where it is eventually situated, is there the requisite infrastructure to enable its construction and eventual operations?
As it is, it seems fashionable to place the horse before the cart in hopes the former finds its rightful place so things begin moving. It goes to show the lack of planning where due diligence is done to do justice to projects of such magnitude.
Oversight: Plans to conduct an oversight into the evolving Marpi land controversy would seem to be a bit premature. The lease isn’t due for review until 2019. It should be clear too that the current legislature can’t commit future legislatures on matters only it could dispose, e.g., 20th Legislature. Now, did DPL commit an infraction warranting an oversight? Nah! It makes it all the reason to hold back your horses before they take off the ranch.
Land comp: Before I left DPL, I submitted to the NMI Supreme Court a certified question on the use of “segregated funds” of the agency for land compensation. The court says it can’t and basically upholds that after subtraction of “administrative cost,” the balance is remitted to MPLT for investment. Pertinent constitutional provisions prohibit legislative appropriations of “segregated” funds, pure and simple!
Power bills: Politicians had 10 years to resolve the high power bills everybody’s slammed with today. But most end up in the shallows of political immaturity like there’s no tomorrow. Now they’re struggling to find out how to answer voters who are saying, “Our power bills are even higher today.” Sayu? While at it, did they lift a finger to resolve the 40-percent increase in health premium and $500 to $1,000 deductibles, the latter we pay at CHC when seeking medical attention?
Warped view: Legislators want the public to participate and know the entire nine yards on the planned use of Pagan. But they failed “we the people” on this score on the casino bill. If only they pull their heads out of the sand then and only then would they ably figure out “what’s north.” Voters are not ignorant of your shenanigans. We’re lovin’ it!
Mr. John, I, and maybe others do applaud your voice. It does seem sometimes, that your message is lost within the shear volume of words used. Would it be succinct enough to simply state that there is no informed leadership and that there is no more money?
Failures are in large supply, where the need for actual good deeds remains woefully undermanned. Many could look into a mirror and find something lacking. This truly is the sea change required for any kind of future, is it not? Look inward and see something that even others will find good and worth having.
Those that can do. Those unwilling or just can’t, talk a lot.
John, I agree often with much of what you write, but I don’t agree with the sentiment that our politicians should be relied upon for all of the solutions to today’s problems. Politicians are not going to be able to reduce power, shipping, or health insurance costs. These things, though none of them will admit it, are largely the result of market forces far outside of the CNMI, yet I’d say more than half of the election year rhetoric focuses on finding people within the CNMI to blame for them. This is nothing more than spinning our wheels, getting nowhere in the process! Politicians anywhere are ill-equipped to tackle technical subjects like these, and even more so in the CNMI where many of our legislators, for example, aren’t even college educated. The politicians need to focus on those things that they can change – the laws and decisions that directly affect outside investment. Things like the tax structure and the stability of the government’s finances (as in, are all the bills being paid????). You are right to point out the Marianas Resort lease as one of these critical issues. Likewise, investment in infrastructure is huge – did anyone other than me notice how much Guam’s tourism improved after their huge investment in roadways, sidewalks, and underground utilities along Tumon Bay starting in the late 1990s? If any of these politicians were smart enough to focus on these issues, and explain what they will be doing to bring in the additional revenue to fund them, they’d have my vote. But instead all we get is false proclamations of having all the technical answers (impossible!) and wallowing in the mud pit of blame, blame, and blame, which doesn’t solve anything but unfortunately seems to get the votes (and the attention of many reporters and column writers).
JR maintains the view that policymakers are supposed to know their technical materials for purposes of clarity and articulation. Ignorance is never an excuse. You’re talking public policy!
That’s a sure-fire recipe for bad decision making. Policymakers can’t know everything anymore than they can know how to perform brain surgery. A truly wise leader will surround himself with experts on the issue to advise him. Instead, what we have here in the CNMI are politicians who surround themselves with other politicians and washed-up TT hacks with no relevant education or experience. THAT is what has gotten us to where we are, and is keeping us there. We need wisdom, not know-it-all-ness.
JR agrees with you, but do they know how to surround themselves with experts beyond their cheap ties?