We\u2019ve heard arguments on issues such as the call for \u201crenegotiation\u201d of the Covenant agreement. Folks with greater insight disagree with the view that our status is limited to the statutory nature or structure of U.S. Public Law 94-241. <\/p>\n
In short, inherent under the law is an agreement that must be followed. It sets apart the unique relationship we have with the feds governed by the agreement. It means the NMI isn\u2019t a territory of the U.S., though a part of it fostered under the agreement.<\/p>\n
It seems that a large part of the dysfunctional relationship is attributable to the habitual treatment of the CNMI as a territory. It\u2019s a tool used by the feds as a premise to move in unilaterally without resolutely dignifying pertinent provisions of the agreement. The distinction in our relationship is founded under the agreement. <\/p>\n
Kilili misses reading Nobamacare<\/p>\n
Troubling that our esteemed delegate has amazingly and consistently missed the mark as to be clueless on major federal policy matters. For instance, why would Kilili support the 906-page fraud-ridden Obamacare that raised health premiums here by 40 to 45 percent? Our share of deductibles has also increased, including another 40 percent spike in medication. <\/p>\n
The Medicaid cushion you\u2019ve asserted is another lie and you need to tread other delays under the law including equal coverage.<\/p>\n
While Kilili piles 40-plus percent on health premiums, the administration reduced pension pay by 25 percent for a total loss in buying power for ALL retirees by 65 percent. This doesn\u2019t include the impending food price increases and the every other full moon spike in power rates. <\/p>\n
Is misery in subterranean familial misery the halo of your accomplishment, Kilili? Is hardship imposed on retirees and employees your gift of scourge because you and your staff are exempt from Obamacare? <\/p>\n
Does your exemption grant you the cavalierly attitude to impose hardship on people you represent whose meager income have been so decimated since last year? Is this a reason for seeking re-election? Some perspicuous explanation (clearly stated) is in order!<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the right of citizens<\/p>\n
Now we send our young men and women to the frontlines of Afghanistan, fighting side-by-side with fellow soldiers whose rights are full while ours is subjugated in a non-voting delegate on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Aren\u2019t they in fact U.S. citizens? Where\u2019s the essence of the historic chime that \u201call men are created equal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, if Congressman George Miller is factually a staunch supporter of human rights, why hasn\u2019t he moved to convey to ALL U.S. citizens in territories and the CNMI their rights to equal representation in the most powerful chambers on Earth? The salient point is \u201ccitizen\u2019s rights\u201d even the founding fathers would support by a hundred-fold. Otherwise, it remains an ugly political scar that cements inequality in perpetuity. It has to be made equally applicable to all citizens forthwith!<\/p>\n
You need to critically review what\u2019s in the agreement and spirit by which you must defend it. Humiliating your success in Washington securing a reputation for the CNMI as a \u201cwelfare state.\u201d How about employing the culture of responsibility over \u201cfreebies?\u201d It\u2019s all about vision and mindfulness in forging the future of these isles for posterity, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
If you look with greater depth you would have learned and appreciated how our ancestors have swallowed the bitterest pill of humiliation and ruination handed down by colonial powers just to protect ownership and control of our destiny as permanent hosts of these isles. In other words, it\u2019s our origin in the founding of tradition in these islands that require an understanding and empathy on indigenous relationship with the land and sea.<\/p>\n
Aren\u2019t these issues worth fighting for in the U.S. House of Representatives? In other words, representation must focus on turning the economic foundation of these isles into one of stability in prosperity founded on anchor or lasting investments, not the cheap agenda to turn the islands and its people into a permanent welfare state. It means full representation that ensures citizens the real fruits of a democracy. Have you a vision that sees beyond the years?<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve missed the boat and therein you\u2019ll find the clear voice of indigenous discontent. Hell, even empires crumble!<\/p>\n
Failure at reading NMI radar<\/p>\n
The opportunity to realistically reset our buttons is here. It seems, however, we\u2019re back in the saddle of ma\u00f1ana, ignoring once more anchor investments already in the harbor.<\/p>\n
Remember the boom years when we had money rolling out our nostrils and ears or when every corner of paradise was smoldering with BBQ smoke?<\/p>\n
We could reignite the same fire, reining in lasting investment sitting lazily in the harbor. It only needs the agent of change\u2014local politicians\u2014frustratingly oblivious to the scent of investment opportunities. Shall we lift our fingers now or do you continue sinking the livelihood of our people deeper in misery land of abject poverty?<\/p>\n
The large needle on our radar screen has been spinning 24\/7 while objects of opportunities shift positions. Are we literally physically incapable of discerning what\u2019s in the NMI radar? Is this the deaf, mute and blind syndrome? <\/p>\n
* * *<\/p>\n
It should be understood that the CNMI is resource-poor. We only have a single industry that is at the mercy of financial and natural disasters of nearby Japan and Asian countries. We must work on anchor investments that would grant some sense of stability to the economic foundation of the CNMI up ahead. Anchor investment is what the CNMI needs today.
\nIf we ignore it, then give the CNMI another two decades before it buckles down to figuring out the fatal effects of its own self-inflicted negligence. By then it would be too late, as more of our simple villagers would be panting for air in the fatal sea of total economic destruction. It\u2019s in the palm of your hands. How about listening to a government \u201c\u2026by the people\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
[I]John DelRosario Jr. is a former publisher of the Saipan Tribune and a former secretary of the Department of Public Lands.[\/I]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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