\u201cSilence\u201d is a word I consider a partner, 24\/7. I\u2019m usually engulfed in it at dawn in prayers. With my first cup of coffee and nicotine fit, it\u2019s time to begin perusing materials on the internet.<\/p>\n
In calm, I could feel the pulse of our community in these pearly isles. It\u2019s woefully quiet, though, beyond kids walking to school and folks heading to work. It\u2019s great the island felicitation wherever we meet. Buenas! It\u2019s another day in paradise!<\/p>\n
Exit<\/strong><\/p>\n One recent phenomenon I find especially troubling is the \u201csilent\u201d exit of Nippon investments from the islands in recent past. There\u2019s also the Marpi land vacated by Nippon investors recently. It probably is the last large Nippon business venue.<\/p>\n The elected elite seemed aloof or indifferent about it or its implications. It pertains to the future wellbeing of our people. Is this why the apparent indifference from Da Hills of Saipan or is it a case of being clueless what just happened?<\/p>\n Had we employed depth of perception and humility we could have turned their presence into a lasting partnership. It should lead to building lasting investments and a prosperous economy. But we were arrogant and aloof and left everything to deteriorate to our demise. Where then do we go with major economic contraction beyond intoning the sorrowful \u201cque sera?\u201d<\/p>\n Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve heard the quiet voice of nearly 15-thousand employees earning poverty income wages and salaries. You instantly defer to the quality of life at home as they struggle to make it through another day. Have you heard this or \u201cnot yet, already?\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s a daily hardship often met with quiet cringes of frustration by parents that can\u2019t buy their kids\u2019 needs in order to attend class or live in common decency.<\/p>\n Economic contraction translates into far less for far more, financially. Have Da Boysis done their homework to figure out the beast? <\/p>\n History<\/strong><\/p>\n With Nippon investments gone past Managaha Island what else is there beyond looking intelligently disoriented and ignorant? The elected elite can\u2019t treat the issue as a fly by cotton ball. It\u2019s about the quality of life at home!<\/p>\n What\u2019s our future under current economic scenario? Or is there a plan to reboot investments? If so, what are those plans and are they realistic? <\/p>\n Understood that we never had ancestral entrepreneurship in private industry. But times have changed and it is fitting that we move into small business ventures for our livelihood.<\/p>\n But with Nippon investments being history is there hope of rebuilding upon deepening economic stagnancy? We need permanency on this score thus the fitting view that we invest in our own people, specifically, small business ventures.<\/p>\n Income<\/strong><\/p>\n Per federal law, poverty income is between $15-K to $42-K per year. Most employees here are in the $15-$18-K income category especially on Tinian and Rota. But all must endure the high cost of living in this archipelago.<\/p>\n With such lowly income, puzzling how families have endured imposition of inadequacies while struggling to meet basic needs. Perhaps our savings grace has been and still is our powerful culture of \u201csharing\u201d among ourselves. <\/p>\n The island culture of filial generosity eases hardship through thick and thin. Yes, sharing half a chicken could feed a family of 16. I know for I\u2019ve been a beneficiary of it many years ago.<\/p>\n Take income beyond nutritional needs into other basic obligations and it instantly fizzles. We\u2019re fortunate for Medicare and Medicaid lest most would simply stay home (though seriously ill) rather than chance embarrassment unable to pay for the high cost of healthcare. <\/p>\n The answer is in a healthy economy where new money provides for business operations and employment. <\/p>\n Taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n A plan to impose (by simple transfer of additional taxes) on \u201cforeign-owned\u201d small business here is both racist and humiliatingly immature. Each works the clock to generate revenue. Why saddle them with more than their share of taxes by sparing locals from the same obligation?<\/p>\n Moreover, why the brave assertion that it\u2019s better \u201cthem\u201d than \u201cour own people\u201d. Since when is taxation limited to ethnicity? It\u2019s a racist and bigoted plan that is a perfect invitation for an embarrassing litigation. Nah! All must pay taxes regardless. Ethnic targeting on taxes is simply unconstitutional! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cSilence\u201d is a word I consider a partner, 24\/7. 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