Random ruminations

Candidates vying for the non-voting delegate’s post this November had the opportunity to show their stuff at a forum sponsored by the Kagman Community. Only a few had the courage to speak their minds on issues of substance. Most others docked behind the fantasyland of ambiguity to avoid real scrutiny.

Yes, I am pleasantly surprised at the view expressed by Mr. John Davis discouraging more handouts from Uncle Sam. Perhaps my pleasure is founded on the fact that I am issue-oriented. The federalization issue is a sure ticket to making every Tom, Dick and Harry here totally dependent on handouts from Uncle Sam. Whatever happened to personal dignity?

Definitely, I support the view that a non-voting delegate must be capable of understanding substantive issues, know with clarity the sentiments of his people and capable of articulating them in Washington’s heavy political jungle fighting. But this must begin with clarity of understanding of the nature of the Covenant Agreement, especially as it relates to indigenous rights to self-government. If this issue isn’t anywhere near your heart, it’s time to throw out the baby and the bathtub, too.

You don’t need a bag of tricks; just a real commitment to protecting the rights of our people to be self-governing as guaranteed to the Commonwealth under the Agreement. The federal government’s agenda is obvious: suffocate what’s left of the economy as to eventually rob the CNMI of its economic future. It isn’t anything new and they’d do anything to ruin what’s ours until every wave in our waters falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Be that as it may, I will speak with dignity on any substantive issues affecting the livelihood of our people.

Democracy is the best form of government, but the most difficult to see through given the differing views of citizenry on most major issues. But where our fate matters, we all must put aside what divides us and come together into a single page and do what is right for posterity. Isn’t this the prime reason we’re here on their behalf?

Anyone is free to hurl unfounded information about this group. Perhaps our dissenting and imbecile friends have run out of tricks to sustain relevancy or make it to the pages of the newspapers. And not when this certain “other” group has dilly-dallied with bigotry. Excuse me, it isn’t my cup of tea and it shows your character in full view that leaves much to be desired. But go ahead and keep raging and ranting, especially on breezeless days.

I joined this group transcending my personal political persuasion in that there’s a lot of serious issues to undertake to assist our people see brighter days ahead. It includes non-political matters such as education, health, cultural traditions, and first family home, among others. A lot of exploratory research work awaits this group so accusations of being political are but nonsense, solely the purview of people embracing immaturity as their hard-earned trophy. Perhaps our “other” friends need to find out which grocery store sells special toothpaste to rid their filthy mouth of that very unpleasant morning odor.

The U.S. Congress has until Saturday (our time) to approve or disapprove the request by President Bush for a $700 billion bailout for the financial sector on Wall Street. It’s a difficult feat trying to sift through the package in hopes of rescuing financing companies on Wall Street without unduly burdening the taxpayers out on Main Street.

What I find very thought provoking in this debate is the question raised by conservatives: If we grant the $700 billion rescue package, would there be an economy capable of generating revenues to repay what’s given bankrupt financing companies? Would the rescue package include paying CEOs (who made millions while simultaneously driving their companies to the ground) as gratis? Would the U.S. Congress buy into providing subsidies to these CEOs—sort of food stamps coupons—for running their companies into total bankruptcy?

Bush’s top financial gurus are saying time is of the essence. Well, they must show conservatives better financial recovery plans over iffy words in U.S. congressional hearings. I know that Wall Street’s financing firms serve as the engine of the economy. But isn’t there an equally large company who worked diligently to get itself out of the financial mess without a rescues package from Uncle Sam? Shouldn’t its rebound be lessons to review to ascertain that taxpayers across the land aren’t burdened by failed CEOs with deep pockets before the bankruptcies?

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[I] John S. DelRosario is the Secretary of the Department of Public Lands.[/I]