Revisiting US obligations

Six years ago, the keynote speaker of this administration’s inaugural day reminded us of the U.S. obligation to the CNMI under the Covenant Agreement. It says in simple plain language that the U.S. shall “provide for a progressively higher standard of living” for the people of these isles.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that this obligation was never met even after 33 years. In fact, there emerged a woefully disappointing dysfunctional working relationship between the CNMI and the feds. The CNMI is economically doomed! But it doesn’t absolve it from owning up to its responsibility to strengthening our democratic institutions.

As the CNMI struggles to understand how to assemble and play with its complicated adult toy called self-government, the U.S. was busy imposing federal laws that simply compromise the very exercise of self-government. Perhaps Uncle Sam has pushed too many hasty rules that weren’t even part of the instruction booklet.

Some of the hastily imposed laws include the annual increase ($0.25 per year) on the federal minimum wage and takeover of immigration and labor, among others. The former sent major and small businesses slamming shutters on their door, the latter did the same given the prolonged uncertainty as more of their initial and return on investments were flushed out the floodgates of depletion. They simply dismantled and left. Net result? Economic annihilation!

The economic devastation is humongous. The CNMI once boasted an annual budget of about $256 million or more. Today, this figure has shrunk to $123 million, a huge decline. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the $123 million would further plummet to as low as $93 million next fiscal year that begins this October.

It’s surprising how the feds could simply demonstrate willful command and control ruthlessly if only to show local leadership it could compromise anything it wants, when it wants and how it wants, regardless of the consequences.

Perhaps decision makers across the Pacific could afford to impose their experiment with impunity given that they never had to live with it like we do in real-life situations. The DC Experts reminds me of President Obama’s council of economic advisors who saw their plans fail royally, yet they return to Harvard and other Ivy League schools in hopes of teaching how they’ve failed the U.S. government! Woe! Do you really wish to perpetuate failure? What about the fate of our country? What about our livelihood?

Interference via federal imposition of laws that obviously lack the thoughtful process instantly retards the actual exercise of self-government. These dictates have proven far more destructive than constructive specifically on the local economic front. Would Uncle Sam step up to the plate in concert with local leadership to begin an economic plan for the CNMI anew? Somehow, we must grow up and begin working to fostering a functional working relationship forthwith.

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The 200-mile EEZ is an issue worthy of exploring with the feds so ownership rests with the NMI. It may be irrelevant when viewed against Section One of the agreement, but it should equally be remembered that the sea around us has always been an inherent part of the local tradition and culture since time immemorial. Therefore, it must be returned to the islands.

There’s also a need for serious review of Section 805 of the agreement given that it literally amended the Bill of Rights under the U.S. Constitution. Must we not follow the supremacy of laws? It seems this is an overreach of authority by the U.S. Congress. No matter how you dice or splice it, it seems more so than not a violation of the U.S. Constitution on the property rights of citizens.

The craze to take over immigration is another show of federal arrogance that completely ignored that the greater issue in the exercise of self-government. As great our country may be, it wasn’t built overnight but over 200 years ago. Although the first principles have been upheld—therefore, its enduring effects—there are anomalous issues that were never clearly answered by the sacred document. Our indecisions may be lackadaisically addressed, if at all, but there are greater issues beyond the seeming experiment and unilateral decision to cripple the local economy.

Military use of Tinian never came into fruition for 33 years now. If the Pentagon has any definitive use of the land, then say so today! You can’t keep us second-guessing for the next three decades. It’s time for some final decision so we can plan our future with certainty.

The issue of congressional representation pits our rights as U.S. citizens to full representation versus the dictates that such is limited to the 50 states. At issue is the denial of our rights that is accorded only to citizens who live in one of the 50 states. This must be based on justice, not geographical residency.

Let’s join hands and start working. If nothing constructive materializes soon, then we’d be yawning from dawn to dusk, quizzing if anything has moved so we could tax it to death!

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There’s the dire need for local Republicans and Democrats to establish a sound networking relationship with state and national chief executives and lawmakers. Such a relationship is even more vital today than when the CNMI became a self-governing entity 33 years ago.

It opens up greater opportunities to work with state governors and legislators, including national lawmakers where we could quietly advance our wishes and aspirations. It also provides real-time opportunities to be in sync with the rest of the country.

Furthermore, a sound networking machinery effectively eliminates horrendous lobbyist fees we can ill afford. It puts our interest fully aligned on any and all issues affecting folks across the country. It makes it easier to communicate any and all concerns affecting all cities and towns between the Eastern Seaboard, West Coast and territories.

In fact, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce ought to do the same by establishing a networking relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It should explore how it could use the work of conservative foundations to research any and all issues on socio-economic programs based on thoroughly researched materials.

This ought to assist the Legislature put issues into perspective before they are drafted into legislation. Just a thought in hopes that we could foster some functional working relationships with DC and the entire business community across the country.

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