Gauging preliminary ‘critical mass’

My former high school biology teacher, Mr. Roger N. Ludwick, presented a well-written and reasoned analysis about the missing links in leadership here. His viewpoint depicts what’s known in politics as “critical mass,” when an issue becomes so big among the electorate that it overwhelms them beyond exasperation, therefore the demand for change in “business as usual.”

Yes, the electorate demands for real change with crystal clear expressions of the severity of their economic lot ravaged by work-hour reductions as the cost of utility and other family obligations skyrocket quicker than their flat income could weather. The tsunami of change, though three meters tall, will eventually destroy the old tired and recycled order. It’s unstoppable!

Most importantly, this critical mass is an indictment of the less than stellar performance of incumbents in office—Covenant and Republicans—who have turned the future of posterity into hopelessness and apocalyptic economic devastation.

In short, the crippling effects of a devastated economy have been ingrained in their minds as critical mass to bring to the 2012 midterm election. In time, they’d converge and organize into a powerful group composed of independents, Democrats, disgruntled Republicans and Covenant. The recently established merger is basically a part of the ash heap of history—met sadly with heavy decibels of yawn and fodder for humor rather than affirmative accolades.

In a related matter, I recently had a very healthy discussion with a Ph.D. student from here who quizzed, “Sir, is there a planning commission that follows through approved socio-economic plans with intermittent refinement to ensure we attain certain goals as we move forward?” I had to politely explain that “planning” isn’t a forte of elected officials and that eventually such a commission would emerge by necessity.

It was a task answering fully informed questions from the young Ph.D. student who also asked, “Upon completion, what’s there for me when I return in two years to work here? Would there be job and opportunities for continuing professional development or would there really be a job for me in the first place? What about the future of other scholars who may never return because of the lack of real opportunities here?”

She’s very familiar (sighing) of the role of families in local politics that embraces the so-called culture of reluctance that simply retains the status quo. “There’s a lot to do to move our people and islands forward with real plans to forge a brighter future for our children. Otherwise, most of the bright ones will simply stay where they choose to across the country.” I sat there mentally paralyzed at the prospect of the brain drain at a time when we really need the leadership of our educated children.

We even came to discussing the paternalistic attitude of the federal government and how certain policies have ruined progressive economic strides. In large measure, it discouraged the real exercise of self-government and created uncertainty in terms of our future.

“When the community matures and is equipped with an educated elite, then the next level is to move the NMI beyond the colonial mindset it’s stuck in today.” I couldn’t agree more. The young kid is bright and has a vision of the future but it was profoundly embarrassing that I can’t say the same for our blurry eyed, recycled bunch on the hill.

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Politics: NMI’s largest industry

The pundits have started preliminary posturing with an array of repeat losers/advisers wearing the same brand shirt—blue. The anticipated fireworks in the merger between Covenant loyalists and Republicans were met with long and tired yawn and dissatisfaction from both camps. The Covenant remains intact and would field its own set of candidates next year. The grand sense of camaraderie direly needed to foster a good beginning is missing and a bad omen for what lies ahead.

It brings into focus the midterm election that comes around next year. It instantly translates into the re-election of incumbents whose fate would be determined by their performance (call it less than stellar or mediocre) and the result of their policies. Specifically, what are these policies and did it in fact make a difference in the pocketbooks of families throughout the NMI?

Was help extended to weather the horrendous cost of utilities, gasoline, and basic familial necessities? If so, can incumbents justify what these measures are and how did it help the working people you represent? Or are you wearing wool pullovers even at noon, unsure why the strange body chill?

That politics has once more returned as the largest industry here ought to make it easy for incumbents and their pundits to justify what exactly did they do individually and collectively to make life on these isles better for our people. Did you find ways to return the biweekly employees’ 80 hours? Or did you just decide to ignore it in hopes the administration finds some mystical and magical answers to cover for your inadequacies and glaring ineptitude? Or have you decided to parrot former governor Juan N. Babauta’s assessment that the “economy is pretty darn good?” Is it? Really? Can you point them out for all to see?

It’s the economy and how badly it has ruined the livelihood of families here. Yes, it is uppermost in the minds of the electorate. Most have seen the implant of real time “hardship” in their central vision. Unless you as an incumbent can change this vividly vicious icon in their minds, most of you won’t be returning to fill your warm seats on Capital Hill. People have simply and quietly decided against repeating history! Not this time around, folks.

Not when your inaction, indecisions and ineptitude are so eerily silent it’s deafening!