Dealing with unreliability

Government is unreliable in most instances. Said the late and highly respected economist Milton Friedman: “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there’d be a shortage of sand.” On the islands, we give our tax contributions to the local government in hopes of improving essential public services.

It has gotten worse and will continue to worsen for as long it spends our taxes with wasteful impunity. What then if bankruptcy engulfs the CNMI? We face the other side of the Pacific Divide and intone, “Our Father.”

****
[B] Promises, promises, promises[/B]

Ever listened to pointless verbiage spewing out of the mouths of disoriented politicians at a public forum? Through the years, I’ve met most of them as they nervously tidy up to head out to the campaign trail. Strange how many aren’t even sure of the role of policymaking but still forged ahead to satisfy their insatiable appetite for power. It’s all about power, nothing else!

Indeed, I’ve spent many years among king-making meetings, flushing out excess baggage while keeping the cream of the crop. Even in the final selection of the best, there’s one prominent feature among the troops: an attitude of superiority that fizzles instantly when cornered to explain issues or even their platform. What am I talking about? The obvious lack of understanding that robs them of believability and voter connectivity. And voters are wary of your statement, where you failed them, the failure to connect.

Admittedly, it’s hard staying focused when it’s your first time up on the mound. Like they say, it’s the loneliest place on earth; how true the stage fright that devours newcomers. Most end up listing down their “to do list” without explaining them. Leaving the stage dazed, the speaker forces a smile as the crowd slowly shakes its head in polite disbelief at the mumbles and stumbles the candidate just displayed, frightened to his wits.

One of the speakers retorted, “I asked you last night if my statement was coherent and simple and you said ‘yes.’” I shot back, “Sorry, the beer and sashimi was tastier than your ramblings.” He was bewildered by my reaction but told him to review his materials so he gets it second nature before he heads to the stage. As a veteran of the mike, I know what the neophytes go through other than don the aura of superficial VIP that fails to demonstrate their wares.

Sometime it’s fun introducing candidates if only to watch them roast themselves to oblivion. Seen it all and still maintain that the truth is far more instructive than all the vacuous platitudes and promises from the mouths of neophytes.

*****

There are politicians who are sharp with figures and use it to do various calculations. Others are fluid in crafting words to present their views. Still others lack both, though it’s strange that some ably made it to first base almost effortlessly.

The one who specializes in numbers crunching could actually analyze a budgetary package and see the fallacies and inconsistencies in the figures compiled by bureaucrats. They’d rip the pile of papers apart and demand for a more accurate accounting of figures.

The word crafting specialist could instantly detect the illogical explanation given by alleged experts and would pin them with follow-up questions until the experts wither in humiliation. They even listen to your diction and point out why the term is wrong, contextually.

It’s fun listening to the debate as the two go for the jugular. How pleasantly stunning the specifics pointed out and the recommended course of action. Most admirable is how the senior statesman approaches the wrongful presentation with maturity. It is here where you see razor sharp intellect dismantle controversial issues with a kid’s glove. I haven’t seen this in the Legislature here.

****
[I] Delrosario is a regular contributor to the [/I]Saipan Tribune’[I]s Opinion Section[/I]