Strange events unfolding

It was a strange week with our ears filled with intersecting conversations among folks struggling to absorb mind-crashing events a bit sophisticated for the average citizen to understand. Those who understand the issues resorted to the rumbles and rhetoric of “ke sera” employing misguided compassion over the greater truths. I find this very troubling!

The Fitial commutation dominated the talk of the town followed by the silent fiscal temblor rumbling downstairs (creeping NMI bankruptcy) and the Puerto Rico bankruptcy where the Obama WH wasn’t so accommodating. It was all over the newspapers and teeny tubes. Nonetheless, we had front row seat watching the unseemly events as they came tumbling down the mountaintop.

So the impeached former governor won’t serve jail time. Does commutation mean his conviction stays as a matter of record, permanently? What’s the legitimate reason for the commutation? I fail to see any in the garbled, if not, redundant excuses listed by the governor. Constitutional authority doesn’t rise up to the level of legitimacy.

This isn’t leadership but political demagoguery! It’s intended to silence the social conscience. It’s a royal failure for it emboldens the silent majority to fight harder in the near term to restore a “government of laws.” Indeed, it’s a strange week in paradise.

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Kilili:I had the opportunity to meet with our Washington Delegate Kilili discussing issues of significance as it relates to future of the NMI heavily strangled in highly depressive economic condition. U.S. Immigration imposition to replace all CW workers by 2019 is an issue that must be dissected thoroughly to determine if it’s a realistic benchmark. I have my own doubts given the various huge projects now in the wings.

Kilili looks healthy though slowly recovering from back surgery. He still has his mental acuity intact and the ability to listen to his people. Listening is the most vital quality of leadership where you come to terms with the voice of your people. Like it or not the rapport founded on listening is woefully difficult to uproot once it has grown into a healthy tree in our garden of public disposition. I still see the fighting spirit in him. He’s learned to work caucuses in the U.S. House of Representatives to get our issues approved.

Our discussion was founded on commitment to try bringing the elected elite interested in the discussion of significant issues. I mean how could they miss their bus ride while standing at the bus station?

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Storms: You wonder if the hospital would ever be funded sufficiently for its operations. Immediately behind is the $30 million owed CUC to which funds to defray it seems woefully elusive. Or is it the lack of funds in the coffers that has sent city hall reeling for money it doesn’t have at this juncture? Are there options under such persistent fiscal crisis? Do the guys and gals have the coconuts to do something constructive to reduce the beastly debts?

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Bien Biahe Sen. HQ Guerrero

Former senator Herman Q. Guerrero, one of the few policymakers with lasting influence in the initial development of our constitutional government, has died.

Amiably known as “Eru`” he was one of my former bosses when we were still a part of the Congress of Micronesia under the old TTG. A policymaker of distinction known for his sturdy “voice of reason,” Guerrero served as a member of the COM Committee on Law of the Sea. He also served as member of the NMI political status commission and Marians Constitutional Convention.

He was highly intelligent, calm, humble, mindful, compassionate, and a man of integrity. He’s one policymaker who thoroughly reviews substantive materials and prepares his own fully thought-out views. He went about his work with ultra-sense of humility employing reason in his review of issues. I relish his calm and collected disposition on significant matters of state.

The lasting impression was his ability to pen his own letters with rationality. He was my sole inspiration on the power of the pen. And for all the serious work he had to face daily, he never lost his sense of humor. He made our hectic days in the office a pleasantry. It was a distinct privilege and pleasure working with him. His demeanor and disposition as a public servant is indeed a leader to emulate.

Eru` was a pioneer in the group that worked the eventual approval of the Covenant Agreement with the U.S. Congress and President Ford. For your lasting contributions to the people of the NMI Si Yuus Maase` yan Ghilisow! We will remember you and your family in our thoughts and prayers throughout the week. Bien biahe!