Contest: Kilili vs Demapan

The race for the Washington Delegate Office involves a veteran (Gregorio C. Sablan or amiably known as Kilili) and newcomer Ignacia T. Demapan.

Kilili has been around the block and memorizes his friends and foes in the local political arena. He’s the more experienced warrior than his new nemesis, Demapan. Both are good folks whose packages-good and bad-we must open before Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The question is: Who’s endowed with greater fire in the belly to define representation of these isles in Washington? Is there philosophical and ideological differences in their views on entitlement programs or stifling regulations that create lordship as to derail the basic tenet of the “consent of the governed”?

Demapan could ably articulate her ideas and paradigms on the more substantive issues beyond securing Obama handouts to states and territories. I’m sure she’d sail smoothly in pinning educated discussion of relevant matters. She’s highly educated but hardly highly visible politically, an advantage Kilili enjoys today.

But Demapan also hails from a large family that was once active in politics. This should be a plus for her candidacy. I’ve heard her speak and relish her fluid ability in the rock solid articulation of issues. Refreshing! Perhaps, I must have been listening to political dinosaurs.

Furthermore, she would have to spread her wings and bring her ideas and articulate them sufficiently and convincingly to the voters when she heads out to the campaign trail. Only she could do this and answer all relevant questions. I’m sure she’d even bring some pleasant surprises for voters to think about as the election year heats up. She’s in control of a very sharp mind or intellectual acuity.

Being an issue-oriented person, it would be refreshing to see the two political matadors shake their booties on how they view the liberal progressive policies of the Obama administration. His agenda may seem attractive on entitlement programs, but aren’t they also the very vehicle that weakens the enthusiasm of folks across the country who actually believe in the stronger pillars of conservatism or personal freedom and industry? Let this be an introductory volley for the upcoming debates of the two giants.

Finally, there’s the concept of “equal rights,” which prompts the query: Have U.S. citizens on these isles been accorded the same rights as U.S. mainland citizens? I expect mature and fully rounded answers from both matadors.

* * *

Enduring fiscal colossus

Buddy Magoo insists that I keep my trap shut. He doesn’t want any noise “when the big boys are snoring” immediately after a huge bone soup lunch.

“You see, our leaders are resting after a long night of trumping their cards to find answers to our dry coffers,” he said, adding, “and they also drowned their frustration with lots of beer to ease their tired mind.”

“Perhaps they have answers after decades of skirting what’s known as ‘counterintuitive’ measures to ease the unintended consequences of feel-good policies,” said Marian Pindeha.

“Stop giving me terms that I don’t understand like ‘counterrespetik,’” complained Magoo.

“Pal, the term ‘counterintuitive’ simply means the more thoughtful measures leadership has purposely skipped for fear of making unpopular decisions,” she pointed out.

“Can you give me an example of what do you mean?” quizzed Magoo.

“Funding was overlooked for 32 long years by a homophobic bunch,” said Marian Pindeha.

“Eh, can we please speak simple Iñglis lai?” pleaded Magoo.

“The term simply means the guys had unjustified fear setting the issue right,” noted Maria.

“So the NMI is broke, how then do we return to the days of prosperity?” asked Magoo.

“Not for quite awhile, pal, for there remain issues we must resolve internally like policy matters capable of signaling to investors that the pillar of equal protection has a strong foundation already in place,” said Marian Pindeha.

“Eh, how long would that take?” asked Magoo.

“If you wake up your snoozing friends, we can start today, yeah?” adding, “a prolonged fiscal colossus is on its way, sleeping on the job isn’t an option,” said Ms. Pindeha.

* * *

Architects of ignorance

It’s factually correct that both Tinian and Rota never had what’s known in planning as the “basic infrastructure” (wealthy players) to support the local casino industry. We ask the same question: Does Saipan have at least a million wealthy folks who could dispose of their income to ascertain a sure-footed survival of the planned casino industry here?

Isn’t it true that a survey of Japanese tourists clearly indicates a preference deferring to the cultural essence of the NMI over casino? Why then would legislators flush or trash the cultural essence of the NMI in favor of superficial glitz and glamour?

Is this the depth of their view in addition to demonstrating specialty with foot-in-mouth? Why would you peddle tax mirage in a woefully bad business climate? Perhaps the bloviating ignoramuses from the Legislature can offer their infinite wisdom on these issues, di ba? No worries. I’ll pull your tail out so you could lamely show some sense of weak-kneed courage.

John DelRosario Jr. is a former publisher of the Saipan Tribune and a former secretary of the Department of Public Lands.