Dem’s standard-bearer

The NMI Democratic Party has selected former Senate president Joseph S. Inos as its gubernatorial standard bearer. Inos runs against incumbent Gov. Ralph Torres.

The Inos selection triggered apoplexy and disorientation among GOP pundits. GOP water has since been anything but calm, what with the unexpected emergence of a giant across the horizon that sent the contest into a vicious tailspin. Another giant is emerging right behind Inos who would make the gubernatorial race halfway complete toward the goal post.

With the right partner, Inos can turn into a powerful opposition capable of upsetting the GOP’s apple cart in grand slam fashion. Don’t fret, it’s just an observation. But why am I hearing the raucous echo of a powerful tidal shift? Is it the strength of intuition of an impending political eruption?

The political narrative is on the side of Democrats. But it can’t take things for granted, given that the incumbent has the resources to move his own agenda forward, singing You Are My Sunshine. It’s all up to Democrats to turn the tune to Red Sails in the Sunset.

When each side settles on an agenda, the balance in deciding this year’s election is how well it spreads it message among villagers. Any sentient person would want to pry open the two packages to find out which one has provisions even for stormy, rainy days.

Realistically, Inos has stronger experience in governmental affairs and superbly keen and articulate on NMI issues. This is what he brings to the table. They are qualities Torres may not be endowed with, thus the need to play catch-up from the get-go.

Personally, I yearn for well-reasoned set of plans that could be translated into public policies. Indecision on the CW issue turns problematic, e.g., use of the economy as a subterfuge or cover to prolong the program to the detriment of jobless locals. It leaves at the feet of policymakers the query: Whose interest are you representing?

Gubernatorial contenders should know that the NMI must return home to itself to see, with renewed spirit, where redundant and failed paradigms have piled up against the fate of our people. Honing failed paradigms or old unworkable approaches is a tale of complacency. This definitely doesn’t even merit casual acquiescence. And if your ideas are outmoded, please pigeonhole them where the sun doesn’t shine!

Casino: Recently, another casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was sold primarily because of revenue decline or losses. This was the effect of other casinos built in recent years in adjoining states. It lured players away from Atlantic City, thus the revenue loss.

On a comparative basis, the casino business here has its natural competitors in nearby Asian countries that are far more equipped in this industry than the NMI.

Macau, the casino mecca of the region, has some 30 casinos. Manila has 16, South Korea, 10; economically well-heeled Singapore has two; one each in Malaysia and Hong Kong, and two in China. Then there’s the pending plan to build at least two big ones in Osaka and Yokohama, though this was met with heavy opposition.

Each country has laws, rules, and regulations governing taxes where winners must pay on a graduated basis. Moreover, the casino pays its share to the local government the amount based on gross gaming revenue. So there’s the legal firewall to ensure income taxes are paid! We don’t tax the casino here, right? Is there a law governing tax deductions for players who win big?

Across the country in casino land, the federal government taxes gambling winnings at the highest rates allowed. This is also true for many states and even cities that impose income taxes on their residents. If you make enough money in a high-tax state like California or New York, the top tax bracket is about 50 percent. Out of every additional dollar you take in, through work or play, governments take 50 cents.

Wish I could be optimistic of big time revenue generation but must settle for the casino business here devolving into a small component of the tourism industry down the stretch. Someday soon we should tax this business but it takes fiscally responsible policymakers to descend on this fiduciary duty. Da Boysis are too busy cozying to their grand daddy!

Now, if casino revenue goes Deep South or turns belly up, does the Torres have a back up plan? If so, would you like to share it with us?

Digital: Kilili has made available some 3,000 iPads to NMI students and more of it is coming in the near term. It reminded me of my introduction to laptops and the Internet by my late brother Frank more than three decades ago.

I looked at it, pushed it aside, and played some more with my brand new Selectric typewriter. I finally learned its use including the tons of information available on the internet and the ability to write and rewrite my materials, the ease forwarding it directly to the editor via email that saves me gas and eliminates the clerk omitting a word or phrase retyping my stuff.

As the NMI settles into the digital age, it should serve our people well, including medical consultation and medication without going to the clinic or hospital, consultation with teachers for student performance, and access to other agencies for vital information.

Technology is so advanced they now have a device that tells you your blood pressure, sugar level, etc. In fact, there are shopping malls that have implemented what’s known as “Carry N` Go”. In other words, you select items and walk out the door. The cost of items you’ve picked shows up in your phone that you must subsequently pay before their due date.