More thoughts on casino bill

I have a few more questions and comments regarding this rushed Casino bill. The implications scare me.
-Why does it have to be rushed through?

-Is this process a demonstration of acting responsible or desperate?

-Can’t our leaders take a deep breath and consider the unforeseen consequences.

-Why can’t a well thought out plan be voted on AGAIN by the people?

-Are you afraid the people won’t support it?

-Who are the EXPERTS on casinos that are being consulted?

-If not, why not?

For that matter: TRANSPARENCY

-ARE WE, THE CNMI, WILLING TO BE UNWITTING ACCOMPLICES TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES?

-Which leaders went to Macau?

-Who paid for the trip?

-How long were they gone?

-What did they do for the time they were there?

-Who did they meet with?

-Who is this investor?

-What do they know about the investor?

-What do our leaders get out of it?

-Who did the background checks on the investor?

-What promises were made to our leaders?

-What promises were made to the investors?

-Will the CNMI really come out ahead? Or will more dollars take flight?

-Do our leaders consider how the people view them when they cut back room deals?

-Should this be investigated by law enforcement?

Many more questions need to be asked because the way it is being done. It just doesn’t make since. The people do question the integrity of each lawmaker that is pushing this bill through. We wonder what is in it for you. Lawmakers, you should expect and demand the public question and scrutinize you. Be humble and open to the questions and concerns. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know and need to seek sound advice and study the issue more thoroughly.

Governor, I plead with you to veto the bill and put it to the people. Please don’t fall into this trap. Be strong and lead us. Don’t fall to the pressure and propaganda that this bill will save us. Do it right. If we are going this direction, make sure the investors are clean and legitimate. Don’t unknowingly invite organized crime into the CNMI. You just might be if there hasn’t been background checks and evaluation of the company and those involved in the company. Please slow this down.

REMEMBER DC politics….

“We need to pass it to see what is in it.”

“If you like your plan, you can keep your plan.”

How is that all doing now? If you pass this and then try and fix it, it is the same poor leadership as we are getting from Washington.

Our former governor made a number of decisions that got him into a legal mess and lost the trust of the people. I would bet he has a lot of remorse and wishes he would have slowed the process down. Maybe call him and see what he would have done different. We do want a leader to stand up for us and do it right.

Don’t leave this kind of legacy. You will be judged for years on these decisions that come when you have so much political pressure tearing you from both sides. I wouldn’t want to be in your position. I think it is very stressful.

Step back, take a breath, put it to the people.

For what it is worth, governor, the Senate, and legislators if you would like to visit with me, I would be happy to come and talk.

Del Benson
Via email