Drop in economy

The drop in the economy—when everything slows down—means less money for normal services and job opportunities here. This was caused by business closures, especially the exit of Nippon investments in recent past. It’s a huge loss of about $7 billion.

The contraction is felt even among simple villagers quizzing about employment security. They know the economy begins at home but what if the contraction comes what’s in their future?

Definitely, the NMI must figure out the extent of the loss against current obligations and debts. It’s helpful minute information as we navigate spending limited funds. Keeping my fingers crossed that it (drop) doesn’t prompt job abolition.

If job reduction should kick in it would make difficult paying for the first family home, car, food, clothing, and health care, among others. This would be hard on families here!

Understandably, the long-term answer is in the resurgence of private industry investments that would open up opportunities beyond government. Is this an issue that the elected elite understands and therefore conversant? Or is the issue quite foreign and equally disorienting? Whatever happened to your “depth of vision” and conviction? Do we wait in despair while you play catch up?

Even the governor has come out ahead to raise the red flag of a deepening fiscal condition. The information prepares employees to deal with an impending reduction of sort up ahead if financial condition turns reduction a must!

Hope the contraction tapers off so we diligently begin rebuilding stronger economic foundation once more.

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Reduction: It seems we’re fortunate that the contraction leaves intact our small visitor industry. It’s the only thing that is working amidst heavy reduction of major economic activities.

The contraction is analogous to tidal shifts. We’re at the low side of the change in seawater level. Nothing is moving in the lagoon. Even sailboats have stayed close to shore waiting for high tide before heading out the harbor.

Beyond our mini-tourism industry is there any other sector that could be developed as regular cushion year-round? I’m convinced it could be done!

For instance, farming and fishing were developed into strong sectors before the war. The focus in the development is support of the larger population area like Tokyo. This goal encouraged gardening and fishing for export. At least there’s a huge market to contend with throughout the year. It turned history after the war.

Today, marketing veggies and fish has a highly limited market. I mean, after selling your neighbor who else is there to buy the surplus? It gradually discouraged any meaningful development of farming and fishing given the absence of markets where produce may be sold and moved.

Moreover, our people aren’t vegetable eaters. We love big chunks of meat and fish fresh out of steaming hot pot or BBQ pit!

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Downsizing: The history of the creation of a bicameral system was done out of political fellowship more so than a necessity. Since when is excess baggage saddled on the backs of hardworking taxpayers a matter of necessity?

Unfortunately, a lot of focus is given building upon false pretense of unity overlooking the fiscal inadequacy in revenue generation. It’s the blurred byproduct of political camaraderie as to overlook the lack of funds for it.

Do we really need a bicameral 29-member legislative system?

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Caesar’s: Immigration laws fall under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, it’s federal law as noted by Rep. Sheila Babauta when her colleagues braved ignorance on birth immigration. Isn’t it that the kid decides upon reaching the age of maturity?

Coming to terms with the concept of “ascendancy of laws” is sufficient to know the issue belongs across the sea under the sole disposition of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Yes, there are urgent issues requiring resolution but immigration authority remains federal law under DHS. Shall we leave what’s Caesar’s to Caesar?

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Performance: The State of California pays its legislators some $82,000 per year in salaries. The receipt of paychecks though isn’t automatic. Legislators must show they have something major via legislation introduced for review and disposition.

It’s a good system where we transfer accountability of performance to legislators themselves to show taxpayers what’s up their sleeves. If there’s nothing to show then no payday too! Deal? This should force the 29 legislators here to stop snoozing on the wheels.

Moreover, the California system of accountability is a quick method to explore whether we need a useless bicameral system. It brings the NMI into factual reality check. Sayu?