Deathly silence

There’s silence at the break of dawn, beautiful though unsettling, given troubling geopolitical issues on the internet flashing events unfolding near and far.

Across the sea, there are the 260,000 homeless families in the golden state of California. Troubling that even with federally funded home projects it’s still unaffordable for those who need it the most.

This is because it costs about $549,000 per unit. It’s beyond the reach of most hardworking folks. Moreover, home rental in the golden state is equally expensive. It contributes to the growing home crisis!

Can’t imagine the hardship families have to endure in cold weather during the winter months. Yes, I’ve seen people in poverty between New York and California. It simply ruined my day as I return to my hotel. Appalling that some 46 million fellow countrymen are in poverty.

It’s stuck in mind, quizzing if it’s the lack of job opportunities or the shutter of jobs as companies close down to move elsewhere? It’s good to know hospitals have begun small real estate businesses to send patients to decent dwellings following treatment.

What’s your assessment for this year? More of the same da kine que sera or is there a fully thought-out set of plans to guide the long journey ahead? Perhaps I ought to listen to Magoo who related, “Eh, braddah, we waiting some mo`, yeah?”

It’s here where leadership or followership illuminates in no uncertain terms. We seem stuck in the latter or am I pointing out the obvious?

Shortfall
Fund shortage is as perennial as the grass for most island governments. Revenue depends on economic activities and expands, stagnates, declines, or seesaws unpredictably each fiscal year. At day’s end, we simply share what we have in the coffers.

Unless additional large investments descend in the islands it simply means we must focus on how do we share what’s in the local treasury. It also mandates leadership to concentrate on improving upon investments beyond conventional wisdom. In brief, the rest of what lies ahead—revenue generation—is on investments.

Resetting
Said Senate President Vic Hokog: “It need not be the case if we focus collectively on current investments by improving upon them with renewed focus, enthusiasm, focus and persistence.” True, any appreciable success on this effort ought to generate more revenue.

“A little effort and help should awaken the aspiration of our people to regroup and move on,” related Sen. Terry Santos. With constructive coaching and help, each should succeed in his/her business venture. “Just taking the first step is very encouraging in their quest to make a difference,” she said. Call it reinventing!

Others
Australia is dealing with its mega-fire, D.C. the impeachment debacle, Iran with leadership issue, earthquakes near RP, and the apparent que sera mood on the islands. Unplanned events occur forcing our dealing with the consequence of what subsequently descends.

I’ve kept my ears to the ground to see what’s coming down the hill but there’s also a lot of “natting”! I have a sense why the obvious silence throughout the villages. It’s hardship in family homes forced by poverty income right here in paradise.

I know what poverty entails having literally lived it. It’s woefully troubling if this is the common denominator among households here.

What’s the role of the elected elite on this score? Specifically, have you done anything concrete to improve the lot of people you represent or “not yet, already”?

Moreover, departments and agencies responsible for social programs for the poor who need assistance need to pull their sleeves forthwith and get to work.

Politics
The Dems and GOP have begun organizing the “biba” slugfest for this election year. I think by July political planks from both sides should be available for cursory review. Would any ably offer quality candidates or do we settle for mediocrity in redundancy?

Should be interesting how each side plans to dispose of poverty income among nearly 15,000 employees here. It’s the quality of family life, isn’t it? Must see solid and realistic proposals not just pay plans drowning in mediocrity without actual funds.

CashNo!
Meanwhile, we wanted to satisfy instant gratification for more mullahs and so we pushed for casino in hopes of raking-in millions of dollars, annually.

We now have casino. Has it worked and what’s the revenue like today? Have we collected the millions projected in our fainted imagination or…?

Some 43 states have casinos, most of which are begging the poor to drop pennies, nickels and dimes for some business income, according to an FN article.

This experience is easily replicated here maybe by asking food stamps recipients to pitch in. Imagine this occurring here. Our country (U.S.) is over-casinoed!