LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

On Brad, the classic gov’t worker

I would like to send a message to Charles P. Reyes, Jr., regarding his opinion on your April 01, 1999 edition about Brad, the classic government worker.

First of all, Mr. Reyes, I read the news through the internet because I reside in Portland, Oregon. This is my only way of knowing what is going on in Saipan. I could not help writing back to you after reading your article about the classic government worker. I salute and give you 100% of my vote. As a matter of fact, if I were on the island, I would most certainly help elect you. It is about time that someone stands up and clean out the government sector.

The philosophy of our island is NOT what you know, but WHO you know. It is sad because there are so many college graduates who are so capable of working, yet they choose to settle in the states because this is where they can get a good paying job, get accepted and praised for a job well done. I am sure that there are many government employees who are giving in an extra effort, but there are also those who just don’t give a damn. I hope that if you get elected, you will certainly look into how government employees get hired.

In 1995, my husband was hired locally after we had moved back home, hoping that his degrees, certificates, training and experiences in his technical profession would bring good advantages to our island. Little did he know that there are people without experiences who are higher up in the office who gives him the order. He was not completely happy, as he is not used to waiting for people to come in 30 minutes late and leaving early to make up, let alone getting orders from someone who does not possess an experience or the profession to do that job. I am not saying this because he is my husband, but because even though he is not of a Chamolinian descent, he chose to move back home and help our people.

I am happy to say that because a Japanese company appreciated his technical profession, degrees, certificates, experiences and knowledge in the high voltage industries, he is making more money, treated with respect, but most importantly he is giving them the technical support that they are paying for, as well as the opportunity to travel. They have sent him to different jobs around the States and they seek his opinions on every electrical job that they have or decide to bid on. He is not only a hard working man, but one who does not put up with excuses to delay a job or take bribes from someone. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Christina Maclay

Via the Internet

• • • • •

On economic sanctions v. NMI

The article written by John S. DelRosario, Jr. was very interesting.

I do agree with the article and the statements made by the investigator from the National Center for Public Policy Research about the concerns made by the two US senators when they wrote to their colleagues.

I do not believe that these two US senators will single out a small US territory because of, I guess a labor abuse issue.

To push for economic sanction against a small US territory just because someone thinks that majority of the garment industry is owned by chinese national is unjustified.

Why don’t these two senators look at the violations of mainland garment industries before they push the issue of economic sanction. If the senators are thinking that economic sanction will be the answer to resolve the matter. He is treating the CNMI citizens as foreigners and not legitimate US citizens.

Thank you for allowing me to drop a few lines.

Sincerely,

J. Dela Cruz

A CNMI/US Citizen and Defender of the US Constitution.

Via the Internet

• • • • •

Economic sanctions v. NMI

I am a natural born American Citizen of Filipino descent. I grew up in Hawaii, but currently live on the US mainland. Although I sympathize with the plight of the Chamorros as you struggle against the federal government. (Re: “Economic Sanctions Against NMI unwarranted”), it seems the only way to get equal rights and protection under the 10th amendment is to modify your political status.

There is a move underway for the US to end its long, distasteful reign as a colonial power. Many in the federal government are urging Puerto Rico to make a final choice about its political destiny – statehood or independence. The current status quo there, an ill-defined Commonwealth similar to the one in the CNMI, has no meaning in the US Constitution. “Commonwealth” status in Puerto Rico is showing its inadequacy after almost 50 years. Trying to protect your territory by claiming that the federal government is “violating the Covenant” is like trying to stop a dam from breaking by sticking your finger in the hole. Eventually, the whole weight of the water will come rushing toward you.

It is not surprising that Sen. Abraham and Hollings are proposing that the NMI no longer enjoy tariff free status. Rep. Young is considering a proposal to levy income taxes on Puerto Rico. The only way for the US territories to free themselves of these half-laws is to decide for themselves if they want to become a fully integrated member of the US family. The other option can only be independence.

The US government has become tired of being a colonial empire. I urge all residents of the CNMI to push for statehood, to end this inequality. All arguments about sweatshops and tariffs and minimum wages and “Made in the USA” end there and only there.

Ryan Tagal

Via the Internet