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Defending CNMI’s rights
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Posted on Jul 28 2000
At Issue: The adoption of a joint resolution to retain the “Friends of the Commonwealth” in Washington.
Our View: CNMI must wake-up to the reality of national politics on Capitol Hill.
In every major issue affecting the livelihood of US Citizens and residents of this American archipelago, taxpayers expect their elected public officials to rise above self on their behalf.
This is where the new House Leadership has taken us, a new height that places the interest of our people on the pedestal over blind and low political ambitions.
Two days ago, Representative Diego Benavente cast the lone negative vote against a joint resolution that would facilitate a contract of a powerful lobbying firm to stave-off legislation that would annihilate the economic future of these isles.
Understandably, an affirmative vote would have placed him in a very awkward position given that his running mate (Juan N. Babauta) has missed the boat completely on such deathly measure as the Bob Franks bill.
Benavente’s vote is a dereliction of duty at best, a depiction of his lackadaisical performance (business as usual) all these years. It is a true reflection of his three-term at the helm where he’s failed to provide real leadership to enhance the livelihood of the hundreds of locals who are still, read carefully now, searching, not looking for jobs.
Veteran politicians ought to know how major league politics is played on Capitol Hill. They haven’t’ buckled down to the reality of Washington politics that more often than not, requires the employment of powerful and influential lobbying firms to protect one’s interest.
History will not hold either Babauta or Benavente responsible for what they have done given that there were more missies than hits. Definitely, however, posterity will hold them responsible for all that they have failed to do. Si Yuus Maase`!
