Babauta is THE man!

Since I toured the CNMI courtesy of my lady friend from the island, now a resident in Nevada, I have fallen in love with the CNMI. I went back twice after that just to feel the warmth of the island sun, and feel the powdery sand of the beaches, not to mention the few balls I lost when attempting to hit over and above the cliffs of the Kingfisher golf links. Let’s face it, the island is such an astounding beauty and had it been a real person, I would have married it. I believe that given the chance, the full support of the Department of the Interior and the island citizens, you can bet that it can become one of the most successful U.S. territories. The problem I see that may impede its growth is the newspapers on Saipan. I observe that they publish even the most ridiculous and comedic issues happening behind the legislature doors. Pardon me, but I am not referring to the Saipan Tribune. I am referring to the Marianas Variety, which is ruining and distorting the real essence of journalism. The CNMI is a U.S. territory, not a Third World country where journalism is premised on personal, below the belt, hard-hitting styles.

Secondly, I admire the writing talent of Dr. Camacho from Delano but it seems like he knows a lot of the inside stories that are not known to simple mortals like us. Is someone feeding him information? Aren’t the citizens of the island aware of the damage his writings cause them?

Thirdly, I have not personally met the governor of the island yet and hope that someday I will. I saw him and watched him one time from afar when he was having dinner with some guests, I believe he is a very decent and sincere man who really wants to do a good job for the benefit of the island. Having heard astounding praises from my lady friend, I tend to believe that he is the man that the island needs. Never mind if he is a Republican with Democratic views. To heck with party affiliations! What is important is what THE MAN, the governor, has done and is still doing that other governors before him failed to do. He was the only governor who was able to convince both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress to support the CNMI. The most ardent critic of the CNMI before is the governor’s closest ally and supporter now. Our very own congressman from Tracy, California, Richard Pombo, has been very supportive of the governor to the point of supporting the inclusion of the CNMI as a non-voting member of Congress. What more can you ask for?

Buddy Petersen
Bakersfield, California