Words of wisdom to Omar

Senator Omar, I feel inclined to tell you that life is full of victories and defeats. As the old saying goes, “You win some, you lose some.” Your loss of the speakership is certainly not the end of the world for you. You must learn to forget your pride, keep up your hope for the future, and continue to pursue your dreams.

I cannot blame you at all for feeling disgruntled about your loss. However, I am strongly compelled to tell you that, in my honest opinion, you have no one to blame but yourself. It is apparent to me that you seem to have predicted victory for yourself before Inauguration Day. Instead of heeding the old adage, you went ahead and counted all your eggs before any of them even hatched.

Did you forget that the Youth Congress is a political body? With your past two years of experience as a senator, I am appalled that you could not comprehend that the mechanisms of politics this year, which is your third.

On another note, your claim to seniority is absolutely fallacious. Both Speaker Sanchez and Senator Deleon Guerrero are in their third term, just like you. Besides that, seniority should have no place in determining who should get the speakership. Rather, the speakership should be determined by the capabilities and past accomplishments of each candidate.

Further, the people reserve the right to change their vote on election day. That should be understood without any question. Did you forget about last year? You promised me your vote for the speakership, but that did not fall through. I fully respected your right and choice to change your vote on Inauguration Day, and I recommend you do the same.

Moreover, neither Congressman Hofschneider nor Speaker Fitial is to blame for your loss. I have known the two to be men of integrity, who are easily approachable as well as easily accessible to the youth. Your attempt to tarnish their reputations is shockingly shallow and clearly biased and demonstrates immaturity at its finest.

In closing, allow me to share with some words of wisdom I received last year after my loss of the speakership. “Take this loss as water under the bridge.” If you truly desire to be a great senator, you must put this aside and move forward with your goals for this term. Do not dwell on this loss or let it hamper your commitment to the youth. Take it as a lesson and as a testimony that life is not always fair.

Sorry for your loss, and my best wishes for the rest of the year!

Roselle D. Calvo
6th and 7th CNMI Youth Senator