Worrying about small issues is worrisome!

It is common knowledge that politicians and bureaucrats aren’t necessarily the most adept people when it comes down to viewing the larger picture or the long term consequence of ill-conceived policies or inaction on major policy matters. But then there isn’t anything new in this department. They’ve lived with it, nurtured it and turn “So What!” into a troublesome “Now What!” What royal failure!

Politicians and bureaucrats have seen the need to guard the last Marianas Ace in palm–the apparel industry. At the same time, they have equally treated it with a ten foot pole. They refuse to accept that as the revenue plummets significantly, it is the much maligned apparel industry that has kept the local coffers filled with much prayed for tax contributions. How ironic and equally sad that we’ve held on to such an adolescent attitude. Perhaps such attitude is inherent in the local culture.

I am reminded of the words of the late Rep. Jess P. Mafnas who once admonished his colleagues to refrain from “pretending that you know, when you know that you don’t know”. But in this case, it’s the complete opposite: they know that they know but pretend or claim ignorance. What warped leadership rather incapable of accepting and nurturing what works as the current crisis deepens. It makes those in the wings wonder whatever happened to simple common sense. Perhaps they’ve pocketed it for use at some karaoke bar. Interesting.

About the only person who stood up to seek assistance in Washington is Governor Pete P. Tenorio. The rest have decided to find grand excuses in self-denial.

If we wish to benefit from real positive and lasting policies, then it means we must do away with filial politics or political patronage in that substantive issues that hinge on whether our young people are given brighter tomorrows require review with journalistic mind set. No longer can the NMI bluff its way by postponing dealing with hard issues in the usual mañana fashion. It must deal with it forthwith however painful such experience may be. The fiesta is over, roll up your sleeves and let’s take the beast to task.

How unfortunate too that at a time when we expect politicians and bureaucrats to articulate our sentiments here and abroad, they spew out empty expressions that fails to nail the issue at hand, yet convinced they’ve said something of substance. Did I say that or miss something here? It’s all very sad that despite our ability to sail through adversity, somehow we’ve lost it all and so the young people quiz just where their canoe is sailing to this time around. I really wish I have an answer but can’t find any that is satisfying at least for the moment.

Dealing with FASayers

Interior’s OIA made a commitment to pay for expenses of our brothers and sisters from the freely associated states. It has failed royally on this matter for it can’t secure US Congressional approval to cover such commitment. It goes to illustrate that OIA’s commitment was at best, hasty; at worse, created a monstrosity that local government must now endure. It goes to show the grand ineptitude that OIA’s departing helmsman Allen Stayman has dealt the NMI.

What I find rather bothersome too was Guam’s Non-Voting Delegate Robert Underwood who claims that while he doesn’t to deny the NMI its funds, the territory he represents needs the money too. Nice try Bob. The better approach would have been to force Interior to cough it out or a take the collective move (Hawaii and Guam) to ensure that all affected jurisdictions are equally accorded funds to mitigate current conditions. In the process, all three jurisdictions’ legislatures ought to adopt a resolution nominating Stayman as the first candidate for the “Marianas Hall of Shame”.