Ah–it’s Voting Time Again By: Anthony Pellegrino

On November 6, we will vote for members of the 12th Legislature. I thought about writing of our duty as voters. But I remembered that most people vote only family line regardless of the candidate’s ability and plans for helping govern our islands. After all, the candidate is a relative.

Despite this custom, I strongly urge you to elect candidates who love the CNMI and sincerely want to do something beneficial for it than they love themselves. Be aware of candidates who love the power and influence that goes with being an elected official. By voting for the candidates that place loyalty to country above selfish ambitions, we pave the future for our children. We benefit them by our choice of dedicated people committed to helping our nation prosper.

It is difficult to find the “right” people. All the candidates are good people with good intentions. I certainly am not the one to tell you who to or not to vote for. You and I have to make a major decision. However if we listen carefully to what the candidates are saying, we will know who ” the “right” people are. This is not the time for popularity contests. Beware of candidates interested in selfaggrandizement. We need statesmen with candor and courage.

The CNMI is in a critical state. We are besieged by the U.S. government demanding control of the means that have made us economically strong. We are reeling from the economic recession suffered by our Far East neighbors. We are suffering from low morale being repeatedly told that we are broke. We are beset with a multitude of unresolved labor problems. It is a depressing state of affairs.

The downfall of nations rarely is caused from outside sources. It mainly is caused by internal dissension and weak leadership. Yet a nation can rise to great prosperity and maintain its liberty by electing strong leaders.

I came across this passage that may help make the right choices. In December 12, 181 1, John C. Calhoun, in a speech in the U.S. House of Representatives, said “The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country. and not for the benefit of an individual or a party.”

We can vote for the relative or friend who makes the most promises. Or we can vote for candidates who have demonstrated their love for the CNMI, who will work hard to restore our dignity and lead us to a more prosperous life. Let us elect people who have proven themselves fit for the office they are to be entrusted with.

The CNMI is our home and we must cherish it. The soil we walk on, the air we breathe, the blue ocean with its golden sandy beaches, and the heat of the sun are part of us. Let us protect and cherish them. When we sing “Gi Ta(o Gi Alom Tasi,” we should feel a lump rise in our thought. Call me corny, but I love these islands and want only the best for our people.

There should be no room in our government for people who love themselves more than they love these islands. Ask yourself this question when you go to vote: Do I love my personal interests more than I love these islands? Elect men and women who are sincere about lifting the CNMI out of the current doldrums. Remember our future depends on who we elect.

Do I vote my acquaintance or do I vote my country? Let your conscience be your guide! Please decide wisely!