Mock polls: This is the chance to be heard

It’s that time of the year again ladies and gentlemen. The smell of overdone campaigns, and promises made that have yet to be fulfilled fill the air in the United States of America. This year’s presidential election seems so edgy, and the atmosphere feels so tight between John Kerry and George Bush. Although Nader is part of the presidential race, he has become overshadowed by the widespread recognition and popularity of the two (Bush and Kerry). The two opponents show how much they want and need those electoral votes by the proposals they make and how they strain themselves to find suitable responses in their heated debates. Time for the victor of this year’s presidential election to be revealed approaches; until then, we have only to wait. Will the nation be run by a new administration? Will it remain in its present state? Only time will tell.

As people contemplate whom their votes should go to, organizers prepare for the long anticipated day of voting, the day that will determine a new leader to lead all U.S. citizens. But wait a minute! The presidents have the responsibility of decision-making for all U.S. citizens; therefore, all U.S. citizens have the right to choose who they want to have as a leader right? Unfortunately, that isn’t true for us. Although we, the people of the CNMI, are U.S. citizens, we have no say in the selection of the next president–like other U.S. territories.

“Territories” ladies and gentlemen is the keyword here. According to the 14th amendment of the Constitution, only U.S. citizens who are residents of “states” are eligible to vote. U.S. citizenship isn’t the only requirement to be eligible to vote. The CNMI must be a state. So why not just be a state? The truth is it isn’t that easy. Even if it was as easy as sneaking betel nut off of Tang’s tree, some people may not agree to convert from U.S. territory to a U.S. state. Many are comfortable with the position we are in. For instance, we have all the federal assistance we need, and we benefit in many ways that a state would not–such as not having to pay taxes on every single thing, including your life. Don’t forget the fact that we have control of our immigration and minimum wage. Some of us believe that we are better off the way we are.

On the other hand, there is a flip side to this, and that is that other people think differently. Believe it or not, many find it more than necessary to be eligible to choose their president. Most of the reasons for wanting their vote to count for presidential elections are related to that of Lorraine Cabrera of Tottotville. Ms. Cabrera “feels that the president’s decisions affect our lives.” As a result, she also believes that “we must have a say in who gets to be president.”

While others find it necessary to vote because of citizenship and the need to be heard, others have a somewhat different view on this. The U.S. military on Saipan and their families are those group in particular. They see that whoever the “man” is affects their life in many ways. Joan Dubrall of Tottotville states, “My husband is out there fighting for Uncle Sam.” Mrs. Dubrall’s husband is one of hundreds called to duty for the fight to liberate Iraq. “He was ordered to respond to duty by a commander in chief he did not even have the right to vote for,” she continues. The truth is, many of our sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters are out there risking their lives, shedding their blood, and still we have no say in who should lead our country. Shouldn’t the fact that CNMI blood is out there be enough reason to choose who should be the commander in chief? Surely, Cabrera and Dubrall are only two of many others who feel that choosing our president is important.

Up until now, the people of the CNMI, along with other U.S. territories, had nothing to do about it; however, all that is about to change thanks to Samuel McPhetres’ political science class. For the first time in history, the people of the CNMI can voice their opinions through this very important project. Because this activity is really a mock presidential election, some people find it unnecessary to participate. Many believe they have no better reason to share a piece of their time in an event that can prove an essential stepping stone for our island’s future. To better motivate those who feel that way, would it help to mention that officials in Washington D.C. have picked up on this project and are aware of it? Yes, people in D.C. are aware of this little island’s political activities. Even if this trial election would not make a difference in this year’s national election, it could in the future. We are being heard, and now we must put our voices into action. The only way, however, is for the people of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to participate in this unique event in our islands’ history. This is an opportunity to show the people’s concern regarding national elections, and to show that we want to have our share of representation in the U.S. Congress. With the help of everyone, we can be heard and we can make a difference. Please show your support and take part in this historical event. This will surely be a page in our island’s history, taking into account the fact that it is the first time for something like this to be done.

To make this project possible, and to be heard, cast your vote on Oct. 30 at the Joeten Kiyu Library Community Room. Voting time will last from 8am to 7pm. To make your votes more meaningful, witness the presidential debate, which can help you make your decision. Although the actual candidates will not be present at the debate, their platforms will be brought before our people through party representatives in order to make the people more aware of the different campaigns taking place. To represent the Republican Party (Bush), we have Juan N. Babauta; Luis Crisostimo will represent the Democratic Party (Kerry), and Gregorio Sablan will stand for the Reform Party (Nader). The debate will take place on Oct. 23 in room D-1 of the Northern Marianas College, and will last from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Please show your support to make this activity a success. This is our chance to be heard. Don’t miss out on a historical event.

Jocelyn M. Itibus
j_itibus@hotmail.com