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Cowardly legislators
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Posted on Nov 29 2004
A report entitled “Government wage hike mulled” of the Nov. 23 Marianas Variety issue where it was reported “the source said not all members of the committee are in support of the proposed salary increase” is really alarming, insensitive, and most of all, cowardly. Whoever you are, why hide behind anonymity? Why issue such a statement to a reporter and not publicly justify your decision? Damn cowardly legislators!
For those of you opposing legislators, have you really forgotten that it was in 2002 when a directive was issued for the sole purpose of freezing the within-grade increase, the 5-percent bonus, to name a few? We accepted the freeze and “bit the bullet” so that we can assist the government in weathering the economic crisis. We made the sacrifice and now that the time is ripe for the freeze to be lifted, you don’t want to support us? Where’s your integrity? As I was writing this, I felt like I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, “Damn insensitive legislators!”
Bear in mind that one notable hardship we have been facing since 2002 is the ever-increasing price of fuel. It really hit us hard in the pocket because it’s not just for our automobile but also for our lawnmowers, our fishing boats. Then, last Nov. 26, CUC board members voted an increase of 1.5 cents in fuel surcharge fee for residential consumers. Also, for those of you who are not yet aware, CPA will implement a new $4.50 terminal fee come Jan. 1. Expect the increase on your ticket purchase and it doesn’t matter whether you are going international or inter-island. As you can see, prices keep going up yet our salary remains the same.
Remember too, we have families to feed, bills to pay, and the everyday miscellaneous expenses. So, we deserve that raise after what we’ve been through. Remember, “Sacrifices made, dues paid.”
In closing, I would like to thank those honorable legislators who have been publicly coming out recently stating their support for the salary increase. I, for one, am grateful for your understanding and assistance.
Estevan Cabrera
Carolinas Heights, Tinian
