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GOP in name but Democrats in principle?
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Posted on May 19 2005
It is fascinating and indeed even mind-boggling to consider the exaggerated and misleading claim of the CNMI’s local GOP. It claims to be the “Party of U.S. President George W. Bush,” a president who espouses conservative Republican principles such as lower tax rates.
But has the local Republican BB team supported lower taxes for the people of the CNMI? Clearly, the answer has to be a resounding “No!” The BB administration raised taxes on alcohol and cigarettes for poor people. Not being very pious themselves, they established the so-called “sin taxes.” They also imposed a BB “Beautification Tax,” as if a tax could ever be regarded as “beautiful.” On top of that, through their IFP—their Integrated “Fagaga” (or “Fababa”) Plan—the BB administration repeatedly pushed for higher taxes and fees across the board, including a reduction of the tax rebate, which they have never fully paid since assuming public office in 2002. On top of that, they have basically implemented a CUC fuel surcharge tax on all of our consumers.
There’s an ocean of difference in ideological beliefs and commitment. Did the GOP leadership here miss the boat altogether? Is this the party of President Bush, a man who cuts taxes in the United States? Gi fino Chamorro, basta man-mandage sa` ti nigap na ogaan `nai man-mafanago ham!
Juan Babauta and his cronies would have us believe that he is with Bush and that Bush is with him, just because they may have had a photo opportunity together, but the truth is: Juan N. Babauta is more like Bill Clinton than President Bush, both personally and politically.
Don’t be fooled by a shameless local GOP attempt to link themselves to the national party and capitalize on the political capital and popularity of President Bush. It won’t work. Babauta is no Bush.
John S. DelRosario Jr.
Koblerville
