Time for a change

In a recent Tribune letter, Dr. Jesus Camacho makes a good point. He cites a recent “Politics Now” website poll that shows two thirds of poll respondents consider Babauta’s “things are pretty darn good” State of the Commonwealth Address to be “unrealistic.” He suggests that, with such lack of approval, it is time for a change. With all due respect to Dr. Camacho, I can’t help but wonder how realistic it is to expect any real change.

Historically, American democracy has not worked well with our island culture. I think we all know what the problem is—everybody is related to everybody.

How many times have we seen a winning politician hire their friends and relatives, regardless of their qualifications? How often have we seen government equipment paving a new road to a neighbor’s house but not to our own when the only difference is how we voted? How many times have great business opportunities, government purchases, land leases, and choice government jobs gone to someone with political connections?

There are limited jobs the CNMI and many of the best jobs are in government. A huge amount of the CNMI’s cash expenditures and payroll comes from government. It should come as no surprise that so many people will run up to their friend or relative who is running for office and promise their vote. This is Part I of the political process for many. Part II is when they remind the newly elected of their support and ask about that job, or that road, or that homestead, or mention that land they have been trying to unload for years.

How well has this kind of voting behavior really worked for the community? When was the last time you ate local reef fish? Was it just before you went into the hospital? The reefs are so damaged that reef fish are full of toxins from the bacteria that grow on dead coral. How is the water pressure in your home? How much are you paying for gasoline? Is your power reliable? How confident are you in available local medical treatment? If you get really sick, can you afford to go to the States for treatment? Can you rely on medical referral or are they without funds again? How about college for your kids? Planning to pay for it with government grants and scholarships? Is your retirement fund safe? What does the world think about politics in the CNMI?

The real State of the Commonwealth can be found in the answers to these questions. Each question represents a consequence of poor government, and poor government is a consequence of poor voting.

Aren’t we tired of this? Is the short-term political favor worth all the damage and suffering that results from bad government? Is the personal benefit worth the harm it causes the entire community both present and future? How much do our families have to suffer before we change?

I urge you to please, for the sake of your community, vote responsibly if you don’t already do so. Forget about voting the party ticket—what good are political parties in the CNMI anyway? If a politician can’t get nominated by his own party, he just switches parties. It’s the individual who makes the decisions and the laws that the community must live with—not the party. Pick candidates who are honest, competent and who will fight for what is right for everyone—not just for themselves and their supporters.

Personally, I agree with Camacho when he says that it is time for a change. Babauta needs to go. You and your families deserve so much better.

Peter J. Pangelinan Perez
PaganWatch