Biased study

I read with awe and more than a bit of chagrin the recent Economic Impact of Federal Laws on the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, prepared for the Office of the Governor. This extraordinarily dubious and biased study implies that the federalization of the CNMI minimum wage and immigration has caused instability leading to loss of investment and development, which in turn has lead to:

1) Declining revenues for health, education and general public welfare;

2) Rising poverty, falling incomes, unemployment;

3) Declining economic opportunities;

4) Rising economic dependence on the federal government;

5) Increased family and social stress;

6) Rising delinquency and crime; and

7) Fewer resources to preserve the indigenous culture.

Whew, it sure seems to me that the economy was in a tailspin long before the feds stepped in. The CNMI government has done a laudable job of causing the above problems without any help from the feds. This report uses the feds as a scapegoat, ignoring all the corruption, half-truths, lack of fiduciary responsibility and transparency, and general lack of leadership and focus by our current leaders.

This mess started way before federal intervention. In fact, it is likely that, had we worked in partnership with the federal government, many of our current problems would have been solved. Our leaders, in their paternalistic manner, seem to feel that fighting the feds and blaming it for all our social and economic ills, is more productive than admitting to past mistakes and working on a productive relationship. The local leadership has failed utterly in their responsibility to its citizens.

Blame the feds? Sure, why not? It’s easier than owning up to your own shortcomings and lack of focus. Many folks on island are looking with hope to the feds coming in. Certainly they can do no worse than our local leaders have. And just maybe, they will do a heck of a lot better.

One major reason people feel that there is such outcry to the feds coming here is that a few (or many) have so much to hide. Were the feds to investigate corruption in the government, perhaps other leaders would find themselves in the same predicament as the Lt. Governor. Many on island have expressed that they would welcome federal investigation of the government.

This ludicrous report is so blatantly biased that one has to wonder if it were truly independent. Was it written for or by the Governor? The feds are coming, no matter what. The only question that remains is what will they find when they get here: a bankrupt government caused by the avarice of a few greedy good ol’ boys or a government with the willingness to work with the feds for the common good?

Burn this foolish study for it lacks any credibility and is full of misdirection. And stop blaming the feds for all of our ills. If there is blame to be cast, look in the mirror. YOU have brought us to the depth of economic despair. What you do once the feds get here will make the difference between bankruptcy or an economic improvement. Choose wisely.
[B] Bill Weiss[/B] [I]Puerto Rico, Saipan[/I]