T’was the Night before Christmas, Saipan Edition

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through Saipan,
Not a single light turned on, not even a fan.
The night was so dark that you just could not see,
Just another power outage, thanks to Uncle Ben and CUC.

The children were perspiring profusely in their beds,
While us parents spent hours fanning their sweaty little heads.
And mamma was wondering what happened this time,
“Why the power outages?” she said. “Aggreko’s online.”

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what’s the matter.
Away to the window I looked far and near,
Some silhouettes of strangers had suddenly appeared.

Some young boys, maybe teens, breaking in to our neighbors’ home,
I had to do something so I picked up the phone.
I knew at that moment what had to be done,
So I did the right thing and dialed 911.

The neighbors on vacation, this morning they left,
I’m sure they never thought they’d be victims of theft.
The police responded quickly and arrested the teens,
But with lenient judges they’ll be released by the spring.

With the power still off, we lit up a candle,
I wondered how much more of “Better Times” we could handle.
Rising unemployment, crime, and burglaries,
DCM, Ridlyme, and rubber-stamp AGs.

The future is bleak, more families moving away,
Why don’t we leave? Why should we stay?
Our leaders every time promise change if elected,
But once in office only hire those connected.

The arrogance of this governor is abundantly clear,
He leads not by inspiration but through instilling fear.
Three years as governor, are we better off today?
If you want to keep your job, you better not say.

But what has he accomplished? What has he produced?
Aside from sole-source contracts and a federal lawsuit?
Is there anything he has accomplished that he can savor?
Aside from wanting to retain cheap labor?

There are some who support him in his lawsuit against Uncle Sam,
While forgetting about the millions given annually to our homeland.
A frivolous lawsuit, wasting precious money in court,
Uncle Ben seems to forget he holds a U.S. passport.

“On Deanne! On Howard! On Baka!” cries Uncle Ben.
He promises to see this federal lawsuit to the end.
While using precious local funds to sue the U.S.,
He seems to have forgotten our students at PSS.

One thing you must know, and I swear this is true,
If it were not for federal funds they would have closed down our schools.
Let’s always remember that education holds the key,
To a better life filled with opportunities and prosperity.

Our people clamor for change, but are they willing and able?
To elect honest leaders who won’t deliver tents and tables?
Is change really possible? Can we do it in ‘09?
Or will be subjected to more bitter times?

And wouldn’t you know it? The power just came on.
Not a moment too soon at the crack of dawn.
Yes, there are fewer gifts under our small Christmas tree,
But that matters little to a loving family.

Our children will wake soon and greet us with joy,
And open their presents and play with their toys.
What problems we have are forgotten for this day,
Felis Pasgua to all, and to all Hafa Adai!
[B] Ed Propst[/B] [I]Dandan, Saipan[/I]