The time for a revolution is now!—Part 1

The time for a revolution in our community is now! No, no, I am not using the word “revolution” in the sense of the overthrow of a political organization. I am using it to mean creating activities or movements designed to effect fundamental changes in the dismal socioeconomic situation that we are in now. The word “revolution” also means a fundamental change in the way of thinking or visualizing something. This year we must revolutionize our activities and thinking to create a healthy socioeconomic climate in the CNMI!

We must become revolutionaries that will create new socioeconomic activities. We must find new ways of creating economic opportunities. Not only must we visualize new ideas but implement them. The time has come. Let us break the chains of fear and march forward! I may sound corny, but I truly believe that we can do it.

We must and will help ourselves because we have the assets to do so. By creating the will and determination to do so, the revolution will happen. The following discussion will explain how we can make this become a reality. But first a brief overview of how we got into the predicament we are in now.

In rereading portions of The History of the Northern Marianas Islands by Don Farrell, it is apparent that for centuries our basic occupations had been farming and fishing. These two activities supplied the food to sustain hundreds of thousands of people for centuries in the CNMI. This work was done by the local people, not outsiders.

However after the war and the introduction of Western ways, these two activities began to wane. Here is a quote from Mr. Farrell’s book from page 488:

“Saipan’s immediate post-war economy was based on the employment of Chamorros and Carolinians as office workers, and as skilled and unskilled laborers. This created a cash economy that allowed stores and other businesses to develop in Chalan Kanoa. As the islanders grew accustomed to working for the government, they spent less time farming and fishing. They relied to a great extent on American canned goods from the stores. Beer became a popular commodity. In 1950 the Northern Islands imported $22,000 worth of rice and $21,000 of beer.

“This was really a false economy, as virtually nothing was being produced or manufactured. The Chamorros and Carolinians earned money from the Americans, but the Americans would eventually be sent home. When the bases were finally closed in the spring of 1950, many of the islanders lost their jobs. With fewer jobs providing less cash, many of the stores had to close. The Chamorros and Carolinians were forced back to their farms to earn a subsistence living.

“Living off the land was much more difficult than before the war. Most of the coconut trees, breadfruit trees and banana plants had been destroyed. The soil was ruined. The cattle, pigs, and goats were dead. It was many years before these problems were overcome.”

As noted above we had become hooked on buying our food more and more from stores already processed and in cans. This was then washed down with beer. This transformation from an agriculture society to our current modern ways has made us dependent upon outside sources for almost all of our food. Today only a few of us farm or raise animals, and those of us that do, do mostly as a hobby, not a livelihood.

Another cultural transformation took place at the same time that we began to shift from farming and fishing. We began to clamor for government jobs because they were easy and paid instant money. A few years ago when the economy was strong, I recall speaking to several high school classes. I asked the students what their goals were after graduation from high school. Almost every student raised his hand and shouted: “I want to work in the government!” So today most of us still cling to this dying institution of government employment for our livelihood.

To really better understand how we arrived where we are today, please buy or borrow a copy of Don’s great book: The History of the Northern Islands. Read especially “Chapter 14, Post-War Government.” It will refresh our memory and help us realize that we had better help ourselves or we will always be in an economic depression and dependent upon outsiders as beggars. What has happened to a proud and determined people?

Later the United States created a Headnote Three program. We all know the story of the rise and fall of the garment industry so I will not relate it here. We also know that the majority of local workers employed in the industry were known as “ghost workers” who showed up only on payday for their salary. Locals were necessary because the industry was required to meet local labor minimum quota. Few of the local labor force did any real labor in the factories. The real workers were imported.

Here are today’s results after years of working in the government: three or four days a week of work, over 20 percent drop in salary, loss of pension, no desire or love for the work assigned, destruction of any incentive for self-betterment, dramatic increase in welfare recipients, and little farming and fishing. But we have acquired a huge mental and economic depression! This is where we are now!

Today we have fallen into another trap. We have become prey to foreign investors. We beg them to come to our islands. By pouring their money here, we continue to give up any attempt to help ourselves. Foreign investors are needed, but not as the backbone of our economy or country. More hotels, more attractions, more shops and other businesses, yes. But where do we fit into all of these? Do we own even one share of these businesses? Why do we still beg to become government employees?

Again I question: how many grocery stores, how many auto repair shops, how many beauty and barber shops, how many restaurants, and how many other kinds of businesses do we own? Aren’t most of these owned by foreigners? Why are they not owned and operated by us? Why do we continue to cling to the myth that the government is the only job we can do? We act as a child refusing to leave his mother’s womb.

As a quick side-note: I came to Saipan on Jan. 14, 1984, (28 years ago) with a dream in my pocket and a vision of acres of diamonds under my feet. I have picked up some of the diamonds you have trodden upon. After 28 wonderful years of enjoyable living here, I still see acres of diamonds under our feet.

Let’s continue this discussion next week when we talk about what we can do to revitalize our economy and uplift our spirits. Meanwhile consider what an air cargo bridge between the islands will create. Consider the many jobs that will be created by growing fruits and produce. Consider what a slaughterhouse will do. Consider the number of animals to be raised and the number of more jobs to be created by having the ability to produce USDA meat to be sold locally as well as exported. Consider the amount of money that will be imported to our islands. These and more are all in our grasp!

Another point I wish us to consider until we meet next Monday is this. Culture inevitably changes, with or without, involvement of outsiders. However, having people from outside the community in positions of respect and influence can have a major effect. Information and technologies also have a major effect. This leads to many dilemmas. An important question for any development program is: Is this effect positive or negative and to what extent?

After reading this far you understand the message: We can and must become self-sufficient. There is no other way. We must grow up and see the acres of diamonds around us. Meanwhile let’s share our huge SMILE with everybody we meet. Our SMILE is a great treat. Let’s do it!