Speaking of ‘do-nothing congressmen’

Do these names mean anything to you? Ralph Demapan, John Sablan, Raymond Palacios, Oscar Babauta, Jesus Lizama, Andrew Salas, and Diego Benavente? If you live in Susupe they do. These are just seven of the 12 or so representatives you have elected in the past 36 years. Now, look at the picture at right and somebody please tell me why not one of these gentleman could fix that lake in 36 years. It was there in 1979 when I moved here and I took that picture yesterday.

Voters, fixing things like this, beautifying your neighborhoods, helping residents, putting in sidewalks and streetlights, cleaning vacant lots, maintaining neighborhood sports facilities and generally being around, to listen to your problems and concerns—that is why you elect these people. And you, elected to “serve” the people, if you can’t get others to fix something for you, do it yourself. Voters will remember you. Voters, do not vote for anyone whose only platform is “please vote for me” ever again. Candidates, please, get on line so we can see who you are.

Do you know who NMDs really are?

Most people assume NMDs are Chamorros and Carolinians with at least 25 percent bloodline to the old people. What is really an NMD is anyone that was living here in 1950. There were Chamorros, Carolinians, Filipinos, Palauans, Pohnpeians, Yapese, haoles, Japanese, and other nationalities. So my inquiring mind has to wonder why the CNMI government very rarely includes any of these “other” NMDs in their circles or in the government?

About 50 Chamorro NMDs assumed control of the government in 1978 and have done everything possible to keep control for the past 36 years. Just nine families have controlled the political landscape here since the beginning. If any other NMD has ever been elected, they must not have lasted very long or, most probably, got on the government titty, like so many NMDs have and just can’t wean themselves off it.

I remember meeting Pete Reyes when he first got back from the mainland and thinking, “Wow! Now here is a young, dynamic, ethical, educated, go-getter who is going to really make a dent in the corruption here,” but, like every other young, educated, go-getter that gets back from somewhere, the “boys” on the hill suck them up into nonsensical jobs with high pay and they are lost. To his credit, he and three other senators have bills that passed 18th so far, but none them worth anything to help the economy, the people, or the government.

The only way to fix 36 years of corruption is to wipe the Hill clean. Even if a Babauta or Heinz could win, they will still be like Obama, with his tea party Congress, and not be able to do a thing. Come on, folks. Do not vote for a single person that just says “please vote for me.” This year, let’s make them tell us why they deserve to be elected or re-elected. Make them tell you exactly what they will do for you and your district. Voters wise up, we need leadership up there.

Gary DuBrall
Chalan Piao, Saipan