BEFORE the elections, Larry Perez tried to reorganize the structure at DPW and the governor pooh-poohed the idea and no surprise, then Senator Frank Blas Aguon Jr. joined the fray to be the advocate for the status quo. And how did that help his partner, Robert Underwood, who was advocating change?
More follies: Giving tax breaks for COLA recipients as Dave Davis noted. Lining up with the “extravagant” Republicans to approve the ’07 budget (I saw him going around shaking all the Republicans after the vote, real smart). Last and the most infuriating to me was the last day for the 28th Legislature when he decided to support the bill to provide tax credits to construct a sports facility at FDMS when even level-headed and “sane” Republicans like Vice-Speaker Joanne Brown and Bob Klitzkie spoke out vehemently against it.
Dear Democrats, you cannot be all things to all people and expect to win. More examples: Ben Pangelinan (the Pangelinan I like a lot) comes up with “bright” new ideas to pay off the judgment. Then there is Minority Leader Judy Won Pat who prefers to meet outside the base and calls in to voice her concerns about the military build-up (some valid) when Republicans are more hesitant to do so. And will most probably tell the electorate they, the GOP, are more patriotic come election time. (Remember they have more money to make that point.)
Lastly, some folks say that the military can take over the island and send everyone else out (Diego Garcia comes to mind) if they really wanted. I agree, which is why moving on the political status issue is critical and where are the leaders on that? Maybe Gov. Felix Camacho and Speaker Forbes will be remembered for sending the remainder of the folks left here— after many left during the Gutierrez reign—off-island.
I always wondered why the elite always bait the marginalized to do their bidding. Hey Joe Six Pack, the wealthy have more to lose if the feds CONDEMN the whole island!

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam