By Ben Pangelinan
For Variety

MY initial ponderings of what to call this response to an invitation by the editor of the Marianas Variety went looking for a name. I wanted to find one that will characterize the direction of my efforts, dreams and visions of my return to elected public life, but mindful that it will supplement my work and not control it. In other words, no public policy by popular public opinion here. In even baser terms, the truth and nothing but the truth, even if it hurts.
I learned this important lesson many times over my life and if the old saying “insanity means doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results each time,” then I have been in an insane asylum my entire public life. I have endeavored to tell the truth always, popular or not, and always expect that everyone wants to tell it and even greater, believe that everyone wants to hear it.
Over the course of time, I will impart my thoughts, ideas and opinions on life on Guam, the politics that influence our lives and the debate on the crafting of the government policy that shapes it. As always, it will be rooted on the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You can expect it. You deserve it and you will get it.
Occasionally, I will stray from the affairs of our island shores and tell you what I see beyond our horizons. We will expand our vision to include the happenings in the lives of our people that have set their sails for more distant lands, but as always remain rooted in the soil of our beloved Guahan. There are many impressive accomplishments and successes that can inspire us all. They will be brought into the consciousness of our people and become a part of our being as a people. We will stand tall and take pride in their achievements and thank them for allowing us to stand on their shoulders, as we use their experiences to build our own successes right here on Guahan.
You will see and read of the face of politics up close and in all of it rawness, sometimes bloodied, sometimes smiling, but always uncensored and unmasked. I will be open and accessible as I chronicle the fortunes and misfortunes of the ambitions of pretenders and contenders for the political brass ring. As is our fortune and curse for living on Guam, we sometimes get to see politics too close and too personal. I, personally, fall on the side of counting it as my fortune, not only because of the opportunity to make a difference, but more importantly, making a difference in people’s lives.
Good politics and the world of opportunity to do well in public policy are the rewards many of us seek and take home at the end of the day.
Hence, the name for this endeavor, Life, Politics and Policy.
You will read my thoughts, let me know yours.
Ben Pangelinan is a senator in the 29th Guam Legislature and a former Speaker now serving in his seventh term in the Guam Legislature. He can be reached at senben@guam.net or ctzenben@ite.net.