I REMEMBER Speaker Forbes saying on the session floor before the elections, “We have to pay COLA. We can do it now or later but either way, we have to pay it. That’s what the court ordered.” (I paraphrased.)
Now Speaker Forbes comes on Newstalk K-57’s Breakfast Show and tells host Ray Gibson (on Dec. 25) that he doubts if the proposed payment plan for COLA can be achieved in the waning days of the 28th. So what was the great rush before the elections for an appearance to pay to help Gov. Felix Camacho bolster his standings with the GovGuam retirees and to keep the republican majority in the Senate?
I’ve said it all along that you cannot trust Republicans (and for good measure some Democrats). Some will say, isn’t that obvious? Apparently, not. Nationally, despite dominant right-wing talks shows, TV shows and segments, the American people rejected the right and not one Democrat lost in Congressional elections. Which means the electorate trusts Democrats as much as we like to say, “They are all bad,” even more so than we do.
That is why I said prior to the elections for the manamko’ to be wary about folks who come to them, kiss them (maybe the Judas kiss), but keep hauling them to court. Does anyone know how much trauma it is for older folks just to get to a court session?
Regardless of whether one agrees with the COLA issue or not, we can all agree on one thing. It is a travesty to put those who are frail through an emotional rollercoaster. I believe the governor (and Legislature) owes the people an apology. First, to the manamko’ and then to the taxpayers, both for obvious reasons. And the $100,000 + club can donate some to those who will get a pittance to the pain.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam