DANNY Aquino’s comments in Friday’s Variety about the “tyranny” of the U.S. over the CNMI are almost too silly to comment on, but repeated ridiculous statements should not go on without response.
These islands are free and independent largely through the U.S. liberation during World War II. This fact is celebrated and appreciated by the sensible majority of CNMI residents. Countless people on these islands eat and receive medicine only because of the “tyranny” of the American taxpayers via food stamps and other “tyrannical” American welfare programs. Numerous children here learn to read, write and count from teachers and books paid for with “tyrannical” American dollars.
Stop slapping the hand that feeds many of your people Danny because you are unhappy about possibly paying a wage that gives people some dignity, and might also motivate others to get off their butts, get a job in the private sector and turn this place around from the failed welfare state it is.

JEFFREY C. TURBITT
Dandan, Saipan