During the campaign season, friends, relatives, families were separated by their ideas on how the people would reach their desired goals and objectives in making the life in the CNMI better. They debated disagreements, and at times, escalated to arguments that separated them during the spur of the moment. But the amazing part is the fact that they always come down and unified in providing harmony for the sake of their common good. This is a simple but valuable lesson that our elders had thought us.
Let us look at CNMI’s society as a family because we are indeed the CNMI’s siblings. We may not be blood related, but are the siblings that provide contentment to everyday life that we have here. The Chamorros and Refaluwasch are the moving energy of the CNMI’s family while extending it to other U.S. citizens and permanent residents. We believe in many good things that keep us united and harmonized between each other. We believe in the constitution that protects our rights and the laws of the land that provide us all with fairness and equality. We also believe in politics because it is a way of life that provides for our common good. We may have differences in ideology and the leaders we choose to lead us to the finish line for a better tomorrow. But it does not mean that the other guy on the side of the aisle does not want to support the cause, but would want to work together to get to where we are headed. We have to realize that politics is not personal but ideological. Our differences must be mended and we should unify for our common good. We must not allow our differences turn into grudges that will disrupt the efforts of our leaders and ourselves as well. We must unite and weather our perfect storm that we are faced with.
Let the politics of yesterday be done and over. Let tomorrow take its course by creating a unified force as members of CNMI society to tackle hard and complex issues facing us today. Let each and every family member hold hands and move toward the desired mission together under the leadership of our honorable governor and lt. governor. Let us discourage disruptive behaviors that are unnecessary and would only delay our achievement. Avoid searching for fault when there is none because of our difference. You and I know that innocent family members will suffer as a result. Let us put aside the emotions and mean-spirited reaction to this difference. Let us put our vision into perspective for a better CNMI and allow everyone to contribute and lend a helping hand to push each other to the finish line and not pull each other from it. Hafa Mohon? Sinaha? Pat ti sina’?
ALFRED PANGELINAN
San Vicente, Saipan
//
