I and many others here believe that revisiting the Covenant to determine whether the promises made by both sides are being kept, whether that agreement continues to be in the best self interest of both of the parties involved as written, and what other options should be opened for examination, is reasonable in light of recent events and historical context. Independence is but one of many options that will be looked into by the proposed 2nd Political Status Commission. So is leaving everything as it is, changing nothing. The commission will examine these possibilities and many others in between before arriving at recommendations which, if change is involved, would be voted on by you, Holani, and all other voters in the CNMI. Well, maybe not by you since you have not voted here since 1997. Apparently you think voting is unimportant. You are wrong. The voice of the people will decide, not written ramblings of a paranoid wingnut.
Here is something else you are wrong about. Now is absolutely the right time to look back and evaluate our political and economic status. Responsible individuals, governments and companies must periodically generate a “report card” to see how they are progressing toward their goals. The 35 years since this agreement was put into place have seen tremendous changes take place locally and on the world stage. No longer a mere pawn controlled by military tribunal or by a U.N. Trust Territory government, the CNMI has had a small taste of freedom and has used that opportunity to springboard itself economically. The U.S. has seen its military “welcome mat” in Asia and Europe be pulled from under its feet and is looking hard for alternative front line bases and training site opportunities. The 14 islands of the Northern Marianas have once again become strategically important as a result. Other major changes have and are taking place.
Many here believe that true independence is the only proper way to insure the promised self-governance for the Northern Marianas. Many others just want to take a look at the report card and see if there are other economic or political options we should look into. You might want to read the Legislation as proposed before knee-jerking another of your letters to the editor.
American Samoa’s governor, Togiola Tulafono, in the June 10th edition of the Marianas Variety, said he wants full autonomy to enact their own laws and be free from the negative impact of laws passed in Washington, D.C. So we are not the only people wanting to take another look at the current deal.
One thing is for sure, Piliwali, only you buy into your crazed hypothesis that we here on Saipan are under imminent immediate attack by Islamic militants. I’m suggesting a short holiday away from your delusions might be in order. Build yourself a new tinfoil hat and mellow out a little while the adults look after our mutual welfare.
In closing, what has happened that you hate me so much? Why do you hate me after the seven years of free loading on my beers and barbeque ribs and chicken and sometimes sleep on my beach house carport because you cannot drive home?
REP. STANLEY
T. MCGINNIS TORRES
17th CNMI Legislature
