The rate was 14 percent. That’s a big number. (The current national rate is 9.1 percent, and is considered very bad news.) Critics of the alien labor-dependent economy blamed the, well, alien labor-dependent economy. Then-Gov. Lang Tenorio, however, pointed out that the only reason a local was jobless was because he didn’t want to work. Lang’s right.
Locals are first priority for private sector jobs. True, the pay is low but they can always get more than one job. Moreover, the pay is low compared to government wages that are determined by politicians who are very generous with taxpayer money. Government believes it should defy economic realities and acts as if it could. In the private sector 1+1 is always = 2. In government, 1+1 is equal to any number agreed upon by elected officials. A business company can only expand when it earns money and has to downsize if revenue declines. Government, in contrast, can create any number of offices, agencies and programs and hire anyone and pay them whatever amount regardless of whether there are funds or if the employees are even qualified. An entrepreneur gets into business by having a great idea and working hard to ensure the success of his venture. A politician gets into office by promising to spend other people’s money on items that may not be necessary (and may even be foolish) but are essential to winning votes. Indeed, government exists to make the life of a voter better or at least easier. (Lawmakers are re-elected not because of the legislation they introduce or pass but how they “take care” of their constituents.)
Not surprisingly, a local voter can choose unemployment and still lead a not so hard life. He can fish and get food stamps. He can tap into other (usually federal) welfare programs for his rent, utilities and healthcare. He can always approach his elected officials if he needs anything else. During campaign season, he can get more favors from them and other politicians running for office.
I’ve never believed that locals are “lazy.” They “refuse” to work hard only because they can do so. If they’re well-connected, they will be hired by the government which pays a lot for little or no work. Government, in short, has created a lot of citizens who prefer to feed at the lavish buffet table that is the public trough. Government says it will take care of everything — your birth, your health, your education, your livelihood, your well-being, your children, your safety and even your funeral. All you have to do is to vote for the “right” — that is, the winning — candidates. It’s a sweat deal if you don’t want to take responsibility for your own life or if you lack ambition.
Three years ago, the local trade school was created for those who want something more from their lives but do not have a college degree. It’s a great idea and the man behind it is one of those rare creatures on island: a real entrepreneur. Tuition is practically subsidized, and after graduation, the school assists students find a job. The trade school, however, is up against a system that allows a lot of people to be on a “permanent vacation.” As they say, you can lead a horse to water…
I guess what I’m saying is that those who want to do good for others should also acknowledge that sometimes, some people don’t want the help you offer. They have already made their choices based on what they think is good for them. We may not like those choices, but those who made them are certainly free to do so. As a wise man once said, “Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.”
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