1. No taxation without representation. These words, said 8th grade social studies teacher Bill Cromie fomented the American revolution.
In the case of CNMI residents like Mr. Torres, they might instead be read “No representation without taxation” — given, that is, the fact that CNMI residents (like Guam residents) pay zero U.S. taxes yet receive more per capita federal expenditure of U.S. tax dollars paid by U.S. citizens than any state in the U.S.
Of course, the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections is extended to Mr. Torres and all others who reside within the U.S. where they are then obligated to pay U.S. taxes.
Query: Do CNMI and Guam governmental officials, employees, and students living in Hawaii, D.C., and elsewhere on the U.S. mainland pay U.S. taxes?
2. Race-Based Rights: Of course Mr. Torres feel wholly justified in excluding others lacking ostensible blood of NMI descent from owning CNMI real estate…this, as they may themselves jet off to Guam to purchase and own land from their Guam-situated cousins who are prohibited from owning CNMI land…or to the U.S. to purchase and own land from U.S. taxpaying, financially subsidizing U.S. citizens…in explicit violation of U.S. equal rights purportedly binding upon and within the CNMI pursuant to the Covenant…these are, of course, the same NMI folks who seek and receive from the U.S. and its many institutions grant and scholarship funding based on reputed “minority” status characterized as “affirmative action” (a.k.a. “affirmative discrimination”). They themselves in the CNMI affirmatively preclude others of reputed-race-based-difference from owning CNMI lands.
Last saw and spoke with Bill Cromie around 1971, but there’s likely a CNMI situated 8th grad teacher who can provide further details/insight if Mr. Torres and others are interested…if not, there’s certain to be some 8th grade graduates.
BRUCE JORGENSEN
Washington, D.C.
