ON Feb. 22, 2024, the governor sat down for an interview with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, D.C. FDD describes itself as “a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.” FDD said it does not accept donations from any foreign governments. Others say FDD is “neoconservative” and “part of the Israel lobby in the U.S.”
Anyway, FDD’s interview with the governor was about “Strengthening America’s Asian Border.”
“Sometimes I feel like John the Baptist out in the desert,” the governor was quoted as saying, referring to his decision to “pivot” away from Chinese investments and tourism.
It is unfortunate that he had to compare his controversial policy decision with a biblical prophet who told the people that God’s final judgment on the world was imminent and that we should repent ASAP.
But I hope the governor doesn’t believe that his chosen policy is the Gospel truth — that no further deliberation is needed, and all that is required of us is to agree with him. If that’s the case, then what he wants is conversion not discussion.
Based on his “pivot” statements, the governor apparently believes that China-U.S. relations will get worse, and there is no turning back. Meanwhile, U.S. and China officials are trying to dial down tensions and identify “avenues of cooperation.” Both nations have other, and more pressing problems that they don’t want to be compounded by open hostilities, which both know may lead to a global cataclysm.
To prepare for such an eventuality is sound policy, of course, but that doesn’t mean the U.S. or China will cease current efforts to stabilize their relationship and ensure peace, which is, after all, one of the goals of President Obama’s American pivot to the Indo-Pacific region.
CNMI economic policy should not be based on a non-existent strategic dead-end. Any government policy should be based on an interpretation of what are considered facts on the ground, among other things. But there are always other interpretations. And we may not be looking at all the facts. Hence the need to seek other opinions and other interpretations by consulting experts, stakeholders and, of course, members of the public. Before implementing it, moreover, policy makers must realize that their chosen policy may not work. Hence the need for flexibility. Policy makers should realize that they may have to change tack if the facts change or if there is another better interpretation of them.
As FDR would put it, “Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly, and try another.”
Since he first announced it over a year ago, what has been the result of the governor’s pivot policy? See MVA’s arrival data, HANMI’s average occupancy rates or the government’s revenue collection report. Ask businesspersons and their employees. Ask government officials and their employees. Ask the residents who are leaving the islands for good. Among the governor’s closest supporters are local businesspersons who know how the economy actually works. I hope the governor is also consulting with them.
Now if the governor believes that his pivot pronouncement is not just a policy call but a prophecy, then he must soon submit a revised government budget based on a more realistic revenue forecast in light of the business closures, the low tourist arrivals and the declining population. If some administration officials would say that “it’s not always about the money,” well and good. But show, not tell. Forego your salaries, your government-issued vehicles and cell phones. Try to work remotely as much as possible to significantly reduce the government’s utility bills and other office expenses. CPA, CUC, CHCC, PSS, NMC, NMTI, DPS, Corrections and the court system — they’re truly needed. But most of the other government offices — not so much.
For more government cost-cutting ideas, please see the report of the Fiscal Response Summit, which many current officials attended four years ago. They proposed reducing the number of seats in the Senate and the House, and consolidating departments and agencies such as Commerce and Labor; CDA and Commerce; DPS, DFEMS and Corrections; Grants Management and Finance; DPW and the offices of the mayors; NMTI and NMC; DLNR and DPL, etc.
Remember: Don’t be “money-faced” because “government-service is not just about the money.” So stop taking more money from businesses and other taxpayers. Walk your talk.
Send feedback to editor@mvariety.com
