How do we go about accomplishing this daunting task? The key is to remember LOVE. We all love these islands, no matter what religion, race, etc. each person comes from. That is the unifying tie that binds us all together. We fight for the CNMI under the banner of LOVE. Because we all love the CNMI so much, we remember that we are all residents of the CNMI; we are all human beings and, as such, should LOVE each other on a human level.
Think about it: if we all loved each other like we loved ourselves, there would be no problems in the CNMI. Because if we really loved everyone like we loved ourselves, we would never try to lie, cheat, or steal from them. Would you lie, cheat, or steal from yourself? I think not. We wouldn’t be greedy with things, either You would want yourself to have abundance, right? Then help others gain abundance. Everyone will be happy and we will all get along, and that is the first step to fixing it all. LOVE. Just look at the lyrics for the songs “One Love” by Bob Marley, “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback. Do you think these artists are just writing these songs and singing them for the sake of making money? NO. They all knew the truth, that if we would just get together and love and care for each other, this world really wouldn’t be facing all the problems that we’re facing today. This is a love that surpasses everything; it does not matter what your religion is, or what your skin color is, what language you speak, what school you went to, or what political party you belong to: I still LOVE you. You are human. I am human. We need to help each other if we are to survive as a species. It’s as simple as that. Think about it.
I know this seems a bit “new-agey” to some of you, but give it a shot. We’ve been doing it the way we’ve been doing it for decades now, and look where it’s gotten us. Don’t you think it’s time to try a different approach? In the past, everything that we’ve done has been motivated by some sort of self-preservation instinct. We were greedy because we did not want to be without (insert thing here; food, money, etc.). We were mean or intimidating because we did not want to be without respect. We were selfish because we were scared of losing everything we owned, while there were others who had nothing. If we can just turn that mentality around, and have everyone thinking from a “love everyone” frame of mind instead of a “love only me” frame of mind, our Islands would be a much better place. Now, I’m not saying that you should give away all your prized possessions to someone who is less fortunate than you are. I’m simply saying that you should no longer feel the need to stockpile on all the luxuries that life has to offer, while there are those out there who struggle on a daily basis just to feed themselves and/or their families. From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. It says it right here in the Bible: Acts 4:32-35 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”
And so, I have gathered you here today to ignite the spark of hope within you all; a hope for the CNMI, OUR HOME. A hope that we will one day see better days for the Islands. A hope that we CAN and WILL bring about those changes. A hope that we can raise our kids on the beautiful islands that we were raised on and love, no matter how bad the situation is. This is OUR fight. This is OUR Marianas. WE need to bring about the changes that we want to see. There is always hope, and as long as there is hope, there is a chance for success. Keep that spark of hope within you all alive. Let this movement cause your spark to burn brighter and hotter, so that you may inspire others to finally stand up and be counted. I know we can do this, Marianas. But I can’t do this alone. I need YOUR help Join our cause. You know it’s right. The time has come for us to do this. We, the youth of the CNMI, simply cannot afford to keep sitting on the sidelines and watch as our Islands sink to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. No longer can we just sit around and talk about making changes, but not doing anything to enact those plans, either. It’s time for us to DO something about it. Are you with me? Together, WE WILL WIN! But in order to win, we must remember the one thing that unites us against all odds: LOVE. Love for each other and love for our Islands, no matter what each individual person’s race, religion, political affiliation, or personal opinions that may come in conflict with that of our own. In this movement, we break down the walls that divide us and are united under one flag; the flag of the COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS. It is our love for these islands that UNITES us all under the same roof now.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this CNMI Youth R[3voj]ution started!
KELVIN RODEO
Glendale, California
