THROUGH the grapevines, I understand that some in the GOP leadership are ready to surrender the proposed tiered wage system to the U.S. Congress.
In short, this group is seemingly ready to allow “federalization” of the NMI’s wage system.
Now the wage system, next immigration and taxation.
Two issues emerge out of this train of thought:
1) Compromising the very essence of the Covenant agreement guaranteeing the right of governance (of our people) to self-government.
2) Our participation in promoting congressional colonialism in perpetuity.
If such is the case, then we might as well rally behind the Akaka measure so we can end this misery, once and for all! Since 1993, we’ve successfully warded off a federal takeover. Why give up now?
As though we haven’t learned from recent history: NMI dropped the ball on control of its fish and wildlife. It’s now under a certain federal agency. The net effect of this negligence is the brakes slammed (permanently) against development that has gravitated northward to Marpi by its control of over 300 hectares of Marianas land.
Furthermore, take a quick glimpse at the history of pharmaceutical companies that moved to Puerto Rico during its incipiency. Most have since put on shutters and have moved elsewhere in order to reap appreciable profits. Cause of their closure? They are victims of congressional colonialism, i.e., horrendous tax imposition, among others.
Again, it’s the proposed wage system today, perhaps immigration and taxation tomorrow?
JOHN S. DEL ROSARIO, JR.
Koblerville, Saipan
