A CALL TO ACTION:

My dear friends.

Have you finally reached that point?

As a reader of this blog you are well aware of my distain towards the corruption that has been allowed fester in the CNMI. I had said time and time again that, "it can't get any worse". Time and time again I have been proven wrong. It can get worse, has gotten worse and will still yet continue to worsen if something drastic doesn’t occur to put an end to it.

Over the last few years our administration and our legislature have done nothing to correct these problems. In fact, they have actually done a multitude of things to worsen our current situation.

People have started to voice their concerns. In the papers, on the internet, across the picnic tables, in homes and even now within the House of Representatives. All these voices have fallen on deaf and dumb ears.

Change cannot take place with these voices alone. Action is required. People are being hurt physically, emotionally and mentally by the actions of our government. Poverty is at an all time high. Basic social services are failing us. Money is being taken from us.

We are being robbed not at gun point by a masked stranger but out in the open by our Administration and our Legislature who use the guise of normal government operations as justification.

How are they robbing us?

They take your hard earned tax dollars, your fund contributions, your public land monies, your federal funds, the government fees collected and do the following:

• They employ unqualified relatives either directly or through connections with constituents (i.e. Mayor's Office, Glenda Reyes, etc.)
• They sign sole sourced contracts and transfer monies to companies without ever holding them accountable for receivables. Funneling millions of our dollars into businesses that have no intent on producing what is required in an effort to obtain kickbacks and political favors. (i.e. DCM, CISCO, etc)
• The Representatives steal $3 million per year and use it any way they please without any accountability. (i.e. discretionary funds to buy tables, tents, car leases, cell phones, anything they wish to use it for --- that money was ours)
• The Committees steal millions of dollars a year for committee operations yet they hardly ever meet. They use the money for travel, ghost employees, personal equipment, etc. (none of which is ever accounted for)
• The Senate steals Millions a year in subsistence allowances
• They pillage your retirement fund and public land fund.
• The Legislature passes laws to funnel our money to pet projects with no plan or accountability in exchange for political favors and kick backs.
• The administration steals millions and funnels it to cronies he keeps on staff as consultants. No receivables ever required or produced. (i.e. Willens, Jesus Camacho, etc)
  ETC.

I can go on and on but I think the point is not the actual instances anymore but more so the fact that we all know this is happening. That we all hear about these blatantly corrupt practices. That we all read about it in the news. That we all are fully aware it is taking place.

We have tried to reason with them. To hold forums and speak with one voice to our government servants. To write letters to the editor to voice our concerns. We have met personally with our legislators and the Governor. All in vain. They do not want to hear us. They will not change based on vocal requests. They have been so blatant as to say directly that they are the leaders and that what the public wants is of no concern to them. That they were voted into office to make the decisions and that our concerns are of no concern to them.

What are we going to do about it?

If it was a robbery in the middle of the night and you were stirred, what would you do? What if your family's safety was in jeopardy?

Some would rise and do what it takes to chase off the robber.

Some would strike him and take down.

It is time to rid our home of these robbers.

Why haven’t we?

You may personally know them. You may be related to them. You may have voted for them. You may work for them. You may feel there is no one better. You may feel that only time will rid us of them.

Stop! Stop making excuses for your complacency. Stop justifying their corruption. Stop allowing them to pillage your home and lay waste to your children’s futures. Stop the fear.

The time has come for us to stand up to it. To chase the robbers out of town. To strike if that becomes necessary.

Look at your life. Look at the lives of your family. Look at your young ones, your old one. What have their lives become? What has yours become?

It should not be this way. We don't have to accept it.

Do you feel we need:

• A smaller government
• An end to the rampant corruption
• Accountability
• Qualified department heads and staff
• Transparency
• Accountability
• A solid and set plan for the future of the CNMI

If so, then you are not alone. Over the past months I have amassed a fairly large group of like minded individuals. In order to effectuate change we need more. We need you. Not your silent support. We need your presence.

If you are ready to come to aid of your brothers and sisters --- If you are ready to rid these islands of these pitiful government looters --- If you are willing to break this cycle of abuse --- If you are ready and willing to become part of CNMI History --- Then email me ( pragmaticplato@gmail.com ).

What will we do?

• We will converse
• We will exchange ideas
• We will plan
• We will act
• We will all bring about change

PP
REVOLT