Change begins:
Wednesday
September 17, 5:30PM
the Garapan Fishing Base.
Help end this madness.
Key Lime Pie
8 years ago
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
How Did We Get Here (Sitting in the Dark)
Why are we in this situation?
Some have said it is due to the fact that we paid far below what we should have been paying for all those years we were charged 11 cents/KWH.
I do believe that the rate was far to low to have full cost recovery, however I do not believe that is the reason we are in the dark now.
We are sitting in the dark because the generators are broken. They are inoperable. While some may argue that they are in that state due to the lack of proper rate setting in the past, I don't buy it.
Mismanagement and Corruption are the root of our problems.
How so?
In the last 24 months CUC has spent at a minimum $16 Million dollars in REPAIR and PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE either fully or partially federally funded. They have also transferred $4.7 Million from CDA, took $5 million from the Gen Fund, Took $5 Million from Ret Fund contributions and raised fees and this does not include any fully locally funded repair and maintenance contracts. And this is nothing new. CUC spends millions every year on Repair and Maintenance. Why then are the generators all broken down? If we have been paying these large sums of money to CISCO, DCM, MAN B&W, SNM, TANO GROUP, MITSUBISHI, WAUKESHA ELECTRICAL, PACIFIC DRILLING, HAWTHORNE PACIFIC and many others why are all but 2 of the generators run by CUC broken and out of commission?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here is a listing of only the SOLE SOURCED FEDERALLY FUNDED contracts from 2008: Waukesha Electrical$180,159.18 for corrective maintenance;
Waukesha Electrical-$64,580.37 for Kiya Sub corrective maintenance;
Waukesha Electrical-$124,221.79 for repair of T-1 transformer at Chalan Kiya;
Pacific Drilling Ltd.-$117,745 for emergency repair and construction of Chalan Kiya 8-inch asbestos broken sewerline;
Mitsubishi Corp. -$475,908 for preventive maintenance;
Mitsubishi Corp.-$74,737.20 for power generation;
Mitsubishi Corp.-$74,737.20 for 12,000 running hours preventive maintenance;
Mitsubishi Corp.- $117,040 for preventive maintenance;
Man B&W Singapore-$455,904 for installation of new crankshaft;
Man B&W Singapore-$281,362 for preventive maintenance;
Man B&W Singapore-$831,959 for preventive maintenance service;
Man B&W-$582,963 for preventive maintenance service;
CISCO-$115,000 for assessment & repair of generator stater for power plant 1 generator;
SNM Corp. — no amount indicated, hired to overhaul three existing generators;
Hawthorne Pacific-$87,713.21 for top end overhaul of caterpillar generator;
Tano Group Inc. — no amount indicated;
Tano Group Inc.- $287,000 for removal of used oil in tank 104;
Tano Group Inc.-$65,500 for shipment of 1.5MW generator for Rota;
CBM Tech-$826,980 for supply of radiators;
Sai Traders-$404,900 for supply and installation of lube oil separator;
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If all this money was truly spent on Preventive Maintenance and Repair and all but 2 of our generators are broken then perhaps we didn’t get what we paid for. Did this money go to repairs? Did it go to preventive maintenance? Or were these sole sourced and manipulated bid contracts signed and executed merely to funnel monies into corrupt pockets?
It happened with Tim and Rydlyme (which for some reason doesn’t show up on any of the reports I have seen… not exactly full disclosure). It is not far fetched to reach the conclusion that some BIG TIME corruption is occurring at CUC. Either that or big time mismanagement (which I find hard to believe).
We are in this mess because these repairs and maintenance did not occur or if they did were not done right.
I hope the legislature does its job and conducts a full oversight of CUC and looks into all of their contracts. There is no reason we should be in the situation we are in. The money was there for repair and maintenance. The money has been spent year after year. Who’s pockets?
ENOUGH!
Some have said it is due to the fact that we paid far below what we should have been paying for all those years we were charged 11 cents/KWH.
I do believe that the rate was far to low to have full cost recovery, however I do not believe that is the reason we are in the dark now.
We are sitting in the dark because the generators are broken. They are inoperable. While some may argue that they are in that state due to the lack of proper rate setting in the past, I don't buy it.
Mismanagement and Corruption are the root of our problems.
How so?
In the last 24 months CUC has spent at a minimum $16 Million dollars in REPAIR and PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE either fully or partially federally funded. They have also transferred $4.7 Million from CDA, took $5 million from the Gen Fund, Took $5 Million from Ret Fund contributions and raised fees and this does not include any fully locally funded repair and maintenance contracts. And this is nothing new. CUC spends millions every year on Repair and Maintenance. Why then are the generators all broken down? If we have been paying these large sums of money to CISCO, DCM, MAN B&W, SNM, TANO GROUP, MITSUBISHI, WAUKESHA ELECTRICAL, PACIFIC DRILLING, HAWTHORNE PACIFIC and many others why are all but 2 of the generators run by CUC broken and out of commission?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here is a listing of only the SOLE SOURCED FEDERALLY FUNDED contracts from 2008: Waukesha Electrical$180,159.18 for corrective maintenance;
Waukesha Electrical-$64,580.37 for Kiya Sub corrective maintenance;
Waukesha Electrical-$124,221.79 for repair of T-1 transformer at Chalan Kiya;
Pacific Drilling Ltd.-$117,745 for emergency repair and construction of Chalan Kiya 8-inch asbestos broken sewerline;
Mitsubishi Corp. -$475,908 for preventive maintenance;
Mitsubishi Corp.-$74,737.20 for power generation;
Mitsubishi Corp.-$74,737.20 for 12,000 running hours preventive maintenance;
Mitsubishi Corp.- $117,040 for preventive maintenance;
Man B&W Singapore-$455,904 for installation of new crankshaft;
Man B&W Singapore-$281,362 for preventive maintenance;
Man B&W Singapore-$831,959 for preventive maintenance service;
Man B&W-$582,963 for preventive maintenance service;
CISCO-$115,000 for assessment & repair of generator stater for power plant 1 generator;
SNM Corp. — no amount indicated, hired to overhaul three existing generators;
Hawthorne Pacific-$87,713.21 for top end overhaul of caterpillar generator;
Tano Group Inc. — no amount indicated;
Tano Group Inc.- $287,000 for removal of used oil in tank 104;
Tano Group Inc.-$65,500 for shipment of 1.5MW generator for Rota;
CBM Tech-$826,980 for supply of radiators;
Sai Traders-$404,900 for supply and installation of lube oil separator;
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If all this money was truly spent on Preventive Maintenance and Repair and all but 2 of our generators are broken then perhaps we didn’t get what we paid for. Did this money go to repairs? Did it go to preventive maintenance? Or were these sole sourced and manipulated bid contracts signed and executed merely to funnel monies into corrupt pockets?
It happened with Tim and Rydlyme (which for some reason doesn’t show up on any of the reports I have seen… not exactly full disclosure). It is not far fetched to reach the conclusion that some BIG TIME corruption is occurring at CUC. Either that or big time mismanagement (which I find hard to believe).
We are in this mess because these repairs and maintenance did not occur or if they did were not done right.
I hope the legislature does its job and conducts a full oversight of CUC and looks into all of their contracts. There is no reason we should be in the situation we are in. The money was there for repair and maintenance. The money has been spent year after year. Who’s pockets?
ENOUGH!
Friday, August 22, 2008
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:
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
Thursday, August 21, 2008
BIG F's How to secure a government contract
| pragmaticplato | HOW TO SECURE A SOLE SOURCE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT |
 |
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
What a waste of popcorn...
Well I had my stub and my vat of buttery goodness and I checked and checked but to no avail :-(
It appears the weekend and Monday are just about gone and the long awaited YOUTUBE thriller "Fitial Strikes Back" is nowhere to be found :-(
I hope it wasn't the edited clippings that I posted that have halted its release.
Nah... I'm sure that was the crap stuff anyhow. Must have been the power outages. Probably zapped Director Charles' Media System and laid waste to his rendering farm (yep... I heard he was gonna do some awesome CG stuff).
It appears the weekend and Monday are just about gone and the long awaited YOUTUBE thriller "Fitial Strikes Back" is nowhere to be found :-(
I hope it wasn't the edited clippings that I posted that have halted its release.
Nah... I'm sure that was the crap stuff anyhow. Must have been the power outages. Probably zapped Director Charles' Media System and laid waste to his rendering farm (yep... I heard he was gonna do some awesome CG stuff).
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What moves a populace to revolution?
At what point is revolution an acceptable and a proper course of action?
At what point will history look back and rather than chastise a revolt, admire it?
At what point will history look back and rather than chastise a revolt, admire it?
House passes "Vote for me - Appropriations bill of 2008"
Yesterday the house passed the "Vote For Me - Appropriations Bill of 2008".
It is important to note that the bill was handed to the members just hours before the session (a session that was called just a day prior).
Nearly $5 million was appropriated for the following pet projects:
It is important to note that the bill was handed to the members just hours before the session (a session that was called just a day prior).
Nearly $5 million was appropriated for the following pet projects:
- $3 million for the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance;
- $100,000 for the SHEFA operations;
- $45,000 for the 2009 Liberation Day activities;
- $50,000 for the CNMI Little League;
- $25,000 for the Fishing Derby;
- $20,000 for the Agricultural Fair;
- $15,000 for the Flame Tree Arts Festival;
- $75,000 for the Saipan Zoning;
- $30,000 for the A&E design and construction of the Anthony T. Benavente Baseball Field on Navy Hill;
- $111,400 for road improvement and paving of Gloria Drive on Navy Hill;
- $200,000 for road paving and drainage improvement of Egigi Road, Piligro Lane, Sea Coast Lane, Rota Place, and Orhopay Place;
- $100,000 for the construction of a pavilion, procurement of children's playground equipment, and improvement of the public facilities at the Capitol Hill Children's Park to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- $200,000 for road paving of Gangoche Road to Pika Road in Precinct I;
- $200,000 for road paving and drainage improvements and renovations of public facilities in Precinct II;
- $10,000 for the improvement of public facilities at Pakpak Beach Park;
- $21,000 for repairs and maintenance of Dandan Elementary School; and
- $100,000 for the Northern Marianas Trades Institute
road pavings, baseball fields, fishing derby, lib day festival, playgrounds, etc...
How in good conscience could anyone pass this bill at this time?
If your father recently got fired and your mother's salary was cut in half would it be appropriate to ask them for a new swing set and cash for a rod and reel?
CUC is crumbling, Retirement fund is looted and about 700 million in the hole and growing, PSS is in need of funding, the list goes on and on.
$5 million to these projects is ludicrous.
Time to speak up.
Time to rise up.
THE SLEEPER MUST AWAKEN!
"I'll miss the sea, but a person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing him to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken. "
-Duke Leto Atreides
-Duke Leto Atreides
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Bloggerland's Plato says Mr. Villagomez Needs to Reinvent Himself.
Perhaps Angelo should practice what he preaches and take some tips from this Variety Article in which he is quoted.
Take an objective look at what you have done/said over the past year and reevaluate what you can change to make yourself more desirable.
I can't post on Mr. Villagomez's blog due to my signature so I will respond to a comment he posted here:
Take an objective look at what you have done/said over the past year and reevaluate what you can change to make yourself more desirable.
I can't post on Mr. Villagomez's blog due to my signature so I will respond to a comment he posted here:
"The Saipan Blogger アンジェロ・ビラゴメズ said...I'm been reading up on some of the things the Unity marchers have been doing since Friday:
- They are accusing Cinta Kaipat of sponsoring the Labor Bill so that she could get a job at Labor and take under the table bribes.
- They are attacking KSPN for not providing enough coverage.
- They are attacking Walt Goodridge and Christine Parke for not speaking publicly about the March (what do they have to do with the March?)
- They attacked anyone who estimated that that under 10,000 people participated, including the middle road bloggers and me.
The most telling thing from all this is something I read on Dengre's latest diary on Dailykos.
Here is the link, scroll to the bottom:
http://dengre.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/12/11/3346/1545/496/420536
Here is the quote:
“We rode the stories of these workers to victory in 2006”
That tells me that this is about electing Mainland Democrats to office, not actually helping the situation.
That is really sad. I really supported Dengre when I first started reading his stuff, but it has become apparent that his agenda is getting rid of Republicans (not necessarily a bad thing), not helping the people of the Marianas."
Mr. Villagomez,
No one is accusing your friend Cinta of anything. Many are trying their best to guess what reasons she may have had to push with all her might against so much opposition to get this labor law passed.
No one is attacking KSPN news. We are simply stating an obvious. They covered the march on Friday and said to tune in on Monday for more coverage. This didn't happen and no mention was given to any delays. Why does it upset you? If you were told to tune in to a show for coverage of an event and you did and nothing was covered wouldn't you also be peeved or at least curious as to why it wasn't covered? Watch the online version of Friday's news since you obviously didn't.
I did not "attack" Chris or Walt. I made a comment about how strange it would be to have a seminar for Guest Workers (that was what he wrote) that covers "Answering Tricky Interview Questions" when technically in 2 weeks they wont be able to apply for a job in the CNMI at all due to the no-transfers provision in our new Labor Law.
The amount of people at the march has been a topic of discussion since the march and it has been debated on the blogs and in person. If you feel attacked because your estimate is different than mine or his does it matter?
As far as the March's intent to be getting Mainland Republican's into office...
Pass the joint my way. Are you that upset that you were not a part of the march that you will now do everything in your power to try and denigrate it? If Republican’s get elected into office in the Mainland because of the March in the CNMI, I assure you it will be a by-product of the march not the intent.
As far as Dengre is concerned… What the hell does he have to do with the Unity March held on Friday?
It truly is time for you Angelo Villagomez to Reinvent yourself.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Oh! In that case go ahead. I'll bend over.
WTF?
How stupid does this sitting Governor think the public is. He is now saying that a compromise can be reached. The point isn't what types of gambling tables are available at the La Fiesta, heck at this point it really isn't even about gambling in general (haven't we been down this road before? Is that Bruce in the rear view mirror?).
This is about the principle of the matter. We are the public. We deserve more than this shit. We all went to the polls in November and decided that for one reason or another did not want to pass the gambling initiative that was put on the ballot. I don't know why the public said "no". Neither does anyone else.
Wake up you sleeping self made giants on the hill! Call a damn public hearing. Talk to the people that you are supposed to be REPRESENTING (hence the title REPRESENTATIVE).
Perhaps the public will embrace this new bill. Perhaps they will even ask for a wider range of gaming tables. Perhaps they will ask to just kill poker in general. Perhaps they will ask to move all the poker and any other gaming device under the sum up to the Fiesta.
The point is you don't f$#!@!@ know. Stop with the shit headed games. Stop treating the public like a bunch of idiots.
We are not as naive as you folks on the hill are.
[Reference is to this article: http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=75103&cat=1 ]
How stupid does this sitting Governor think the public is. He is now saying that a compromise can be reached. The point isn't what types of gambling tables are available at the La Fiesta, heck at this point it really isn't even about gambling in general (haven't we been down this road before? Is that Bruce in the rear view mirror?).
This is about the principle of the matter. We are the public. We deserve more than this shit. We all went to the polls in November and decided that for one reason or another did not want to pass the gambling initiative that was put on the ballot. I don't know why the public said "no". Neither does anyone else.
Wake up you sleeping self made giants on the hill! Call a damn public hearing. Talk to the people that you are supposed to be REPRESENTING (hence the title REPRESENTATIVE).
Perhaps the public will embrace this new bill. Perhaps they will even ask for a wider range of gaming tables. Perhaps they will ask to just kill poker in general. Perhaps they will ask to move all the poker and any other gaming device under the sum up to the Fiesta.
The point is you don't f$#!@!@ know. Stop with the shit headed games. Stop treating the public like a bunch of idiots.
We are not as naive as you folks on the hill are.
[Reference is to this article: http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=75103&cat=1 ]
So Lost.
From Walt Goodrige’s Column:
“EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: I’ll be giving a workshop to one fragment of the population-Filipino contract workers (however, all are invited)-on Sunday, Dec. 16, 1pm at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. The seminar will have four speakers who will discuss different topics: "How to win friends and be a likeable person" by Anthony Pellegrino, "How to overcome fear of public speaking” by Bob Coldeen, "How to answer tricky job interview questions" by Christine Parke and "How to manage your time and be productive" by Walt Goodridge. DJ Dr. Love will act as moderator of the four-hour learning session. $5. E-mail pinoyseminar_saipan@yahoo.com to register or contact any CNMI-Power member.”
Am I the only one that is totally thrown a back by this?
Do he and Christine know something I don’t know? Why would you hold a seminar for a segment of the population that won’t even be allowed to answer a single interview question after January 1st?
Neither of them have said a peep publicly about the march.
“EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: I’ll be giving a workshop to one fragment of the population-Filipino contract workers (however, all are invited)-on Sunday, Dec. 16, 1pm at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. The seminar will have four speakers who will discuss different topics: "How to win friends and be a likeable person" by Anthony Pellegrino, "How to overcome fear of public speaking” by Bob Coldeen, "How to answer tricky job interview questions" by Christine Parke and "How to manage your time and be productive" by Walt Goodridge. DJ Dr. Love will act as moderator of the four-hour learning session. $5. E-mail pinoyseminar_saipan@yahoo.com to register or contact any CNMI-Power member.”
Am I the only one that is totally thrown a back by this?
Do he and Christine know something I don’t know? Why would you hold a seminar for a segment of the population that won’t even be allowed to answer a single interview question after January 1st?
Neither of them have said a peep publicly about the march.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Moved
Success.
So it begins.
****
Brad: More people showed up to the March than Martin garnered at the concert.
Angelo:
Bruce: No violence.
Everyone else in the CNMI: Thank you!
****
I will write later about the many things that occurred today.
Thank you to the many that donned the Boycott Porky's T's. I opted not to wear one today but loved those that did.
So it begins.
****
Brad: More people showed up to the March than Martin garnered at the concert.
Angelo:
Bruce: No violence.
Everyone else in the CNMI: Thank you!
****
I will write later about the many things that occurred today.
Thank you to the many that donned the Boycott Porky's T's. I opted not to wear one today but loved those that did.
Some Positive News.
Yes it has been one of those weeks.
I read in the papers today about the comments to our Governor from Sen. Bingaman. For the past few months I have been resigning myself to the fact that the Senate Bill may not have any more forward moment and that it all may have all switched over to the US House Bill (with the provision removed and added Visa Exemptions for Guam foreign workers and tourist).
The Senate Bill is intact and judging from the letter to our Gov. Fitial from Sen. Bingaman it appears it is still alive and kicking. It appears that our Governor sent a letter over to the Senate and House once again slamming them and shooting off his mouth with accusation about how the Feds don't know what is going on in the CNMI and that they need to wait for the GAO reports before acting on this legislation.
Well this letter form Fitial stirred the pot. Thankfully.
The actual Bingaman - Fitial Letter (it is a great read. click here). Until then here is one of my favorite quotes:
Damn. :-)
I read in the papers today about the comments to our Governor from Sen. Bingaman. For the past few months I have been resigning myself to the fact that the Senate Bill may not have any more forward moment and that it all may have all switched over to the US House Bill (with the provision removed and added Visa Exemptions for Guam foreign workers and tourist).
The Senate Bill is intact and judging from the letter to our Gov. Fitial from Sen. Bingaman it appears it is still alive and kicking. It appears that our Governor sent a letter over to the Senate and House once again slamming them and shooting off his mouth with accusation about how the Feds don't know what is going on in the CNMI and that they need to wait for the GAO reports before acting on this legislation.
Well this letter form Fitial stirred the pot. Thankfully.
The actual Bingaman - Fitial Letter (it is a great read. click here). Until then here is one of my favorite quotes:
"Your second concern that action on the bill should be deferred until after GAO completes its ongoing report on the CNMI, reflects a misunderstanding of the reasons the report was requested. GAO's assistance was sought to provide Federal agencies with the information needed to implement S. 1634, not to assist the Committee in determining whether to act on the bill."
Damn. :-)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Great Idea!
So I heard that all PSS teachers and employees are REQUIRED to attend tomorrow's First Lady's Vision Christmas Parade which starts at 4pm and goes from the American Memorial Park to Quartermaster.
So I got to thinking again... and you know what happens when I do that. I got a bright idea. How bout if all those in the parade hop on over and join the March as the two intersect at Quartermaster?
The Parade ends at Quartermaster and the March Begins at Kilili Beach. Once the March reaches Quartermaster the Parade should be getting there too.
This will be awesome.
Hope to see everyone there.
So I got to thinking again... and you know what happens when I do that. I got a bright idea. How bout if all those in the parade hop on over and join the March as the two intersect at Quartermaster?
The Parade ends at Quartermaster and the March Begins at Kilili Beach. Once the March reaches Quartermaster the Parade should be getting there too.
This will be awesome.
Hope to see everyone there.
March Info From Tina Sablan
What: Unity March
When: Friday, December 7 -- assembly starts at 4:30pm
Where: Kilili Beach to American Memorial Park
Why: To protest PL 15-108, the new local labor law; to express support for the extension of federal immigration law to the CNMI; and to call on U.S. Congress to retain the provision that would grant improved status to long-term alien residents in the bill to federalize immigration
Who: All members of the community are invited to join this march
All members of the community, of all ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, religions, and occupations, are called to join in the historic and peaceful Unity March on Friday, December 7, beginning with an assembly at 4:30pm at Kilili Beach, and ending at American Memorial Park. Unity March demonstrators will call for just and rational local labor laws, for the extension of federal immigration law to the CNMI, and for improved immigration status for long-term alien residents.
Traffic Advisory
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving on Beach Road between Kilili Beach and American Memorial Park from 4:30pm and 9pm, as there are expected to be hundreds of demonstrators, including children, walking along the street and pathway up to Quartermaster Road. Before 7pm, the Department of Public Safety will be closing the northbound lane of Beach Road just after Quartermaster Road, and Unity Marchers will move into the streets up to American Memorial Park.
Transportation
Transportation will be provided to and from the march for those who need it. Pick-ups will be at San Antonio basketball court and Garapan basketball court, beginning at 4pm.
People who are unable to march the entire length of the street from Kilili Beach to American Memorial Park are encouraged to ride in the Unity March convoy, or to simply head straight to the American Memorial Park to meet with other demonstrators and participate in the closing ceremony.
Local Musicians to Perform
Local musicians Steve Sablan and Floyd Lim from the Big Beats have volunteered to perform throughout the march to keep up the spirits of the demonstrators. Other musicians have also been invited to perform.
In the Evening, Rain or Shine
All participants are asked to bring water and flashlights. Umbrellas are also advised. The Unity March will take place rain or shine.
Placards and Banners
Placards and banners have been prepared for the march. Participants are also invited to bring their own placards and banners indicating the message(s) they wish to convey, the organizations they are representing, etc. Organizers only ask that all signs promote the spirit of unity and peaceful expression.
Expected Participants
Bangladeshi Community,
Bicol Association,
Business owners,
Carolinians,
Chamorros,
Children,
Chinese Community,
Dekada,
Federal and local government officials,
Foreign national workers,
Human Dignity Movement,
Investors,
Japanese Community,
Korean Association,
Local attorneys,
Micronesians and other Pacific Islanders,
MOVER,
Off-island supporters,
Permanent residents,
PILCOWA,
Refugees,
Retirees,
Social workers and advocates,
Students,
Teachers,
Thai Association,
United Filipino Organization,
U.S. citizens,
Various professional associations,
Various religious groups, and
Many other individuals and organizations of diverse backgrounds, all unified by a desire to improve the immigration and labor system for the fair protection and long-term benefit of all workers and businesses in the CNMI.
To Contribute
Businesses or individuals interested in making in-kind donations of water, trash bags, banners, placards, paint supplies, and other materials may contact Ed Propst at 483-7361.
To Volunteer
Individuals interested in volunteering to assist at the aid stations, to pass out water, ribbons, etc., or to assist with ensuring traffic safety, particularly trained individuals such as security guards, JROTC/ROTC officers, and the Boy Scouts may contact Conrad Ocampo at 286-8625. The Red Cross will be providing logistical support for aid stations.
Individuals interested in volunteering to drive participants to and from the Unity March may contact Wendell at 483-9494.
For More Information
Please contact Ed Propst at 483-7361; Tina Sablan at 483-3935; Boni Sagana at 484-0507; or Stephen Woodruff at 235-3872.
***
Thanks very much!
Tina Sablan
When: Friday, December 7 -- assembly starts at 4:30pm
Where: Kilili Beach to American Memorial Park
Why: To protest PL 15-108, the new local labor law; to express support for the extension of federal immigration law to the CNMI; and to call on U.S. Congress to retain the provision that would grant improved status to long-term alien residents in the bill to federalize immigration
Who: All members of the community are invited to join this march
All members of the community, of all ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, religions, and occupations, are called to join in the historic and peaceful Unity March on Friday, December 7, beginning with an assembly at 4:30pm at Kilili Beach, and ending at American Memorial Park. Unity March demonstrators will call for just and rational local labor laws, for the extension of federal immigration law to the CNMI, and for improved immigration status for long-term alien residents.
Traffic Advisory
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving on Beach Road between Kilili Beach and American Memorial Park from 4:30pm and 9pm, as there are expected to be hundreds of demonstrators, including children, walking along the street and pathway up to Quartermaster Road. Before 7pm, the Department of Public Safety will be closing the northbound lane of Beach Road just after Quartermaster Road, and Unity Marchers will move into the streets up to American Memorial Park.
Transportation
Transportation will be provided to and from the march for those who need it. Pick-ups will be at San Antonio basketball court and Garapan basketball court, beginning at 4pm.
People who are unable to march the entire length of the street from Kilili Beach to American Memorial Park are encouraged to ride in the Unity March convoy, or to simply head straight to the American Memorial Park to meet with other demonstrators and participate in the closing ceremony.
Local Musicians to Perform
Local musicians Steve Sablan and Floyd Lim from the Big Beats have volunteered to perform throughout the march to keep up the spirits of the demonstrators. Other musicians have also been invited to perform.
In the Evening, Rain or Shine
All participants are asked to bring water and flashlights. Umbrellas are also advised. The Unity March will take place rain or shine.
Placards and Banners
Placards and banners have been prepared for the march. Participants are also invited to bring their own placards and banners indicating the message(s) they wish to convey, the organizations they are representing, etc. Organizers only ask that all signs promote the spirit of unity and peaceful expression.
Expected Participants
Bangladeshi Community,
Bicol Association,
Business owners,
Carolinians,
Chamorros,
Children,
Chinese Community,
Dekada,
Federal and local government officials,
Foreign national workers,
Human Dignity Movement,
Investors,
Japanese Community,
Korean Association,
Local attorneys,
Micronesians and other Pacific Islanders,
MOVER,
Off-island supporters,
Permanent residents,
PILCOWA,
Refugees,
Retirees,
Social workers and advocates,
Students,
Teachers,
Thai Association,
United Filipino Organization,
U.S. citizens,
Various professional associations,
Various religious groups, and
Many other individuals and organizations of diverse backgrounds, all unified by a desire to improve the immigration and labor system for the fair protection and long-term benefit of all workers and businesses in the CNMI.
To Contribute
Businesses or individuals interested in making in-kind donations of water, trash bags, banners, placards, paint supplies, and other materials may contact Ed Propst at 483-7361.
To Volunteer
Individuals interested in volunteering to assist at the aid stations, to pass out water, ribbons, etc., or to assist with ensuring traffic safety, particularly trained individuals such as security guards, JROTC/ROTC officers, and the Boy Scouts may contact Conrad Ocampo at 286-8625. The Red Cross will be providing logistical support for aid stations.
Individuals interested in volunteering to drive participants to and from the Unity March may contact Wendell at 483-9494.
For More Information
Please contact Ed Propst at 483-7361; Tina Sablan at 483-3935; Boni Sagana at 484-0507; or Stephen Woodruff at 235-3872.
***
Thanks very much!
Tina Sablan
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Non-Controversial Post
Can we all agree that Angelo Villagomez is a deplorable, self-centered, self-absorbed, egotistical, hate mongering, ignorant, insecure, piece of crap with very limited brain power and little to no social skills and that the community should pity him rather than hate him?
Saipan's Most Disturbed Blogger
So I have been thinking... yes I know that is pretty unheard of. I have been reading the recent postings on Middle Road, Brad's, Bruce's and Angelo's Blogs and what I have been reading is beyond disturbing. I would have thought that Bruce couldn't stoop any lower than his feeble attempt at assisting in the passage of the SCA but I was wrong. He has recently posted this statement on his blog which is taken out of context and at this point I can care less:
"Maybe if they are lucky, protest march organizers will get a small act of violence to splash on front pages. "
He has also made other comments on other blogs basically down the same line of hoping that a violent event occurs during this peaceful march.
I do hope that he is the recipient of any violence that ever occurs in the CNMI.
Brad has also made some comments and blog posts about the upcoming march and his may have been influenced by Saipan's Most Disturbed Blogger [Angelo] and Bruce. He has made some comments about one of the people participating in the march and even posted a poll that pits him against Martin as an indicator of support for the march.
Bruce has also said that the march is a futile attempt that won't generate any results. I wonder how he of all people became an expert on diagnosing futile attempts at anything. Remember this is the same guy that championed the SCA. What a buffoon.
I believe that all of the hate based attacks on Boni are nothing more than an attempt by people to discredit this march. It is not working and from what I have seen is doing more to tarnish their own images rather than Boni's.
Some of the comments that have been written alluded to Boni collecting funds in exchange for greencards. Others have stated that he is unemployed and living off Dekada dues. The most recent one by Bruce states that Boni could not be well off unless he was stealing money in order to purchase a house in the Philippines and eat in the CNMI.
What makes this even more disturbing is that their comments have been challenged and most have been proven unwarranted and misleading. Dekada has not charged a fee to it's members for the past 3 years. No one listed above has spoken to Boni personally and have no idea other than their self made gossip about him.
Saipan's Most Disturbed Blogger, after being given proper information regarding all of this, has recently chosen to post yet another disgusting blog. This time disgracing the March itself.
Feel free to read his blog post dated today. Here is my comment response to him (in case he decides to censor it):
I do hope that the majority of the public that peruse these blogs is intelligent enough to see through their crap. I will be at the march on Friday and I encourage all of the people in the CNMI to be there with me.
Remember there were times in our country when women had limited rights, people were enslaved due to the color of their skin, people were attacked based on their sexual preference. Things can change.
"You must be the change you
"Maybe if they are lucky, protest march organizers will get a small act of violence to splash on front pages. "
He has also made other comments on other blogs basically down the same line of hoping that a violent event occurs during this peaceful march.
I do hope that he is the recipient of any violence that ever occurs in the CNMI.
Brad has also made some comments and blog posts about the upcoming march and his may have been influenced by Saipan's Most Disturbed Blogger [Angelo] and Bruce. He has made some comments about one of the people participating in the march and even posted a poll that pits him against Martin as an indicator of support for the march.
Bruce has also said that the march is a futile attempt that won't generate any results. I wonder how he of all people became an expert on diagnosing futile attempts at anything. Remember this is the same guy that championed the SCA. What a buffoon.
I believe that all of the hate based attacks on Boni are nothing more than an attempt by people to discredit this march. It is not working and from what I have seen is doing more to tarnish their own images rather than Boni's.
Some of the comments that have been written alluded to Boni collecting funds in exchange for greencards. Others have stated that he is unemployed and living off Dekada dues. The most recent one by Bruce states that Boni could not be well off unless he was stealing money in order to purchase a house in the Philippines and eat in the CNMI.
What makes this even more disturbing is that their comments have been challenged and most have been proven unwarranted and misleading. Dekada has not charged a fee to it's members for the past 3 years. No one listed above has spoken to Boni personally and have no idea other than their self made gossip about him.
Saipan's Most Disturbed Blogger, after being given proper information regarding all of this, has recently chosen to post yet another disgusting blog. This time disgracing the March itself.
Feel free to read his blog post dated today. Here is my comment response to him (in case he decides to censor it):
"You are the one that has painted yourself into a corner. You are rambling
on about something that you obviously know little or nothing about.
This is not a march of Filipinos vs Locals. You saying that is what will
plant that disgusting seed in people's minds. You have serious issues. You are
bitter about your current place in the CNMI and you are trying to wreak havoc on
a great movement.
As it stands now there are a multitude of ethnicities included in
this march. You wouldn't know because you have sat in your hovel and created
your own version of reality. There are various Japanese, Korean, Thai,
Bangladeshi, Chinese, Filipino, Chamorro, Palauan, Carolinian, etc. groups,
business owners, employees all locking arms in support of this march.
This is not a race based issue and it does take into consideration both
local and non-residents. The main focal point of the march is the recently
enacted Local Labor Law. This law affects everyone (all damn ethnicities). You
should read it before you start spewing your nonsense. The findings in that law alone are enough to make anyone’s stomach turn.
Boycott Porky’s!
PP
PS: If your recent posts are nothing more than an attempt to garner
comments in your little online competition world than I regret that I have added
to your blog."
I do hope that the majority of the public that peruse these blogs is intelligent enough to see through their crap. I will be at the march on Friday and I encourage all of the people in the CNMI to be there with me.
Remember there were times in our country when women had limited rights, people were enslaved due to the color of their skin, people were attacked based on their sexual preference. Things can change.
"You must be the change you
wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Ghandi
Mahatma Ghandi
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