This is a letter thanking President Obama for his many contributions to society, including reform in the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The notorious Saipan Chamber of Commerce has circled the wagons for a last ditch effort to stall federalization here.
Chamberonomics 126...with honor and dignity
The world has recognized American President Barrack Obama with a Nobel Prize.
President Barrack Obama has offered hope to the downtrodden, demonstrated wisdom in both international and domestic affairs, proposed an academically sound peace initiative, approached the Muslim world with unabated determination to restore America’s dignity abroad, stressed by an unachievable war on terror, confronted opponents with reason and logic, and was a Congressional force that voted labor and immigration reform to the CNMI, ending "the great silence" of abuses that plagued the Saipan garment era.
Children from the US Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands can now aspire to be President themselves, since our current President broke the color barrier that tainted America’s reputation for over a century.
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce, whose members were instrumental in the Jack Abramoff bribery affair, seeks a delay in the enactment of federalization. Chamber members have not only had the benefit of a restricted work force that has destroyed opportunity for local youth, they have been directly and indirectly supported by the American taxpayer, including medical and educational subsidies for their own underpaid contract guest workers. Apparently, according to CREAM members support of Governor Ben Fitial, many foreign investors now support a delay in federalization. The reason they support a delay is that they operate here and will not likely meet E-2 visa requirements. The CNMI needs investors that are stakeholders and have met US investor visa requirements.
The CNMI needs change and clinging to the status quo of servitude here is not the way to improve the lives of our young US citizens. Citizens here must elect a Governor who will seek opportunity for our young people by forcing the private sector to train and employ citizens.
Congratulations Mr. President for distinguishing yourself beside Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, and other deserving recipients of the world’s highest honor.
Ron Hodges
Saipan