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S. 1634, The Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Implementation Act (366 comments ↓ | 3 wiki edits)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
S. 1634 would implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
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Visitor Comments
Jessie Torres
December 16, 2007, 2:15am (report abuse)You are right Mark Villagomez, It is embedded in your culture to be like that long before the time of Magellan. That is why they call your island, "Delas Islas de Ladrones" or pur it simply,"THE ISLANDS OF THIEVES"! Biba Ben Fitial and the Covenant Party!
Rafaela Taisacan of Washington
December 16, 2007, 2:22am (report abuse)I am ashamed of calling myself Chamorro because of the feeblemindedness and arrogance of Ben Fitial, Greg Cruz and Stanley Torres........Thank God for having Tina Sablan....at last a new leader with Charisma, Patience and
a heart was born. I have no doubt in my contention that she will soon be the next Governor of CNMI!
John Magallanes
December 16, 2007, 2:41am (report abuse)The US Congress is now paving the way for foreign workers (not to count their US Born Children)in the given legislative bills in process. Local leaders should now align themselves to the next domineering list of voters that will eventually propel them to power 5 years from now....The Alien Force....The first batch of local political supporters who will show their faces will be the future leaders of CNMI! Believe it or Not but its TRUE!
Tina Sablan is now on top of that list! SO COME OUT AND BE COUNTED!
TY
December 16, 2007, 11:37am (report abuse)Hey....Locals..are your feel shameful about that???Who feed your guys?who is the one pay for the local tax for your gus Food stamp????that's we are...aline worker...pls.before you speak out think about it!!
Ramon
December 16, 2007, 6:02pm (report abuse)I disagree on some of the comments here that locals are no good persons. THAT IS NOT TRUE!! I have been in Saipan for so many years and I have known and worked with a lot of locals which are very nice persons the only person that I know that is an AS**LE is BEN FITIAL. Happy Holiday to everyone especially to Jason Fitial.
DC Sablan (Kappon)
December 17, 2007, 6:45pm (report abuse)CNMI should wake up and smell the coffee! As Chamorro, I want the best for my son. Our island is going nowhere and we need a change. I really want the best for my island and we need to pass this Federalization Bill. We can talk and debate about this bill, but I made up my mind and I know deep in my heart. This is right for our people in CNMI. As for Tina Sablan I am on your side....
DC Sablan (Kappon)
December 17, 2007, 7:17pm (report abuse)Tj, before you start criticizing our people of CNMI. Please check yourself; you did not help me or our people in CNMI. You came to our island to find a job and to better yourself. I have nothing against you or for the workers. As for feeding us, I think not! I also pay taxes and I’m proud to be an American. We are good people and we want what is good for our island!
cEnSoReD DeMOcRaT
December 17, 2007, 9:25pm (report abuse)To U mR.MeNdIoLa "ThE sUpEr HeRO"!
gooD LUcK SUpErmAn!MaY u HaVe lOt MoRE Of wASteD cOmmeNts hEre...REMeMbER...We HeLp U in MaKiNG thIs hAuNteD IsLaND SoMeThING tO loOK aT...wE dEVoTeD ouR tAlEnTs(u hAvE?wHaT WAS It?EaTiNG?),tIMe(are U aBsEnT TODAY?AHHHMMM....LATE?),aNd eFFFoRt(u're eFfoRt oF KiLliNG PeTs oN tHe RoAd BecAuSE u Are LaTE?) jUST tO EArN fOr oUR faMiLIeS(HoW AbOUT U? 4 BaRbEqUe?bEteL NUt?)...ThE hAuNtEd IsLand Is aLl yoUrS DeAr! HaVe a ThOUsAnD moRE Of FoOD sTampS FoR Ur fAmIly(GooD LIvIng hA?)AhHmmm....DoNt FoRgEt,iT'S A feDErAl FuNd...AbOUT tHIs poKeR iSlAnD,aBoUt YoUr SuPeR bEaUtIFuL RoAds AnD hOUsES...ThOsE 2 sToREy bUiLdIng tHaT hAs cRaCKs,tHe bItChEs I MeAn bEaChEs ThAt aRE SuPeR BEaUtIfUl WhEn bEiNG bEaUtIfY By SoMe gRouPs...IT'S All YouRS!hElP YoUr seLf ouT!YoU Are sUcH a wOnDeRFuL pErSoN aNd You knOw GoD bLeSS U moRE eAcH dAy U lIvE wiTh thIs kInd oF hEaRT liKe YouRS...godbless u!!!HaVe a bLeSSeD aND FrUitFuL ChRiStmAs!LeT'S BeT!(^_*)smile!GODBLESS!
N. Mohamed
December 18, 2007, 12:23am (report abuse)I appreciate the great respect US has for its children. They can sue even the parents if unfair, I was even surprised when the school bus stops, all traffics stops, no spanking etc many. which no other country has that much respect for kids. Now! they are put on the line of exile for what crime? Only very High diplomats who do crimes unpunishable by the local law, are sent on exile. Thats the highest punishment one can get for that type of crime. now, these US born children will be on automatic exile for at least 18 years. Does this stand for any us values? Instead it ruins all other values. I never see even any Asian countries does this to their own future generation. There is a lot more to think in this line.
WOLVERINE
December 18, 2007, 2:13am (report abuse)Shame on all of you foreigners for wanting something that did not belong to you. You were all guest workers and we were the host and you all took advantage of the situation. Show us your contract agreements and point out where it said that we promised you status! Stop lighting candles, marching, and use your children for your quest. It was Christensen who have the non-immigrant provision taken out because they cannot impose federalization unilaterly without our consent, be careful what you ask for, the Feds aint your friends.
Joey Melberlin
December 18, 2007, 3:58am (report abuse)Wolverine, when you sign a contract to your job (sorry not sure if you have job) does it say anything there that you cannot advance or promoted to any higher position? You will keep on aiming high isn't it? Everyone has the right to take advantage of the situation especially if this means a progression to your lives. If there is a vacancy for higher position and you have a chance, can you not grab that? bec. it's not in your contract? Be pragmatic
Lance
December 18, 2007, 4:15am (report abuse)I will go to US Mainland as non-immigrant!
Lance
December 18, 2007, 4:22am (report abuse)then I will have 5 years to change status to Immigrant via skilled employment then eventually US citizenship! now who said that we cannot be US Citizen? I love America! I love Saipan... I hate local bad boys like Fitial.
sonofsaipan
December 18, 2007, 5:42am (report abuse)The USA is federally aged at over 231yrs old and are still encountering the controversial problems that the CNMI, locally aged at over 30yrs old is currently said to be encountering. I just can't understand why the proponents of this bill are arguing that federalization will benefit everyone. If the proponents are saying that the CNMI Gov't is corrupt, negligent and abusive, then don't you think that for 231yrs the US Gov't would've fixed all their problems by now. If You were to say that it takes time, then by all means give it time, give the CNMI time.
PREBA HAO!!!!!!!
sonofsaipan
December 18, 2007, 5:44am (report abuse)With all the arguments against the CNMI as mentioned, by comparison, Federalization will basically mean the removal of one street hoodlum and to be replaced by a more sinister, conniving, absolute authority, absolute power Mafioso. If federalization does pass, then remember this, of all the non-residents only a few may be granted the privileges of the provisions, therefore leaving the remaining large percentage to be sent off with no due process or no hearing, because of beauracracy and That's the Federal Way. On the upside, Labor & Immigration sectors will be 100% federally funded therefore beefing up their enforcement capabilities more n' more locals will apply for these positions and i guess these newly hired and federally employed agents will be more than happy to escort that large percentage right up to the departure gates. More pay by Uncle Sam to fill the frying pan...and that's food for thought.
PREBA HAO!!!!!!!
Alien Status
December 18, 2007, 6:00am (report abuse)Viva Federalization! We will become human beings.
Ramon
December 19, 2007, 1:26am (report abuse)We can not blame Jun Fitial & Mark Villagomez for idolizing Ben Fitial. Ben is the man who fought and block the Federalization of the CNMI for so many years not to mention the implementation of the federal minimum wage so his boss willy can have millions of dollars. Imagine a chamolinian head of the family is earning $3.05/ hr. just to pay for his CUC bills. Biba uncle Ben!!
Chin Chun Zu
December 19, 2007, 5:00pm (report abuse)I am Chinese and we want federalization, don't single out Filipinos. I believe Chamorros called Saipan part of USA only for their benefit but for the benefit of USA and other people hell no this is not part of America...this is our Island!!! LOLz... makes no sense at all.
I wonder USA should stop food stamp and let's see what will happen next?
Move forward Saipan!
The Last Weatherman
December 24, 2007, 4:12pm (report abuse)Tina Sablan for Governor and either Glen, William, or Robert Hunter for Lt. Gov.!!!!!!!!!!!
The Last Weatherman
December 24, 2007, 4:24pm (report abuse)The people need action from the US Senate to end the instability here. No US citizen child will be swept to Bulacan(PI), where barefoot children play interchangably between garbage and traffic. Our community has spoken on this matter and their voice was deafening Unity March Day!!!
Sick & Tired
December 25, 2007, 7:23pm (report abuse)This bill "S.1634" is disable bill this is good for cleaning the ass. Please bring with you Mr. Cohen as you exit.
Gemma
January 1, 2008, 3:00pm (report abuse)tina sablan is named cnmi person of the year by the garment owned saipan tribune and wendy doromal has been nominated for the nobel peace prize
Sweatshop Watch
January 1, 2008, 3:04pm (report abuse)Garment bag man and Governor Ben Fitial took a 9.4 million dollar CNMI tax rebate check to garment goon Willie tan this week....that is a personal delivered tax return to Hong Kong. Please, please, can't the uS lock these people up????
Amusing
January 1, 2008, 3:08pm (report abuse)please read "real heroes" the garment spokesman richard pierce's version in the saipan tribune and ron hodges' version in the marianas variety at mvariety.com
Ben-tans folly
January 4, 2008, 3:51pm (report abuse)I hope they put Fitial, about 1/2 our Congress, and there hoale employees, in jail. They should be sure to include Ben Fitial, Froilan and Pedro Tenorio, Juan Babauta, Lynn Knight, Willie Tan, James Lyn, Dick Pierce, Matt gregory, Harry Blalock, and many more. when they put fitial away, i hope they send all his hoale yes men and ass kissers with him. that would be lynn knight, dick pierce, harry blalock, matt gregory, steve pixley, ivan q, ms berry, and everyone that was ever involved is the saipan chamber of commerce or HANMI i am trying to catch up on this labor and immigration story. so the governor is taking 8 digit check to hong kong. a guy has been documenting the historical accounting here and was cencored by the local Congress here....and they are trying to deport an American....is that correct?
Amusing
January 5, 2008, 5:10pm (report abuse)No one is being deported. The people here have lost all hope with our current leaders
Juan Malimunga
January 15, 2008, 11:30pm (report abuse)Ai adai Chamoru...let us continue to fight for our lands and our right to self determination. Uncle Sam created me and Uncle Sam can take me away. The real enemy is the US military who wish upon the world its domination. Uncle Sam has sold itself to large US Corporations and now Corporations like Haliburton are now on the island of Guahan....the CNMI is next which means that the people who call this land home (The land of the Chamorros), whether you are a Filipino, Carolinian, White, Black, Red...Nuclearization and the bombing of the Northern Islands is upon us. This bill should not pass because it will be used a new slave trade for the Department of Insular Affairs. They are building a Bio-terror Lab in Hawaii. Look around you...we must come together and end racism (which is taught by the white man) between all ethnics groups of the CNMI! Please vote NO! Thank you and God's Blessings Upon ALL on my homeland!
Mr. Justice
January 17, 2008, 11:15am (report abuse)GOVERNOR FITIAL BE READY! YOU ARE GOING TO JAIL. WE KNOW WHY YOU ARE OPPOSING THE FEDERALIZATION,YOURE ONLY PROTECTING WILLY TAN AND YOUR SELF...YOU ARE NEXT TO DOOLITTLE YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CANNOT HIDE
Lookalike
January 17, 2008, 7:10pm (report abuse)Mr. Greg Cruz you are inviting lokal people to rally against federalization I hope they will not join just because you offered free barbecue????Just request also uncle Ben to send some more bento from nino Willy to make it sure many will join the party!!! VIVA MARIANAS LETS JOIN BBQUE AGAINST FEDERALIZATION
sonofsaipan
January 21, 2008, 5:13pm (report abuse)last i check the covenant negotiations were between the local chamorro/carolinians and the federal government. regardless if federalization passes or not, the agreement would always be with the local chamorro/carolinians and the federal government. seems to me that a vast majority of non-residents believe that once federalization bill passes, all will automatically become US citizens. now answer me this, out of all the unity marchers on dec. 2007, how many of you have read the federalization bills in their entirety and understood what it really means?
Lost marbles
January 22, 2008, 8:07am (report abuse)Cinta Kaipat has lied to the entire commonwealth.
She defends the gangsters here including uncle Ben Fitial. She has been caught in a terrible lie regarding others writing her letter to the editor bashing Ron Hodges, who commented on PL-15-208.
The author was Deanne Siemer, apparently the wife of Howard Willens, a Ben Fitial attorney. She is a silent mouthpiece for Fitial and his criminal organization. Cinta Kaipat has proven herself a puppet for an organized crime family... see unheard no more Cinta has lost all credibility.
The ideals of Martin luther King Jr. have been trampled in the CNMI
NOYPI
January 24, 2008, 8:51am (report abuse)GOV.FITIAL I Thought you dont like us! why you are keep going back to Philippines Now you are asking help for my kababayan about the power and gas in saipan. if you get sick where do you go? in the US mainland or the Philippines? if you go to US mainland may be they will ARREST you and you cannot come back anymore to saipan. Now you are Kissing my kababayan "A--"
"U CAN RUN BUT U CANNOT HIDE"
Evil players
January 26, 2008, 5:33pm (report abuse)Please read “Who is pulling the strings” by Wendy Doromal unheardnomore.blogspot.com concerning the Cinta Kaipat article "Hodges distortions are shameful".
S.1634
January 29, 2008, 11:13pm (report abuse)http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/committees/one_item_and_teasers/committee_... />
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008
11:30 a.m.
Energy and Natural Resources
Business meeting to consider:
Amusing
February 6, 2008, 6:35pm (report abuse)is the CNMI leadership really really lobbying DC against raising the minimum wage here?
Tina Sablan, Wendy Doromal, Mr. Chamberonomics, and Steve Woodruff have closed the book on that conspiracy.
TTT
February 8, 2008, 10:09pm (report abuse)Our organization does not support the business position on stopping or freezing the minimum wage of the CNMI. The TTT is 100 percent for raising our min wage to a sustainable level where a normal person can survive this "bitter times" nightmare.
Guest Who
February 12, 2008, 5:18pm (report abuse)TTT/Greg, I am not sure whether you know what your left does and while your right hand perform differently. You are confused. You are for this and the same time you are against it.
Whose next?
February 15, 2008, 8:17pm (report abuse)Who will be the next cuffed, placed in an orange jumpsuit, and carted, shuffling of course, off to federal prison? Here are the latest odds.
Ben Fitial 1 - 1
Willie Tan 1 - 1
Jerry T 5 - 1
Howard W 3 - 1
Deenne S 5 - 2
Dick P 3 - 2
Lynn K 7 - 1
Mat Gregorie 9 - 1
Jan Pan 8 - 1
Juan Babuata 12 - 1
Mya Kara 11 - 1
Smarten-up Saipan
February 23, 2008, 2:43pm (report abuse)Instead of being welfare cases scrambling for crumbs against guest workers, why don't you locals smarten-up and take the bull by the horns by turning the CNMI around. If you are all too stupid, I will draw you a picture.
1. Eliminate or reduce your begging lawmakers
2. Quit protecting several companies with a monopoly on your whole island. Perhaps you guys have been told what to do for so long you need an overseer. US law enforcement would put them out of business if the CNMI asked.
3. Put a city administrator in charge that has close ties to the federal government...like Cohen, Stayman, Jim. B.
4. After number 3, they could work with the US government to provide additional flights, manageable power, investment in our water situation, and economic incentives to US companies that invest here.
Minimum wage in CNMI
February 25, 2008, 2:40pm (report abuse)US President George Bush has support the big business lobby effort to freeze the min wage in Saipan to .50 per year til 2015. Nice, the first wage increase in a generation is frozen to fifty cents. The result will be a complete departure of young islanders and poor locals who can not live under the extreme economy there.
UNITY
March 4, 2008, 3:22pm (report abuse)Unity Core organizers in the CNMI will call for a general strike according to an article written in the Marianas Variety.
UNITY in SAIPAN
March 7, 2008, 9:47pm (report abuse)Core organizers in saipan would meet again tonight for the fouth meet concerning a general strike. The day has not been set and organizers are looking from april 1 to 15 and will hit on a tuesday,wends, or thursday. a letter from the core team stateing objectives (1 demand is the repeal of 15-108) and grievances is being prepared and will be out in a newspaper soon. It is the plan to follow the DAY of SACRIFICE with a boycott of business that worked guest workers on a Day of Sacrifice,
2007invictus
March 8, 2008, 9:37am (report abuse)TO ALL CNMI GUEST WORKERS BE PREPARED!!!
THE SECOND BLOW IS COMING...
"THE DAY OF SACRIFICE"
Plea to Congress
March 10, 2008, 4:10pm (report abuse)At the end of the day we must ask "who do we trust more about these issues.
Do we trust gov. Fitial and all his business associates who have abused us for so long and are against our improved status. Should we believe criminals?
Or should we trust those who have spent much time, thought, work helping us with no personal money to gain and who have done it with much personal risks? I have watched this debate and can tell you that poor guest workers here can trust the words of Wendy Doromal, Tina Sablan, Ron Hodges, Jane Mack, Ruth Tighe, Steve Woodrum, Ken O'Harnett, Bill Weiss, Jim Benedetto, David Cohen, and many more trying to help us here.
2007invictus
March 25, 2008, 10:11am (report abuse)The Human Dignity Movement, Saipan, CNMI will be leading a Prayer Vigil in support of federalization on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
We are inviting all guest workers – Filipino, Chinese, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Korean, Japanese, Canadian, Sri Lankan, and others; concerned locals; American citizens; business owners; and others to come support this memorable event. We will be offering inspiration and hope through prayers, and speakers.
Our struggle for justice, social and political rights, and due process has long been a long one. We hope we are nearing the end! Please come and demonstrate your support and unity! Your presence will be appreciated. "Kung hindi tayo kikilos, Sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon kailan Pa! (If we will not act, who will? If not now? Then when?) If possible please wear white t-shirts to symbolize your support and our unity.
Josh
May 21, 2008, 3:18am (report abuse)CDMI must become a statehood. The governor wants the Mariana Islands become a socialist state. Statehood for Saipan. Say no to "Socialism" for Mariana Islands.