Comments on The Saipan SCUBA Diving Blog: Marine Monument – Personalities & Politics

Gravy Train,I'm not an expert in this but here's w...

2008-05-14T21:52:00.000+10:00

Gravy Train,

I'm not an expert in this but here's what I understand to be true at this time.

The monument park would be funded by monies appropriated by congress through the department of commerce via the NOAA sanctuary program.

As it is coming from Congress there really are no guarantees for any funding. As bad as that sounds it is essentially true for any program funded this way.

Rotary just had a presentation by the upper administrators of the federaly funded HUD program that among other things helps subsise housing for nearly 400 low income families in the CNMI. Even they stated how, from year to year, they don't know how much they are going to get and there are no guarantees for them either.

Bottom line is we would get something which is more than nothing and we could probably expect it would be significant.

What I've seen from the Pew side of things is that there is data that shows, in general, federal government support of historical sites, national parks and other such things has increased not decreased over the past number of years.

I think it is a question that no one can really answer at this time. Although I agree at some point we would need to be doing something other than guessing.

Another thing that is true about every time a designation like this has happened and that is the building of a visitors center. Even if that only employed another 4 FTE's after the construction it would be 4 more jobs than we have now.

Thanks Saipan Writer.I can completely understand L...

2008-05-14T21:38:00.000+10:00

Thanks Saipan Writer.

I can completely understand Lino's thoughts with regards to outsiders and the general distrust regarding unfulfilled promises.

It's very unfortunate because those feelings make it harder for even good ideas to be given a chance.

The feelings of betrayal and distrust are also why it's paramount that the local indiginous people have a plan and / or a say in one that is developed for the future.

If it is every islanders dream to preserve their culture and travel to the far reaches of their homeland then we should do everything possible now to ensure they will discover a world their ancestors would recognize.

Federal money dumped into here for this activity. ...

2008-05-14T17:31:00.000+10:00

Federal money dumped into here for this activity. Jobs. You know, the stuff this places lives for.

$20 million in federal gravy? Where is this gravy ...

2008-05-14T09:58:00.000+10:00

$20 million in federal gravy? Where is this gravy train coming from?? Please explain.

Nice analysis. And very respectful, but helpful, ...

2008-05-13T14:45:00.000+10:00

Nice analysis. And very respectful, but helpful, comment on Lino's opposition.

For the record, I fixed two grammar mistakes I mad...

2008-05-12T21:45:00.000+10:00

For the record, I fixed two grammar mistakes I made in my harried comment. It is otherwise the same comment, but thanks for reposting the otherwise identical flawed comment I removed.

Sorry Jeff, something weird there.I agree this was...

2008-05-12T20:46:00.000+10:00

Sorry Jeff, something weird there.

I agree this was a pretty tough situation for anyone to take on even if you just look at the time frame involved. Throw in the other factors you mention and you realize it's pretty impressive to still see the general support and have a chance for this to continue. The clarification of intent from the Senate and House is also important to note but unfortunately not well reported.

I really do believe the majority of people think this is worth taking a serious look at. Perhaps people will rise up and let the leaders know how they feel. There is a lot of upside to keeping this on the table and I also believe the elected leaders recognize this. They can walk away now or in six months. President Bush is not going to do something that is unpopular at the end of his term. If in six months no one wants to sign on to the MOU then no harm done.

Lpinsaipan
Thank you. It’s an important issue. I wish I could write faster or had more time to devote to this because if in the end the park becomes a reality it would benefit many more than those who may gain from preventing it. I have also heard the local fishermen talk about how they dream of fishing the Northern islands and how the draw is the same as any diver might have. Because it is “untouched” and one of the only places remaining where you can truly say that. They want to be able to know their children will have the same opportunity. The opportunity to make a trip of a life time and bring home experience that just can’t be taught.

For the Record the deleted comment was from Jeff a...

2008-05-12T16:17:00.000+10:00

For the Record the deleted comment was from Jeff and said.

Angelo never had a fighting chance with this thing. WESPAC bought off the elected powers that be, who are largely too ignorant to fully comprehend this issue anyway, which can be easily demagogued, Far too many people were easily manipulated from years of manipulation. "Anger over foreigners telling them what to do" is an act of cutting off your nose to spite your face. There would be $20 million in federal gravy coming in here, not to mention the boost in our very sullied reputation, and the good publicity is now foregone that would boost tourism. But people here want to oppose this because they're angry over federalization. Boy did you show them.

Also for the record Jeff deleting a comment is right up there with leaving an anonymous one.

Well done Mike - once again, you have used your wi...

2008-05-12T15:46:00.000+10:00

Well done Mike - once again, you have used your wisdom...your gift to see through the b.s., which is something about you that I truly admire. Thank you for taking the time to write out your thoughts and to make the points that sift the fly-sh*t from the pepper.

Angelo never had a fighting chance with this thing...

2008-05-12T12:50:00.000+10:00

Angelo never had a fighting chance with this thing. WESPAC bought off the elected powers that be, who are largely too ignorant to fully comprehend this issue anyway and can't think beyond the next election. This issue was ripe to be easily demagogued as well. Far too many people were easily manipulated from years of propoganda. "Anger over foreigners telling them what to do" is an act of cutting off your nose to spite your face. There would be $20 million in federal gravy coming in here, not to mention the boost in our very sullied reputation, and that good publicity is now foregone and it would have boosted the legs of this economy: tourism. But people here want to oppose this because they're angry over federalization. Boy did you show them.