Boulanger Pleads Guilty

January 30, 2009

The Associated Press reports that Todd Boulanger, Abramoff deputy who worked extensively on CNMI issues, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Richard W. Roberts for bribing congressional staffers with gifts in exchange for pushing legislation favorable to clients. Boulanger could get up to 5 years in prison, but in a plea deal prosecutors recommend he get between 18-24 months with reduced time for cooperating. 

From the AP article:

During the plea hearing, the prosecutor read e-mails between Boulanger, his colleagues and congressional aides, who were not shy in their demands. Boulanger, who told the judge all the accusations against him were true, made it clear in his correspondence that he expected the staffers would return his favors.

The prosecutors said one legislative director in the Senate, identified only as "Staffer F," tried to help insert spending measures and add other amendments to legislation for Boulanger's clients. Later, the staffer asked Boulanger if he could "score some hockey tickets," and Boulanger got him front-row seats.

"This is without a doubt the most in demand game of the season," Boulanger wrote. "You, my friend, are in debt to me for a while!"

Boulanger later got the staffer box tickets to see the Baltimore Orioles, but the staffer wanted more. "Could you make sure there's beer this time," he wrote. I "mean, the red sox, crab cakes, and fillet mignon's were nice but haha."

Later, Boulanger expressed confidence that the senator whom the staffer worked for would give them a favor. "Easy money," Boulanger wrote to Abramoff. The staffer "practically lives in our various suites. We are shady."

The court documents state:

From 1999 to 2004, in the District of Columbia and elsewhere, the defendant,  TODD A. BOULANGER, together with Abramoff, Ring and others, did knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree to commit an offense against the United States, to wit, to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and deprive the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the federal executive branch, and the people of the United States of their right to the honest services of certain public officials performed free from deceit, fraud, concealment, bias, conflict of interest, self enrichment and self dealing, and to use the interstate wires in furtherance of the conspiracy, in that the defendant BOULANGER, Abramoff, Ring and others corruptly offered and did give things of value to public officials, which things of value were concealed from the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the federal executive branch, and which things of value were offered and given to influence, induce, and reward official action favorable to defendant BOULANGER, his co-conspirators, and their lobbying clients. 

Throughout the document Boulanger's name is followed by "Abramoff, Ring and others." Lobbyist Kevin Ring, former staffer of retired Congressman John Doolittle (R-Abramoff) and CNMI lobbyist, was indicted in September 2008. His connections with Doolittle and the CNMI were mentioned in the indictment. Ring pleaded not guilty, but the pressure is on for him to start talking like co conspirators Abramoff, Boulanger, Trevor Blackann and others.

"Staffer F " has not been identified, but "Staffer E" has been identified as Ann Copland former staffer for Senator Thad Cochrnan (R-MI) who could help with legislation favorable to client, the Mississippi Choctaw Indians. (See this previous post). From the Associated Press:

Boulanger told Ring to make sure she gets whatever she wants and at one point wrote, "To be honest, she's more valuable to us than a rank-and-file house member."

She ended up getting more than $25,000 worth of gifts from Boulanger and his associates, but also at times complained about the food in the box seats the lobbyists provided. She urgently e-mailed Boulanger from the ice skating event, saying she was "freaking out" because she had brought 14 people and there was no food in the suite. Boulanger responded that he would reimburse her for whatever she had to pay to feed her guests.

Copland left Cochran's office last spring after working there for three decades and took another government job at Mississippi Public Broadcasting at a salary of $92,000. But Copland continued to collect her roughly $140,000 annual salary from Cochran's office through May 9 — an overlap of nearly two months.

She's probably "freaking out" now too.

The January 29, 2008 issue of Roll Call reported that Boulanger's wife, Jessica Incitto Boulanger, former staffer of Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), retired Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and former Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX) left her job at Prism Public Affairs to take a position as director of public affairs practices at New Media Strategies.

Update:

It was pointed out  to me that there are more threads (or maybe a tangled web)  that link key players.   Another staffer of Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) is Burson Taylor Snyder, communications director. Roy Blunt also is linked to the Abramoff-CNMI scandal. She was spokeswoman for Friends of Fred Thompson during the 2008 presidential campaign. More interesting is that she is married to  Peter Snyder, Founder and CEO of New Media Strategies the firm Jessica Boulanger joined this month.

Burson Taylor Snyder and Jessica Boulanger were featured together in a 2004 Washington Post article that details the competition between Kerry Supporters and Bush supporters in the 2004 campaign.

The photo from the Post shows from left: staffers Harmony Allen, Andrea Tantaros, Burson Taylor and Jessica Boulanger showing off their anti-Kerry, anti-Carrie (Bradshaw) T-shirts with NBC's Chip Reid.

Looking for more information on the Abramoff scandal? One of the most accurate and informative sites on the Internet is the  Anti Corruption Republican blog written by an open-minded and informed Republican who lives in former Rep. Tom Delay's old district.

The Department of Justice Press release is here.

News From the CNMI

January 29, 2009

Knight to be Fitial Lobbyist in Washington

The Saipan Tribune announced that Lynn Knight is taking "a six month leave" to represent the governor on federalization issues. Knight works for Tan Holdings as publisher of the Saipan Tribune and manager of the Century Hotel. She is also the chairperson of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HAMNI), and chairperson of the Commonwealth Economic Development Strategy Commission. 

The position is being funded by members of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Knight lobbied unsuccessfully against federalization last year with Jim Arenovski the chair of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.

The Tribune states:

In a letter written by Fitial appointing Knight, the governor said she would work in cooperation with Howard Willens, the governor's special legal counsel. Fitial has instructed her to keep CNMI Rep. Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan and the CNMI Legislature's Federalization Task Force up to date on the issues.

Keep Kilili up to date on issues? Would Congressman Sablan want to work with Lynn Knight and Howard Willens, author of the embarrassing federal lawsuit? He has a perfectly talented and capable staff. I met with Congressman Sablan and he is up to date on issues.

Congresswoman Bordallo to Chair Sub-Committee

House Natural Resources Committee Chair Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) has announced that the Democratic Caucus selected the Chairmen and Chairwomen for the for subcommittees. Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (D-GUAM) has been appointed to chair the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. (The two sub-committees were consolidated this year.) The sub-committee has jurisdiction over legislation governing the Nation's U.S. Territories and Compacts of Free Association, as well as issues relating to fisheries management, wildlife resources, coastal barrier protection and coastal zone management, and marine sanctuaries, among other areas. From Congressman Rahall's press statement:

Bordallo said, "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the 111th Congress as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife. The Subcommittee will work to set federal policy for the insular areas while continuing to ensure the long-term protection and responsible use of our Nation's marine and terrestrial wildlife resources, as well as the environmental health of our coasts and oceans. Now at the start of the 111th Congress, we are ready to continue our progress on a number of initiatives that I have worked to advance since first assuming the role as a Subcommittee Chairwoman during the 110th Congress."

Best wishes to Congresswoman Bordallo in her new role as Chairwoman!

As Predicted: Boulanger Charged

January 28, 2009

As predicted, the latest domino to fail in the Abramoff scandal is Todd Boulanger. The AP reported that he was indicted today:

A former deputy to Jack Abramoff was charged Wednesday in the lobbyist corruption scandal, accused of wining and dining public officials and showering them with other gifts to win favor for clients.

The government says Todd Boulanger gave government aides "a stream of things of value," including all-expense-paid travel, tickets to professional sports and concerts and nights out at expensive restaurants, to reward and influence actions that would benefit his clients. He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Todd Boulanger was a legislative aide to Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) before becoming a lobbyist. In 1999 Boulanger worked with Abramoff at Preston Gates, then followed him to Greenburg Taurig and ended up at Cassidy and Associates.   He billed the CNMI for hundreds of hours while lobbying with pals and fellow convicted lobbyists Jack Abramoff, Tony Rudy, Trevor Blackann and others.

Boulanger is linked with Kevin Ring former legislative director for former Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA). Ring was indicted in September 2008. Some are saying that the indictments of these lobbyists will lead to indictments of some notorious "friends of the CNMI" including former Representatives John Doolittle (R-CA), Tom Delay (R-TX), and others. 

The AP article claims that "Staffer E" mentioned in the court documents is Ann Copland former staffer of the Republican Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran:

Court documents say Boulanger, Abramoff and another lobbyist named Kevin Ring tried to get gifts for a legislative assistant in the Senate, described as "Staffer E," who was in a position to help with legislation benefiting the Mississippi tribe. An attorney with knowledge of the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said "Staffer E" is Ann Copland, a former aide to Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.

The documents say Ring forwarded an e-mail from "Staffer E" to Abramoff and Boulanger on March 11, 2002. Ring wrote, "Wow ... We already told her she was fine on McCartney, ice skating and Green Day — although we need to let her know how many tix she can have for each. Also, please review the other requests and let me know what we can do there."

Boulanger replied that the staffer "should get everything she wants." Abramoff added, "She'll get everything she wants."

Copland, who was hired by Mississippi Public Broadcasting in May 2008 as deputy executive director for education, did not immediately respond to an e-mail sent to her office account late Wednesday.

I just don't get why seemingly intelligent and successful people with such high-paying and rewarding jobs would sell-out for tickets that provide at most insignificant fleeting experiences. Throughout the Abramoff  indictments are charges that people were bribed with trips, dinners, and tickets to sports events, games, concerts.  It's amazing that people will trade their reputations and damage the integrity of our Congress and legislative process for a few tickets.

Records of Copland's salary show that she could certainly afford her own tickets. Her work was even recognized just a year ago with an award:

The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) presented the Champion of Public Broadcasting award to Ann Marie Copland, senior executive and legislative assistant to Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss), for her long-time support of public education funding.

Copland was presented with the Champion this week during APTS Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. The Champion of Public Broadcasting Award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the progress and growth of Public Television. 

Copland also serves as Senator Cochran’s liaison with the Smithsonian Institute and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; he is a member of both governing boards.

According to Fired up Missouri, Todd Boulanger liked to sail the Chesapeake with Trevor Blackann another Abramoff lobbyist indicted in November 2008.  Trevor Blackann was a former staffer to Rep. Roy Blunt ((R-MO) and Senator Kit Bond  (R-MO). 

Kit Bond recently announced he will not run for re-election and speculation is that he is or will be under investigation for his involvement  in the Abramoff scandal. 

Todd Boulanger's wife, Jessica Boulanger (formerly Jessica Incitto) was a former press secretary for Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and a former staffer for Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX) who left the Congress in disgrace.

Roy Blunt was a "friend" of the CNMI, in particular with Willie Tan who had a shell company called Rose Holdings to hire Abramoff. Concorde Manufacturing donated to $3,000 to his campaign in April 2000.

According to the report Rep. Roy Blunt: Ties to Special Interests Leave Him Unfit to Lead:

On at least four occasions in 2000 and 2001, Blunt or his aides met with Abramoff or other representatives of his law firm in connection with Abramoff’s representation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The CNMI, which has “political union” status with the United States, employed Abramoff to beat back a movement to impose U.S. labor standards on it, including
the minimum wage. At least one of these meetings was between Blunt and a member of Abramoff’s Mariana lobbying team.

Delay's connections to the CNMI, Fitial and Tan has been extensively documented. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) outlined some of his connections here. 

The Hill reports:

In a statement, his attorney Mark Flanagan of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP said Boulanger regrets “this situation” and is accepting responsibility for “certain past conduct.”

“The circumstances underlying this situation arose more than five years ago, when Todd was employed by the firm of Greenberg Traurig as a young lobbyist working under Jack Abramoff,” Flanagan said in the statement. “Mr. Boulanger is cooperating with the Department of Justice in its investigation and looks forward to its complete and swift resolution.”

Nice that he is "accepting responsibility for certain past conduct." Here is an email exchange between Boulanger and Abramoff to give you an idea of just what kind of "young lobbyist" he was. Boulanger's attorney gives the impression that he was a bad boy five years ago because he hung out with Abramoff and since then he has been responsible so all should be forgiven.  The Hill states:

“While at Cassidy, Mr. Boulanger earned a reputation as a respected and tireless advocate for his clients, with whom he continues to enjoy a positive relationship,” Flanagan concluded.

When Boulanger was employed by Cassidy and Associates he was involved with sponsoring a fundraising  birthday bash for then Senator Conrad Burns at the lobbying firm's Washington, DC office according to The Washington Post. Burns accepted campaign donations of over $150,000 from Abramoff, and his clients. The Missoulian reported:

Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., will celebrate his 71st birthday next week in Washington, D.C., within the walls of Cassidy & Associates - one of the most powerful lobbying firms in the nation's capital.

Burns' Jan. 25 birthday will provide the stage for a campaign fundraiser where costs to attend or host range from $500 to $2,000.

...Additionally, Abramoff's clients in the Northern Marianas Islands benefited from Burns' legislative actions. And an Associated Press review found that lobbyist Todd A. Boulanger attended one of the Northern Marianas meetings with Burns and his staff. Boulanger now works for Cassidy & Associates.

Boulanger hosted another Cassidy sponsored fundraiser for Tom Delay in 2006 according to the Houston Chronicle:

Two weeks after the state made its first $15,000 monthly payment to a contract lobbyist in Washington, D.C., the lobbyist and his firm spent $7,600 to host a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay's Americans for a Republican Majority.

Texas Office of State-Federal Relations lobbyist Todd Boulanger and his firm, Cassidy & Associates, put on the fundraiser on March 2.

Cassidy Vice Chairman Gregg Hartley, registered as a member of Boulanger's Texas lobby team, later that month also made a direct contribution of $5,000 to the DeLay leadership political committee, according to Federal Election Commission records reviewed Wednesday by the Houston Chronicle.

Texas Democrats have called on Gov. Rick Perry to cancel the outside lobby contracts for Boulanger and former DeLay aide Drew Maloney's Federalist Group. The two contracts will have cost Texas taxpayers $1.1 million through 2007.

Political crimes are not victimless crimes. There were innocent people who were victims of these schemes and they include thousands of foreign contract workers in the CNMI who were cheated and denied justice, as well as many members of Indian Tribes.

The Washington Post reports:

The federal charges of conspiring to commit honest-services wire fraud came in a "criminal information," a document that can be filed only with the defendant's consent. Such an approach usually signals a plea deal.

As taxpayers, we fund the cost of all these Abramoff cases and all political corruption cases. We pay the salaries of these corrupt staffers and members of Congress. The DOJ needs to ensure the American people that these criminals who have betrayed the public trust and hurt many to fill their pockets or benefit in other ways, will truly get the swift, complete and just resolution deserved.  

Update

 Read these articles and commentary:
Talking Points Memo - Boulanger: "I Work To Support My Wife's Christian Louboutin Addiction"
TPM: Another Member of Team Abramoff Charged
ABC News:Top Politico's Sudden Fall
Charges Against Lobbyist Could Signal Problems For Others
Anti Corruption Republican

More Documents Filed in US District Court

January 27, 2009 

The Fitial Federalization Fighters' attorneys filed a motion in the District Court of Washington, DC today calling to strike the US Government's reply brief because the number of pages exceeded the limit set by the court.  The motion states:

The Rules of this Court provide that “[a] memorandum of points and authorities in support of or in opposition to a motion shall not exceed 45 pages and a reply memorandum shall not exceed 25 pages, without prior approval of the court.” D.C. Local Civ. R. 7(e). Defendants filed a thirty-three page reply brief in support of their motion to dismiss without seeking or obtaining the Court’s approval for exceeding the applicable page limit. The length of Defendants’ reply grossly exceeds the limits imposed by Local Civ. R. 7(e). It also raises new arguments for the first time, to which the Commonwealth has had no opportunity to respond. Accordingly, the Court should strike the reply.

They additionally asked that a hearing be scheduled at the earliest convenience. (I agree. By all means let's end this madness.)

The US Government responded with an "opposition to motion to strike and motion for leave to exceed the page limitations nunc pro tunc."  The attorney apologized for exceeding  the page limit saying it was an error thinking the limit was 35 pages, not 25.  The motion continues to explain that the length of the reply was necessary to respond to numerous issues not originally addressed by the CNMI in the initial memorandum to which the US was required to respond:

There are numerous and disparate issues in this case, and the United States’ reply brief addresses those issues for the understanding and benefit of the Court. Accordingly, the United States requests that the Court grant Defendants’ motion to enlarge the page limitation of the reply brief nunc pro tunc, and deny the motion to strike.

The opposition also states that no new arguments were raised and relates phone conversations with the plaintiff's attorney.

Grey Forecast

January 26, 3009

The Marianas Variety has an article today that discusses once again Immigration Director Melvin Grey's dislike of federalization:

Last week, the Senate adopted a joint resolution requesting Congressional Delegate Gregorio C. Sablan to ask the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize locals when hiring federal immigration officers for the CNMI.

Grey said he opposes federalization because he knows what will happen once CNMI loses control over its immigration and labor policies.

“Nobody wins. Everybody loses,” he said.

Federalization, he added, is bad for CNMI and “now what’s happening is what the governor has been saying all along.”

Strange words coming from a former federal immigration officer. A 2006 Saipan Tribune article gave a little background on Grey:

Grey, 57, who is from Nevada, worked as CNMI resident senior special agent, INS/Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit of the Department of Homeland Security since 2001.

He retired in 2004.

He first came to the CNMI in 1999 to investigate a Chinese smuggling case.

Another Saipan Tribune article says Grey work in federal immigration for 29 years. 

Grey expected the federal government to "absorb" CNMI immigration personnel, but with all of his federal experience shouldn't he have known the federal job requirements?  The Tribune states that there are 68 CNMI immigration employees and 37 were disqualified because of age requirements. Only 14 of the 28 who qualified to take the exam passed it and will continue in the process to participate in a taped interview, physical exam, and background test. 

On My Mind

January 26, 2009

One of my favorite CNMI writers and a truly remarkable person is Ruth Tighe the author of On My Mind, a column I look forward to reading every Friday. Ruth sent this poignant message from Honolulu:

To those of you who might be wondering what has happened to this column, the answer is it is in limbo - and will, in all likelihood, remain there for at least the next two months.

The reason: I am in Honolulu undergoing radiation and imminently, chemo, for a squamous non-small-cell cancer in the upper lobe of my right lung. The bad news is that the cancer is not operable. The good news is that it has not spread, and has not yet affected the lymph glands.

The situation is not conducive to the writing of political commentary (or any other kind). It is taking all my energy just to cope with the unexpectedness, the shock, of it all.

As of now, after a week of radiation treatment, I still feel quite well. They tell me that probably won't last..............

I do have a stream of family coming to help me - my son for a week, my brother for a week, my younger daughter for a week, my sister for two weeks (my older daughter was here for the first two weeks), and the Medical Referral Service staff has been wonderfully helpful, supportive, obliging.

I do have my computer with me, but would ask that well-meant but large files - of funnies, pictures, stories, what-have-you - NOT be sent, since I am connected to the web by slow-speed dial up, and it gets painful to wait for them to download.

Wish me well!

We wish you well, Ruth. You are in our hearts and on our minds.

Federalization: Some Views From the CNMI

January 26, 2009

Some CNMI legislators are speaking out on federalization and Fitial's federalization lawsuit. Marianas Variety editor Zaldy Dandan reported:

Speaker Arnold I. Palacios believes that the CNMI is now “reaping the bitter fruit” of the governor’s federalization lawsuit.

“These are the consequences of that lawsuit — the feds are not sharing information with us [regarding the implementation of federalization law in June]. They’re just telling us what they will do to us.”

Actually, I don't think that the federal officials are withholding information. They seem to be releasing it as the regulations are written and they have made at least two trips to the CNMI to meet with officials and community members for discussions and input. Furthermore, the DHS is accepting public comments on the regulations. (See this post.) The CNMI legislators need to work with the federal officials who are writing the regulations to ensure that they benefit all of the people who call the CNMI their home.

The Speaker's statement was followed by one by the Governor's press secretary, Charles Reyes that echoes the claims of the Fitial Federalization Fighters. He claims that the law will adversely affect the economy, which is hovering above rock bottom. Here is what US Attorneys had to say about the economic argument in their January 23, 2009 reply to the CNMI:

The CNMI is already admittedly in an economic depression of catastrophic proportions. This economic catastrophe occurred while the CNMI government sought to create an influx of foreign workers, with success. It occurred on the CNMI’s watch over immigration regulation.

The Speaker's statement that US Rep. Kilili Sablan (I-MP) has a better chance at working with the federal government than Fitial does is probably an accurate statement. Not just because the governor has sued the federal government, but because of his political record and questionable schemes with Jack Abramoff, some indicted former lobbyists, and some former members and present members of the US Congress who are under investigation.

Senate President Pet Reyes (R-I) called the legislation "a poorly drafted, very inhumane piece of legislation." The Variety reported:

“It has no consideration whatsoever for [the immediate relatives of the Freely Associated State citizens], CNMI permanent residents or our long-term [nonresident] business persons,” he said. “It will separate families and shut down businesses.”

The Senate president said federalization’s “adverse effects are already being felt — companies are packing up and closing down. They’re here despite the economic slump, but now, because of federalization, they have to move out. It doesn’t make sense.”

He added, “Guest workers who didn’t believe the CNMI government’s contention that they would have to be phased out under federalization are now realizing the truth.”

Of course the legislation contains no consideration for the status of the non-residents cited. Why? Because CNMI government officials, and CNMI and Guam indigenous rights groups successfully ensured that any permanent status for non-residents was removed from the legislation. I think it's a joke that language in the FFF lawsuit laments the loss of the workers when they worked tirelessly to ensure that non-residents were not given any permanent status!

What evidence is there that businesses have left the because of the pending federalization? Is there an exit survey? Have these alleged business owners been interviewed? Who are these so-called businesses that the Senate President claims are moving out because of federalization?

Additionally, the CNMI has been promised that they will have the workforce that they need under PL110-229, as there are provisions to renew the federally run guest worker program after 2014. It is a FFF myth that the CNMI will be left short of workers. Eventually the CNMI will have to accept the fact that the needed workforce is already present (foreign workers), and if they want to maintain a permanent, stable workforce they will accept the US government offering permanent status such as green cards to long-term workers.

The law is not likely to be amended. However, there may be new legislation introduced to provide status for long-term guests workers and other categories of non-residents in the CNMI.

Additionally, officials in the CNMI confuse the relationship of federal immigration and local labor. Speaker Palacios said:

“I don’t support [the filing of the lawsuit], but I do believe that we should retain control over labor policies,” he added.

Foreign labor is a federal issue and not an issue of self-government. From the US reply:

What the CNMI seeks in this action is not treatment on the same footing with other States or Territories, but disparate treatment under federal law. All communities in the United States are subject to federal regulation as to which aliens employers may hire, how they are to be permitted, how they are to be housed and paid, and how they are to be treated. The fact that there may be more alien employers in the CNMI than in many other communities in the United States is a difference of degree, but not of kind. Employers in the United States are subject to the same immigration laws that will apply to the CNMI. There will be one significant difference, however. Unlike employers elsewhere in the United States, the CNMI will be regulated differently during the transition period to take into account its economic needs and concerns. Regardless of the flaw in the CNMI’s logic, the CNMI is nevertheless factually wrong that the immigration laws of the United States do not have significant local employer-worker permitting provisions.

CNMI Senate Resolution Related to Federal Hiring

The CNMI Senate has reportedly passed a resolution urging US Rep. Gregorio Sablan to ask DHS to prioritize locals when hiring federal immigration personnel. I am not sure that is a legal request. I believe all qualifying US citizens are given equal consideration when applying for federal jobs. The resolution additionally requested that the age limit and physical requirements be waived. I am also not sure that that is a legal request and what precedent it could set for other US areas in the hiring of federal employees. Certainly the law is not "prejudicial" to current CNMI immigration employees. They may not qualify, but the federal qualifications were set for specifics job categories for the country and not for a specific area. Certainly the federal government would want to hire as many qualifying locals as they could just for logistics and practical purposes.

Happy Chinese New Year!

This year is the Year of the Ox which symbolizes prosperity. The year 4707 begins on January 26, 2009.

Happy New Year and best wishes for a wonderful celebration to Zhai and all of our Chinese friends!

Let the Sun Shine

January 24, 2009

During the Bush Administration secrecy, closed doors, cover-ups, locked files, and sealed records suffocated justice and transparency.  Yet within three days, President Obama has moved quickly to restore open government.  In a series of executive orders, he has taken steps to correct some of the damage done over the last eight years.

President Obama issued ethics and lobbying rules that will not only bring sunshine to his administration, but opens the door to investigations of past presidents and vice presidents. From the Washington Post:

In two executive orders and three presidential directives, Obama laid out stringent lobbying limits that will bar any appointees from seeking lobbying jobs while he is president and will ban gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the administration. He also ordered agencies to presume that records should be publicly released unless there are compelling reasons not to do so, and he loosened restrictions on the release of records related to former presidents and vice presidents.

...In a separate order, Obama mandated more openness for presidential records following a congressionally established five-year waiting period after any president leaves office. The order permits a review by the attorney general and the White House counsel of claims by former presidents that information should be withheld under the doctrine of "executive privilege." It also leaves the final decision in the hands of the incumbent president -- not the former president, as provided in a 2001 order from Bush.

Taking Points Memo reports that Neil Eggleston, a White House counsel under Clinton, told them that the executive order could "pry loose key documents from the Bush White House." Those would include documents related to the firings of US Attorneys that the Bush Administration refused to release. Dengre at the Daily Kos has a great analysis on this issue that outlines why corrupt public officials and lobbyists fear the recent orders of President Obama and the appointment of Eric Holder as US Attorney General.

On lobbyists and government jobs the President said:

“We need to close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely and lets them use their time in public service” to promote their own interests when they leave, the president said. Government hiring, he said, will henceforth be based on qualifications, competence and experience, “not political connections.”

In the last decade, a stream of former congressional staffers and government officials turned lobbyists has promoted special interests while lining their pockets.  They have obstructed and tainted the legislative process which has resulted in a loss of public trust. Some who lobbied for the CNMI have been indicted and others will surely fall.

The President is also making it easier for the public to access public documents and records. He reversed the policy under President Bush that had allowed federal agencies to deny public requests under the Freedom of Information Act.  Bloomberg quotes the President:

“We are here as public servants, and public service is a privilege,” Obama said, addressing his White House staff and Cabinet on his first full day in office. “It’s not about advancing yourself or your corporate clients.”

The President has also wasted no time in addressing the human rights atrocities and disregard for constitutional rights and rules of the Geneva Convention associated with the "War on Terror."  On January 21 in front of retired generals from the U.S. Armed Forces, the President signed orders to ban the use of torture, to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year, and review of detention policies for terrorist suspects, along with a review of cases for existing inmates.  

President Obama is fulfilling his campaign promises at a record speed. It has been less than a week since we stood on the Congressional lawn and watched the swearing in of President Obama. I still have not processed all of my emotions and reactions to the event and the significance of having a president and administration in power who is determined to set our country back on the right course.  The celebration has ended and the work to undo eights years of damage is moving forward.  The wrecking crew has been replaced by the restorers.  It may not be so scary to read the news now.  Just a look at the changes in the White House Web site should be cause for optimism.

Fitial Federalization Fighters' Lawsuit: Reply from the U.S.

January 23, 2009

Today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia a 35-page REPLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO DISMISS was filed by the U.S. attorneys in the case of the CNMI vs the United States (08-CV-01572 (PLF). It was accompanied by three Exhibits. Also filed today was a Notice of Appearance of Howard Willens, a 2-page document stating he is a counsel in the case.

Like all of the documents filed by the federal government, the reply is clear and succinct. The reply's Introduction states that there are three fundamental reasons for dismissing the case:

First, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“CNMI”) does not have standing to bring this action because the injuries alleged in the Complaint are too speculative.

The reply says that the CNMI has attempted to "reframe" the complaint that was originally submitted claiming economic injuries to injuries to the right of self-government. The reply says, The Court should not accept the CNMI’s last-minute recasting of the harms alleged as injuries to self-governance."

Second, the Court should dismiss this action because the Governor of the CNMI does not have authority to bring this action. The law of the CNMI specifically places responsibility for bringing a suit on behalf of the Commonwealth with the CNMI Attorney General. However, this action was initiated, pursued, and paid for by the Office of the Governor, without the apparent authorization of the Office of the Attorney General. Courts, including this one, have found that under circumstances like these, there is no jurisdiction to entertain the suit. In the absence of evidence or averment showing that the Attorney General has signed off on this action, the case should be dismissed.

Third, the Court should dismiss this case because the CNMI cannot allege any facts that would support the relief claimed. Put another way, there is no legal basis for this action to go forward. The CNRA was an appropriate and legal Act of Congress because it is consistent with the Covenant. Section 503 of the Covenant expressly permits the United States to apply its immigration laws to the CNMI. Because Congress acted consistently with Section 503, this Court need not get to the issue raised by the CNMI of whether Sections 103 and 105 permit Congress to apply federal immigration law as provided in the CNRA. However, even if the Court did get to that issue, Sections 103 and 105 permit Congress to take the action it did. Accordingly, the CNRA is consistent with the Covenant, and the motion to dismiss should be granted.

The Discussion follows and it provides another well-deserved slap to the CNMI's weak arguments. The reply states that the action lacks standing and is not ripe for adjudication. It suggests that the CNMI has tweaked it's arguments to respond to the federal government's motion to dismiss:

Although the CNMI now frames its injury as addressing harms to its institutional power to regulate immigration and labor, the CNMI overwhelmingly focuses its Complaint on the allegedly catastrophic economic injuries that will purportedly result if Congress’s determination to apply federal immigration laws to the CNMI is allowed to take effect.

After citing the numerous times that the CNMI outlined economic hardship and speculative injury, the reply states:

For the CNMI to now take the position that the Complaint alleges injuries concerning the institutional right to self-government is disingenuous. This allegation was only recast after the United States filed its motion to dismiss, in which the United States argued that the CNMI’s alleged economic harms were speculative and conjectural, and insufficient to provide the CNMI with standing.

Disingenuous is the perfect term.

The reply states that "there is no nexus between the claimed injuries and a loss of
autonomy and control." It states what many of us have been saying, that the CNMI government does not have a crystal ball; that it is guesswork as to what the federal regulations will look like and what affect they will have:

There is nothing in the CNRA or the immigration laws of the United States that requires preemption of these programs, which do not appear to be laws governing the admission or removal of aliens.

...There has been no final rulemaking on the transitional period visa program. Any assertion as to its scope and effect is merely speculative.

The next argument to dismiss is that the action was not authorized by the CNMI Attorney General and "under CNMI law, the Governor does not have the legal authority to bring this action in the name of the Commonwealth." The reply is challenging the governor's authority to sue:

There is no indication that the Office of the Attorney General authorized this lawsuit, expressly or otherwise. The Office of the Governor initiated this action. There is no dispute that the Office of the Governor retained Jenner & Block LLP “from the Governor’s operating account.” See Letter from Acting Atty. Gen. Baka to Hon. Christine-Marie Sablan, attached to Plaintiff’s Opposition as Exhibit 1. The CNMI also does not dispute that Howard Willens appears on the pleading as Special Counsel to the Governor, and not as Assistant Attorney General, as he has appeared in other cases...

All other acts taken with regard to this action – hiring outside counsel, appointing Willens to the case, drafting the Complaint and Preliminary Injunction papers, initiating the action – have all been taken by or authorized by the Office of the Governor. Therefore, this action is not authorized in accordance with CNMI law and should be dismissed.

Another point made in the reply is "that the CNMI is incorrect that the Court must accept all allegations of the Complaint, including allegations of law, in deciding this motion, and the Court may not consider any extrinsic evidence, including legislative history, in deciding this motion." Additionally, it makes these points:

• The Court is not bound by legal assertions in the Complaint, and must dismiss this action if there is no legally cognizable cause of relief under the facts alleged.
• The Court may consider legislative materials, because this case involves legal questions of statutory construction and interpretation.

The reply makes it very clear that the provisions of the CNRA (PL 110-229) are expressly permitted by the Covenant:

Under Section 503, Congress may apply the immigration and naturalization laws of the United States in the manner and extent it deems fit, including immigration laws that are tailored to fit the CNMI’s special needs. This was always the parties’ intent. In passing the CNRA, Congress clearly intended to apply the immigration laws of the United States to the CNMI, and to do so in a way that takes the CNMI’s special needs into account.

The reply also disagrees with the argument the CNMI made that the U.S. immigration laws could only be applied prospectively.

The final arguments in the reply focus on the reasons that the legislation was written including: the explosive growth in alien labor, the lack of effective immigration control in the CNMI, and the treatment and condition of the alien workers:

Congress cited evidence of “a persistent pattern of exploitation and the mistreatment of aliens,” including “cheating on wages, unsafe working conditions, recruitment scams, and even coerced prostitution and abortion.” Congress indicated that it had to take action to protect alien workers in the CNMI because the CNMI unilaterally withdrew in 1997 from a joint reform effort to address these mounting problems.

The persistent maltreatment of the alien workers is one of the primary reasons this legislation is essential. Although there has been a decrease in the most flagrant of abuses, they continue today as the $6.1 million in unpaid wages and existence of human trafficking victims demonstrate. PL 110-229 represents the path to eliminate the abuses and restore the reputation of the CNMI.

The reply then concludes (emphasis added):

These concerns reflect interests that are inextricably tied to the immigration practices in place in the CNMI. An inability on the part of the CNMI to effectively handle immigration places United States citizens in the CNMI in economic and security danger. The United States’ ability to control its border and keep its immigration practices consistent depends in part on how or if aliens are being properly admitted, regulated, and removed. The CNMI has failed at the task of managing immigration, according to Congress. Therefore, the interests of the United States are compelling, and outweighs any intrusion into the CNMI’s limited right to self-governance.

On the other side, the interest in the CNMI in maintaining its own immigration laws is not as strong. The CNMI is already admittedly in an economic depression of catastrophic proportions. This economic catastrophe occurred while the CNMI government sought to create an influx of foreign workers, with success. It occurred on the CNMI’s watch over immigration regulation. The CNMI’s immigration decisions and actions are affecting the livelihood and ability of U.S. workers to find work in the CNMI. Congress has determined that the situation is untenable. Thus, even if the Court were to determine that Section 503 of the Covenant was not met, and even if the Court determined that Sections 103 and 105 were implicated in its consideration, and even if the Court determined that the Ninth Circuit’s balancing test was the appropriate approach in examining whether federal law could be applied under Section 105 of the Covenant, even then the balance of interests tilts decidedly in the United States’ favor. The CNMI cannot show under any facts that it states a claim for which relief could be granted. This case should be dismissed.

The Conclusion of the reply is one simple sentence:

For the foregoing reasons, this Court should dismiss the Complaint in its entirety.

The Notice of Appearance filed by Howard Willens merely states that Willens is a counsel in this case. He is identified as the "special legal counsel to the governor." I am not sure why this would have been filed since it does not address the argument that the CNMI Attorney General is required by law to authorize the lawsuit. Does this mean he is now on the payroll for this lawsuit? Does he have a contract? Or is he still just "special"? (Whatever that means.)

I predict the case will be dismissed in its entirety. It will be interesting to see where the funds for this meritless case came from, and precisely how much it cost.

To review previous court documents and read commentary on the lawsuit see these previous posts:

Indigenous Group to Join Lawsuit
CNMI Gvt Files Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction
Lawsuit Against PL 110-229: CNMI Gvt Files Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss
Another Interim Labor Report Sent to CNMI Legislature
U.S. Government Response to Preliminary Injunction
Whatever Sound Bite Works
Sablan Will Appeal to the Courts
US Senate Committee Questions McPhee Report
Federal Lawsuit: Some Views
Fitial vs US: Preliminary Injunction & Declarations of the Federalization Fighters
Rep. Tina Sablan's Open Government Request Figures in Dismissal
Federal Government Files Motion to Dismiss CNMI Case.
Rep. Tina Sablan Requests Information From Finance
CNMI Economic Report Based on Conflicting Data
Interim Labor Report Released
The Clock is Ticking on PL 110-229
Here's the Economic report
Some Thoughts on the Economic Report
Burning Money
Predictions or Propaganda?
Suing the Feds with Taxpayers' Money
Shedding No Light
Open Government Request
Rep. Tina Sablan Questions Federal Lawsuit
Fitial Calls Local Lawmakers "Anti-Local"
Vanishing Workforce
Fitial Wants Public Funds for Lawsuit
Fitial's Lawsuit - Views from the U.S.
Support Lacking for Fitial's Lawsuit
Fitial Sues the Federal Government
Door Closed on Negotiations with the Feds, Door Open to Accept Federal Funds
Willens Predicts Doom and Gloom for the CNMI
Willens Pushes for Federal Lawsuit
Good News, Bad News
Fitial to Broadcast on YouTube
Fitial Federalization Fight Fiasco
Fitial Silent on Lawsuit
Brown:Fitial Lawsuit Mind-Boggling
Opinions on Federal Lawsuit
Mystery Funding of Federal Lawsuit
Lawsuit Funded by Private Sector
Fitial Statement on Federal Lawsuit
Fitial to Sue Federal Government

Thank to Dengre for providing files!

DHS Updates on Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008

January 22, 2009

CNMI Division of Immigration Director Melvin Grey has issued a public notice warning that after June 1, 2009 no one may enter the CNMI without a US immigration document. CNMI entry permits and documents will no longer be valid for entering the CNMI after the federal law is applied. The Saipan Tribune reported:

Documents that will be rendered invalid after June 1 include entry permits, visitor entry permits, electronic visitor entry permits, authorization for entry for employment, re-entry letters, authorization to board, and CNMI permanent resident cards.

“Anyone having a U.S. visitor B1/B2 visa or any other U.S. visa may enter the CNMI but they may not enter the CNMI and then resume their CNMI status,” the director said.

From the Department of Homeland Security Web site:

Visa Information
Aliens who previously were present in the CNMI under a CNMI-only visa status, who subsequently depart and desire to return in the same status, must obtain a CNMI-only visa from the Department of State in order to be admitted after the transition program effective date.Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States temporarily for business or pleasure would seek admission under the B-1/B-2 temporary visitor classification. The tourist or business visitor would be required to have a nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visa, unless the individual is eligible for admission under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.

Additional information on U.S. visa classifications and requirements and the U.S. Visa Waiver Program is available on Department of State and CBP.

Also on the Web site is this information for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to open an Application Support Center (ASC) in the CNMI in early-2009. The ASC initially will provide biometric services to those applicants who currently qualify for lawful permanent resident status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. USCIS will provide more information on the ASC when the opening date is determined.

The CNMI government remains in control of its immigration system and the hiring of immigration personnel until the beginning of the transition program, on June 1, 2009, unless extended.

Once the Department of Homeland Security becomes responsible for administering U.S. immigration law in the CNMI, the CNRA requires that the Department of Homeland Security recruit and hire personnel from among qualified U.S. citizen and national applicants residing in the CNMI for Department operations there, to the maximum extent practicable. Note that some Department of Homeland Security positions, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, require U.S. citizenship as a condition of employment.

Regarding Foreign Investors the Web Site states:

The CNRA specifically provides that lawful presence of foreign investors and employment authorization previously granted by the CNMI continues until that authorization expires or until two years after the beginning of the transition period, whichever is earlier.

The CNMI-only investor status will terminate at the end of the initial transition period on December 31, 2014. Any extension of the transition period will apply only to the CNMI transitional worker category (see below).

The requirements to qualify for a CNMI-only investor visa under U.S. immigration law are currently under development by the Department of Homeland Security.

On the Transitional Worker Program

The CNRA authorized a program to grant nonimmigrant status to workers needed by CNMI employers who are not otherwise eligible for an employment-based status under the INA during the transition period. This program may be extended beyond the five-year duration of the transition program by the Secretary of Labor, but ultimately the number of transitional workers must be reduced to zero. The CNRA provides that the program should promote the maximum use of, and prevent adverse effects on wages and working conditions of, workers authorized to be employed in the United States.

The regulations specifying the requirements of the transitional worker program are currently under development by the Department of Homeland Security.

On Freely Associated States (FAS) citizens:

Under the Compacts of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Republic of Palau, eligible citizens of these three Freely Associated States (FAS) may enter, reside, study and work in the CNMI and other parts of the United States. The CNRA does not modify this privilege, but FAS citizens coming to the CNMI will be inspected, admitted and documented by the Department of Homeland Security rather than by CNMI authorities on and after the transition program effective date.

Check also the material published January 16, 2009 in the Federal Register.

To comment on the rule follow this procedure listed in the federal registry:

Comment Date: Comments must be received by March 17, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Please submit comments, identified by docket number, by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number USCBP–2009–0001.

• Mail: Border Security Regulations Branch, Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, Mint Annex, 799 9th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.

• Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

• Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http:// www.regulations.gov.

Comments submitted will be available for public inspection in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and 19 CFR 103.11(b) on normal business days between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Border Security Regulations Branch, Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, 799 9th Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cheryl C. Peters, Office of Field Operations, at (202) 344–1438. 760 ‘‘Guam Visa Waiver Agreement’’

Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on all aspects of this interim final rule. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also invites comments on the economic, environmental or federalism effects of this rule. We urge commenters to reference a specific portion of the rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include data, information, or authorities that support such recommended change.

Indigenous Group to join Lawsuit

January 21, 2009

The CNMI Descents for Self-Government and Indigenous Rights headed by Oscar Rasa is joining the Fitial Federalization Fighters in their lawsuit against the federal government. They will be represented by the O'Connor law firm which will represent them free of charge. From the Saipan Tribune:

In an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday, lawyer Robert O'Connor said that they are going to file a brief of amicus curiae in the next 10 days supporting the CNMI lawsuit.

“We want to be involved because we think that the federalization law violates the Covenant and takes away our rights to self-government,” O'Connor said.

Amicus curiae (friends of the court) refers to someone not a party to a case who offers information on a point of law or some other aspect of a case to assist the court in deciding an issue or issues. It is, however, the court's discretion whether to accept the volunteered information.

Rasa said the filing intends to amplify more arguments and issues than had previously been presented. He said it would help the court in assessing fundamental issues and present it with more angles to look at when deciding the case.

“The administration's arguments rely heavily on the potential economic harm that the federalization law will bring about, and this is why the U.S. said that the argument is hypothetical. However, we feel that there is a more fundamental issue here-the right to self-government as embodied in the Covenant,” said Rasa.

O'Connor voiced the same arguments that have been rejected by federal officials and many attorneys claiming that the federalization law takes away the CNMI's right to self-government:

We're pretty much in the situation that the colonists were back in 1770s when England was passing laws that drastically affected the economy of the colonies,” O'Connor said.

I just don't get the analogy.  This seems like a strange move, especially since many predict that the case will most likely be dismissed this month or early next month.

Inauguration - At Last

Photo from AP

January 20, 2009

We joined almost 2 million people in Washington, DC to witness the inauguration in a day we will always remember. It was the largest crowd ever assembled in Washington, DC. We left at 6:30 am for the Metro Station, which was packed. Some stations were closed, but we managed to get to the security gate where we waited in a huddled mass for 2.5 hours to pass through security. There were thousands of police, military personnel, and DHS agents securing the event and thousands more in the Metro stations assisting people and controlling the flow of the crowds.

We never noticed the cold while we waited because there were so many people packed together. (And we had layers of clothes, hand warmers, and scarves.) A young man had his blackberry and led a game of "Presidential Pursuit" shouting out questions and quizzing everyone making the time pass more quickly. At one point the police told every to hold their tickets in the air and for anyone without a ticket to turn back. Everyone cheered and waved their tickets. After we cleared security, we got a perfect spot with a clear view of the ceremony, giant screen, and no people blocking the view in front of us. Behind us the crowd stretched for over two miles in the National Mall. People stood on statues and barriers for better views. Streets were closed to vehicles, but were blanketed with people.

There were distant chants from far behind us, "Obama, Obama, Obama", and "Yes we did!" The crowd cheered as President Carter, President Clinton, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Colin Powell were introduced. There was thunderous applause for Joe Bidden and family, Malia and Sasha, Michele Obama, and of course, screams and cheers for the introduction of Barack Obama. There were loud boos when President George W. Bush was introduced and people near us led the crowd in singing, "Na, na, na, na, hey, hey, goodbye." (I never boo anyone, but understand why the crowd did.)

The music was great - from the Marine Band to the choir. Aretha Franklin was amazing, and there was absolute silence when Yo-Yo Ma and the others performed a hauntingly beautiful piece.

After Barack Obama was sworn in people hugged each other, jumped up and down, cried, screamed, and waved American flags. His much anticipated inaugural speech was moving and many around us were crying as he spoke. Nani said the best part of the entire inaugural trip was hearing President Obama speak. She never took her eyes off of him. From the speech:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

The inaugural poem, "Praise Song for the Day" by Elizabeth Alexander spoke to every person.

The crowd was truly diverse and representative of our American family. American Indians dressed in Native costumes banged drums. There were people in wheelchairs and on crutches. There were tiny babies wrapped in blankets and elderly who braved the cold, crowds and long lines. Families drove from New England and California. Everyone expressed a vision of optimism and hope for our country.

I talked to an elderly woman from illinois who was dressed in a full length fur coat and dressy hat. She told me she was thrilled to be witnessing the moment when Dr. King's dream came true. We met people from all over the country and listened to their stories, hopes and dreams. All wanted to be there to witness history.

Leaving the Inauguration was a challenge. We shuffled behind thousands of people over the streets littered with paper, lost scarves and gloves towards the Federal Center Metro Station. It took over two hours to get inside the station! Three trains too over-crowded to take more passengers left the station before we finally could squeeze into one. The Metro reported that over 1 million passengers rode trains, breaking the record set the previous day.

It took over an hour to get to the airport because so many streets were closed. We just made our plane!

Read what world leaders had to say about the inauguration.

Thank you again to our special friend for the tickets (Nani adores you and said you look like Richard Geer), to Nousher, and to Mozhid for the wonderful hospitality, gifts and kindness.

I took more video than photos, but here are a few photos:

Inauguration Celebration

January 19, 2009

More people are flowing into Washington, DC for the inauguration. The Metro was so crowded that in the afternoon there was no room on the platform and people had to wait for a train that wasn't filled to capacity. Union Station was also incredibly crowded. We bought lunch there, but there were no tables so we ate on a park bench outside the Capitol. The squirrels came and begged for food from Nani.

On every street there are people selling Obama memorabilia - pins, flags, calendars, bobble heads, hats, sweaters, sweatshirts, scarves, bracelets, bumper stickers, beads, blankets, prints, earrings, and more. Almost everyone is wearing a pin or Obama clothing.

Today we went to the Botanical Gardens, Union Station, the National Mall and Capitol . We saw a long line of people waiting outside the Canon Office Building to get their inaugural tickets and lots of happy people walking with their large envelopes.

The best part of the day was having dinner with Tina Sablan and her friend at a Burmese restaurant in Chinatown.

Happy Birthday to Congressman Kilili Sablan!

Some photos:

The Celebration Begins

January 19, 2009

Nani and I are in Washington, DC for the inauguartion celebrations. There is excitment and jubilation in the city! Some streets are closed to traffic, but they are filled with people. It is cold and crowded, but almost everyone is smiling and celebrating. The city is energized.

We met our friend, Nousher Jaheti, who was once a foreign contract worker in Saipan and is now living in Washington, DC. We had a wonderful breakfast and received our inaugural invitation from another friend. The inauguration invitations are beautiful, like formal wedding invitations. The envelope contains the gold and black embossed invitation with tissue separating the signed portraits of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden, a formal inauguration ceremony program with a gold tassle and the tickets to the inaugurattion. We also received two Metro passes that we have been using all day. They have a pricture of Barack Obama on them. We are so grateful to have been given the tickets and the Metro passes!

We went to the "We Are One" concert by the Lincoln Memorial yesterday. The National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument was a sea of people from all over the country and world who gathered to celebrate hope for our country. We heard some people speaking Tagalog, Spanish, French, German, and languages we did not recognize. There were elderly people, families, couples, and tiny babies. The military surrounded the Mall and there were security gates to enter. Even though we left for the Mall early, we couldn't get close to the Lincoln Memorial, but there were giant screens everywhere.

Denzel Washington opened the program speaking of unity. Tom Hanks read the Gettsburg Address. Tiger Woods, and others also spoke. Jon Bon Jovi and Bettye LaVette sang "A Change Is Gonna Come." Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, and James Taylor were among the performers. Pete Seeger was there! (omg Pete Seeger!) He sang "This Land is Your Land" with Bono. Will-i-am and Sheryl Crow sang Bob Matley song, "One Love."

Bono said, “Forty-six years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, on Tuesday, his dream will come true.” And he said it was not just the American dream, it is Ireland's Dream, Africa's dream...

Queen Latifa talked about Mariam Anderson being blocked from singing at Constituion Hall in 1939 because of the color of her skin. She then performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The giant screens showed Mariam Anderson singing "My County Tis of Thee" at the very place the "We Are One" Concert was taking place. The concert was moving and perfectly choreographed.

The crowd cheered when the future first family appeared and walked down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Barack Obama addressed the crowd to thunderous cheers and the muffled sound of hundreds of thousands of mittened and gloved hands clapping. Some quotes from his remarks:

In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis.

There is no obstacle that can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.

Thank you, America. What gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the space in between. It is you, Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.”

At the concert people cheered, danced, and cried tears of joy. The concert was a jubilant celebration, but also a time for thoughtful reflection.

We really could not see well (we are short); we could not always hear well (lots of chatter), but just being there was amazing.

After we left the concert we stopped to take a photo of Nani with the White House in the background and we heard someone shouting my name. It was my friend from the NEA, a professional film maker who was there recording events. It's amazing that in all those people you can find someone you know!

We went to the museum of Natural History and walked for miles through closed streets and ended up at the Metro Center where we finally took the Metro to go back to the apartment. We had a wonderful dinner with Mozhid and his friend.

It was a really wonderful first day of the inaugural celebration. Tomorrow we are participating in the National Day of Service and visiting museums and friends. Some photos in no particular order:













a>