Back in the 1970s, Henry Kissenger had this to say about the Marianas Islands and all the Pacific Trust Territories:
"We’re only talking about ninety thousand people, so who gives a damn?’’
Tonight, the Democrats in the 110th Congress proved that they care.
It makes me proud to be a Democrat—even in the middle of our Primary Wars, which sometimes fill me with sadness and shame for my Party.
In this intense Primary fight there can be a lot that divides us. Our passions run high (I know that mine do), still we have a lot that unites us us. And tonight we have a victory we should all celebrate.
And if you do raise a glass or say a prayer to mark this victory, I asked that you remember Buddhi Lal Dhimal. I wrote about him one year and four days ago. It was the only Diary of mine ever to be moved to the front page.
Buddhi Lal Dhimal, was a Nepalese guest worker on the CNMI for the 10 years and last April he set himself on fire to protest the corrupt and inhuman CNMI labor system:
Dhimal had won a labor case against former employers who owed him thousands of dollars. He had a piece of paper saying he was owed the money, but the CNMI system moved intentionally slow. While he waited to collect his money, he was order to report to the CNMI Labor Department to pick a a plane ticket for instant deportation to Nepal. He would never see a penny of the money owed to him. The Pirates of Saipan made sure that he had no hope.
And so Dhimal chose the protest of the powerless over the powerful. He went to the CNMI Labor Department, doused himself in a flammable liquid and set him self on five. A month later after a long delay in getting him proper medical care, he died.
His death sparked a new Unity movement on the CNMI. Thousands of foreign workers and locals organized for justice. Their efforts were supported by this community and the 110th Congress. Together we won.
Tonight’s victory is too late for Dhimal, but it is a celebration of his life.
Tonight, I raise a glass and prayer for Dhimal, his family and all the people of the CNMI.
Join me.
Cheers
crossposted from Dailykos.com
