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MVarietyNews.com CNMI News Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor: Sam’s the man

Letter to the Editor: Sam’s the man

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 00:00
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DURING the five years that we lived on Saipan, I met few individuals who knew so much about the islands, their history, and their institutions as Sam McPhetres.

He certainly knew more than any governor or legislator ever did. If ever I had a question about something I always went to Sam, and Sam almost always had the answer. I am still in contact with him, and still have questions for him from time to time.
I feel terribly sad for Sam, because I know he was doing what he loved and did best. I feel even sadder for his students past and present. The college will be an empty shell without Sam.

BRUCE M. PETTY
New Plymouth, New Zealand

 

Comments 

 
+4 #7 commonsense 2009-12-11 07:36 Carmen is in a tough spot. A former NMC president also acted as a rubber stamp for the Board of Regents and fired 11 people. Underestimating the public\'s outrage they ended up having to get rid of the president to save themselves. Learn from history, when in doubt do the right thing.

Sam, I hope you reconsider going back to NMC when they offer to reinstate you, because believe me they will. I ask that you swallow your pride and ask for no more than a modest 10% pay increase for the inconvenience. Carmen, Board of Regents and Sam, obviously a mistake has been made. Apologize and own up to it. The people will understand and respect you even more for your honesty.The students and the community deserve the best. Let\'s get good ol\' uncle Sam back to work! If you need help facilitating this resolution so everyone saves face let me know and I\'ll give you a few suggestions.
 
 
+15 #6 ondarock 2009-12-10 01:02 Sam McPhetres deserves the highest respect for his knowledge of the CNMI, it\'s history, culture, and the political processes that brought us to where we are today. Had this college president any class, a private discussion should have taken place where the honest reasons for non-renewal would have been advanced along with gratitude for all that has been accomplished. Mr. McPhetres would have been given the opportunity to resign with dignity, and perhaps an honorary position with NMC would have been offered. So many of the very best instructors have gone. Those always available to students, those who motivated, those who\'s life you would want to emulate.
 
 
-14 #5 mblur 2009-12-09 12:32 People should understand the REAL reason why his contract was not renewed before spouting mindless rants and concocting conspiracies. McPhetres was a great teacher. He was what some would say, sagacious, or, Dumbledore-ish. But he, like everyone else, is only human. It was his shortfalls, not corrupt conniving conspiring conspirators, that caused this. In fact, there lies an unforeseen pattern in the people who were not renewed. If you look around and ask questions, rather than spew hateful nonsense, then I am sure that the truth will be uncovered.
 
 
+18 #4 Islandmama 2009-12-09 10:49 I haven\'t read anything positive about this NMC president. Seems like she wants to run NMC like a dictatorship! (My way or the Highway). If she can\'t recognize a good thing (Mr. McPheters) when it\'s standing right in front of nose, then perhaps she should resign. Perhaps it\'s time for a change at the college too.
From what I\'ve heard and read, Ms. Fernandez probably wants to get rid of Mr. McPheters because of the polls conducted by his students, one of which didn\'t make her administration look good. Where is the Board of Regents in all of this? Do they agree in not renewing this fine and knowledgeable teacher\'s contract? Students —- protest!!
Let your feelings be known. Write more letters to the Editor, to the Board of Regents etc.
 
 
+24 #3 aeiou 2009-12-09 03:56 to fire a virtual \'living library\' like Mr, McPhetres and rob students of his knowledge and wisdom is against what education means.
 
 
-27 #2 masmagas09 2009-12-08 23:55 He should voluntarily retire and pass on the ball to our new breed of educators.
 
 
+18 #1 MrCoffee 2009-12-08 17:34 keep the letters coming… students, do NOT drop the ball on this… the Governor and President Fernandez expect you won\'t do a thing… \"youth are lazy and apathetic\" is what they\'re banking on… Here\'s a possible idea… attend his inauguration and cover your mouths with duct tape, masking tape, electrical tape criss-crossed (okok, poke some small holes for safety) but make the visual, \"NMC & CNMI= no free speech\"… it\'s ok, Fitial won\'t mind at first, that\'s they way he prefers you and everyone else who doesn\'t wear green…
 

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