In our islands, we often speak of respect, unity, and community. We are taught not to disrupt harmony, to be patient, and to trust in leadership. These values are not weaknesses. They are part of our cultural strength and identity. But there is a point where respect turns into silence, and where silence becomes complacency. That line, when crossed, carries consequences not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
Complacency is often misunderstood as harmless. It is seen as staying out of conflict, minding one’s own business, or choosing not to engage. But in reality, complacency is not neutral. It creates the conditions for decisions to be made without scrutiny, for policies to move forward without meaningful public input, and for leadership to operate without accountability. It allows systems to function in ways that are disconnected from the very people they are meant to serve.
We are seeing this pattern unfold in real time. Recent public discussions, including concerns raised in an op-ed by Vincent Aldan regarding the proposed CUC fuel adjustment charge, reflect more than just a single policy issue. They reveal a broader dynamic where decisions with direct impact on the cost of living and quality of life are introduced with limited transparency and minimal engagement. There is often an unspoken expectation that the public will accept these decisions without question. And too often, that expectation is met.
The reasons for this silence are understandable. People are working multiple jobs, supporting families, and navigating their own challenges. Many feel that their voices will not make a difference. Others assume that someone else will step forward. Over time, this leads to a collective withdrawal from civic participation. But this is exactly where complacency becomes dangerous. When communities remain silent, systems interpret that silence as consent. When there is no visible resistance, there is little incentive for those in power to slow down, reconsider, or engage more deeply.
I was recently reminded of what active engagement can look like when I attended the Governor’s Marketplace Convention here in Oregon. What stood out immediately was not just the scale of participation, but the intentionality behind it. There were resources, certifications, technical assistance programs, and advisory services all in one place. These were not abstract offerings. They were practical, accessible, and designed to help individuals start businesses, grow them, and sustain them.
More importantly, there was a clear philosophy driving it all. If small businesses succeed, the state succeeds. If entrepreneurs are supported, communities are strengthened. I saw firsthand how even small businesses were being equipped with the tools to compete alongside larger companies with hundreds of employees. The playing field was not left to chance. It was actively supported through policy, programming, and outreach.
Through that experience, I built connections, expanded my network, and gained exposure to opportunities that are not commonly present, promoted, or even widely known in our own community back home in the Marianas. And that realization raises an important question. What opportunities exist for us that we are not seeing, not accessing, or not demanding?
Because the gap is not always capability. Often, it is awareness. And awareness requires engagement.
The consequences of complacency extend far beyond a single issue. It leads to stagnation in governance, where outdated approaches persist because they are not challenged. It limits opportunity by preventing new ideas and solutions from emerging through public dialogue. It weakens resilience by leaving communities unprepared to respond to economic, environmental, or political challenges. It also erodes trust. When people feel excluded from decision-making processes, the relationship between institutions and the public begins to fracture.
Most importantly, complacency has real and tangible effects on everyday life. Policies shape the cost of utilities, the availability of services, environmental protections, and long-term sustainability. These are not abstract matters. They determine how families live, what opportunities are available to our youth, and what kind of future we are building for the next generation.
In the Marianas, our history is a reminder of what happens when decisions are made without full participation from the people. Too often, our islands have been shaped by external forces or internal decisions that did not fully reflect the voices of the community. That history should not be repeated through our own inaction. If anything, it should strengthen our resolve to remain engaged, informed, and willing to speak.
Speaking out is not an act of disrespect. It is not about creating division or opposing leadership for its own sake. It is about responsibility. It is about ensuring that decisions are made with the people, not just for them. Civic engagement, whether through public comment, community discussions, or holding leadership accountable, is a fundamental part of a functioning and healthy society.
We cannot afford to confuse peace with passivity. We cannot afford to wait until decisions are already finalized before we begin to care. And we cannot continue to believe that our voices do not matter. They do, but only if we are willing to use them.
Complacency is not neutral. It shapes outcomes. It influences decisions. And when left unchecked, it can harm the very communities it quietly claims not to affect.
The choice before us is simple. We either remain silent and accept the direction set for us, or we engage and help shape it. One leads to continued disconnection. The other leads to accountability, representation, and a future that reflects the will of the people.
Complacency is a choice. And it is one we can no longer afford to make.
Gregorie Michael Towai (Eipéráng) is a cultural advocate and independent researcher from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands currently residing in Oregon. He writes on Pacific governance, ocean policy, and diaspora political participation.
Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NMI News Service or its staff. All assertions are the sole responsibility of the writer.
To submit an op-ed for consideration, email your piece to brad.ruszala@nminewsservice.com
