I no can believe how impolite people are acting. Aloha sounds racist, unforgiving, and conditional when I see and read the stuff flying around at the Department of the Interior meetings about the possible government-to-government action. Injustice about the overthrow of the queen and such is brought up (again), which is important and regrettable, but somewhat backward-focused at a meeting trying to move things forward. What is aloha? What is a Hawaiian? What is a kanaka? Are we not the product of a pre-1893 takeover? Didnt Kamehameha take the islands by force? An aunty from Maui claims the U.S. did nothing good for Hawai‘i, which is completely untrue, that they raped Hawai‘i and stole it. Im not defending shadier aspects of American history, but doesnt this kind of sound like tribal warfare, like before Kamehameha formed a united lāhui? Im reminded of certain people complaining about how America is utterly selfish in regards to foreign policy. Acting in national self-interest doesnt seem to me to have to automatically mean selfish. Another thing: anyone complaining about their living conditions in the U.S.A. is within their right to voice it and take action. Thats across the board, great. The logic and quality of their arguments, though, may not always be so great. I wonder at how people hate on their country that benefits them. Im not saying its wrong to complain, to keep the nation accountable, but when it becomes so vile and convoluted... I mean, youre benefitting and living off resources that the country is providing you. And you spit in the nations face. It smells like hypocrisy to me. Im rambling, forgive me. Please note that I dont wish to downplay the seriousness of past hurts. The death of the Hawaiian kingdom is a sad chapter in history. But blaming people in the present for sins of the past doesnt make any sense in my mind. In any case, civil discourse is much needed. The world needs justice, it does need peace, it does need judgment, and peace. But more than that, it needs love, a love that keeps no record of wrongs. Let us forgive and move forward, people of Hawai‘i. There is a battle to fight, no more with spears or governments, but of the heart. It will be hard and bitter, but there is a glorious victory in the end, not just for Hawai‘i but the world. I do not know much, but I will advocate for spiritual renewal in these islands, since spirituality is something I know a little about. I pray for something good! I mua e nā poki‘i a inu i ka wai ‘awa‘awa, ‘a‘ohe hope e ho‘i mai ai. -Kamehameha I Translation: Forward my young brothers (and sisters) and drink of the bitter waters (of battle), there is no turning back (until victory is secured). (Source: kamehamehafestival.org/festival/60/theme)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 05:20:47 +0000
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