Post #97597 by christiki295 on Mon, Jun 21, 2004 4:53 PM

GeekyTiki, you raise valid points and no offense taken. I hoped this wouldn't be a "wedge" issue - but as tiki is part of Hawaiian history, and Hawaii is a favorite vacation spot for TCers, I thought this issue might be of interest.

I agree, we are nearing political discourse, so this may have to be moved from the main discussion section. Nevertheless:

The United States and its military and business interests played an integral role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian history. http://www.royalty.nu/America/Hawaii.html

President Clevand disapproved, although he didn't do anything about it and subsequently, the United States, via then President Clinton, issued a formal apology.

What to do, if anything, about it now? To me, I don't think we should sweep history under the rug or ignore the elephant in the living room.

Consquently, I think a bill creating a structure whereby the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy should be addressed.

This bill neither provides that federal land should be returned to native Hawaiians, nor provides for reparations. It does, however, create a structure whereby the historical inequity can be analyzed.

I think that this is not only in the best interests of native Hawaiians, but is also in the best interests of the entire United States.

To me, the characterizing institutional discrimination by the government as a harmless part of life which should be ignored is both inappropriate and violates the constitution of this great nation. Therefore, I can not accept such a response:

"Why can't the citizens of this fine country get jobs, vote, hold it together, and still enjoy their specific heritage? Let's just declare evryone a victim of somebody at some point in their family tree and get on with it. "

As the United States participated in the overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy, by threat of force, and as the new government acquired all of the land retained by the monarchy (the Crown lands), I think that such a bill is consistent with the cherished ideas of liberty and justice for all.

[ Edited by: christiki295 on 2004-06-21 17:02 ]