quote:
Originally posted by 2liveque
Palikapu is from Ka'u.
Ka'u was once known for its fierce warriors. Word to the wise: All Hawaiians are not created equal.
Do not expect all Hawaiians to be from the same fabric. Do not expect them to all be like "that one Hawaiian guy I once met." Pali may be fierce and direct, but he is also a man of action and integrity. A little loud and direct, but not beyond reason. Pali is as genuine as they come.
Yes, 2liveque, Ka'u, and more specifically for our ohana, Kapa'ahu, are known for fierce warriors.
The message from my Kupuna, including the Master of the
Lua (maternal great-great-grandfather), who trained the King's warriors in Kapa'ahu, was
very specific in the field of battle. We can not fight today the way of Kupuna. Everyone would have a curse on them, or an
akualele flown at them, or be dead.
As we move forward, "warriors" sometimes get thrown in prison. Not because of their beliefs, but due to their actions, in this day and age. Drugs was not Palikapu's only offense.
He is indeed a man of action. As far as integrity, we shall see. That is one big, fat word for the man to live up to. I know him well, for decades, and know his mission. It is a good one, but leaves room for improvement.
We all fight for "our people", in our own way. There are those of us who have been "fighting" for our entire lives, yet never have been disrespectful until provoked (mahalo AM). Then it becomes "defense".
Ha'aha'a goes out the window, and
Ha'aheo shows it's firm face.
dakine states:
The question of humility, of aloha, which seems to be an undercurrent to this thread, brings to mind the saying:
Do Not Mistake My Aloha for Weakness
Indeed, never, ever, mistake our kindness (
aloha) for weakness. Ever.
Ralph Palikapu Dedman's service to this country is admirable. We have veterans from Viet Nam in our ohana, too. None of them came home to do drugs and worse, but lived a good, clean life. They endured the same experience as this man, and perhaps more (ie. front line, snipers, etc.). Bless them all.
In closing, back to topic, this money spent on "native Hawaiian health study" could have gone towards his
Pu'uhonua if he played his cards differently. I also pray he makes peace with his Mother, who is the epitome of a kanaka maoli woman.
JMO.
ETA: Typo. Looking for my glasses. Kala mai.