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How do you come to that conclusion?
When you get up tomorrow morning will you follow American laws & regulations, or kapus of the Hawaiian Kingdom? If you’re like most residents of Big Island, you’ll follow posted speed limits, pay federal taxes, excise taxes, gas taxes, regulations which allow your phone service and internet access to function. Just as the rest of the world does in their interactions with shipping regulations to Hawaii, territorial waters, etc.
Treaties don’t need an expiration date. If no one in the world acknowledges them, they cease to exist. Use it or lose it.
"The great mystery is that such a state may be one of utter happiness, as it provides opinions concerning things, but no knowledge of the things themselves.” - Marguerite Young
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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If I follow your reasoning, then nobody should care what the "authorities" that control your morning do. If a parcel o' rogues overthrow your government, who gives a rat's ass? As long as you get your 6 pack (plus tax) and your cable TV (plus fees), no worries? So, if that's the case why do you care what (soon to be ex) district rep Ruggles does? Why go through the process of voting? Just stop worrying about what is right or wrong, just go with it.
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why do you care what (soon to be ex) district rep Ruggles does?
Precedent: I also want to collect a $75K salary for talking smack.
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nobody should care what the "authorities" that control your morning do.
That's not at all what I'm saying.
Let's try this. Go to the website:
https://native-land.ca/
In the upper left hand corner of the page, click Treaties. Start scrolling. It's endless. Many of the treaties overlap other treaties, claims, agreements in such a way that it's impossible to untangle. Any group could come together and put forward arguments for any of the affected indigenous tribes just as Dr. de Zayas, Dr. Sai and Jen Ruggles have done for the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Do any of those treaties have an expiration date? Could they all be in affect at the same time? What would it take to decide which ones are still legal, superseding the others? Which court?
If a parcel o' rogues overthrow your government, who gives a rat's ass?
I would. It's been said:
Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.
I agree. Even rogues of democracy are better than rogues in other forms of authority. With democracy, and patience, at least you have a chance to get rid of them, eventually. Usually in less time and with less disruption than would be necessary for a tyrant and dictator.
"The great mystery is that such a state may be one of utter happiness, as it provides opinions concerning things, but no knowledge of the things themselves.” - Marguerite Young
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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It may come down to the question:
How much justice can you afford?
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Is she still collecting her illegal salary?
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Oh dear, what to do, what to do. County Council will ignore Snowflake Ruggles' theft of County funds by continuing to cash her salary checks and refusing to carry out her sworn duties.
Hello, Board of Ethics. That's what they are charted to address.
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That's what they are charted to address.
Unfortunately, at this point, it would cost more money to investigate and prosecute her than what she gets in her paycheck.
Also, unfortunately, if they stop their work to chase after Ruggles' negligence, then not only is Jen not working on County business, no one else would be getting anything accomplished either.
Lose-Lose
"The great mystery is that such a state may be one of utter happiness, as it provides opinions concerning things, but no knowledge of the things themselves.” - Marguerite Young
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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Lose-Lose
There's a third option: burn staff time without recouping any pay.
https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/201...t-members/
The County Council also might lack authority to punish their colleague since the issue isn't addressed in the county charter.
Ruggles, who has missed the past six council meetings and many more committee meetings, said she will continue to receive her $5,834 per month ($70,008 per year) salary.
But two years from now, voters might get a chance to enact a contingency, should such a situation arise again.
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The County Council could take five minutes to refer her to the Ethics Board. They aren't doing anything anyway. That is who is charted to investigate ethical violations. Certainly taking a salary for doing nothing And keeping a staff member on the payroll to do her bidding might also fall into the same category.The Council has no spine. This is not a matter of Aloha. Throw her out.
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