09-17-2015, 05:43 AM
Flippant comments like "fake ahu, fake pule" (no "s", btw) could be perceived as ignorance of our culture. Or worse, a typical response given lack of understanding, and compassion.
Perhaps AKpilot & I would not even comment on ahu or pule if the builders would clearly state their intention:
it’s a religious altar or shrine... our spiritual connection to the land... ...the land which we intend to protect by placing an ahu in front of building materials to stop construction.
Otherwise it looks like exactly what it is, a devious and deceitful attempt to use spirituality to push forward their agenda. There are many Hawaiians who practice religion with honesty and sincerity. No one questions their actions. To point out that there are phonies among the Hawaiian people (as there are in any other culture) is not ignorance, or lack of understanding and compassion by non-Hawaiians, it is stating the obvious.
When the TMT protests began, I was sympathetic and supportive of the protesters. I thought it was important that their issues were addressed. But as time went on and I listened to their leaders and the false accusations made by some of the protesters, I lost respect for many of them. At this point, most of them. Those who remain are not the best and the brightest, and it is not cultural insensitivity to point it out. I would say the same of dippy white people if they made similar comments and took similar actions.
The Protectors of Mauna Kea are not the leaders Hawaiians need to form a new Kingdom. If they were sent to represent Hawaii in a meeting with other world leaders, I guarantee they would get little respect from other representatives, even less than I give them.
Time would be better spent identifying intelligent, politically and diplomatically skilled, honest and sincere representatives for a future Hawaiian nation, rather than defending those who's accomplishments include talking the loudest, and camping the longest.
I have no doubt that there are many highly intelligent Hawaiian people waiting for the time when they can step forward to represent their people. When that time comes, they will have my complete support.
Perhaps AKpilot & I would not even comment on ahu or pule if the builders would clearly state their intention:
it’s a religious altar or shrine... our spiritual connection to the land... ...the land which we intend to protect by placing an ahu in front of building materials to stop construction.
Otherwise it looks like exactly what it is, a devious and deceitful attempt to use spirituality to push forward their agenda. There are many Hawaiians who practice religion with honesty and sincerity. No one questions their actions. To point out that there are phonies among the Hawaiian people (as there are in any other culture) is not ignorance, or lack of understanding and compassion by non-Hawaiians, it is stating the obvious.
When the TMT protests began, I was sympathetic and supportive of the protesters. I thought it was important that their issues were addressed. But as time went on and I listened to their leaders and the false accusations made by some of the protesters, I lost respect for many of them. At this point, most of them. Those who remain are not the best and the brightest, and it is not cultural insensitivity to point it out. I would say the same of dippy white people if they made similar comments and took similar actions.
The Protectors of Mauna Kea are not the leaders Hawaiians need to form a new Kingdom. If they were sent to represent Hawaii in a meeting with other world leaders, I guarantee they would get little respect from other representatives, even less than I give them.
Time would be better spent identifying intelligent, politically and diplomatically skilled, honest and sincere representatives for a future Hawaiian nation, rather than defending those who's accomplishments include talking the loudest, and camping the longest.
I have no doubt that there are many highly intelligent Hawaiian people waiting for the time when they can step forward to represent their people. When that time comes, they will have my complete support.
"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