11-01-2016, 07:24 AM
Many months ago I made a comment that the Protectors did not necessarily represent the average Hawaiian person, especially in legal or political matters. I also stated that I didn't see anyone who had stepped forward as a spokesperson for the Protectors who stood out as the best and brightest of what the Hawaiian people had to offer, that more qualified leaders must be available to help them chart a new course forward.
I know the comments I made and terms I used were not politically correct, especially on this divisive issue. The manner and terminology was not necessarily polite, or positive, or complimentary. Clearly that criticism offended some readers due to the lack of diplomatic tone or failure to search hard enough for a compliment where few were to be found.
But this is not a situation where everybody should win a trophy for participation. Let's look at some examples of testimony noted in other posts above, which are by no means emblematic of other Hawaiians in attendance at the hearing. Unfortunately, certain comments stand out whether or not a majority or minority agree with them. I would ask, is there anyone who would wish to be represented by, or believe a leadership role should be offered to a person who:
* Wants a day off for Halloween?
* Wishes a holiday for an unrelated protest on the mainland?
* Chooses representation by a lawyer who prioritizes a trip to Las Vegas over his scheduled court appearance?
* Requires sick leave due to lack of REM sleep?
The list goes on. All I see is a group of dysfunctional individuals who can barely roll out of bed in the morning in time to attend a scheduled appointment for the day. Are these the future leaders of a Hawaiian Nation? A Kingdom of Hawaii? A Hawaiian Kingdom? If not, the real leaders should ask them to step aside to prevent further embarrassment, as it does not strengthen any argument for self determination they may wish to present in the future, as legitimate descendants of a pre-1893 political authority.
My comments are intended to be, and should be seen as a constructive, positive step forward. What about the Protectors, is their testimony more helpful of harmful to the long range goals of the Hawaiian people?
I know the comments I made and terms I used were not politically correct, especially on this divisive issue. The manner and terminology was not necessarily polite, or positive, or complimentary. Clearly that criticism offended some readers due to the lack of diplomatic tone or failure to search hard enough for a compliment where few were to be found.
But this is not a situation where everybody should win a trophy for participation. Let's look at some examples of testimony noted in other posts above, which are by no means emblematic of other Hawaiians in attendance at the hearing. Unfortunately, certain comments stand out whether or not a majority or minority agree with them. I would ask, is there anyone who would wish to be represented by, or believe a leadership role should be offered to a person who:
* Wants a day off for Halloween?
* Wishes a holiday for an unrelated protest on the mainland?
* Chooses representation by a lawyer who prioritizes a trip to Las Vegas over his scheduled court appearance?
* Requires sick leave due to lack of REM sleep?
The list goes on. All I see is a group of dysfunctional individuals who can barely roll out of bed in the morning in time to attend a scheduled appointment for the day. Are these the future leaders of a Hawaiian Nation? A Kingdom of Hawaii? A Hawaiian Kingdom? If not, the real leaders should ask them to step aside to prevent further embarrassment, as it does not strengthen any argument for self determination they may wish to present in the future, as legitimate descendants of a pre-1893 political authority.
My comments are intended to be, and should be seen as a constructive, positive step forward. What about the Protectors, is their testimony more helpful of harmful to the long range goals of the Hawaiian people?
“We do this thing not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy.”