02-01-2026, 10:46 PM
So, of recent late, lots of discussions on PunaWeb about all the various government funded social benefit programs, local protests as it relates to illegal immigration practices being employed, costs of groceries as well as discounted or free housing, internet access and the like.
Coupled with that, is a somewhat low sounding, yet consistent drum beat of "National Politics" on PunaWeb.
Now, asking a serious question here, but how does the discussion of SNAP benefits, by its own very nature, not become "National Politics?" First, it is a federally mandated program. Thus "National Politics" are automatically invoked when discussed. Second, I don't see any Hawaii State Government representation calling for SNAP cuts or reductions in benefits or additional burdensome requirements to qualify. Same with Medicaid. So what then, is left to or can we discuss about SNAP/Medicaid under the concept of no "National Politics."
Same can be asked of the protests that have and will take place in Hilo. The protest is not about what Hawaii County or Hawaii State Government representatives are doing with respect to illegal immigration and other such matters that have been protested - it is, what the federal government is doing and thus, again becomes "National Politics." Does this mean we no longer even mention an upcoming protest in Hilo or somewhere else in the State of Hawaii now?
Same can be asked about low cost internet access for low/no income families - all federally funded and thus, "National Politics." Verboten from discussion?
Same can be said about high grocery prices as well. I don't see Hawaii's representatives invoking tariffs on food brought into Hawaii - no - again, "National Politics."
Now, I am not discussing the obvious matters that clearly become "National Politics" as it should be as it relates to just sheer complaining about who the President is, stolen elections etc. etc.
So then the real question has to be, should PunaWeb be so highly moderated to remove or not allow ANYTHING considered "National Politics," as the low sounding, consistent drum beat is implying, that we can't discuss ANY of this at all when matters such as these is just one entire incestuous relationship that unfortunately becomes "National Politics" under a strict absolute no "National Politics" enforced rule?
Further, how many times have we seen Rob or Moderator 2 say that "National Politics" that do involve Hawaii are allowed. I would take that to assume that means discussing all the good and bad of SNAP/Medicaid/high costs of groceries/low income housing/protests that involve not only Hawaii directly, but also involve "National Politics."
Seems, at least to me, that there might be a subtle intent at trying to close down any discussion at all here by claiming "National Politics" over and over.
It's a fine line. A very fine line. At least that's why Moderator 2 gets the big bucks.
Something to consider...
Coupled with that, is a somewhat low sounding, yet consistent drum beat of "National Politics" on PunaWeb.
Now, asking a serious question here, but how does the discussion of SNAP benefits, by its own very nature, not become "National Politics?" First, it is a federally mandated program. Thus "National Politics" are automatically invoked when discussed. Second, I don't see any Hawaii State Government representation calling for SNAP cuts or reductions in benefits or additional burdensome requirements to qualify. Same with Medicaid. So what then, is left to or can we discuss about SNAP/Medicaid under the concept of no "National Politics."
Same can be asked of the protests that have and will take place in Hilo. The protest is not about what Hawaii County or Hawaii State Government representatives are doing with respect to illegal immigration and other such matters that have been protested - it is, what the federal government is doing and thus, again becomes "National Politics." Does this mean we no longer even mention an upcoming protest in Hilo or somewhere else in the State of Hawaii now?
Same can be asked about low cost internet access for low/no income families - all federally funded and thus, "National Politics." Verboten from discussion?
Same can be said about high grocery prices as well. I don't see Hawaii's representatives invoking tariffs on food brought into Hawaii - no - again, "National Politics."
Now, I am not discussing the obvious matters that clearly become "National Politics" as it should be as it relates to just sheer complaining about who the President is, stolen elections etc. etc.
So then the real question has to be, should PunaWeb be so highly moderated to remove or not allow ANYTHING considered "National Politics," as the low sounding, consistent drum beat is implying, that we can't discuss ANY of this at all when matters such as these is just one entire incestuous relationship that unfortunately becomes "National Politics" under a strict absolute no "National Politics" enforced rule?
Further, how many times have we seen Rob or Moderator 2 say that "National Politics" that do involve Hawaii are allowed. I would take that to assume that means discussing all the good and bad of SNAP/Medicaid/high costs of groceries/low income housing/protests that involve not only Hawaii directly, but also involve "National Politics."
Seems, at least to me, that there might be a subtle intent at trying to close down any discussion at all here by claiming "National Politics" over and over.
It's a fine line. A very fine line. At least that's why Moderator 2 gets the big bucks.
Something to consider...