11-24-2008, 10:27 AM
Well, Damon, it's time to quit putting up with antisocial neighbors, or at least to quit subsidizing them. If we were indeed proactive about refusing to "enable" anti-social behavior a lot would change very rapidly.
Unfortunately the only moral authority that really exists due to the social environment of the big island must come from local families of heritage. There is a a lot of outright miserable behavior that has no traditional basis that goes unchallenged because to condemn it is immediately labeled a "mainland" attitude. "Well, if we want to abuse our dogs, kids, and wives that's our way, so get used to it, etc." The challenge to that attitude must come loudly from those in the local community that have unquestionable social authority to make a just condemnation. Elsewise, all we're left with is a heavy handed police state.
Unfortunately the only moral authority that really exists due to the social environment of the big island must come from local families of heritage. There is a a lot of outright miserable behavior that has no traditional basis that goes unchallenged because to condemn it is immediately labeled a "mainland" attitude. "Well, if we want to abuse our dogs, kids, and wives that's our way, so get used to it, etc." The challenge to that attitude must come loudly from those in the local community that have unquestionable social authority to make a just condemnation. Elsewise, all we're left with is a heavy handed police state.