Maybe that’s just politics
I’m writing this to give my perspective and a Libertarian critique of the goings-on in Washington, D.C. Recently, U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele introduced the Remove the Stain Act, regarding the tragedy of Wounded Knee.
Wounded Knee was a horrible tragedy, one in which a dominant, technology superior military force killed hundreds of innocent men, women, and children. It is one of many stains on America. Maybe Libertarian ideology is just too consistent, but can someone explain the difference to me as to why this stain should stand above all? What is the difference between Native Americans — the victims of U.S. dominance of North America — and the victims of the rising U.S. global empire and our current foreign policy?
If Wounded Knee is a stain and a mark of tragedy that disgraces the ideals of what we think the U.S. stands for, then what about the last 70 years? I believe the countless countries destroyed and millions of lives lost by America’s rise to global dominance were tragedies — enormous stains against the ideals of what America stands for: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The current wars are against poor, brown, less sophisticated societies that have resulted in the death of millions. The wars of recent are wars of aggression and those nations pose no threat to the people of the U.S. They do pose a threat to benevolent global hegemony. If killing innocents 130 years ago is a cause for removal of medals, then what about current foreign policy? I find it disturbing that our leaders will focus on tragedy of the past, while encouraging and supporting tragedies in the present. But maybe that’s just politics. Maybe the worse stains are only the ones you see.
Kekaulike Tomich
Kaupulehu
Unhappy with Roth’s actions
I was very pleased to read Tiffany Edwards Hunt’s op-ed about Mayor Mitch Roth urging the Hawaii County Council members to remove Mr. Van Pernis from the Leeward Planning Commission.
Like her, I don’t want to believe that he wrote the letter, as so far, I’m very unhappy with the new mayor’s actions, and this is just one of the reasons. So far, I’m going to work for the current mayor to be a one-term mayor.
I’ve written to the Planning Committee, which the council chair, Maile David, has directed this request. Hopefully, it will die in the committee and not have to be heard at the council meeting.
Mahalo Tiffany!!!
Marjorie Erway
Kailua Kona
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