FreeHawaii.Info IS PROUD TO PRESENT, IN SERIALIZED FORM, "AMERICA'S TIBET," BY DAVID INGHAM, AMY MARSH AND KUKAUAKAHI CHING.
The Full Story Of Why The Illegal Overthrow And Continued Illegal US Occupation of Hawai'i is America's Tibet!
Now published in April 1-15, 2004 issue of Hawai'i Island Journal, and eventually will be viewable online at http://www.hawaiiislandjournal.com.
And now, here's the conclusion...
Hawaiians don't want to be cheated any more than they have been already. They are now aware of the history of unfair outcomes and permanence of claims settlements that have resulted from negotiations similar to that offered in the later versions of the Akaka bill. Given these facts, why should we expect Hawaiians to trade their present status as full citizens for a secondary citizenship (or wardship) that the bill would also accomplish? Hawaiians are wise to reject the federal offer in favor of full restoration of the national rights they have been denied.
The tragic plight of the Tibetan people and the spiritual leadership of the Dalai Lama has inspired the creation of Free Tibet chapters in many universities and communities in the U.S. But the plight of Native Hawaiians is no less dire, and the cultural traditions and practical and spiritual wisdom of Hawaii are no less inspiring. Citizens of a sovereign Hawaiian nation will have much to offer the world, as they reconstruct their society based on their rich cultural heritage. For them, the spiritual legacy of Queen Lili`uokalani is a guiding light.
Those of us who combine American citizenship with a commitment to humanitarian and progressive activism are strangely blind to the Tibet on our own doorstep. This must change. This is our opportunity to oppose passage of the Akaka-Stevens bill and support the Hawaiian Kingdom's just struggle for independence. Free Hawaii. Now.
