ADDING INSULT TO INJURY -
"HAVE THEY NOT TAKEN EVERYTHING AND NOW BEGRUDGE STILL MORE?"
2005 is a very special year. The official date of the Martin Luther Holiday fell on the same day (January 17) as the date that the Hawaiian community commemorates the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Therefore, we, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition-Hawaii, invited several Hawaiian organizations to join us in observing this unique juncture by participating in the parade for equal rights, dignity and justice.
Hence it distressed me to read letters in the Advertiser from Thurston Twigg-Smith as well as David Rosen an attorney representing the plaintiffs in Arakaki vs. Lingle, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands programs. Both letters to the editor were full of misrepresentations and obfuscations. In fact, they were downright abusive....
Why after 122 years is it necessary for these men to continue to defame Queen Liliuokalani? Have they not taken everything and now begrudge still more? Rosen is being consistent in his opposition to the Native Hawaiians' claim for self-determination, reclaiming their heritage, their land, their history and respect due to the host culture....
I am assuming that Mr. Rosen and Twigg-Smith have not noticed that the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition-Hawaii’s parade has all nationalities participating in the observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday and has so for the past seventeen years....
Since my mother was Hawaiian-Chinese and my father African-American, as long as I have breath in my body, the Hawaiians will be invited to participate.
Sincerely,
Patricia Anthony
President
