Today is the state of Hawaii's 47th Birthday. And with an open invitation announced on the radio by state Sen. Sam Slom to celebrate this occasion at Iolani Palace, where statehood was originally declared, I took my family to the event to meet with people and show my support for the union. A local high school band was on site, outside the steps of the palace, and to my surprise, so were unregistered protesters. Armed with microphone, bullhorns, and ample rage, needless to say the occasion did not go as I hoped but a part of me expected.
So for one hour I observed Sam Slom and others hold their ground while insolent, arrogant and ultimately, uninformed, brainwashed hooligans insulted them. It was a sad event and worthy of the public’s attention.
What is sad, to me, is that the children of those protesting were casting their own insults with plenty of cursing and abusiveness. The facts they used, on the steps of this utterly western palace, were ridiculous; but, to their credit some on the other side of the argument had their own facts and commentary grounded in misconception -- not everyone is an equal debater or a good advocate for what they desire to say and hold dear in their heart.
I believe that there will be a day when such confrontations will go beyond verbal, but who will cast the first stone? To those who are loyal to the United States, I observed and I spent most my time silently watching and taking it all in, no insulting or threatening behavior was put forth. Yet, those protesting, even on the microphones with police present, made threats and even stated, "we are coming for you Gov. Linda Lingle, Sam Slom ... and all you in the Hawaii Legislature, we are coming for you!"
I am an advocate of free speech and not a fan of the laws supporting my next statement, but also I believe such statements would be taken as "terroristic threatening" in any other state.
It was a sad day for Hawaii. Three years from now, on the 50th anniversary of statehood, I pray that the elected officials of Hawaii make a big fuss. Should they not, it will be par for the course and demonstrative of the failed leadership over this state in our union.
Richard Noah Hough is a Republican Candidate for U.S. House (Honolulu). See more about him at http://www.houghforcongress.org or reach him via email at mailto:houghr002@hawaii.rr.com
HawaiiReporter.com reports the real news, and prints all editorials submitted, even if they do not represent the viewpoint of the editors, as long as they are written clearly. Send editorials to mailto:Malia@HawaiiReporter.com
