Admittedly, I've never been a big proponent of "faith," especially blind faith. Nor do I think that any of us can use pure "reason" as a basis for living. The subject is not as simple as most would have us believe... usually one side or the other feels far too dogmatically about their own perspective to make any dialogue really possible.
Any discussion of the topic is usually a waste of time with most people because of their preconceived ideas about what it means or does not mean to "have faith." The same can be said of the use of "reason." Are the two completely at odds with one another? What is the difference between religion and spirituality? Can an atheist have a spiritual or mystical experience?
Sam Harris is one of the rare people who can discuss such matters in open forum in a well-reasoned yet accessible way that allows even "believers," if they are honest, to see that in many ways their religious beliefs are not only incompatible with rationality, but are positively detrimental. Needless to say, some of these beliefs can be wildly entertaining, but nonetheless far from reasonable as a basis for either living one's life or for the running of a society. Still, there are those who try.
In this video, Harris addresses the clash between faith and reason quite well. Though a bit long (about 60 minutes), it is best viewed in its entirety to fully understand his rationale and perhaps give you a different perspective on the differences between atheism, theism, non-theism, deism, agnosticism, and even apatheism!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Islamic Declaration of Human Rights?
Let's revisit the whole concept of human rights violations... what does that look like under Sharia Law? Whose rights might continue to be violated?
Pat Condell has some choice words of warning, especially for America.
Pat Condell has some choice words of warning, especially for America.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Al Franken Slap Down on Socialized Medicine Critic
Al Franken, like many Americans, is sick and tired of listening to conservatives throw up strawman arguments about health care reform intended to scare Americans into accepting 47 million uninsured fellow citizens, increasing out-of-pocket costs and skyrocketing personal bankruptcies due to health care costs--all the while decrying "socialized" medicine. Below, he schools Diana Furchtgott-Roth of the Hudson Institute--which until recently employed disgraced health care "analyst" and serial liar Betsy McCaughey on how people in other "socialized" countries don't go bankrupt trying to stay alive.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Landover Baptist Church
If you're tired of all those mealy mouthed preachers you've heard before and are ready to hear a REAL man of the cloth, then get ready for a heaping helping of salvation! Check this out as Pastor Deacon Fred Addresses an American Atheist Rally. If this doesn't get your heart a thumpin and your blood boiling for the Lord, nothing will!!
You've simply GOT to find out all the happenings at Landover Baptist Church, it's definitely the ONLY one of its kind!
You've simply GOT to find out all the happenings at Landover Baptist Church, it's definitely the ONLY one of its kind!
The Adventures of Gallant and Guff
Tom Tomorrow has a great take on the way things really are in the United States today... take a look at how two typical Americans experience life.
Of course, it could be worse.
Meanwhile, as the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to build up and we enter a time of serious consequences, there IS something you can do... take action... even if we did miss BLOG ACTION DAY. It's not to late to visit 350.org and get involved with the International Day of Action on Climate Change.
And remember... it's okay to have fun, too.
Of course, it could be worse.
Meanwhile, as the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to build up and we enter a time of serious consequences, there IS something you can do... take action... even if we did miss BLOG ACTION DAY. It's not to late to visit 350.org and get involved with the International Day of Action on Climate Change.
And remember... it's okay to have fun, too.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Human Rights: We Shall Overcome
Palestinian people continue to dream and hope and yearn for freedom, and acts of heroism and resistance continue.
Netanyahu looked old, tired, and angry as he delivered his “speech” in front of the Knesset. He had nothing new to say so he regurgitated the old myths about protecting Israelis from being charged with war crimes, lectured his audience (who also looked tired and bored) that the Goldstone report was a lie, that Israel will defend itself, that the world better “deal with Iran”, and that Palestinians better recognize Israel as a Jewish state in order to have peace on the occupier’s terms. (read more)
Netanyahu looked old, tired, and angry as he delivered his “speech” in front of the Knesset. He had nothing new to say so he regurgitated the old myths about protecting Israelis from being charged with war crimes, lectured his audience (who also looked tired and bored) that the Goldstone report was a lie, that Israel will defend itself, that the world better “deal with Iran”, and that Palestinians better recognize Israel as a Jewish state in order to have peace on the occupier’s terms. (read more)
Hemp Farmers Arrested While Planting Hemp at DEA Headquarters
Even though the U.S. is the largest market for hemp products in the world, and industrial hemp is farmed throughout Europe, Asia and Canada, not a single American farmer has the right to grow the versatile crop which is used for food, clothing, body care, paper, building materials, auto paneling and more. Read the article here as published in the Salem News.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Man Who SHOULD Be in Obama's Cabinet!!!
Whenever I hear Dennis Kucinich speak, it makes me wonder why in the world he isn't holding some more responsible position in the present administration. Why isn't he in the cabinet? The Obama administration needs this man and it makes me angry to see the way the Democrats pretend he doesn't exist. He is the voice of what they SHOULD be saying; he's the voice of realism, not just another voice for "centrism." In a REAL democracy, he would be president now, but the timidity of the media and the desire to be "bi-partisan," we silence or marginalize men like this. We should all be ashamed. Let us at least, consider and talk about his idea for a "department of peace." That's the LEAST we can do.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Does the Media Suffer From Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that causes repeated unwanted and intrusive thoughts. An OCD sufferer will engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety caused by these thoughts (obsessions). OCD is a chronic or long-term illness that can take over a person’s life, hurt relationships, and limit the ability to work or go to school[1].
Scientists have proven that OCD is caused by one part of the brain being unable to receive information from the other.
In the past 20 years the 24/7 cable news, internet and social networking sites have revolutionized the way we receive information. In the shadow of this information revolution lays a disease that has surprisingly not yet received an official diagnosis. The cause is also a restriction of information. The disease is called Obsessive Compulsive Israel Disorder or OCID.
For a country that is thousands of miles away, has a population of just 7 million and speaks a completely different language, the world is obsessively and compulsively focused on Israel.
In January 2009, when Israel launched operation Cast Lead, to root out rocket fire from the Gaza strip, the media covered every minute. There was no shortage of information that often presented Israel as the aggressor and perpetrator of all the violence in the region. Just like OCD stops the flow of information from one part of the brain to the other, OCID, stopped the flow of the rest of the important events going in the world.
While a tiny country was trying to secure its borders from rocket attack the world was going through major challenges.
• The Ethiopian military withdrew its troops from the Somalia civil war. This ongoing conflict has killed 300-400 thousand people since 1991.
• Indian Army continued to battle Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed militants in the disputed Kashmir region. This ongoing conflict has seen countless civilian massacres and terror attacks.
• The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a Sri Lanka terrorist group, launched major offensives around the northern part of the country including the bombing the state department of defense. 80 thousand people have been killed in the country’s civil war, including 8000 this year alone.
In order to try to understand this disease we have isolated 3 factors that could influence the amount of coverage a country could receive:
1. Its population,
2. Its geography; and
3. Its state of conflict.
As stated earlier Israel’s population is about 7 million. It is roughly the same size as Tajikistan, Papa New Guinea and Honduras, none of which have been able to grab the attention of the world, let alone can most people locate these countries on a map.
What about geography? It is true that Israel’s is in the Middle East but so are countries like Bahrain, Qatar and Oman yet these countries also seldom crack the newsreel, let alone can be located on a map.
That leaves the last category, maybe it’s because of the “disputed” territory in the land. If this is the case, ask yourselves how many stories have been there been about Tibet, Cyprus, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the Western Sahara, all U.N recognized cases of disputed territory. There is no logic in understanding this disease.
While the media was predominantly reporting only on the conflict in the Gaza Strip as a prime example, the world was going through universal struggle. Their continual criticism and singling out of Israel is baseless in its logic visa vis its abnormal media coverage. The larger worldly causes of global warming, hunger, aids and genocide have to take a back seat to feed a news aristocracy that clearly suffers from the sociological disease, Obsessive-Compulsive Israel Disorder.
________________________________________
[1] Web MD, Anxiety and Panic Health Center,www.webmd.com
Scientists have proven that OCD is caused by one part of the brain being unable to receive information from the other.
In the past 20 years the 24/7 cable news, internet and social networking sites have revolutionized the way we receive information. In the shadow of this information revolution lays a disease that has surprisingly not yet received an official diagnosis. The cause is also a restriction of information. The disease is called Obsessive Compulsive Israel Disorder or OCID.
For a country that is thousands of miles away, has a population of just 7 million and speaks a completely different language, the world is obsessively and compulsively focused on Israel.
In January 2009, when Israel launched operation Cast Lead, to root out rocket fire from the Gaza strip, the media covered every minute. There was no shortage of information that often presented Israel as the aggressor and perpetrator of all the violence in the region. Just like OCD stops the flow of information from one part of the brain to the other, OCID, stopped the flow of the rest of the important events going in the world.
While a tiny country was trying to secure its borders from rocket attack the world was going through major challenges.
• The Ethiopian military withdrew its troops from the Somalia civil war. This ongoing conflict has killed 300-400 thousand people since 1991.
• Indian Army continued to battle Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed militants in the disputed Kashmir region. This ongoing conflict has seen countless civilian massacres and terror attacks.
• The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a Sri Lanka terrorist group, launched major offensives around the northern part of the country including the bombing the state department of defense. 80 thousand people have been killed in the country’s civil war, including 8000 this year alone.
In order to try to understand this disease we have isolated 3 factors that could influence the amount of coverage a country could receive:
1. Its population,
2. Its geography; and
3. Its state of conflict.
As stated earlier Israel’s population is about 7 million. It is roughly the same size as Tajikistan, Papa New Guinea and Honduras, none of which have been able to grab the attention of the world, let alone can most people locate these countries on a map.
What about geography? It is true that Israel’s is in the Middle East but so are countries like Bahrain, Qatar and Oman yet these countries also seldom crack the newsreel, let alone can be located on a map.
That leaves the last category, maybe it’s because of the “disputed” territory in the land. If this is the case, ask yourselves how many stories have been there been about Tibet, Cyprus, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the Western Sahara, all U.N recognized cases of disputed territory. There is no logic in understanding this disease.
While the media was predominantly reporting only on the conflict in the Gaza Strip as a prime example, the world was going through universal struggle. Their continual criticism and singling out of Israel is baseless in its logic visa vis its abnormal media coverage. The larger worldly causes of global warming, hunger, aids and genocide have to take a back seat to feed a news aristocracy that clearly suffers from the sociological disease, Obsessive-Compulsive Israel Disorder.
________________________________________
[1] Web MD, Anxiety and Panic Health Center,www.webmd.com
Amos n Andy: Anatomy of a Controversy
Was the Amos "n" Andy show degrading to Black people or was it merely a very funny program that first enabled Black people to be tv stars? The controversial show was taken off the air in 1966 after protests were lodged by the N.A.A.C.P. Watch this documentary and decide for yourself.
THE CROSS, THE FLAG, AND AMERICAN IDOLATRY
THE CROSS, THE FLAG, AND AMERICAN IDOLATRY
How Symbolism Is Today’s National Idolatry
by Loren Adams, 13 September 2009
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross,” wrote Sinclair Lewis in 1935.
When Hitler’s hordes stole Germany, they stormed town-halls across the Fatherland carrying their sacred symbols of nationalism reinforced by a form of Christianity that lent moral credence to mob rule. In fact, Nazism could not have risen had it not been for German evangelicals and fundamentalists embedded within the various religious sects and denominations. German Christians were seduced by the allure of national pride, and in doing so, the flag, eagle, and swastika became select idols of that time – images so sacred anyone caught desecrating them were put to death.
The pageantry and massive torch-bearing ceremonies were spectacular – even by today’s standards. Joseph Goebbels and Albert Speer were the Fuhrer’s designers, serving as Minister of Propaganda and Adolf’s Chief Architect, respectively. Commissioned by Hitler in 1934, TRIUMPH OF THE WILL, the propaganda film of all time, displayed seductive pageantry and overt symbolatry (idol worship of symbols). German evangelicals who succumbed to this idolatry comprised the base of the right-wing movement, same as American evangelicals are the base of the right-wing today in the U.S.
Yes, there are parallels between Nazi Germany and 21st Century right-wing America which is currently on recess but determined more than ever to recapture the government after managing to destroy the Obama Administration and congressional Democrats. Let no one successfully persuade otherwise: Fascism was never a left-wing movement, only a right, and America’s right-wing is again on the march – using white evangelicals (seduced by symbols and “Christian” idolatry) to do its bidding – advocating and condoning violence, preaching the gospel of the “free market” (corporatism/fascism), and promoting militaristic monarchial/theocratic rule.
Giant crosses are erected adjacent Interstates across America, supposedly to lead lost souls to Jesus Christ, but on the other hand, are testament to modern American “Christian” idolatry. In front of America’s megachurches, giant U.S. flags flap in the wind, supposedly as an indication of devotion to the country, but on the other hand, are testament to modern American “Christian” idolatry. The symbols mean more than mandates Christ issued to the Church: caring for the needy, feeding the hungry, and healing the sick.
The Bible, also, has become an idolatrous image to many. The phrase is often heard from fundamentalist pulpits and broadcasts, “The King James Version of the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.” Then they add, “The King James was good enough for Paul and Silas, so it’s good enough for me,” without considering the King James Version wasn’t commissioned by the King of England until 1,600 years after Paul and Silas were dead. The disease of ignorance is as contagious as swine flu.
Worship of the cross and flag was evident as far back as the Great Depression, as described by Sinclair Lewis in 1935, and this symbolatry was at the forefront of the Nazi movement across the Atlantic. So, Lewis put two and two together and foresaw the day fascism would come to America “wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” Lewis observed that Hitler’s core followers were uneducated, anti-intellectuals, and steeped in mythology and peripheral religion. And he compared the European base to an American counterpart that could potentially propel an American tyrant to power – for the same element flourished on both continents.
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930, Sinclair Lewis was eye-witness to the Great Depression and the ascension of Adolf Hitler’s Germany. He wrote of similar threat to America – where fascism would come dressed in the flag, carrying a cross, and preaching Christianity – the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He saw the parallels then as they are now.
Sinclair Lewis predicted such in 1935.
Of course, most tyrants in world history rise to power compliments of a religious base. In fact, they couldn’t have arrived without a supportive religious system. The antichrist can only come to power because of the quasi-Christian Beast he rides, called the “Great Whore” in The Revelation. But after he succeeds and arrives at his desired destination, he betrays his mode of transport, the Beast, by destroying her.
I believe a significant portion of fundamentalists today have become seduced by a form of symbol worship. “Idolatry” is defined as blind and excessive devotion to a person or thing. If an individual or group of individuals are caught up in a collective act of blindly venerating the same object or person, this common bond is defined as a “cult.”
Twenty-first America is encumbered by a mass cult which is stripping away the nation’s constitutional rights, civil liberties, and potential greatness. Ironically, it is also threatening the very religious freedom for which they claim to cherish dearly.
Symbols mean more than substance today. Little flag pins arouse more adoration than real acts of valor. FOX’s America preferred to investigate (and lie about) John Kerry’s medals than George Bush’s AWOL, cocaine use, and draft-dodging. FOX’s America preferred to perpetrate the Obama birth certificate myth than investigate torture and treason. Barack without a tie in the Oval Office elicited more outrage than Blackwater’s murders. It is symbolism the right-wing is after, not reality. Surface outweighs substance.
Not only the flag, but the cross and Bible are erected as idols. And sadly, the national idolatry cult has racial overtones – like the original fascist movement 80 years before. Nazis venerated the flag, the swastika, Mein Kampf, and the eagle. The American right-wing venerates the flag, the cross, the Bible and the eagle. The parallels can’t be more apparent.
How Symbolism Is Today’s National Idolatry
by Loren Adams, 13 September 2009
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross,” wrote Sinclair Lewis in 1935.
When Hitler’s hordes stole Germany, they stormed town-halls across the Fatherland carrying their sacred symbols of nationalism reinforced by a form of Christianity that lent moral credence to mob rule. In fact, Nazism could not have risen had it not been for German evangelicals and fundamentalists embedded within the various religious sects and denominations. German Christians were seduced by the allure of national pride, and in doing so, the flag, eagle, and swastika became select idols of that time – images so sacred anyone caught desecrating them were put to death.
The pageantry and massive torch-bearing ceremonies were spectacular – even by today’s standards. Joseph Goebbels and Albert Speer were the Fuhrer’s designers, serving as Minister of Propaganda and Adolf’s Chief Architect, respectively. Commissioned by Hitler in 1934, TRIUMPH OF THE WILL, the propaganda film of all time, displayed seductive pageantry and overt symbolatry (idol worship of symbols). German evangelicals who succumbed to this idolatry comprised the base of the right-wing movement, same as American evangelicals are the base of the right-wing today in the U.S.
Yes, there are parallels between Nazi Germany and 21st Century right-wing America which is currently on recess but determined more than ever to recapture the government after managing to destroy the Obama Administration and congressional Democrats. Let no one successfully persuade otherwise: Fascism was never a left-wing movement, only a right, and America’s right-wing is again on the march – using white evangelicals (seduced by symbols and “Christian” idolatry) to do its bidding – advocating and condoning violence, preaching the gospel of the “free market” (corporatism/fascism), and promoting militaristic monarchial/theocratic rule.
Giant crosses are erected adjacent Interstates across America, supposedly to lead lost souls to Jesus Christ, but on the other hand, are testament to modern American “Christian” idolatry. In front of America’s megachurches, giant U.S. flags flap in the wind, supposedly as an indication of devotion to the country, but on the other hand, are testament to modern American “Christian” idolatry. The symbols mean more than mandates Christ issued to the Church: caring for the needy, feeding the hungry, and healing the sick.
The Bible, also, has become an idolatrous image to many. The phrase is often heard from fundamentalist pulpits and broadcasts, “The King James Version of the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.” Then they add, “The King James was good enough for Paul and Silas, so it’s good enough for me,” without considering the King James Version wasn’t commissioned by the King of England until 1,600 years after Paul and Silas were dead. The disease of ignorance is as contagious as swine flu.
Worship of the cross and flag was evident as far back as the Great Depression, as described by Sinclair Lewis in 1935, and this symbolatry was at the forefront of the Nazi movement across the Atlantic. So, Lewis put two and two together and foresaw the day fascism would come to America “wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” Lewis observed that Hitler’s core followers were uneducated, anti-intellectuals, and steeped in mythology and peripheral religion. And he compared the European base to an American counterpart that could potentially propel an American tyrant to power – for the same element flourished on both continents.
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930, Sinclair Lewis was eye-witness to the Great Depression and the ascension of Adolf Hitler’s Germany. He wrote of similar threat to America – where fascism would come dressed in the flag, carrying a cross, and preaching Christianity – the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He saw the parallels then as they are now.
Sinclair Lewis predicted such in 1935.
Of course, most tyrants in world history rise to power compliments of a religious base. In fact, they couldn’t have arrived without a supportive religious system. The antichrist can only come to power because of the quasi-Christian Beast he rides, called the “Great Whore” in The Revelation. But after he succeeds and arrives at his desired destination, he betrays his mode of transport, the Beast, by destroying her.
I believe a significant portion of fundamentalists today have become seduced by a form of symbol worship. “Idolatry” is defined as blind and excessive devotion to a person or thing. If an individual or group of individuals are caught up in a collective act of blindly venerating the same object or person, this common bond is defined as a “cult.”
Twenty-first America is encumbered by a mass cult which is stripping away the nation’s constitutional rights, civil liberties, and potential greatness. Ironically, it is also threatening the very religious freedom for which they claim to cherish dearly.
Symbols mean more than substance today. Little flag pins arouse more adoration than real acts of valor. FOX’s America preferred to investigate (and lie about) John Kerry’s medals than George Bush’s AWOL, cocaine use, and draft-dodging. FOX’s America preferred to perpetrate the Obama birth certificate myth than investigate torture and treason. Barack without a tie in the Oval Office elicited more outrage than Blackwater’s murders. It is symbolism the right-wing is after, not reality. Surface outweighs substance.
Not only the flag, but the cross and Bible are erected as idols. And sadly, the national idolatry cult has racial overtones – like the original fascist movement 80 years before. Nazis venerated the flag, the swastika, Mein Kampf, and the eagle. The American right-wing venerates the flag, the cross, the Bible and the eagle. The parallels can’t be more apparent.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
“Living on an Island Planet: Musings on 350”
As a teenager, I remember watching in fascination as Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969. The images were broadcast on television to millions of people around the world. I still remember the picture of the earth as seen from the moon, a beautiful blue and white ball suspended in space. For once, we were able to step back from our far too close up view of the world and were able to see it for what it really is, an island planet “hanging on nothing” as it moves through space.
When you look at the earth from a distance, there are no national border lines, there are no racial, religious, political or social divisions, only a ball of rock, ice and water with its myriad life forms all interdependently connected, none able to survive without the others. When we see this view of our island planet, we merely see “home” and we don’t see it enough.
Despite our seeming disconnect to all things natural and this bigger view, we are not separate from, but are an integral part of the web of all life on this planet. What we do to the earth and to other species, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Recent scientific data shows that we may well have reached the “tipping point” when it comes to carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the driving force behind climate change. The “safe” level for human beings is known to be 350 parts per million, but we have now reached a level of 387 parts per million. I’m no scientist, but I do know that we need to notice this and, if possible, do something now.
We have, to quote The American President, serious problems and we need serious people to solve them. But the magnitude of the crises facing us, and the literally global consequences of the decisions we make in response to those crises, are rapidly moving toward a critical mass. We must find the political and social will to do the very hard things that need to be done very quickly if there is, literally, to be a tomorrow.
Still, there is room for hope. October 24th has been designated the International Day of Action on Climate Change. People all around the world are coming together to call attention to the urgent need for action and I’m urging you to get involved. You’ll find all the information you need at www.350.org. We are moving toward, I believe, an ever-greater maturity in relation to our world, and in relation to our religious community's responsibility in that world. Regardless of what we believe may await us in the hereafter, it is what we do here and now that counts. Future generations will thank us.
When you look at the earth from a distance, there are no national border lines, there are no racial, religious, political or social divisions, only a ball of rock, ice and water with its myriad life forms all interdependently connected, none able to survive without the others. When we see this view of our island planet, we merely see “home” and we don’t see it enough.
Despite our seeming disconnect to all things natural and this bigger view, we are not separate from, but are an integral part of the web of all life on this planet. What we do to the earth and to other species, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Recent scientific data shows that we may well have reached the “tipping point” when it comes to carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, the driving force behind climate change. The “safe” level for human beings is known to be 350 parts per million, but we have now reached a level of 387 parts per million. I’m no scientist, but I do know that we need to notice this and, if possible, do something now.
We have, to quote The American President, serious problems and we need serious people to solve them. But the magnitude of the crises facing us, and the literally global consequences of the decisions we make in response to those crises, are rapidly moving toward a critical mass. We must find the political and social will to do the very hard things that need to be done very quickly if there is, literally, to be a tomorrow.
Still, there is room for hope. October 24th has been designated the International Day of Action on Climate Change. People all around the world are coming together to call attention to the urgent need for action and I’m urging you to get involved. You’ll find all the information you need at www.350.org. We are moving toward, I believe, an ever-greater maturity in relation to our world, and in relation to our religious community's responsibility in that world. Regardless of what we believe may await us in the hereafter, it is what we do here and now that counts. Future generations will thank us.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Who Wins in a Free Hawaii? - Everyone!
One of the biggest lies told is that when Hawai`i achieves nationhood once again it will be at the expense of everyone who is not Hawaiian.
But no one will be kicked out, their businesses seized or their homes and property confiscated.
Instead everyone, Hawaiians and all others, will be citizens of the sovereign and independent Nation of Hawai`i.
The Hawaiian Nation included people of many ethnic backgrounds that were loyal citizens before the illegal overthrow and it will be so again.
The truth is a sovereign Hawaiian nation will need the contributions and talents of all of its citizens to remain viable in the world. Hawaiians would be no better than the very supremacists that overthrew and occupied them were they to divide people by race.
Hawaiians have always been inclusive, not exclusive.
How would this be accomplished politically given a civil war resulted the last time a state tried to leave the US?
Unlike southern US states, the Kingdom of Hawai`i and its citizens never agreed to become part of the United States in the first place.
Therefore a move for Hawai`i to secede from the US would be both unnecessary and inappropriate.
Much like removing the top coat of paint to reveal the one underneath, the US Congress, after consultation between Hawaiians and the US at the level of state to state, could simply enact a US federal law that dissolves the entity known as the “state government” in Hawai`i.
What would be left in its place is what has existed all along anyway without interruption – the independent Nation of Hawai`i.
Posted by The Koani Foundation
But no one will be kicked out, their businesses seized or their homes and property confiscated.
Instead everyone, Hawaiians and all others, will be citizens of the sovereign and independent Nation of Hawai`i.
The Hawaiian Nation included people of many ethnic backgrounds that were loyal citizens before the illegal overthrow and it will be so again.
The truth is a sovereign Hawaiian nation will need the contributions and talents of all of its citizens to remain viable in the world. Hawaiians would be no better than the very supremacists that overthrew and occupied them were they to divide people by race.
Hawaiians have always been inclusive, not exclusive.
How would this be accomplished politically given a civil war resulted the last time a state tried to leave the US?
Unlike southern US states, the Kingdom of Hawai`i and its citizens never agreed to become part of the United States in the first place.
Therefore a move for Hawai`i to secede from the US would be both unnecessary and inappropriate.
Much like removing the top coat of paint to reveal the one underneath, the US Congress, after consultation between Hawaiians and the US at the level of state to state, could simply enact a US federal law that dissolves the entity known as the “state government” in Hawai`i.
What would be left in its place is what has existed all along anyway without interruption – the independent Nation of Hawai`i.
Posted by The Koani Foundation
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