Marking Holiday with Essays on Independence
Let the essays begin.
Tomorrow, we’ll be publishing the writing of many in the community on what independence means today, 234 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with its memorable words:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
We asked how should we think of independence today. Energy self-reliance? Food sustainability? Native Hawaiian Sovereignty? Individual freedom? And we received many answers.
I thought it would be best to begin the discussion of the meaning of independence today with a thought-provoking piece by Jonathan Osorio, professor of Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Osorio goes to the heart of the question whether Native Hawaiians should celebrate the holiday. We’re also sharing, in an article written by Reporter-Host Michael Levine, the views of the top ranking Marine in Hawaii on what we need to do as a nation if we’re to keep celebrating our independence.
Two fascinating people with important things to say.
And many more to come Saturday, including from the three leading candidates for governor: Neil Abercrombie, James “Duke” Aiona and Mufi Hannemann.
What I’m personally looking forward to this holiday weekend is reading the discussion the essays prompt. Free people discussing important issues. Sounds like something the drafters of the Declaration of Independence would appreciate.
