Correction: An earlier version of this story said Hawaii was the only U.S. battlefield in World War II. In fact, in 1942 Japanese forces occupied two islands in Alaska’s Aleutian chain and hundreds of Allied soldiers were killed in a series of battles that eventually recaptured the territory.听
Hawaii is听technically the 50th state, but U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions doesn鈥檛 seem to think it’s听of much consequence, as evidenced by his dismissal of a Hawaii Judge鈥檚 ruling against President Trump鈥檚 travel ban.
“I really am amazed that a judge sitting on an island in the Pacific can issue an order that stops the president of the United States from what appears to be clearly his statutory and constitutional power,” he told radio host Mark Levin听Wednesday.
While U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz expressed outrage over the AG’s comment, maybe Sessions is on to something.
Here are five reasons Sessions might be right about the Aloha State — it is a bit different.
1. It launched America into World War II.
While other states certainly felt the impacts of World War II, Hawaii took a physical pounding with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, “”
Most Americans would call it an essential part of U.S. history. What say you, Mr. Sessions?
2. The U.S. Pacific Command is headquartered here.
According to its website, the command听 a region that鈥檚 鈥渉ome to more than 50% of the world’s population, 3,000 different languages, several of the world’s largest militaries, and five nations allied with the U.S. through mutual defense treaties.鈥 Yawn.
3. Diversity is our strong suit.
In a brutal response to Sessions, 鈥淗awaii was built on the strength of diversity & immigrant experiences.鈥 Ethnically, 听and culturally, Hawaii is听one of the most diverse states in the nation.
Hawaii was built on the strength of diversity & immigrant experiences- including my own. Jeff Sessions鈥 comments are ignorant & dangerous
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono)
OK, it might be a little strange that the attorney general of a country built on the success of immigrants and the basis of equality would belittle a state that falls precisely in line with those values.
4. It’s听the birthplace of the 44th President of the United States.
, Hawaii is the birthplace of President Barack Obama, the nation鈥檚 first African American President. But maybe听making history is overrated.
5. It鈥檚 one of America鈥檚 favorite places to spend downtime.
choose to spend their hard-earned time off in the Aloha State each year. It鈥檚 a beloved destination for many in the U.S. 鈥 some might even call it the most beautiful state in the nation. Still, it is just an island in the Pacific.
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