Monday, April 18, 2016
Testing Japanese PM Abe
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe (安倍 晋三), puppet of American militarism, chauvinist of Yamaguchi, has a great chance in the present earthquake crisis to grow & lead.
Don't expect much, but Let's See... Remember Abe was born to a supremely powerful (and wealthy) political dynasty, grandson of WWII architect & Class A war crimes captive Nobusuke Kishi. He's sought forcefully and repeatedly to generate new tribalism in an already highly-homogeneous society that has low tolerance for variation.
Good Luck Japan!
Don't expect much, but Let's See... Remember Abe was born to a supremely powerful (and wealthy) political dynasty, grandson of WWII architect & Class A war crimes captive Nobusuke Kishi. He's sought forcefully and repeatedly to generate new tribalism in an already highly-homogeneous society that has low tolerance for variation.
Good Luck Japan!
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Hillary's GOLDMANGATE
Will Hillary Clinton's speeches to Goldman Sachs poison her candidacy?
In 2013, Clinton spoke at three Goldman Sachs events for US$675,000.
Former Senator Hillary Clinton still claims solidarity with working folk & asserts (link): "I did stand up to the banks. I did make it clear that their behavior would not be excused."
Seth Abramson writes (link) that if we saw Clinton's Goldman Sachs speech transcripts, "it could end her candidacy for president."
Goldmangate !
Assorted transcripts & tapes of other Clinton speeches now pepper the internet. But the three Goldman talks (reportedly each an hour-long, @ $225,000 each) were "private" sessions not open to the public. Nice work if you can get it -- but surely not a working class wage.
Major problem is seeking to hide the fact she's highly-corporatist.
Worse for Clinton, the financial services industry is belatedly under huge negative attack from the Panama Papers, Oxfam ("Broken at the Top" - link), and the Bernie Sanders campaign. Self-regulation by Big Business is a dirty joke, considering Enron, the four Trump business bankruptcies, disastrous corporate-led trade agreements (TPP, TTIP), and public bailout of private firms. Now Americans wake up to the rude fact they've heavily subsidized top businesspeople. Surely the Clintons , who've lived top of the world now for 25 years, poorly represent typical citizens. They work hard, but protect the backs of big finance, the banking industry, etc. Hillary's big-money endorsements and coziness with big financiers show she herself is a wealthy oligarch -- no time to befriend the common man, and a tough sell when full-time work doesn't pay a living wage.
In 2013, Clinton spoke at three Goldman Sachs events for US$675,000.
Former Senator Hillary Clinton still claims solidarity with working folk & asserts (link): "I did stand up to the banks. I did make it clear that their behavior would not be excused."
Seth Abramson writes (link) that if we saw Clinton's Goldman Sachs speech transcripts, "it could end her candidacy for president."
Goldmangate !
Assorted transcripts & tapes of other Clinton speeches now pepper the internet. But the three Goldman talks (reportedly each an hour-long, @ $225,000 each) were "private" sessions not open to the public. Nice work if you can get it -- but surely not a working class wage.
Major problem is seeking to hide the fact she's highly-corporatist.
Worse for Clinton, the financial services industry is belatedly under huge negative attack from the Panama Papers, Oxfam ("Broken at the Top" - link), and the Bernie Sanders campaign. Self-regulation by Big Business is a dirty joke, considering Enron, the four Trump business bankruptcies, disastrous corporate-led trade agreements (TPP, TTIP), and public bailout of private firms. Now Americans wake up to the rude fact they've heavily subsidized top businesspeople. Surely the Clintons , who've lived top of the world now for 25 years, poorly represent typical citizens. They work hard, but protect the backs of big finance, the banking industry, etc. Hillary's big-money endorsements and coziness with big financiers show she herself is a wealthy oligarch -- no time to befriend the common man, and a tough sell when full-time work doesn't pay a living wage.
 |
| http://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/research-publications/broken-at-the-top |
Friday, April 15, 2016
A&B = Corporate PIG
The people of Hawai'i are troubled by water problems. Many areas are dry and in constant fire alert status, large segments of Maui are brown and suffer from desertification.
Some problem is sugar industry diversion of water to their extensive private plantations. Biggest user Alexander & Baldwin (A&B d.b.a. Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and East Maui Irrigation Co.), has enjoyed favored access to public water supplies for over a century. Protected by political connections, and using their leverage on Maui as supplier of agricultural work for hundreds of people, they've diverted streams and tapped into aquifers. They reportedly (link) divert 160 million gallons of water from 100 streams every day.
This same local power allows them open burning of cane fields, a process that fills the air with smoke, ash, and unknown carcinogenic substances (pesticide residues & miles of plastic pvc pipe and black polyethylene are burned with the cane). Subsequent dust is a further problem - blowing offshore and fouling Hawaiian reefs. Their sloppy land stewardship led to generations of complaints, many claimed local health problems, and continuing scars on the beautiful Maui landscape & offshore.
Now A&B are cutting back. They'll soon stop growing sugar cane. But they still demand continuing priority supplies of fresh Maui water.
Hawai'i's State Legislature should no longer give this billion-dollar-plus corporation open-ended authority to divert an unlimited supply of needed public water for their private operations.
Some problem is sugar industry diversion of water to their extensive private plantations. Biggest user Alexander & Baldwin (A&B d.b.a. Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and East Maui Irrigation Co.), has enjoyed favored access to public water supplies for over a century. Protected by political connections, and using their leverage on Maui as supplier of agricultural work for hundreds of people, they've diverted streams and tapped into aquifers. They reportedly (link) divert 160 million gallons of water from 100 streams every day.
This same local power allows them open burning of cane fields, a process that fills the air with smoke, ash, and unknown carcinogenic substances (pesticide residues & miles of plastic pvc pipe and black polyethylene are burned with the cane). Subsequent dust is a further problem - blowing offshore and fouling Hawaiian reefs. Their sloppy land stewardship led to generations of complaints, many claimed local health problems, and continuing scars on the beautiful Maui landscape & offshore.
Now A&B are cutting back. They'll soon stop growing sugar cane. But they still demand continuing priority supplies of fresh Maui water.
Hawai'i's State Legislature should no longer give this billion-dollar-plus corporation open-ended authority to divert an unlimited supply of needed public water for their private operations.
 |
| mauitime magazine cover, 27 Sept 2012 |
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Zapata !
Emiliano Zapata was assassinated on 10 April 1919 age 39.
Zapata struggled for a better world. RIP
Zapata struggled for a better world. RIP
Friday, April 08, 2016
Hawaiian Self-Government
Please consider the argument for Hawaiian self-government. Hawai'i's ruled from east coast USA, 5000 miles (8000km) away.
I support Native Hawaiian sovereignty, and have much sympathy for Hawaiian Kingdom activists and the sovereignty asserted & protected by a treasured minority over many decades. But since the 1893 illegal overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, it's been 123 years. We've not achieved operational Hawaiian self-government. Controlling a cul-de-sac or a few hamlets is insufficient.
If Native Hawaiians ratify our Kumu Kānāwai (proposed constitution), we then start to form a government. We must expect resistance. Some people probably fear this stage because we're open to infiltration, and entrenched interests will surely seek advantages. We don't wish to trade one set of captors for another. But when the alternative plan is decades more abuse & diminishment from far & near with minimal response, or begrudging Aloha, I'm ready to forge forward now.
Those elected to serve the Native Hawaiian people will be responsible for community reconciliation, and for developing better relationships among the nations of the world, including with the USA. I personally hope we can pilot our lāhui & nation to full & complete independence, maintaining peace, and one day celebrate the shutdown of US military bases. (Others disagree.) Predictable future difficulties include promotion of a complex economy, and the huge challenge to govern unruly Hawaiians. And yes, we may be outmaneuvered once again. But I speak confidently for many Hawaiian warriors --
We will Never Give Up!
I support Native Hawaiian sovereignty, and have much sympathy for Hawaiian Kingdom activists and the sovereignty asserted & protected by a treasured minority over many decades. But since the 1893 illegal overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, it's been 123 years. We've not achieved operational Hawaiian self-government. Controlling a cul-de-sac or a few hamlets is insufficient.
If Native Hawaiians ratify our Kumu Kānāwai (proposed constitution), we then start to form a government. We must expect resistance. Some people probably fear this stage because we're open to infiltration, and entrenched interests will surely seek advantages. We don't wish to trade one set of captors for another. But when the alternative plan is decades more abuse & diminishment from far & near with minimal response, or begrudging Aloha, I'm ready to forge forward now.
Those elected to serve the Native Hawaiian people will be responsible for community reconciliation, and for developing better relationships among the nations of the world, including with the USA. I personally hope we can pilot our lāhui & nation to full & complete independence, maintaining peace, and one day celebrate the shutdown of US military bases. (Others disagree.) Predictable future difficulties include promotion of a complex economy, and the huge challenge to govern unruly Hawaiians. And yes, we may be outmaneuvered once again. But I speak confidently for many Hawaiian warriors --
We will Never Give Up!
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Fools Trust Media
Just saw an interview by Swedish state-run television SVT with Icelandic PM Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, where the PM hastily escaped (link) after questions focused on his personal finances.
http://www.svt.se/nyhetsklipp/article7557950.svt
Unfortunately the interview tape (labeled "long version" at 7min 44sec) is nonetheless edited down at a critical time (about 6:18, just before Gunnlaugsson stands up). How much was shaved away, and why? We may never know...
Did the PM in fact "storm out" of the interview as widely reported around the world? At minimum, the SVT link should not be labeled as "(lång version)" if & when it is crucially incomplete.
Perhaps the Icelandic PM discussed his personal financial details for five or ten minutes before refusing to continue. This is not at all to defend the interviewee, but editing / chopping the tape at that important point is bad journalism.
Important documents such as this interview should be trustworthy. The tape is raw in other ways, showing the lighting setup and production staff -- presumably to generate trust.
Show the whole tape. The edit reflects badly on SVT globally.
We pay for SVT and I feel manipulated.
(more via The Guardian here)
http://www.svt.se/nyhetsklipp/article7557950.svt
Unfortunately the interview tape (labeled "long version" at 7min 44sec) is nonetheless edited down at a critical time (about 6:18, just before Gunnlaugsson stands up). How much was shaved away, and why? We may never know...
Did the PM in fact "storm out" of the interview as widely reported around the world? At minimum, the SVT link should not be labeled as "(lång version)" if & when it is crucially incomplete.
Perhaps the Icelandic PM discussed his personal financial details for five or ten minutes before refusing to continue. This is not at all to defend the interviewee, but editing / chopping the tape at that important point is bad journalism.
Important documents such as this interview should be trustworthy. The tape is raw in other ways, showing the lighting setup and production staff -- presumably to generate trust.
Show the whole tape. The edit reflects badly on SVT globally.
We pay for SVT and I feel manipulated.
(more via The Guardian here)
Monday, April 04, 2016
Peaceful Freedom: Malta & Hawai'i?
The highly-strategic Mediterranean islands of Malta were repeatedly
occupied by outside forces over thousands of years. Recent transitions were from
a British colony, to an independent Commonwealth state, to an independent
Republic from 1974 (with British forces still resident). But renegotiated
lease agreements at much higher rents led to British military withdrawal in 1979. I
enjoyed 31st March 2016 "Freedom Day" in Malta, and dream Hawai'i finds a similar peaceful path to self-government. The US military, perched
on confiscated Hawaiian lands, can't justify or properly pay for their
half-dozen military golf courses on O'ahu. Hearty goodbye with Aloha.
Monday, March 28, 2016
RIP Bill Burgess
H. William Burgess, an inveterate proponent of Yankee Occupation & Land Grab (YOLG) in Hawaii, died of natural causes 16 March 2016 in Honolulu.
It's a testament to non-violence and the Aloha Spirit that Burgess, who consistently ridiculed Native Hawaiian inheritance rights & indigenous efforts for self-government, could live out his days peacefully to age 85 in beautiful Hawaii. Rest in Peace Bill.
See also:
Native Hawaiians Dole Out Peace (link)
-- pamphlet detailing racist suppression of Hawaiians
( or .pdf file) needs a minute to download
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Rigged Elections USA
There's no excuse that prospective voters must stand waiting in line for hours. It's not rocket science for states to build proper voter lists.
Americans are deliberately being disenfranchised.
This situation is beyond party politics, and it STINKS. Democrat, Republican, or otherwise, look clearly at the USA -- it's NOT democracy, it's an enslaved society.
Read this article (link) and weep.
Americans are deliberately being disenfranchised.
This situation is beyond party politics, and it STINKS. Democrat, Republican, or otherwise, look clearly at the USA -- it's NOT democracy, it's an enslaved society.
Read this article (link) and weep.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
"Obama & Castro Spar Over Human Rights"
US President Barack Obama is making important efforts this week to normalize relations with Cuba.
Under the heading of human rights issues, The BBC highlighted the historic Presidential news conference where Cuban President Raul Castro scolded the USA:
"We find it inconceivable your government does not defend and ensure the right to healthcare, education, social security, food provision & development."
Bravo!
Under the heading of human rights issues, The BBC highlighted the historic Presidential news conference where Cuban President Raul Castro scolded the USA:
"We find it inconceivable your government does not defend and ensure the right to healthcare, education, social security, food provision & development."
Bravo!
"Numba one, Numba one, USA, USA!"
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| http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1356980/thumbs/o-POVERTY-AMERICA-facebook.jpg |
Friday, March 18, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Let My People Go
Native Hawaiians have been peacefully working for self-determination. The Hawaiian Kingdom was illegally overthrown in 1893. Though neutral by international treaty, nobody helped the Hawaiian people... (we collected many apologies).
The recent Native Hawaiian Constitution (link to process of ratification) (link to .pdf) is one effort toward justice, sovereignty, and self-government.
Parallel efforts harness wider discontent with the US Federal Government, and the bogus politicos offered to the American people. Many US citizens ("from sea to shining sea") are revolted by the 2016 USA election. Hawaiians reject rule by Washington DC, 5000 miles away, but We're Not Alone. The Yankee giant is unmanageable. We need more independent states... Breakup of the union was once unthinkable; but now corporate infiltration, debt & decay have made disintegration inevitable.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) threaten America's government & our future survival. Don't like it? Tough = eat shit. We lose freedom to resist.
Yankee War Machines
Polluting and Displacing
Aloha ‘Āina
Native Hawaiians Dole Out Peace (link)
-- pamphlet detailing racist suppression of Hawaiians
(or .pdf file) needs a minute to download
Hawaiians share solidarity with indigenous cousins worldwide.
The recent Native Hawaiian Constitution (link to process of ratification) (link to .pdf) is one effort toward justice, sovereignty, and self-government.
Parallel efforts harness wider discontent with the US Federal Government, and the bogus politicos offered to the American people. Many US citizens ("from sea to shining sea") are revolted by the 2016 USA election. Hawaiians reject rule by Washington DC, 5000 miles away, but We're Not Alone. The Yankee giant is unmanageable. We need more independent states... Breakup of the union was once unthinkable; but now corporate infiltration, debt & decay have made disintegration inevitable.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) threaten America's government & our future survival. Don't like it? Tough = eat shit. We lose freedom to resist.
Yankee War Machines
Polluting and Displacing
Aloha ‘Āina
Native Hawaiians Dole Out Peace (link)
-- pamphlet detailing racist suppression of Hawaiians
(or .pdf file) needs a minute to download
Hawaiians share solidarity with indigenous cousins worldwide.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
RIP: Louana Lyman Lambert
Bettie Louana Lyman Lambert, 81, formerly of West Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2016 surrounded by family, at her seaside home in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii.
Louana was born on May 24th, 1934 in Hilo, Hawaii to Elizabeth Leilehua Mills Lyman & Francis Lyman. She was twelfth generation descent from Kuali'i (King of Oahu & Ali'i Aimoku of Kaua'i) and Kalanikahimakaialii (Ni'aupi'o Ali'i princess of Maui). Many recent family members were educators, including New England missionaries David Belden & Sara Joiner Lyman, who arrived in 1832 and soon founded the Hilo Boarding School. Their family home & grounds later became The Lyman Mission House Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute.
As a child, Louana loved to swim in and explore the tidal pools surrounding Hilo Bay. She enjoyed and excelled in her academics, and learned much from her Tutu Irma Rosehill (Farden). As a young adult she moved to Honolulu to attend Kamehameha School for Girls, where she graduated with honors in 1952 with many lifelong friends. Her paternal grandmother Tutu Kalei Ewaliko Lyman had been in the first graduating class of 1897.
Louana chose to attend Boston University over Stanford, and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While attending BU, she met the man who'd soon become her husband, Donald "Capt. Red" Lambert. They married in December of 1956, and after living & working briefly in both California and Hawaii, moved back to Massachusetts to settle in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. They lived happily together on the Cape for the next 40 years, raising six sons.
Louana truly loved all children and felt personal responsibility for their well-being. She taught kindergarten at Cookies Pre-School in Hyannis, MA and help shape the lives of countless kids over the years. Even after retirement, Louana still felt the need to take care of "the little ones." She became a regular volunteer with Head Start to help those underprivileged with early childhood education. Louana was an active member of the West Yarmouth Congregational Church and Women's Fellowship. She helped organize food and clothes drives for those in need, and was a regular participant in the annual ten-mile heifer walk for hunger. She also served many decades as a Cub Scout leader (she'd been a Curved Bar Girl Scout; today's Gold Award). Among other hobbies, she enjoyed quilting, painting, & collecting objects from nature.
Louana lost her beloved husband Red on December 30th, 2014 after 58 years of marriage (link). She leaves behind 6 married sons: Dr. Bruce Henry Lambert of Stockholm, Sweden; Capt. Kriss Alexander Lambert of Washington State; Ross Francis Lambert of West Barnstable, MA; Capt. Keith Drummond Lambert of Kihei, Hawaii; Dana Lyman Lambert of East Dennis, MA; and Dr. Ryan Kaleo Stuart Lambert of Honolulu; 3 grandchildren: Connor Lyman, Kailani Dawn, and Brooks Cameron; 1 great-grandson: Ka'eo Makanakeakua; and many inlaws & extended family. 'Ohana in Hawaii include the Lyman, Mills, Mattoon, Payne, Rosehill, Farden, Ewaliko, Rath, Kamai, Brickwood and Kuali'i progeny; family elsewhere include Drummond, Diamond, Brockleman, McGowan, Gripp, Gibbons, O'Donnell, Quenzer & Robertsons. Burial at convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family begs you to honor Louana by donating in your own community to children's causes or those less fortunate.
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