Chris Haire had an essay in the Honolulu Weekly August 20-24, 2007, “The revolution must be televised”. It addresses the invasion of Iolani Palace by some native Hawaiian activists during the 125th anniversary of the palace. He concludes with the observation, “But the key to Hawaii’s freedom…” and points out that more effective publicity is needed.

I do not know how Chris Haire defines freedom but I define it as individual autonomy, ability to choose and ability to harvest rewards or suffer consequences for the choices one makes. That concept is not on the table for native Hawaiians who join a new nation. Just like in the American Indian Nations that their leaders wish to emulate, freedom will adhere to leaders of the nation, not to ordinary citizens, Cuba provides an appropriate model. All of us should be fighting to save the native Hawaiians from their leaders who plan to keep them poor, needy and dependent while the “selected” are busy collecting power and money “governing” the new nation.

To those who have the blood quantum; preserve your liberty, do not register.

Dick Rowland is President and CEO of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.