I usually do not post about political issues, preferring mostly to keep my thoughts to myself or to share them with Bruce, but the controversy over the Hawaii Superferry is really pissing me off.
This week approximately 65 surfers, swimmers and canoe paddlers created a human blockade to prevent the superferry from docking in Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai. They are probably feeling quite smug and victorious for their success in turning the ferry away from their island, however, it is a shallow victory and one that should not be celebrated.
Yes, these individuals have a right to their protest and their feelings about the ferry, but it should have been conducted on shore. They did not have the right to block a harbor entrance and prevent a ship from docking. The Coast Guard and the DLNR officers who were present in the harbor should have done a whole lot more to clear the way for safe passage of the ship. All of these domestic terrorists should have been hauled out of the water, handcuffed and taken to jail. Sadly, only 11 were arrested and they may not even see charges, since it has been dubbed a "peaceful protest." Lucky they live Hawaii...try this in Los Angeles or New York City and you risk your life. I hope the judge throws the book at them, but I'm not holding my breath.
At other ferry locations, protesters were seen pounding on the cars of the passengers as they boarded the ship - another action that is not OK.
People are very passionate about their feelings for the superferry - either for or against - and that's OK. Sign wave, honk horns, sign petitions, write letters, make phone calls, pursue it in court, but don't get combative - how would you like it if someone pounded on your car or verbally assaulted your family just because they were out for a day of adventure? You can't just run out on the runway to stop an airplane because you feel like it...the same should apply to our harbors.
Think about it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Domestic Terrorists
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5 comments:
You are an uninformed idiot.
I love free speach and we are fighting to keep it. Some people do not appreicate our freedom or are aware of all that is going on in the world. I'm with you Dianna!!
When we were in Maui this past winter we went out snorkeling on a boat and they tried to brainwash us about how bad the superferry is.
O.k. there are many ways to look at this debate. What's so bad about the superferry when there are tons of jets going in and out and around the islands? As long as it is slowing down when approaching port and paying due taxes to use the port, then what can be done?
I understand where these protestors are coming from with this, but I don't agree with their method. As much as people would like to- they can't stop progress and it seems like we do so much of it nowdays that it gets stupid. I think that the whales will bug out when the superferry whizzes through don't you?
The people, seem to be a different story. Glad your home!
Thanks, Anonymous, for your insightful comment. I thought about deleting it, because I do have that control, but that goes against the point I want to make in my post. It's OK that you have an opinion - I am not writing for or against the superferry - just that I disapprove of the illegal and combative methods certain individuals were using to get their point across.
Where's the aloha?
To anonymous, why not leave your name. Dianna is not uninformed nor an idiot. Just think about it. By the by do you live here on Maui? Are you aware that we have (or have) a say in this matter rather than have it shoved down our throats. Seems protecting the environment is important but not at the cost of the behaviour of certain individuals that behave stupid!!!!
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