\n| \n Aloha America!<\/p>\n Dear Friends,<\/p>\n On July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers, with much personal courage, issued the Declaration of Independence. By doing so, they became enemies of what was then the most powerful nation on earth \u00e2\u20ac\u001b$(C G\u001b(Breat Britain.<\/p>\n “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”<\/p>\n It is ironic that the author and many of those who signed the Declaration of Independence were slave owners.\u00a0 This irony was but the first of many contradictions that arose as well- meaning men and women worked to shape our nation.\u00a0 Since that time, the country I love has weathered many exciting and difficult times.<\/p>\n But history shows magnificently that when our nation has erred, we have endeavored to acknowledge the mistake.\u00a0 Although it has been painful, we have apologized and worked to make things right.<\/p>\n While not perfect, our nation is made up of generations of brave people who continue to strive for Democracy. \u00a0\u00a0Sometimes we tilt to the right.\u00a0 Sometimes we move to the left.\u00a0 But, we always find a path forward.\u00a0\u00a0 Americans are not deterred by mistakes and difficult circumstances. \u00a0Democracy is not a utopian ideal, but an honorable and ongoing effort to ensure that our society’s hopes and needs are pursued in a fair manner.<\/p>\n There was a time when I was a victim of our nation’s imperfect attempts at Democracy.\u00a0 Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, all Japanese living in the United States were declared \u00e2\u20ac\u001b$(0en\u001b(Bemy aliens.’ \u00a0And as such, we were banned from putting on the uniform of the U.S. armed forces.\u00a0 Eventually, President Roosevelt heard our plea, and the order was rescinded.<\/p>\n Young men like myself rushed to enlist, each of us eager to prove our love of country by distinguishing ourselves on the battlefield.\u00a0 Under the heavy weight of prejudice, I joined my friends and fought and bled for my country. \u00a0The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became the most decorated Army unit of its size and length of service in the history of the American military.<\/p>\n When we trained at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, the Hawaii boys met many of our Mainland Japanese counterparts whose parents were imprisoned in internment camps while they enlisted to serve our nation.\u00a0 I recall asking myself if I would have been able to fight for my country if my parents were locked away behind barbed wire fences.\u00a0 It took many painful years, but those interred eventually received the apologies of our nation and a token reparation payment for the taking of their property and businesses.<\/p>\n Sadly, the discrimination felt by Japanese Americans during World War II was not the first time our nation mistreated a minority group. \u00a0Filipinos, Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, African Americans, and others have suffered horrible injustices while living on American soil. \u00a0But in each case, the nation I love has found a way to apologize, and continues to work to right the wrongs.<\/p>\n In March 1942, the United States enacted a law allowing Filipinos, who fought side-by-side with the United States during World War II, to become citizens after the war.\u00a0 In 1946, the provision was repealed, and the promise we made to these men was broken.\u00a0 Once again, I am proud to say that the country I love admitted its error and restored its promise of citizenship.\u00a0 We have also appropriated monies, in a largely symbolic gesture, to compensate Filipino veterans of World War II for their service.<\/p>\n We are now in that process with Native Hawaiians.\u00a0 In 1993, the Congress enacted P.L. 103-150, otherwise known as the Apology Resolution wherein the United States acknowledged that the overthrow was unlawful, and formally apologized to the Native Hawaiian people.\u00a0 The Apology Resolution started the process of reconciliation.<\/p>\n Today, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, known as the Akaka bill, provides the critical next step \u00e2\u20ac\u001b$(C r\u001b(Becognition.\u00a0 There has been much discussion and debate over these many years.\u00a0 Now is the time to act, even if it may require compromise to, at long last, adopt a measure which begins the process of self-determination.<\/p>\n It is often said that the wheels of justice grind ever so slowly, particularly for those who wait for justice to be bestowed or equality restored.\u00a0\u00a0 But, I submit to you that while not perfect, America is Democracy’s best hope.<\/p>\n We recognize that oftentimes, change is not brought about by well wishes and big ideas.\u00a0 It is the child of sustained effort, corrected mistakes, and collaboration toward a common goal.<\/p>\n In my wildest dreams, I would have never thought that the Nisei son of a sugar plantation worker and an orphan, would go from the barefoot, carefree days in Moiliili, to the battlefields of Italy, to become the President Pro-Tempore of the United States Senate, and third in line of succession for the Presidency.\u00a0 Only in America.<\/p>\n On this day, let us remember that we live in a land where anything is possible. Let us remember that our independence must still be fought for and our freedom defended.\u00a0 Let us remember that Democracy requires vigilant oversight and cherished protection.\u00a0 Let us never take it for granted.<\/p>\n God bless you all and God Bless America.<\/p>\n \n\n\n| <\/td>\n | Aloha,
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