Current mood: talkative

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday, my lovely friend Tess MacKall blogged passionately on the subject of schools and their hidden costs. Though I am not a parent, I could relate to what she wrote. I was impressed with her passion. Her cause. It got me thinking about what fuels my passion. Passion, I believe is power.
Those who know me even just a little or who read my books, know what fuels me is Hawaii and its history. I was frankly stunned that an incident of great national historical importance occurred in this country on Saturday and not one word of it reached the mainstream news.
I am talking about the hostile takeover of Iolani Palace, the only palace on American soil. Twenty men of Hawaiian heritage stormed what is now a museum and took the docents hostage in protest of Accession Day (Aug 21), the day Hawaii became a US state.
In 1893, the gentle Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown by the United States forces, imprisoned and her island kingdom stolen by longtime white residents who called themselves a Provisional Government. It is a shameful chapter in our history.
I admit I am a pro-monarchist and would like to see the islands restore to self rule again, but I did not agree with these men chaining up the fence and re-installing a King - he calls himself Akahi Nui -but I do respect their passion.
I am an ardent animal lover but I don't condone violence for that cause either.
What saddened me is that the docents of the Palace, many of them very old, were frightened and bullied. Being a devoted attendee and hopeful docent to the Palace myself, I have been impressed and intrigued with the careful restoration of this building of beauty. It is truly a remarkable palace with polished koa wood floors you are not allowed to walk on in street shoes. Yet, these pro-royalists thundered in there in boots.
The Palace Trust which has lovingly bought back stolen artifacts from all over the world and restored them to former splendor (this is an amazing tale in itself) have made these beautiful pieces - including the Queen's Quilt which she sewed during her incarceration and which vanished only to be mysteriously left at the Palace door recently - available to those who wish to visit. Yet, the Palace was in lockdown once the 'coup' was broken up by Honolulu Police. Careful assessment of damages was necessary.
At what price? Was this really showing love for the people? For the Palace?
Does it hurt the cause? I believe it does. But like I said, Passion is Power and I do believe in this world of apparent, disintegrating values, that it is the most essential quality by which to live a successful, fulfilled life.
What about you? What fuels your passion? What would make you run and jump, tilt at windmills...or blog?
Aloha oe,

A.J.

Currently listening : Kawaipunahele By Keali'i Reichel Release date: 1997-04-22