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Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Introduction to My Major Writing Assignment
This short essay that you are about to read was my third major writing assignment, for English 98. This essay entitled, Give Hawaiian Crown Lands Back to the Indigenous People , was written May 24, 2010, as an argumentative writing assignment. The beginning of this essay also held one of my strengths for this paper. The introduction, I feel was strong with good word choices, which would help to hold your attention, and have you interested in reading this paper.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction.
“Give us back our lands!” became a popular chant that you can hear at many rallies surrounding the Hawaii State government building. On January 17, 1893, the United States government, overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii, under the reigning monarch of Queen Liliu’okalani. The United States government, stripped the queen of the Crown Lands, and captured the prime lands for their own use with building military bases, and airports on some of the land.”
Here is an excerpt from the introduction.
“Give us back our lands!” became a popular chant that you can hear at many rallies surrounding the Hawaii State government building. On January 17, 1893, the United States government, overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii, under the reigning monarch of Queen Liliu’okalani. The United States government, stripped the queen of the Crown Lands, and captured the prime lands for their own use with building military bases, and airports on some of the land.”
Give Hawaiian Crown Lands Back to the Indigenous People
“Give us back our lands!” became a popular chant that you can hear at many rallies surrounding the Hawaii State government building. On January 17, 1893, the United Statesgovernment, overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii, under the reigning monarch of QueenLiliu’okalani. The United States government, stripped the queen of the Crown Lands, andcaptured the prime lands for their own use with building military bases, and airports on some of the land. Although the State of Hawaii would argue that the Republic of Hawaii ceded them the lands; the indigenous Hawaiian people say, “They had no right to cede our lands. Our lands were stolen.” It’s imperative that Crown lands be ceded back to their rightful heirs. The NativeHawaiians. It’s time to correct the injustice, and to make it right.
Crown Lands that rightfully belong to the indigenous people of Hawaii, and not the State of Hawaii, is constantly being battled out in court. The U.S government says, “The lands were ceded to them from the Republic of Hawaii,” so they have the rights of the land. However, the “Kanaka Maoli” (Native Hawaiians) say, “How is that possible?” The U.S. government cannot prove title “because the land was stolen, there was no consent from the Native Hawaiians, and there was no compensation” (Toensing 1-2). It is also noted that although the high courts ruled in favor of the U.S. government, “The Congressional Apology,” recognized that Hawaiians never gave up their claims to their “inherent sovereignty,” or their lands. The Republic of Hawaii could not have ceded these lands in “absolute fee” to the U. S., because they were stolen (Toensing 1-2). In 1959, when Hawaii became a state, the federal government pledged to use lands and assets to the benefit of Native Hawaiians. In 1993, on the 100th anniversary of the coup, Congress approved a resolution apologizing for the illegal overthrow and acknowledging that Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their claims to sovereignty over their lands (Deseret News pg.A.12). One can clearly see, that there should be no reason why Native Hawaiians need to prove themselves in court for their lands. It’s stated in the “Congressional Apology" they never gave up claims to their land. The native Hawaiians through the forming of a nation within a nation should be directing how Hawaiian Crown Lands should be used or cultivated for. The state of Hawaii should have no voice over Crown land that was taken illegally during the overthrow.
There are those that say, “Native Hawaiians helped to vote the islands into statehood in 1959, so the land is now the governments.” But did they really want statehood, or could that be all that they knew how to do some sixty five years after the overthrow? Here is a rundown of what happened. A treaty to annex the Hawaiian Islands was successfully blocked when a petition to the U.S. Congress proved successful by a Hawaiian Patriotic Legacy group. As the Spanish American War started up in Feb. 1898 Congress had no problem with choosing to annex the Hawaiian islands on July 12, 1898, as they viewed the islands as the perfect place to refuel and launch ships. John Stevens U.S Minister to Hawaii, along with a contingent of marines, and the Committee on Annexation overthrew Queen Liliu’okalani on Jan, 17, 1893. Minister Stevens then proclaimed Hawaii a U.S. protectorate. As a new President stepped into office he (President Cleveland) sent an investigator to the islands. “Minister Stevens was found to have acted improperly andit was ordered that the American flag be lowered from the Hawaii government building.” Furthermore Queen Liliu’okalani was to be restored to power. Sanford Dole (declared himself President of the Provisional Government of Hawaii) refused to hand over the control of the islands. Dole was able to prove to the U.S government that the “U.S. had no rights to interfere in the internal affairs of Hawaii.” “In 1894 the Provisional Government proclaimed Hawaii a republic.” The U.S. soon thereafter, officially recognized the Republic of Hawaii. The Hawaiian people staged mass protest rallies and Queen Liliu’okalani was jailed for not trying to stop the revolt. The islands remained annexed until 1959 when they were voted into statehood. Through the decades many historians write mainly of what they have learned from their studies on the Provisional Government of Hawaii and fail to tell the other side’s story. Now more people will know that there are two sides to the story (Schamel, Wynell and Charles E. Schamel 402-408). Look at what Hawaii went through during those years. With the sugar Plantations, and pineapple industry planted over the different islands, Hawaiian’s found employment (the white man’s way of controlling them) with these powerful companies that controlled their livelihoods. Was statehood really wanted by the Native Hawaiians?
People argue, “Just drop it already,” you have homes, medical care, and access to education. Why can’t you be content with that? That’s all true and respected. Yes, there are some beautiful homes here, an array of top private high schools, great knowledgeable medical care abounds and yes, thankful they are. But when what was inherently yours gets taken away illegally, wouldn’t you fight to make it right? Especially when there was an overthrow of a kingdom, and of a queen that was loved and looked upon by her people?
The Hawaiian Crown Lands need to be returned to the Native Hawaiian people.
Since January 17, 1983 with the kingdom overthrow, then the Crown lands taken from the indigenous people followed by annexation there has been a great travesty, onto a group of indigenous people. It has been over 117 years since the overthrow. President William Clinton signed the Congressional Apology in 1993, apologizing to Native Hawaiians, and yet their inherent land is still in the hands of the U.S government. The government should do what is right and give Hawaiians back the Crown Lands.
Works Cited List
Toensing, G.. "U.S. Supremes rule against Native Hawaiians' land claims. " Indian Country
Today” 8 Apr. 2009,Ethnic NewsWatch (ENW), ProQuest. Web. 12 May. 2010.
Schamel, Wynell and Charles E. Schamel. "The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii." Social Education 63, 7 (November/December 1999): 402-408.
"House backs Hawaii rights. " Deseret News 25 Oct. 2007, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest.
Web. 22 May. 2010
Crown Lands that rightfully belong to the indigenous people of Hawaii, and not the State of Hawaii, is constantly being battled out in court. The U.S government says, “The lands were ceded to them from the Republic of Hawaii,” so they have the rights of the land. However, the “Kanaka Maoli” (Native Hawaiians) say, “How is that possible?” The U.S. government cannot prove title “because the land was stolen, there was no consent from the Native Hawaiians, and there was no compensation” (Toensing 1-2). It is also noted that although the high courts ruled in favor of the U.S. government, “The Congressional Apology,” recognized that Hawaiians never gave up their claims to their “inherent sovereignty,” or their lands. The Republic of Hawaii could not have ceded these lands in “absolute fee” to the U. S., because they were stolen (Toensing 1-2). In 1959, when Hawaii became a state, the federal government pledged to use lands and assets to the benefit of Native Hawaiians. In 1993, on the 100th anniversary of the coup, Congress approved a resolution apologizing for the illegal overthrow and acknowledging that Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their claims to sovereignty over their lands (Deseret News pg.A.12). One can clearly see, that there should be no reason why Native Hawaiians need to prove themselves in court for their lands. It’s stated in the “Congressional Apology" they never gave up claims to their land. The native Hawaiians through the forming of a nation within a nation should be directing how Hawaiian Crown Lands should be used or cultivated for. The state of Hawaii should have no voice over Crown land that was taken illegally during the overthrow.
There are those that say, “Native Hawaiians helped to vote the islands into statehood in 1959, so the land is now the governments.” But did they really want statehood, or could that be all that they knew how to do some sixty five years after the overthrow? Here is a rundown of what happened. A treaty to annex the Hawaiian Islands was successfully blocked when a petition to the U.S. Congress proved successful by a Hawaiian Patriotic Legacy group. As the Spanish American War started up in Feb. 1898 Congress had no problem with choosing to annex the Hawaiian islands on July 12, 1898, as they viewed the islands as the perfect place to refuel and launch ships. John Stevens U.S Minister to Hawaii, along with a contingent of marines, and the Committee on Annexation overthrew Queen Liliu’okalani on Jan, 17, 1893. Minister Stevens then proclaimed Hawaii a U.S. protectorate. As a new President stepped into office he (President Cleveland) sent an investigator to the islands. “Minister Stevens was found to have acted improperly andit was ordered that the American flag be lowered from the Hawaii government building.” Furthermore Queen Liliu’okalani was to be restored to power. Sanford Dole (declared himself President of the Provisional Government of Hawaii) refused to hand over the control of the islands. Dole was able to prove to the U.S government that the “U.S. had no rights to interfere in the internal affairs of Hawaii.” “In 1894 the Provisional Government proclaimed Hawaii a republic.” The U.S. soon thereafter, officially recognized the Republic of Hawaii. The Hawaiian people staged mass protest rallies and Queen Liliu’okalani was jailed for not trying to stop the revolt. The islands remained annexed until 1959 when they were voted into statehood. Through the decades many historians write mainly of what they have learned from their studies on the Provisional Government of Hawaii and fail to tell the other side’s story. Now more people will know that there are two sides to the story (Schamel, Wynell and Charles E. Schamel 402-408). Look at what Hawaii went through during those years. With the sugar Plantations, and pineapple industry planted over the different islands, Hawaiian’s found employment (the white man’s way of controlling them) with these powerful companies that controlled their livelihoods. Was statehood really wanted by the Native Hawaiians?
People argue, “Just drop it already,” you have homes, medical care, and access to education. Why can’t you be content with that? That’s all true and respected. Yes, there are some beautiful homes here, an array of top private high schools, great knowledgeable medical care abounds and yes, thankful they are. But when what was inherently yours gets taken away illegally, wouldn’t you fight to make it right? Especially when there was an overthrow of a kingdom, and of a queen that was loved and looked upon by her people?
The Hawaiian Crown Lands need to be returned to the Native Hawaiian people.
Since January 17, 1983 with the kingdom overthrow, then the Crown lands taken from the indigenous people followed by annexation there has been a great travesty, onto a group of indigenous people. It has been over 117 years since the overthrow. President William Clinton signed the Congressional Apology in 1993, apologizing to Native Hawaiians, and yet their inherent land is still in the hands of the U.S government. The government should do what is right and give Hawaiians back the Crown Lands.
Works Cited List
Toensing, G.. "U.S. Supremes rule against Native Hawaiians' land claims. " Indian Country
Today” 8 Apr. 2009,Ethnic NewsWatch (ENW), ProQuest. Web. 12 May. 2010.
Schamel, Wynell and Charles E. Schamel. "The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii." Social Education 63, 7 (November/December 1999): 402-408.
"House backs Hawaii rights. " Deseret News 25 Oct. 2007, ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest.
Web. 22 May. 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dear Reader
Here I am, a mature woman with a history of heartache. My life has been filled with peaks and valleys. There was never a time that I was on a straight and narrow path. No, never. I’m not your typical wife, mother daughter, sister or friend; for example, is it typical to have your ex-spouse living with you and your current spouse? I do. My ex-spouse was a millionaire, and sadly he got addicted to crack by the leeches that clung to him and fed him drugs, while they bled him dry of his bank account. We lost everything, even our marriage. Is that typical? Though at times being typical ( a homemaker and mother who chauffeurs her children to different sports practices, volunteers at her child’s school, and holds a part-time job.) would have brought some calm and semblance to who I am and my life. I’m a dreamer, though not the same as a daydreamer. When I dream, I usually need to find a way to realize the dream. Writing is one of my outlets, and by putting my thoughts to paper, it helps bring peace and calm to my busy mind. I also found through my studies in English 98 that I’m leaning more towards the formalities of writing correctly, that I decided to change majors from Eng. Literature to The Written Arts. I would like to get a four year degree, write a novel, or two, and do some editing where I can help to bring out the best in a writer. I’ve realized my most important dream is to challenge myself and dare to do the impossible (by most people’s standard) by living in the wilderness alongside my husband, while writing a novel, and surviving without any comforts of home. When our nest is empty than we hope to pursue that part of my dream.
Growing up I hardly ever paid attention to my teachers, and the assignments they were delegating to the class. Way back then, it was such hum-drum learning about punctuations! I have absolutely zero writing experience, yet some say, “I can rub a word or two together.” So I entered English 98 and found out soon enough what a structurally sound essay entertained. For instance like composing a clear and coherent essay is not only demanding and time consuming, you also need an introduction that leads into the body of your story which than concludes with a nice summarization. Needless to mention, those pesky punctuations and I do not, I repeat, do not get along. So I plan to master that big stitch (thorn) in my side, and to wrap my hands around that four year degree. English 98 is helping me tremendously with clarity, coherency, summarization, and good word choices to become a better and efficient writer, by laying the ground work for future composition classes. It will take me a few more quarters of different compositions classes to see that thought put together on paper nicely, and let me tell you…I’ll be awaiting the day, the hour and the minute when it all comes together. Writing introductions to my essays are very enjoyable for me, and I look forward to my improvement and growth in all aspects of writing as I step into English 101.
Two well-written, thought provoking books were introduced into my life in the Spring of 2010. Through my English 98 class, we were instructed to read, analyze, and write about paragraphs or phrases that made you think about the all around bigger picture. Through the reading of these books, Three Cups of Tea, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, I can take from the books, the passion and drive to accomplish what is important to me. If your readers can get inspired by your words then I think you’ve done a pretty cool thing! For example, Mortenson from Three Cups of Tea, had to overcome vast setbacks of getting very little funding for the first school he built, but eventually the funding came in through a major donation. He never gave up and he got that first school built in Korphe Pakistan. Then there’s Junior from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, he didn’t let fear, or the unknown detour him from his dreams to get a good education off of the reservation. They both had the drive and passion to achieve their goals.
Have you ever had the pleasure to give of yourself selflessly? Through my choice of Service Learning (where you help your community and hopefully learn from your experience) with Everett Community Meals, it’s a great fulfilling experience, one which I will continue to help with long after my time requirements are done. There is tons of diversity in the world, but it starts with just one person to close the diversity gap and to bring you, me, him, her, and them together. Just reach out and help someone. For example, people put this social stigma on diverse groups of people, particularly the very poor and the extremely wealthy. In this particular instance people tend to shy away from homeless people, thinking of them as being dirty, not as good, diseased ridden, just a bunch of derogatory remarks. And because a lot of people think that way there’s a gap between people of different social classes.
My journey has just begun, and I’ll be moving onward to English 101. Please stay awhile, and read some pieces and excerpts of my choosing from my 10 weeks in English 98. For your personal liking you may choose to read my major writing assignment, that I feel is inductive of my ability to take my work through the writing process. Or you may want to explore my piece that showcases my understanding to write effectively, or maybe my paper that brings out my reasoning to think critically, might be your cup of tea. Finally, a choice from my collective writing over the quarter that best represents my work in English 98. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and good reading!
Side By Side
When Mortenson who co-authored the book, " Three Cups of Tea," and Boscola in charge of outreach, for, "Everett Meals Program," decide to work on their specific projects, they bring with them a host of respect and compassion for their fellow man. Greg Mortenson and Ron Boscola both found their callings in different areas of serving humanity. Thy have unparalled passion to see their visions realized to the end.
Mortenson found his calling to build a school for the children of rural Korphe, Pakistan. His passion for the vision of a school in Korphe tugged at him to find a way to get the school funded. Mortenson had so many setbacks along the way of contributions, yet the passion to build
a school in Korphe burned in him, and that vision refused to let him rest. Mortenson's wife Tara summarized it nicely in the book Three Cups of Tea, she says, " He was so passionate about Pakistan, and that passioned spilled over into everything else he did" (145). Similarly Ron
Boscola's passion to help feed the lost and outcast trolling the streets of Everett brought him in contact with a local church. His passion to reach out to others less fortunate to make sure that they have a hot meal in their belly more than once a week has made Boscola a man on
a mission.
Mortenson respects the Pakistan customs, the people and their religion. Wherever he went in Pakistan, he did as the locals did, and the people quickly came to respect him; furthermore he grew to understand their customs of tea drinking and what one, two and three cups of tea
meant. The people of Korphe treated him like one of them, they gave him the best to eat and sweet tea to drink, he was honored by this gesture, knowing that they gave him their best of what little they had. Likewise Boscola has nothing, but respect for the people who come through the doors to have a meal. I see him hugging and laughing with them. He always has a nice word to say to them and his smile is welcoming and touches the corners of his eyes. He doesn't shy away from a lonely soul because of a stench odor coming from their filthy clothing, or a tangled web of hair that hasn't seen a wash in a few days. Boscola with his humble smile, welcomes them with open arms. The three Saturdays that I've been to the program I see respect for this man from all the volunteers, and recipients. For example, I've heard Boscola tell the crowd "thank
you for honoring us with your presence this evening." How much respect is that? The people want to be near him, and he eats dinner with them too.
Mortenson and Boscola are doing what they know needs to be done, but more so they find comfort in knowing someone didn't go without a meal today, or that another child is being educated in Pakistan, and maybe, just maybe that child won't grow up to adore war and become a terroist. Mortenson's journeys have opened my eyes to the good and caring people that are a
part of the land. With helping the Everett Meals Porgram I find so much satisfaction. I look forward helping every Saturday and my co-workers and employer have been nothing, but supportive. Thank you Mortenson and Boscola for leading by example with your passion to make it happen and the respect you have for your fellow man.
Posted by Liz Y. at 7:31 PM 2 comments
Mortenson found his calling to build a school for the children of rural Korphe, Pakistan. His passion for the vision of a school in Korphe tugged at him to find a way to get the school funded. Mortenson had so many setbacks along the way of contributions, yet the passion to build
a school in Korphe burned in him, and that vision refused to let him rest. Mortenson's wife Tara summarized it nicely in the book Three Cups of Tea, she says, " He was so passionate about Pakistan, and that passioned spilled over into everything else he did" (145). Similarly Ron
Boscola's passion to help feed the lost and outcast trolling the streets of Everett brought him in contact with a local church. His passion to reach out to others less fortunate to make sure that they have a hot meal in their belly more than once a week has made Boscola a man on
a mission.
Mortenson respects the Pakistan customs, the people and their religion. Wherever he went in Pakistan, he did as the locals did, and the people quickly came to respect him; furthermore he grew to understand their customs of tea drinking and what one, two and three cups of tea
meant. The people of Korphe treated him like one of them, they gave him the best to eat and sweet tea to drink, he was honored by this gesture, knowing that they gave him their best of what little they had. Likewise Boscola has nothing, but respect for the people who come through the doors to have a meal. I see him hugging and laughing with them. He always has a nice word to say to them and his smile is welcoming and touches the corners of his eyes. He doesn't shy away from a lonely soul because of a stench odor coming from their filthy clothing, or a tangled web of hair that hasn't seen a wash in a few days. Boscola with his humble smile, welcomes them with open arms. The three Saturdays that I've been to the program I see respect for this man from all the volunteers, and recipients. For example, I've heard Boscola tell the crowd "thank
you for honoring us with your presence this evening." How much respect is that? The people want to be near him, and he eats dinner with them too.
Mortenson and Boscola are doing what they know needs to be done, but more so they find comfort in knowing someone didn't go without a meal today, or that another child is being educated in Pakistan, and maybe, just maybe that child won't grow up to adore war and become a terroist. Mortenson's journeys have opened my eyes to the good and caring people that are a
part of the land. With helping the Everett Meals Porgram I find so much satisfaction. I look forward helping every Saturday and my co-workers and employer have been nothing, but supportive. Thank you Mortenson and Boscola for leading by example with your passion to make it happen and the respect you have for your fellow man.
Posted by Liz Y. at 7:31 PM 2 comments
Reaction/Reflection
Looking back on an essay written by Jo Goodwin Parker entitled “What is Poverty? This I know. How does a person not stop, help, and get involved with this epidemic we call poverty? Jo Goodwin Parker speaks-up for poverty stricken America and unanswered pleas for help. What good is medicine if it’s only for those with healthcare? We glutton ourselves daily not only with food but also with over-priced clothing, shoes, handbags, and driving fancy imported cars from Germany. What is poverty? It’s you and me, silently turning our backs on our neighbors, and walking away, while we ignore the cries of babies, and yet you’ll find us sipping our $3.00 and $4.00 lattes every morning. I know how they feel. I once was one of them. Yes, I walked with Jo and countless others going through the realism of poverty, and felt the despair, hurt and shame, the stigma which “Big Brother” labeled us with. I lived in an apartment with no running utilities, I had a refrigerator with no food or meats, and I washed my families clothing in my tub every evening praying it wouldn’t rain at night so my husband would have clean, dry clothing for work the next day. Be careful, poverty has no boundaries, nor prejudice.
Four Is Not Enough
Budget cuts and the slumping economy have some school districts finding ways to stay afloat.
Those school districts facing the most cuts are going to a four-day school week, while other
districts are now figuring out and calculating the savings they could realize by a four-day school
week. With the economic downfall we should still keep education a priority, or there could be
pitfalls for our children. Test scores would go lower; more children would be home unsupervised
while parents are out making a living. What about the added expenses of finding good,
affordable daycare during the week? MACCRAY, public school district in Minnesota, which has
adopted a four-day week schedule, has seen their students score significantly below the
Minnesota state average in both core subjects. Four day conversions were initially done when
gas prices were at an all time high. Now that gas prices are leveling off, the districts should
mandate going back to five-day week schools (USA Today: Four Is Not Enough in a “Today’s Debate” column 2009).
Those school districts facing the most cuts are going to a four-day school week, while other
districts are now figuring out and calculating the savings they could realize by a four-day school
week. With the economic downfall we should still keep education a priority, or there could be
pitfalls for our children. Test scores would go lower; more children would be home unsupervised
while parents are out making a living. What about the added expenses of finding good,
affordable daycare during the week? MACCRAY, public school district in Minnesota, which has
adopted a four-day week schedule, has seen their students score significantly below the
Minnesota state average in both core subjects. Four day conversions were initially done when
gas prices were at an all time high. Now that gas prices are leveling off, the districts should
mandate going back to five-day week schools (USA Today: Four Is Not Enough in a “Today’s Debate” column 2009).
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