Limbaugh repeated false claim that U.S. was "strictly neutral" in overthrow of Hawaiian queen
August 22, 2005 12:19 pm ET
Nationally syndicated radio host Rush Limbaugh falsely claimed that the United States was a neutral party in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. In fact, a government inquiry into the Hawaiian revolution found that the American minister to Hawaii conspired with the revolutionary movement that deposed the monarchy and provided it with military and diplomatic support.
On the August 17 broadcast of The Rush Limbaugh Show, Limbaugh read from an August 16 Wall Street Journal op-ed by former U.S. senators Slade Gorton (R-WA) and Hank Brown (R-CO) criticizing the 2005 Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, the purpose of which is to "express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity." As justification for creating a sovereign native Hawaiian government, the bill cites the 1993 Apology Resolution signed by President Clinton, which "apologize[d] to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the people of the United States for the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii on January 17, 1893 with the participation of agents and citizens of the United States."
Limbaugh repeated Gorton and Brown's assertion that the Apology Resolution "distorted historical truths." Limbaugh also repeated the former senators' claims that the United States "remained strictly neutral" and "provided neither arms, nor economic assistance, nor diplomatic support to a band of Hawaiian insurgents" that overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch, and established a provisional government under the protection of the United States.
But the United States played a significant role in the uprising. Following the 1893 coup, President Grover Cleveland commissioned former Rep. James H. Blount (D-GA) to "investigate and fully report to the President all the facts you can learn respecting the condition of affairs in the Hawaiian Islands, the causes of the revolution by which the Queen's Government was overthrown, the sentiment of the people towards existing authority, and, in general, all that can fully enlighten the President touching the subjects of your mission." Blount's report, completed in July 1893, found that John L. Stevens -- the American minister to Hawaii at the time of the revolution -- conspired with the revolutionaries to provide military and diplomatic assistance:
Mr. Stevens consulted freely with the leaders of the revolutionary movement from the evening of the 14th. These disclosed to him all their plans. They feared arrest and punishment. He promised them protection. They needed the troops on shore to overawe the Queen's supporters and Government. This he agreed to and did furnish. They had few arms and no trained soldiers. They did not mean to fight. It was arranged between them and the American minister that the proclamation dethroning the Queen and organizing a provisional government should be read from the Government building and he would follow it with a speedy recognition. All this was to be done with American troops provided with small-arms and artillery across a narrow street within a stone's throw. This was done.
According to the report, the Citizens Committee of Safety -- the main revolutionary body -- met with Stevens two days before the coup, and "arranged with him to land the troops if they would ask it 'for the purpose of protecting life and property.' " The Committee of Safety made its request on January 16. According to Blount, it was "consented to by the American minister. The troops were landed." The U.S. force of 180 Marines landed on Honolulu from the USS Boston. Though the Marines did not actually participate in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, Blount noted that they were landed "to suggest to the Queen and her counselors that they were in cooperation with the insurrectionary movement, and would when the emergency arose manifest it by active support."
Blount also documented the diplomatic assistance Stevens arranged with the revolutionaries, noting: "It was further agreed between him [Stevens] and them that in the event they should occupy the government building and proclaim a new government he would recognize it."
From the August 17 broadcast of The Rush Limbaugh Show:
LIMBAUGH: Well, why couldn't they do it now? If they want to vote for it now, let them vote for it now. Why do you need to revert back to some independent sovereign state? It's all being -- the thing about this is, you know, you can say that it's for this or that, don't worry about it. But folks, a whole bunch of lies went into the resolution to make this. Everybody says, "Well, Rush, you know, Hawaii was a kingdom, and we just went in there and took over that state. Why we destroyed a sovereign country!" We did not! We did not. And Hank Brown and Slade Gorton write all about this in their piece today. The Apology Resolution distorted historical truths. It falsely claimed that the U.S. participated in the wrongful overthrow of the queen there in 1893. The U.S. remained strictly neutral. It provided neither arms nor economic assistance, nor diplomatic support to a band of Hawaii insurgents. Gosh. Who [laughing] -- we're talking about insurgents in Hawaii. And we supported the insurgents, according to the Akaka Bill. We didn't.
So what's happening here is that a case was made felonious -- or falsely -- fallaciously on the Senate floor that the U.S. was an absolute SOB to the poor people of Hawaii. And that's what's wrong with this. It's yet another piece of legislation that seeks an apology from the U.S. for things that we didn't do.
— S.S.M.
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Blount's report was deemed constitutional and accurate. Sen. Morgan, a well-known Dragon Master of the KKK wanted to overturn that report and exonerate all the whites, mostly U.S. Americans and place the blame entirely on the "nigress" queen. Of course, Morgan was for annexation so all the "niggers" on the continent would be shipped to Hawai'i. That agenda failed no thanks to him. When Morgan and his committee made their report, none went to Hawai'i to take affidavits or interview all the parties concerned. Instead, he took written testimony only from the conspirators from Hawai'i and testimony from those on the continent that could make the hearing. That report was contrived and not credible. The Turpie Resolution of 1894 was based on Morgan's report but to satisfy Cleveland in setting a more democratic form, they included due to his request, "That of right it belongs wholly to the people of the Hawaiian Islands to establish and maintain their own form of government and domestic polity." (May 31, 1984)
July 4, 1984 declared their government to be the republic of Hawai'i confident that Hawai'i would be annexed. Notice they didn't use the upper-case "R" in their document for annexation. They were still under the protection of the U.S. By 17 June 1897, the Queen re-submitted her official protest followed by a Memorial, written on 8 Oct. 1897, by her loyal supporters and the Ku'e petitions collected from September 1897 and both were submitted to the U.S. Congress 20 November 1897 which answers the inclusion within the Turpie Resolution. Because of these actions, the Senate was unable to muster the necessary 2/3rds majority vote to ratify a treaty of annexation. The jubilation of the Hawaiian citizens were short-lived by the shocking Newlands Resolution in 7 July 1898 that passed without a treaty of annexation and a mere majority vote sign by McKinley. Everything is well-documented throughout.
The Apology Bill was protested by a few Senators especially Sen. Slade Gorton who said, "... the only logical consequence is total independence." The one-armed bandit assured him that wouldn't be the case since all of Hawaii are loyal Americans. I guess the truth came around to bite him on his fat ass.
People are finding Limbaugh not credible and a blowhard of hot air. He, like Conklin and his mob are irritants that people love to hate because of their ignorant-twisting words. Only those with their red-neck mentality will believe what they say. In the end, no one takes them seriously except for the sheep. If you get outraged enough; maybe you will counter his statements with the matter of facts and let other people know the truth . It's all documented for ones that want to learn the facts. No Treaty of Annexation, Newlands Resolution has no weight in foreign countries, the Kue Petitions, formal protest, memorial, all documented and most kept in the Library of Congress for all to see. Like the series, "Dragnet"; "Just the facts, Ma'am!" dum-da-dum-dum, dum-da-dum-dum-daaah!
HONOLULU – The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii ("ACLU") and Honolulu attorney James J. Bickerton (of Bickerton Lee Dang & Sullivan) announced today that they will use Hawaii's new "media shield" law to protect a documentary filmmaker's work from sweeping subpoenas issued by a private homeowner over a land-use dispute on Kauai.
Plaintiff Keoni Kealoha Alvarez is an independent filmmaker who has spent the last two years preparing a documentary about Native Hawaiian burial practices. Alvarez has spent countless hours conducting confidential interviews with kupuna, university professors, Kamehameha Schools trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs officials, experts from the Bishop Museum, and other community leaders.
In preparing this documentary, Alvarez was unwittingly drawn into a legal battle over the construction of Joseph A. Brescia's home on Naue Point on Kauai. Brescia discovered approximately 30 graves on the property and, for the last eight years, has fought with the Kauai/Niihau Island Burial Council, the Kauai Planning Commission, and Kauai residents – ultimately losing his case in the Hawaii Supreme Court.
Brescia is now pursuing a civil lawsuit against individuals he claims allegedly delayed construction on his property. In a search for relevant evidence, Brescia's attorneys have issued a sweeping subpoena demanding nearly all of Alvarez's unpublished interviews and raw video footage.
Bickerton said: "Alvarez's unpublished documentary footage is clearly protected by law against disclosure under Hawaii's 'media shield.' The law restricts attorneys from using the subpoena power of the court to compel protected information from journalists. Just as we expect and protect doctor-patient confidentiality because it fosters trust and healthy outcomes, journalists have, under the law, the same right to protect the confidentiality of their sources and unpublished materials.
This trust allows for a diverse, robust and independent media, which in turn gives us a more accountable and transparent system of government."
Alvarez explained, "As a journalist, I am trying to be as pono as I can in producing this film. I have promised everyone complete confidentiality, and I have promised everyone that the film and the interviews will not be released publicly until everyone in it has had a chance to review, comment, or object. Material that doesn't make it into the final published film is intended to remain confidential."
"The documentary deals with Hawaiian belief systems, burial practices, and issues that many people consider to be kapu," Alvarez continued to say: "If I'm forced to turn over these tapes we'll never be able to do a project like this again – lots of really important Hawaiian cultural preservation work simply won't happen because people will be too afraid to do it. The trust in the journalist will be destroyed."
Daniel Gluck, ACLU senior staff attorney, stated, "Hawaii's media shield law is designed to create an environment in which journalists like Alvarez can take on difficult and sensitive projects without having to fear court actions undermining their integrity. This case is about defending all media voices to make sure that attorneys cannot abuse the court's power – and cannot compromise journalistic integrity – just to 'fish' for information."
Attorney Bickerton was more direct: "Simply put, Brescia has no right to these materials. If he can't see that by reading the new law, we will ask the court to explain it to him."
Alvarez received a commendation from Governor Linda Lingle in 2005 for his accomplishments in helping to preserve Hawaiian culture.
In July 2008, Hawaii became the forty-ninth state (plus the District of
Columbia) to pass a media shield law.
I agree with you 110%, but there is a media war front and we either find time in our busy lives to counter or that echo grows. I agree, he's not worth a grain of salt, but his swill feeds the biodiversity (science) where our culture values and practices are couched. I experienced the LA Riot first hand, and it hurt a huge segment of LA's population-- their young people. Thanks for responding Kaohi
I agree with you about the power of the press/media. The effects of the press in Hawai'i is evident of their power over the minds of some oiwi. After all many oiwi voted for Obama, Abercrombie, and/or Akaka some of whom were architects of the Akaka Bill. However it can be combatted with some tools.
But then do some oiwi really think out of the box if they voted for some of the architects of the Akaka Bill? The power of the press I suppose but if some oiwi truly think outside of the box then they would utilize some tools to counter the press.
For example Wordpress has excellent Search Engine Optimization... yet how many oiwi use it as a tool to clear up misconceptions or at least for writing their mana'o. It's easy to do but few bother doing it. However it is possible to combat inaccuracies.
For example Pono Kealoha and Ehu Cardwell do it using Youtube. There are a few others too who do not step on the iwi and who use some tools to combat some of the media. There are ways.
As much as the press has spread some lies about Hawaiians, allowed some racism directed to Hawaiians to be printed and/or posted... the Internet globalizes the world and is MUCH more powerful than Limbaugh's radio show. The Internet has caused some newspapers to fold. So much more powerful. With tools like Youtube, Wordpress, Blogger, etc... With all due respect Pono Kealoha, Tane Inciong, Ehu Cardwell, and others make time to do so. In one of Tane's latest videos he even encouraged people to make time whether it be 15 minutes or 30 minutes. IMHO there are many tools but few who use them.
De-occupation ought not to be somewhat, the 'thought' should be clear and stated. As to how to language these intentions, I'm working on it. True, "they will not go on their own." Nor do I want our young people to encounter-- what we, or shall I say, what the nine brave Hawaiian citizen’s accessed 'O Kanaloa Kohe Malamalama' to stop the bombing.
Our government is still intact and acting sovereign, and operational, yes it's true, I thank you for that thesis and a major part yes, is to maintain our culture values and practices.
Dennis C. Drake, Director, Public Affairs said in his letter July 16, 2009: After fully considering all aspects of the final EIS and extensive public input, the Army decided not to choose the EIS preferred alternative of conducting 50 combined arms live-fire exercises (CALEXs) and 200 convoy live-fire exercises per year with minimal weapons restrictions. Rather, the Army decided on a greatly reduced option of ammunition, TOW missiles, anti-tank (AT-4) and 2.75-caliber rockets, Javelins, the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, or Illumination munitions of any kind."
I could go on and type the entire one page letter I received, but it would take away from the actual 'Rush' swill. Do I believe Dennis' public relations letter, not even. Why, because in the consent decree between PKO and the US, it states ' the military can continue bombing in the State of Hawaii. I say no thanks to the art of mitigation. Historians "don't make good litigators/mitagators."
I used to listen to Limbaugh until he became a Media Drama King and capitalized off of it... but he is not a spokesperson of the Republican party or for Americans for that matter. He speaks for himself.
No offense but why do some people care about what he thinks? Why do some people care about what he says?
He does not speak for Republicans or for Americans. He is a MEDIA personality:
Controversy sells. "Famous person" does not conflate to "intelligence" or "being important" either. He speaks. He creates drama in order for him and his advertisers to make a profit. Nothing new.
IMHO we (kakou) collectively should not give a crap what others think about us or about what Rush Limbaugh says on the radio and/or on TV. Ka'u KU makaha but he isn't a citizen or national of the HK so his mana'o means nothing to me.
Aloha Ku Ching,
I use to listen to Rush, in 1990-1992 as a college student in California and all he ever did was talk in circles and mixed up facts and called it distorted historical truths. Fortunately for the Latino's they had East LA which I like to visit when I'm in LA. The music and the Latino people at the Market are an awesome experience. The LA Riots, in my opinion, Rush had a hand in creating and in my opinion again could have been prevented by the people of California. But, they did not understand diversity the way we do and Rush confused the air ways/waves with his 'white talk' and, in so--reading this piece it's the same words only it's for us 'poor Hawaiians' instead, of the Latino population. He not only resembles a pig on drugs, his talk is just swill.
Diversity is not a thing for me too, so I have to work at it. It's only because I grew up on homestead and do live on homestead as a lessee. So, although we're not a tribe their conditioning seeps into our lives like acid. But, diversity is an important daily maintenance human conditioning that we must cut into stones each day. Here in Waianae, we have high teen suicides, and sadly I only hear about the stats when an outsider scores a grant. Does the number of teen suicide subside, no!
How was Albertini peaceful gathering?
I'm not the one to tit for tat this piece, but someone needs to take it apart. Hopefully Tane will get on this forum and flatten the playing field before Lady Medusa springs into action as a reflection of Native American tribes and us guys.
De-occupation is a mantra, so having said that the yanky needs to go home and take care of his famlies and his nation and leave us alone to take care of our own. Tevaka!!!!
Replies
July 4, 1984 declared their government to be the republic of Hawai'i confident that Hawai'i would be annexed. Notice they didn't use the upper-case "R" in their document for annexation. They were still under the protection of the U.S. By 17 June 1897, the Queen re-submitted her official protest followed by a Memorial, written on 8 Oct. 1897, by her loyal supporters and the Ku'e petitions collected from September 1897 and both were submitted to the U.S. Congress 20 November 1897 which answers the inclusion within the Turpie Resolution. Because of these actions, the Senate was unable to muster the necessary 2/3rds majority vote to ratify a treaty of annexation. The jubilation of the Hawaiian citizens were short-lived by the shocking Newlands Resolution in 7 July 1898 that passed without a treaty of annexation and a mere majority vote sign by McKinley. Everything is well-documented throughout.
The Apology Bill was protested by a few Senators especially Sen. Slade Gorton who said, "... the only logical consequence is total independence." The one-armed bandit assured him that wouldn't be the case since all of Hawaii are loyal Americans. I guess the truth came around to bite him on his fat ass.
People are finding Limbaugh not credible and a blowhard of hot air. He, like Conklin and his mob are irritants that people love to hate because of their ignorant-twisting words. Only those with their red-neck mentality will believe what they say. In the end, no one takes them seriously except for the sheep. If you get outraged enough; maybe you will counter his statements with the matter of facts and let other people know the truth . It's all documented for ones that want to learn the facts. No Treaty of Annexation, Newlands Resolution has no weight in foreign countries, the Kue Petitions, formal protest, memorial, all documented and most kept in the Library of Congress for all to see. Like the series, "Dragnet"; "Just the facts, Ma'am!" dum-da-dum-dum, dum-da-dum-dum-daaah!
Plaintiff Keoni Kealoha Alvarez is an independent filmmaker who has spent the last two years preparing a documentary about Native Hawaiian burial practices. Alvarez has spent countless hours conducting confidential interviews with kupuna, university professors, Kamehameha Schools trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs officials, experts from the Bishop Museum, and other community leaders.
In preparing this documentary, Alvarez was unwittingly drawn into a legal battle over the construction of Joseph A. Brescia's home on Naue Point on Kauai. Brescia discovered approximately 30 graves on the property and, for the last eight years, has fought with the Kauai/Niihau Island Burial Council, the Kauai Planning Commission, and Kauai residents – ultimately losing his case in the Hawaii Supreme Court.
Brescia is now pursuing a civil lawsuit against individuals he claims allegedly delayed construction on his property. In a search for relevant evidence, Brescia's attorneys have issued a sweeping subpoena demanding nearly all of Alvarez's unpublished interviews and raw video footage.
Bickerton said: "Alvarez's unpublished documentary footage is clearly protected by law against disclosure under Hawaii's 'media shield.' The law restricts attorneys from using the subpoena power of the court to compel protected information from journalists. Just as we expect and protect doctor-patient confidentiality because it fosters trust and healthy outcomes, journalists have, under the law, the same right to protect the confidentiality of their sources and unpublished materials.
This trust allows for a diverse, robust and independent media, which in turn gives us a more accountable and transparent system of government."
Alvarez explained, "As a journalist, I am trying to be as pono as I can in producing this film. I have promised everyone complete confidentiality, and I have promised everyone that the film and the interviews will not be released publicly until everyone in it has had a chance to review, comment, or object. Material that doesn't make it into the final published film is intended to remain confidential."
"The documentary deals with Hawaiian belief systems, burial practices, and issues that many people consider to be kapu," Alvarez continued to say: "If I'm forced to turn over these tapes we'll never be able to do a project like this again – lots of really important Hawaiian cultural preservation work simply won't happen because people will be too afraid to do it. The trust in the journalist will be destroyed."
Daniel Gluck, ACLU senior staff attorney, stated, "Hawaii's media shield law is designed to create an environment in which journalists like Alvarez can take on difficult and sensitive projects without having to fear court actions undermining their integrity. This case is about defending all media voices to make sure that attorneys cannot abuse the court's power – and cannot compromise journalistic integrity – just to 'fish' for information."
Attorney Bickerton was more direct: "Simply put, Brescia has no right to these materials. If he can't see that by reading the new law, we will ask the court to explain it to him."
Alvarez received a commendation from Governor Linda Lingle in 2005 for his accomplishments in helping to preserve Hawaiian culture.
In July 2008, Hawaii became the forty-ninth state (plus the District of
Columbia) to pass a media shield law.
I agree with you 110%, but there is a media war front and we either find time in our busy lives to counter or that echo grows. I agree, he's not worth a grain of salt, but his swill feeds the biodiversity (science) where our culture values and practices are couched. I experienced the LA Riot first hand, and it hurt a huge segment of LA's population-- their young people. Thanks for responding Kaohi
I agree with you about the power of the press/media. The effects of the press in Hawai'i is evident of their power over the minds of some oiwi. After all many oiwi voted for Obama, Abercrombie, and/or Akaka some of whom were architects of the Akaka Bill. However it can be combatted with some tools.
But then do some oiwi really think out of the box if they voted for some of the architects of the Akaka Bill? The power of the press I suppose but if some oiwi truly think outside of the box then they would utilize some tools to counter the press.
For example Wordpress has excellent Search Engine Optimization... yet how many oiwi use it as a tool to clear up misconceptions or at least for writing their mana'o. It's easy to do but few bother doing it. However it is possible to combat inaccuracies.
For example Pono Kealoha and Ehu Cardwell do it using Youtube. There are a few others too who do not step on the iwi and who use some tools to combat some of the media. There are ways.
As much as the press has spread some lies about Hawaiians, allowed some racism directed to Hawaiians to be printed and/or posted... the Internet globalizes the world and is MUCH more powerful than Limbaugh's radio show. The Internet has caused some newspapers to fold. So much more powerful. With tools like Youtube, Wordpress, Blogger, etc... With all due respect Pono Kealoha, Tane Inciong, Ehu Cardwell, and others make time to do so. In one of Tane's latest videos he even encouraged people to make time whether it be 15 minutes or 30 minutes. IMHO there are many tools but few who use them.
eMalama, Lana
Our government is still intact and acting sovereign, and operational, yes it's true, I thank you for that thesis and a major part yes, is to maintain our culture values and practices.
Dennis C. Drake, Director, Public Affairs said in his letter July 16, 2009: After fully considering all aspects of the final EIS and extensive public input, the Army decided not to choose the EIS preferred alternative of conducting 50 combined arms live-fire exercises (CALEXs) and 200 convoy live-fire exercises per year with minimal weapons restrictions. Rather, the Army decided on a greatly reduced option of ammunition, TOW missiles, anti-tank (AT-4) and 2.75-caliber rockets, Javelins, the shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon, or Illumination munitions of any kind."
I could go on and type the entire one page letter I received, but it would take away from the actual 'Rush' swill. Do I believe Dennis' public relations letter, not even. Why, because in the consent decree between PKO and the US, it states ' the military can continue bombing in the State of Hawaii. I say no thanks to the art of mitigation. Historians "don't make good litigators/mitagators."
Kaohi
I used to listen to Limbaugh until he became a Media Drama King and capitalized off of it... but he is not a spokesperson of the Republican party or for Americans for that matter. He speaks for himself.
No offense but why do some people care about what he thinks? Why do some people care about what he says?
He does not speak for Republicans or for Americans. He is a MEDIA personality:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/today.guest.html
Note that the first thing on his about page states:
"To become an advertiser on The Rush Limbaugh Show contact:
E-mail: sales@premiereradio.com"
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/about_the_show.guest.html
Controversy sells. "Famous person" does not conflate to "intelligence" or "being important" either. He speaks. He creates drama in order for him and his advertisers to make a profit. Nothing new.
IMHO we (kakou) collectively should not give a crap what others think about us or about what Rush Limbaugh says on the radio and/or on TV. Ka'u KU makaha but he isn't a citizen or national of the HK so his mana'o means nothing to me.
Malama, Lana
I use to listen to Rush, in 1990-1992 as a college student in California and all he ever did was talk in circles and mixed up facts and called it distorted historical truths. Fortunately for the Latino's they had East LA which I like to visit when I'm in LA. The music and the Latino people at the Market are an awesome experience. The LA Riots, in my opinion, Rush had a hand in creating and in my opinion again could have been prevented by the people of California. But, they did not understand diversity the way we do and Rush confused the air ways/waves with his 'white talk' and, in so--reading this piece it's the same words only it's for us 'poor Hawaiians' instead, of the Latino population. He not only resembles a pig on drugs, his talk is just swill.
Diversity is not a thing for me too, so I have to work at it. It's only because I grew up on homestead and do live on homestead as a lessee. So, although we're not a tribe their conditioning seeps into our lives like acid. But, diversity is an important daily maintenance human conditioning that we must cut into stones each day. Here in Waianae, we have high teen suicides, and sadly I only hear about the stats when an outsider scores a grant. Does the number of teen suicide subside, no!
How was Albertini peaceful gathering?
I'm not the one to tit for tat this piece, but someone needs to take it apart. Hopefully Tane will get on this forum and flatten the playing field before Lady Medusa springs into action as a reflection of Native American tribes and us guys.
De-occupation is a mantra, so having said that the yanky needs to go home and take care of his famlies and his nation and leave us alone to take care of our own. Tevaka!!!!
Kaohi