Aloha mai kākou,
Success is almost always dependent on timing. Timing is best when there is a momentum. We do have the momentum now and let's not waste it. I wonder what you think of the urgency of this matter. I am reposting this suggestion here too, because I don't think it appeared under the correct heading.
I am pushing the idea not because it is mine, but because I had used the postcard method with other actions and businesses and the results were far better than with any direct mail or e-mail. Why? Because people like to put a nice postcard somewhere - sometimes just onto the refrigerator, sometimes onto a tack board or bulletin board, sometimes just onto the wall. And it stays for a permanent reminder. But e-mails are deleted, lost, direct mail pieces are discarded (most of the time unread). Another point is that I am willing to change my thinking if anyone convinces that the idea is bad. I can abandon a project and I can adjust it. The point is that if we don't do anything the same old thing will happen - nothing. And that's what the aupuni haole wants. So, if you don't like the idea described below, say so. It means that you care for the subject.
The petition is a good initiative but you have to remember "Wela ka hao!". In addition to signing the petition I recommend to send the above postcard to Obama, Akaka, Lingle, all representatives of the de facto state of Hawai`i and to local newspapers. I can have the postcards printed in a few days and would order 1000 of them. I will front the money, if there is an interest from our group and others.
On the back of the 4"x6" postcard I can print anything, but if nobody has any better suggestions I plan to print: "As a native Hawaiian and/or resident of Hawai`i I oppose the Akaka Bill (Hawai`i)." Name, mailing address, signature, date. There will be some room for your personal message too.
Why do I suggest postcards in addition to the petition? For impact and for making people aware of this burning issue, because Akaka is hopeful that the bill will pass with Obama in the president's office of `Amelika Huipū. Plus e-mails are lost or deleted in congressional offices. According to government security regulations sealed letters sent to the White House, Senate or Congress must go through X-ray and chemical substance detection procedures, which means that presently they are delayed by about 4 weeks. Postcards go through immediately, because they are open and don't contain anything. Plus they have to keep them for two years.
This is a very inexpensive and simple project, because I could send a set of 4 postcards with the 27 cent stamp (domestic postcard rate) on them to anyone for two dollars (you could order more sets of 4, just each set would be $2.00) which would almost cover the printing, shipping and mailing charges plus the postcard postage (which is 4 x 27 cents = $1.08). The rest of the expenses and the work would be my contribution for the cause. As you see, this is not a money making business, rather a lot of organizing and manual work, but the quick action would be very important for all of us. When I send out the postcards I will also include a list of the senators, congressional representatives and Obama. You would have to copy them onto the postcards before mailing them.
I indicated the newspapers above, because if they get a lot of postcard, they will not remain silent, thus they will write about the issue. If they write about the flood of postcards, others, who also oppose the Akaka bill and are not on Maoliworld, may also catch on.
If the consensus of the group is for the "go", and you support the idea, but you cannot afford the $2.00 please send me your mailing address and either I will send you the 4 postcards and will cover the costs or find someone who can cover it. The imminent action is more important now. For the survival of this great Hawaiian nation.
Me ke aloha
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I think this is a great idea! I don't think $2.00 is a big deal at all considering all the work you did making it. I can give up the cost of one soda at McD's for this noble cause.
I think this will make a very powerful statement. Thank you for all your hard work!
If the card is preprinted with a simple message like the one at the march that opposes the AKAKA BILL, then all we need is the po'e to fill out mailing address and a stamp. We can have them available during the sign waving and each event as well as pick up at a location perhaps. I'll be happy to donate STAMPS!
I just want to share. Not bucking your idea because it is excellent and it will be powerful.
During Obama campaign a campaign volunteer made a template of a postcard. Then whoever wanted to could use the template, (print out their own batch) to make postcards and then pass out when going door to door, people signed post card then we mailed in.
We emailed out the link to the template to those wanted it.
Mahalo for your volunteering to absorb most of the cost of doing this project of yours.
Replies
I think this will make a very powerful statement. Thank you for all your hard work!
I just want to share. Not bucking your idea because it is excellent and it will be powerful.
During Obama campaign a campaign volunteer made a template of a postcard. Then whoever wanted to could use the template, (print out their own batch) to make postcards and then pass out when going door to door, people signed post card then we mailed in.
We emailed out the link to the template to those wanted it.
Mahalo for your volunteering to absorb most of the cost of doing this project of yours.
Melissa