A new resolve
By Richard R. Kelley
on July 4thONCE again, preparing for Independence Day, I reread the Declaration of Independence and reflected on what that historic document means to Americans, particularly those of us in Hawaii. I found that, in the past year, we have made some progress in restoring individual liberties once established by the Declaration of Independence. At the same time, we have lost some liberties and continue to operate with many freedoms curtailed.
The Declaration reflected the frustrations and hopes of those who lived under an ever-imposing government. The committee that drafted that unique statement included John Hancock, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
The final document was written on parchment by Thomas Jefferson: "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 -- That to secure these Rights governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying is foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
The concepts of the Declaration seemed extreme at the time. Jefferson noted that the colonists had for years suffered in near silence while "he (the King) has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance."
Fast forward 222 years. Look at the U.S. and the "People's Republic of Hawaii." Are we not in a similar situation, where for years we have suffered in near silence while government has "erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers"? Are not tax rates of 40-50 percent "eating out our substance," our earnings and our savings? Are not the tactics of the IRS considered "harassment"?
Where are we in terms of freedom on July 4, 1998? We are the envy of many nations, whose citizens even risk their lives to get into our country. However, our national debt is over $5 trillion and rising in spite of bogus claims of a "balanced budget."
We have lost the economic freedom to send our children to the schools of our choice. We are not free to privately invest our Social Security retirement funds. Increasing governmental regulations have all but taken away individual choice in health care.
It seems that every day the Congress, the state Legislature or City Council is in session, there are new regulations, restrictions and mandates that affect our individual liberties.
After legislators go home, city, state and federal agencies take over, expanding their scope of operations, imposing fees and tying up successful companies in court for years.
The recently imposed charges on telephone service and long distance rates by the FCC and the relentless pursuit of Microsoft and Intel by other federal agencies are just a few current examples of government interference.
In 1776, the Second Continental Congress affirmed the Declaration and determined that "under absolute Despotism, it is their (citizens') right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."
In 1998, we have a right and duty to do the same. However, particularly in Hawaii, it will never happen until more than 46 percent of registered voters go to the polls, and unless far more in the private sector get involved in politics.
Make a resolution this July 4th that, like our forefathers did more than two centuries ago, to personally become a part of the process of revising our government until it is once again right-sized, efficient and productive. Primary elections are just a little more than 60 days away.
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Pay attention and participate. Make government our business, or government will be Hawaii's only business.
Richard R. Kelley is chairman of Outrigger Enterprises.