It's hard to see anything good in what happened on July 6 in Hawaii when Governor Lingle chose injustice over equality by killing HB444, the civil unions bill.
But perhaps something good can be extracted from the day Hawaii's Governor chose to avoid her responsibility as a leader and to hide behind the skirts of political rhetoric and obfuscation.
We might look back and someday see July 6, 2010 as the day people in Hawaii realized how important it is to take back control of their government. We might see July 6 as the day this Republican Governor reminded the people of Hawaii that they need to become more engaged as citizens and to demand accountability of their elected leaders.
July 6 perhaps will mark a critical turning point towards a better future in which we can truly reap the benefits and enjoy the freedoms that our democratic institutions and processes promise.
This will happen only if people show up at the table, and take ownership and responsibility for THEIR government.
That is a big IF. Elections are not simply a choice between Democrats and Republicans, but rather a choice between people, values and vision.
Governor Lingle's veto on July 6 was a huge step backwards. The people of Hawaii watched as the Governor blatantly disregarded the promises contained in both the Federal and State constitutions. She was aided and abetted in this assault on civil rights by a Lieutenant Governor who has made no secret of his missionary zeal of "saving Hawaii for Jesus" - driven by his version of the bible and his version of God's word. I also pray to God, but the God I pray to puts love and justice ahead of righteousness and damnation. I believe that faith is an essential component in one's life, but I also believe in the importance of preserving the separation between Church and state. A Lieutenant Governor, or a Governor who does not understand this fundamental principle is a danger to us all.
We stand now at a cross-roads and the choices are clear.
On election day, September 18 and then again on November 2, the people of Hawaii will choose which path they wish to travel down and which future they want to see for their children and grandchildren.
In the end, the kind of future our children can look forward to will be determined by who shows up and the choices made in the privacy of the voting booth.
The people of Hawaii can choose a future where equality, justice and our constitution are protected and honored, or they can choose to support a system driven by a theocratic dogma that ignores the very foundations of our democracy.
I am hopeful that the wake-up call sent out on July 6 does indeed galvanize the good people of our state. I am hopeful that Hawaii residents will become more fully engaged in a new and sustained spirit of civic responsibility. I urge them to drive, walk or ride the bus to the polls, taking a friend or neighbor with them, and cast their vote for leaders who have the courage and integrity to make decisions that help usher in a future in which everyone in Hawaii enjoys equal rights and protections.
Perhaps then we might be able to raise three, not two, cheers for democracy in Hawaii.
By Gary Hooser, former Hawaii State Senator, 2010 Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
http://www.garyhooser.com