WOW Lani Once again you started the juices/remembrances again. Many times I'm sure you got the feeling that history of our country has taken over a lot of my brain cells. Just your Hawaiian background and knowledge I'd love to talk to you all the time. Today you mentioned experience when Hawaii became part of the #1 nation in the world - what a joy that must have been. I've many times mentioned 49 and 50 states. I was 15 in 1959 when they were admitted, and all the excitement started me in finding out all or as much as possible about the country I was born into. Was not able by half a year to vote for JFK but starting spending a whole lot of time with government, politics, running things. Sadly I didn't get the opportunity and neither did he for a second term. But I was hooked - my first deep research was on Barbara Jordan. Musts every day would be the Tribune and Fox News. Get an overall roundup of both Chicago news sides. Yep been interested and groomed since 1969 Nixon. Voted Dem and GOP, but always tried/try to get my facts straight and thorough. I've been voting ever since 1969. I will continue to honor those who gave this to me.
But I've found out some of the most interesting things. I'm now at 23 countries I've visited. Just love talking to people in the countries. Thank God they're not as narrow minded as I and they can speak my language. I shamefully admit to not being fluent in other countries' language. Never met a destainful comment from others. They ask for tidbits about my country, our country.
I found out some unintended facts with my crazy way of thinking. I.E. I know I've mentioned before I don't do movies. I just tried to think what the last movie was. Even on a flight - I read not watch. One movie I do recall was Titantic. Loved the music and the fervor conveyed by those trying to get here. But then it turned me on to research and reading two followup related books. A study was written up about the design of function of such a big ship. They were even concerned it would/could possibly float. Cruising now is done on ships of 6,000 psgrs and 4 times bigger. Broke a couple important design rules. Lots of stats, specifics, and diagrams.
Second reading I did had to do with the crew and captain. Neither had the knowledge or training needed. I found the captain to be the least qualified person to run it. It was a position given to recognize his time given and as a send off because he was retiring. And, even then, and because of our legal system, great emphasis was stressed to get legal matters and fault finding done here because of our extensive and knowledgeable population. Very interesting read.
Anyway - this got longer than intended. I'm obviously still involved gaining more knowledge and opinions. But more than that, with the celebration of our country coming up in a couple days we need to appreciate what was given to us. Perfect it's not - perfect none of us are - but we have the best damn creation ever entrusted to a people. I don't know that I've earned the best. Can we demand perfect if we're not perfect. Let's work at keeping it the best. Let's give thanks and prayers, and work very hard in giving nothing but our best.
HUGS - AT LEAST 48 FOURTH OF JULY HUGS OF THANKS.
P