GaryHooser's Blog

Wow! The strong and immediate response from readers to last weeks column, “From my na’au to yours” was both hugely gratifying and somewhat unsettling.

The incoming tide of emotion, love, and aloha, was intense.

Too often our na’au gets buried in the tragedy and injustice. We forget how beautiful our world is, how fortunate we are, and the tremendous potential we hold.

Yes…the work is hard and draining and necessary…and we gotta recharge and reflect and remember the good in the world too.

And then we must get back to work.

I’m asking you to join me today in doing both – reflect, connect, be thankful AND take tangible action to make our world a better place.

The first thing on my list is to honor and help a friend.

Ray Catania is the real deal. He’s a working class hero who lives and breathes and fights daily for social and economic justice.

On October 24, Brother Ray, after collapsing with enormous pain in his spine was airlifted from Kauaʻi to Straub Medical Center on Oahu.

It’s been touch and go, but thankfully he’s pulled through and now in a specialized nursing care facility.

Whenever there’s a battle for the rights of Hawai’i’s everyday people, you can always count on Ray to be there, on the streets, in the union halls, or at the Capitol, tirelessly defending the rights of working people, children, and families.

Ray Catania has dedicated his life to helping others and today he needs our help. Please join me in making a GoFundMe contribution

After helping Ray, please take one other IMPORTANT action – then go outside and take a walk, smell the plumeria, say hello to your neighbors down the street – and feel good.

According to numerous media reports: In 2022, the FBI tape-recorded an influential state legislator accepting $35,000 either as an illegal bribe or an unreported, unethical, and likely illegal contribution to support a campaign.

Unfortunately, there’s been no public disclosure as to who this “influential legislator” is.

Is he or she still holding public office? If so, what new laws or new budget appropriations are they supporting with their influence?

Today, as your second important action, I’m asking you to join me again – this time in the signing of a petition requesting an official investigation to determine if the “influential legislator” is still in office or not, what consequences they face, and what’s being done to get to the bottom of this very ugly mess.

Signatures from across the islands are important but it goes without saying, because Senate President Ronald Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura both represent Kauaʻi – signatures from Kauaʻi residents are especially impactful.

Speaker Nakamura has to her credit reached out for guidance from State and Federal legal/law enforcement agencies.

However this petition remains an essential and important vehicle that sends a strong message to everyone, in every branch of government.

Public corruption will not be tolerated, and may not be merely swept under the rug.

The formula for civic engagement and staying happy and healthy is pretty straight-forward.

#1) Help a friend. (Help Ray!)
#2) Take tangible action to improve our community. (Sign the petition!)
#3) Refuse to accept the negative. (Help Ray and sign the petition!)
#4) Go outside, breathe in the beauty of our islands.
#5) Hug someone you love, and mahalo those who help.

Please.
Let’s do it.
Every. Single. Day.

Gary Hooser

I walked alone this morning — led by my naʻau, immersed in thought, wrapped in contemplation of all that’s going on around us.

The 1984/Orwellian lyrics of Pink Floyd’s, “Another Brick In The Wall” had been repeating in my mind over and over again during the night – so, as the sun remained hidden beneath the horizon to the east, I went on my phone and while walking…listened to the full 9 minutes and 8 seconds of the mesmerizing, depressing and repetitious message “All in all, you’re just another brick in the wall…”.

Unable and unwilling to accept the negativity of it all, I scrambled to find that anthem of rebellion that changed the lives of many in my generation – Bob Dylan’s – “Come senators, congressmen…Please heed the call…Don’t stand in the doorway…Don’t block up the hall…For he that gets hurt…Will be he who has stalled…The battle outside ragin’…Will soon shake your windows And rattle your walls…For the times they are a-changin’

I felt better immediately, picked up my pace, and glanced east to see the sun blazing above the water, the faint silhouette of Oahu in the distance.

Amazingly, as is the nature of YouTube music videos, whether driven by AI, my own predictable algorithms, or perhaps the good Lord stepping in to help – the next song to automatically queue up was Brother Iz – “And I think to myself…What a wonderful world…”.

By this time my stride was strong and determined.

I turned and looked towards Mt. Waialeale, bathed in the morning sunlight, the tiniest of waterfalls glistening ever so slightly.

My thoughts turned to family and friends, to children and grandchildren, and to my extended ohana residing through-out the islands, across the continent, to the shores of Africa and beyond.

I thought about those folks, young and old. I thought about all the work still yet to be done, about the uncertainty of our collective future, and about what my role will, should or can be.

I realized then that each of us is most likely having a similar conversation.

Each of us continuously seeks out that path, the one that maximizes our talents, fulfills our needs, and does the greatest good.

While strolling through the thoughts and solitude, a fourth and closing song came to mind.

I paused beneath a plumeria tree, took out my phone, and searched one more time for brother Bob Dylan…and then strolled the rest of the way back to my car listening to one of my all time favorites – Forever Young.

Dylan wrote this for his children and I include it here today for my family and friends, young and old, wherever you might live, whatever role you might play, and whatever path might be before you.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young

It goes without saying that I returned home from my morning walk strong, healthy, and invigorated – in mind, body, and spirit.

I encourage you to try it.

Go outside, take a walk if you can. Listen to Brother Iz and Brother Bob.

Trust me. You’ll feel better.

Gary

Heads Up! Action Needed Now….
I receive an email this morning forwarded to me from Indivisible Oahu that said:
*****************************************************
“We have just received news that the Hawaiʻi State Senator Majority Caucus is meeting Thursday October 30 to discuss the possibility of convening a Special Legislative Session.”

This is OUR OPPORTUNITY to be heard.

Call your State Senator AND your State House Representative! DO IT NOW!!

Call today October 30 asap before noon if possible but before the end of the day!

Find your Hawaiʻi Legislative Senators and Representatives contact info by going to:

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/

IF NO ONE ANSWERS, LEAVE A VOICEMAIL:

Follow These Simple + Direct Talking Points:

My name is ____ and I live in ____. I am calling because I want Hawaiʻi lawmakers to go into Special Session in November, and immediately pass laws that address three urgent issues:

NO Masking/NO Secret Police
NO Closing of Community Health Centers & Hospitals
NO Hungry Keiki, Kupuna & Families
*************************************************
AND I would remind those legislators who are Democrats – that the Hawaiʻi Democratic Party also strongly supports holding a special session!

I would add IN ADDITION to calling YOUR State Senator and Representative also call:

Governor Josh Green: (808) 586-0034
Senate President Ronald Kouchi: 808-586-6030
House Speaker Nadine Nakamura: 808-586-6100

All calls should be professional and courteous. You will like speak to a staff person or get voice mail to leave a message.

Call today October 30, asap this morning before noon!

************************************************************
Other notes and my thoughts on how a special session works.

What happens, what are the rules

Basically bills are introduced – Section 15. No bill shall become law unless it shall pass three readings in each house on separate days then go to Conference Committee if needed and then pass out to the governor.

One example:
A bill is introduced on the floor on day one (first reading), scheduled for a committee public hearing on day 3 or 4, then goes back to the floor (second reading day 5 or 6) then goes to the final committee day 8 or 9 and back to the floor for final vote (third reading on day 10 or 11)…then “crosses over” to the other chamber and does the same thing…so will take 18 to 25 “session days” unless very rushed and multiple committee hearings combined into one.

One concern is that legislature rams through a bunch of bills with minimal public process.

Which is why they should start now…holding hearings prior to the start of any special session…to work out any bugs/concerns about the various bills.

What can be accomplished?

Just about anything…my hope is that:

Funding would be made available to support those essential and important programs negatively impacted or likely to be impacted by Trumps administration

Proactive legislation to deal with the ICE issue could be passed

Taxes on the very wealthy could be raised…the same groups that are receiving tax cuts from the Big Beautiful Bill and also received tax cuts from last years Hawaii legislation…billions of dollars could be raised

To further satisfy and inspire the public…”good government” and “campaign spending reform bills could also be passed. Prohibit the “two ticket to a fundraiser” money laundering…and ditto to the government contractor family and friends loophole.

*Either a 2/3 majority of the House and Senate can call a special session and/or the Governor can call one.

*A special session can be used to pass the laws necessary to provide funding for SNAP and other public services that are being cut by the federal administration.

*A special session can be used to pass any state law or resolution that the legislature feels is necessary for any state government purpose.

*The legislative action during a special session is not limited to just those issues impacted by the federal budget cuts or the federal government shut-down.

*The public needs to be “on their toes” as bills are often rushed and the special session sometimes used to pass legislation not directly related to the initial and overt reasons for hosting the session.

*The process is the same as used in a regular session however often the legislature will utilize short-cuts such as combining committee hearings – in order to fast track bill passage.

*The additional cost of hosting a special session is minimal and consists mostly of extra staff time.

*Special sessions are limited to 30 “session days” see actual constitutional language below..

Article 3 Section 10

At the written request of two-thirds of the members to which each house is entitled, the presiding officers of both houses shall convene the legislature in special session. At the written request of two-thirds of the members of the senate, the president of the senate shall convene the senate in special session for the purpose of carrying out its responsibility established by Section 3 of Article VI. The governor may convene both houses or the senate alone in special session.

Special sessions shall be limited to a period of thirty days. Any session may be extended a total of not more than fifteen days.

There could be “recess days” that don’t count as session days.

This concludes my brain dump on special sessions…

Please take action and call today…before noon if possible but no later than by the end of today.

Gary

These are some crazy times we’re living in.

The official https://www.usda.gov website now states:

“Senate Democrats have voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program…the well has run dry…We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

On an official website of the United States government, President Trump and his enablers are blaming Democrats for keeping food out of the mouths of mothers and babies – for the benefit of undocumented immigrants and transgendered people.

To Trump, this is an effective messaging narrative — trifecta of hate.

He’s demonizing Democrats while scapegoating aliens and immigrants (really, all people of color), and the transgender/LGBTQ community – all on the opening page of an official U.S. government website.

To Republicans, and those in the MAGA community: You should be ashamed of yourselves.

You know it’s not true. You know full well the words “illegal aliens” and “gender mutilation” are used here to inflame and divide, and have no basis in the reality of what’s REALLY going on.

You know also that BOTH sides of the political aisle share responsibility for the government shutdown.

Yet you sit there in silence.

You sit there in silence and allow the hate to fester.

Please. I ask today that you join me in saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Please. Reach out to your Republican and MAGA leadership and ask them to pull back and temper their words and their actions.

This whole thing has gone way too far and unless we stand together now, it will soon spiral out of control.

We are all in this together. You and I, citizens and immigrants, and everyone who walks the planet – regardless of the labels.

And to get out of this mess we all have to work together.

That’s what it’s going to take, you know. You and I must work together to find a path forward that allows us both to look our children and grandchildren in the eyes, proud of our maturity – and our common humanity.

We can both agree I think, that our soldiers and government workers deserve to be paid; our frail, elderly, and low-income families deserve to eat; and affordable healthcare is something each of us is entitled to.

Yes, of course, there are other issues where we also must find common ground. I am 100% confident we can make that happen — once we start down the path of reconciliation.

None of us want crime and drugs in our communities. Whether those bad actors are immigrants or citizens – they must be stopped and brought to justice.

Waste, fraud, and abuse in government or in any public institution also must be rooted out and the perpetrators held accountable.

Of course there’s more. Much more.

But I’ll close today with something I’m pretty darn sure we have in common, and that is faith and confidence in the United States Constitution.

I’m pretty sure you, like myself, also revere and honor the words, the history, and the intent of this document upon which our country was founded.

Let’s go back to the Constitution, to the three separate but equal branches of government, and to the eloquence and simplicity of it’s preamble:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Are you in?

Please. Tell me you’re in.

We’ve got to reverse the madness, settle the ship, and return home.

Gary Hooser
Naive perhaps…but still hopeful…and determined
Former this and former that…still planning the next phase and chapter
Just call me tūtū-man

Don’t miss our most recent video/podcast!

Policy + Politics – Hawai’i Style

Go here to watch on Face Book https://www.facebook.com/share/17tPTXmoba/
Or
Go here to watch via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y3mpHqvrbE

I joined co-host Aria Juliet Castillo for a frank and open discussion that leaves no stone unturned 🙂

It’s 90 minutes and if you’re patient you will I think…hear and learn things that add value to your understanding of Hawai’i Policy and Politics.

Topics we covered –

No dictators rallies

The $50 million dollar, 4 legislator, nonprofit Act 310 – update on how to get some of it (actually it’s too late).

Latest news of who’s running
(Yes…it’s fun to speculate)

The call for a special session – Who calls it, what happens, what are the rules? What can be accomplished? What was promised? What’s is being said now? The Democratic Party resolution in support.

Running for office – first steps before you announce.
How do candidates “make it work”?

Bernie Sanders podcast – Why it’s important.

Next episode – Policy + Politics – Hawai‘i Style
November 10th, 5pm
Special Guest – State Rep. Della Au Belatti
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives CD1

If you missed my most recent email…here it is on my blog – A Carpe Diem Moment – What’s a shirt have to do with it? https://garyhooser.blog/2025/10/20/october-18-a-carpe-diem-moment/

LISTENING TO Trever Noah’s conversation/podcast with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders https://tinyurl.com/5n7br2nt WAS AN INCREDIBLY VALUABLE USE OF MY TIME– I like to think I’m a pretty smart and informed guy – but listening to this blew me away.

While it may sound silly, I debated at length about what shirt to wear on October 18th. Should it be a in-your-face “Enough Already” anti-Trump theme, or a more light-hearted “Making Good Trouble” message? Or maybe just toss the t-shirt message idea and go with the standard aloha shirt?

Then, two days prior to the October 18th gathering I listened to Trever Noah’s conversation/podcast with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and the answer to that seemingly silly dilemma became crystal-clear:my message would be “CARPE DIEM.”

SEIZE THE DAY.

With strength, determination, and immediacy, NOW is the time to make positive change happen.

A friend had sent me the podcast link and encouraged me to listen to what Senator Sanders had to say. So I did, and it blew me away. The conversation was measured, the facts presented were eye-opening, and the conclusion was clear, strong, and unavoidable.

We must, at this moment in time, take back our government — from the authoritarian now in control, from the big money oligarchs who empower and enable him, AND ultimately from the broader base of corporatists providing a floor for it all.

We can and we must identify and support new leadership at all levels — new leaders that believe as we do, that people and the planet must come first.

I’d previously watched President Trump’s entire speech to the United Nations Assembly. The contrast between Senator Sanders and President Trump is eye-opening…stay awake at night kine eye-opening.

Please. Take the time to listen to both, then make up your own mind.

While my heart remained at home with friends and neighbors on Kaua`i, I spent the actual weekend of October 18th in Honolulu, joining in solidarity with friends, former colleagues, and statewide political leaders at the Capitol.

The turnout and the energy was extraordinary.

While most of the street energy focused on the insanity unfolding in Washington D.C., I could not stop thinking about the potential for change here at home.

If the thousands of people who showed up on every island this past Saturday continue showing up at the State Capitol and County Councils during this coming year – the sky’s the limit as to what can be accomplished.

If, at the ballot box in 2026 those same thousands of deeply committed citizens coalesced around forward-thinking, progressive, aina-based candidates at all levels – BOOM Kanani!

Imagine for a moment just for starters – we have the best youth programs and public schools on the planet, every worker in Hawai`i earns a living wage, truly affordable health care is available for all, permanent affordable housing for local families is a reality, our streams and coastlines are clean and healthy, AND the costs of our government is borne by those who can most afford it – the very wealthy, the corporate, the foreign, and the transient.

While it may sound like a fantasy or a pipe dream to some, these things are already happening in various places around the world.

It’s our time now to “Carpe Diem”, take ownership of our government at all levels and build a future the next 7 generations deserve.

Note: Listen to Trevor Noah and Senator Bernie Sanders: https://tinyurl.com/5n7br2nt

Almost everyone — Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians and Independents alike — will agree that the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

I’ve spent a good part of my life sitting around tables with friends and colleagues, discussing policy, politics, and the problems of the world. I learned quickly that the essential question to ask at every such gathering was simply: “So, what are we going to do about it?” 

This is how I first came to run for a seat on the Kauaʻi County Council in 1994, and then for the Hawaiʻi Senate in 2002.

The Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) and the Kuleana Academy were also catalyzed by this fundamental question.

It’s safe to say that every single major public policy initiative, and every public action made to save a sensitive beach or a sacred mountain, came about as a result of someone asking this question.

So, what are we going to do about it?

What are we going to do to get out of the mess we’re in now?

Three things come immediately to mind.

1. Make noise — Yes, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again and again.  

Your voice, especially when joined with many others, can make a difference. Whether you’re holding signs on October 18th, testifying before the County Council, posting on social media, or making those direct calls to the Governor and others, YOUR VOICE MATTERS.

To the naysayers who believe their voices don’t matter and that no one listens anyway, I’ll tell you right now that you are wrong.

Every single elected official wants to stay elected. They love holding public office and they loathe controversy and loud voices.

Trust me on this; I’ve been there. Elected officials pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. If and when enough of us make the noise that needs to be made, they will pay attention and respond accordingly.

2. Show up to vote. Yes, I know I’m stating the obvious, but it must be said.

In the 2024 primary election, only 32.31% of 839,618 Hawaiʻi registered voters bothered to show up to vote.

Just 32.31% of our registered voters made decisions for 100% of our residents.

This is sad — disgustingly sad — and it must change.

On August 8, 2026, only 10 months from now, we must aggressively encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to vote. We must focus on those who support putting people and the planet ahead of corporate profits, and putting democracy and the constitution ahead of authoritarianism.

3. Find and support new candidates who share our values, feel the same urgency of the moment, and who are driven to make change happen.

If we do this, we win.

If we do this, more people will show up to vote.

Each of us knows someone who would be an excellent member of the County Council or State Legislature.  

They’re coaching our kids’ soccer teams, volunteering in our schools, or perhaps they’re on the board of a local nonprofit.

You know who I’m talking about. These individuals are rooted in community and do more than just talk. They are the ones who get things done.

In all likelihood, they’ve probably thought about running for office, but they aren’t sure if they’re “ready,” if they’re “qualified,” or if they can win.

We must seek out these good people, encourage them to run, and follow through with our strong and active support — with our time and our money. If I can help in any way, just lmk.

There it is, folks. There’s the answer to the question: “So, what are we going to do about it?”

Please share this widely. Post on your social media or share from my Facebook page.

We only have 10 months. It’s time we turn it up.

Gary Hooser

What can we actually do to help stop the out-of-control wrecking ball now smashing through civil society?

“We’re going through very dark times: socially, politically and especially environmentally. If you think globally, you get really depressed, so act locally. Each one of us makes some impact… every single day.” — Jane Goodall, 1934-2025

Today’s message is for those who actually want to make an impact.

Below are four important actions we can each take TODAY that epitomize thinking GLOBALLY and acting LOCALLY. If you don’t like my suggestions, please come up with your own.

Trust me. Take action and you will feel better.

1) Call Governor Josh Green (808/586-0034) and ask him to stand up to the Trump Administration, convene a special session to deal proactively with the federal budget impacts, AND require the U.S. military to follow Hawaiʻi laws pertaining to land lease extensions or renewals at Pōhakuloa.

Note: This is an easy call. You will reach staff or voice mail. Please just leave a short on-point message, leave your name, zip code, contact info, AND request a reply. You can also email but that requires going to the website and navigating through an email form as the Governor (and others) do not provide a easy to access “public email address”.

Governor Green is currently in Japan promoting tourism, and — at the invitation of tech billionaire Marc Benioff — speaking at the San Francisco Dreamforce Conference. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke is “acting governor” until October 15.

2) Call Lieutenant Governor Luke (808/586-0255) and ask her to order that flags be flown at half-mast in honor of UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned ethologist, conservationist, and humanitarian Jane Goodall, who died on October 1st.

3) Share your thoughts on Pōhakuloa with U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (202/224-6361) U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (202/224-3934), Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (202/225-4906), and Congressman Ed Case (202/225-2726). Tell them clearly that the U.S. military’s threat to take these lands by force without complying with Hawaiʻi law, and against the will of the Hawaiian people, is unacceptable.

4) Forward these calls to action to your email list AND post/share on social media.
Trust me. We have the power to make change happen.

“¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” The people united will never be defeated. — A well-known Chilean chant for social change

The long-term foundation for global sustained action is built at home.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi

“Being the change” starts at a very basic non-political personal level. We must look after our own homes and families, then help our neighbors and friends, then our greater communities.

Spend your money locally. Shop at local farmers markets, local restaurants and thrift stores. SERIOUSLY, folks. Buying local and non-corporate is probably the single most important long-term LOCAL action you can take.

USE YOUR VOICE and speak out in support of your values. Post your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and actions on social media. SHARE the posts of others.

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world… would do this, it would change the earth.” –William Faulkner

JOIN WITH OTHERS. Identify a local organization whose goals and values align with your own. Sign up for their action alerts, attend their meetings, get involved.

PARTICIPATE. Show up to help rebuild the fishpond, testify at the public hearing, help clean up the beaches, donate money if you can. Join the protests, marches, and sign-holding on October 18th.

GET POLITICAL LOCALLY. Register to vote. Know by name your council members AND your state and federal legislators. Email or call them about issues important to you. Seek out and support new candidates.

Are you serious about being part of the solution?

Trust me on this: If you take action, change will come.

“Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up… Don’t give up the fight!” — Bob Marley

garyhooser.com
garylhooser.blog

In Hawaiʻi on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the “No Dictators” protest, organized by Indivisible Hawaiʻi and cosponsoring groups, is scheduled to take place on four islands. 

Oʻahu 

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu

Maui 

Kahului
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Queen Kaʻahumanu Center

Kihei
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: U.S. Postal Service, 1254 South Kihei Road

Kauaʻi

9 a.m. to 11a.m. 
North Shore Hwy near Princeville Library

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kukui Grove Mall in Līhuʻe on sidewalk along hwy

Hawaiʻi Island 

Hilo
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hilo Bayfront, corner of Pauahi and Kamehameha

Kailua-Kona
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Hwy, south of Henry St.

Naʻalehu
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Highway 11 near the Post Office

Waimea
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Mamalahoa Hwy (19), in front of the Ikua Purdy Monument at the Parker Ranch Center 

Disclaimer: Protest information may change.
Participants should verify through event organizers or local news.

Don’t just take my word for it. PLEASE watch it, and make up your own mind.

See, hear, and judge for yourself the totally embarrassing spectacle of President Donald J. Trump at the United Nations, making a complete ass out of himself, and all of us.

Words cannot describe his pompous, sneering arrogance.

It’s so bad.

It’s gag me with a spoon, throw up, walk away, throw a brick through the television bad.

Watch the President and Secretary of War speak to the generals also if you have the time, but you absolutely must watch the U.N. speech.

He directly and repeatedly insults everyone in the room and the sovereign nations they represent. He essentially refers to the United Nations delegates in the auditorium as incompetent idiots undeserving of even being in the same room.

He pours lavish praise and adulation upon himself and makes it clear that no other president or prime minister on the planet even comes close to matching his skill and success as a truly great leader.

He spout’s fictitious fact after fictitious fact and then piles on gross exaggerations from the imaginary world that he lives in.

This man, the President of the United States of America, is clearly drunk on power, AND he is mentally unstable.

The damage to American foundational institutions as a direct result of Trump’s actions during these past nine months — and indeed, to the lives of people around the planet — is nothing short of criminal.

He’s ordering arrests, deportations, incarcerations, and killings – without due process, trial, or conviction.

He bludgeons and bullies those who dare challenge him using political, monetary, and legal retribution to threaten, coerce, and silence.

Meanwhile he, his family, and his enablers are laughing all the way to the bank, reaping the benefits of insider government contracts, and international corporate cronyism.

We have a Mad King setting in the Oval Office.

As commander-in-chief of the largest military power and nuclear arsenal in the world, he is without question the most powerful person in the world — and he knows it.

The Constitutional “checks and balances” of an elected Congress and independent Judiciary have, to this point, been an ineffective sideshow.

Active physical disruption is what the Mad King is hoping for. He will respond, of course, by calling out the troops and National Guard to even MORE towns and cities.

So what can we do?

On October 18th, people will be gathering in communities everywhere to express their outrage and opposition. Some will hold signs along the highway; others will be marching; and inevitably, in some cities and towns there will be disruption.

My hope is people will gather in strength and in large numbers — but always in a nonviolent and legal manner.

Other actions historically used in authoritarian countries to force regime change — include “national strikes” intended to halt significant economic activity across the country, AND economic disruption via targeted boycotts.

Case in point: Just FIVE days after the Disney/Hulu boycott began, Jimmy Kimmel was back at work.

At the end of the day, I always return to the maxim that has guided me for decades: Think globally and act locally.

We must prepare here at home, for the storm that is coming.

We must gas up the cars, buy the toilet paper and batteries and canned goods, and check on our elderly neighbors who live alone down the road.

And we MUST keep calling our Governor and other elected officials at all levels — to demand that they wake up, and take proactive actions to push back and protect us from our own federal government.
PLEASE watch that U.N. speech, then join us on October 18th.

Gary Hooser
former Hawaii State Senator, Majority Leader
garyhooser.blog
garyhooser.com
October 18th times and locations throughout Hawaii are here