Aloha is the Hawaiian word used in greeting or parting. We are back in New York after a lovely 5 days in paradise! I will share some of the highlights of our visit during the next few posts.
Last night, I received a comment on my post from January 9, 2014 on the book Indian Summer by Alex von Tunzelmann, which you can read on the comments at the end of that post. I waited until this morning due to lack of sleep and several flights and just plain exhaustion.
The blogger is Gopi Krishna B and his/her comment was about revisionist history in the book Indian Summer. Please visit my post and read his/her comments. It begins with a question asking if I am familiar with revisionist history. Yes, I am. Years ago we lived in Baltimore and there was a trash strike in the city. On TV there were pictures of rats running in the streets next to huge piles of garbage. We received calls from concerned family asking about this. The architect worked in a downtown office and was in that area daily. He had seen the piles of garbage bags but no rats. The news people had obviously seen at least one rat and sensationalized the story with making it RATS ! Or maybe someone had seen several rats, but my husband hadn’t. They picked and chose what to report and how. It all is very complicated. Somehow I think many of us who live in a country of freedom of the press forget that and just take the medias’ word as Gospel truth, forgetting it is written from that reporter’s point of view and experiences.
President and Mrs. Obama vacationed in Hawaii for two weeks during the Christmas holiday. Everyone knew that, but there were stories of protesters following him in Hawaii that I don’t remember seeing on the mainland. Granted these protesters were highlighting local concerns such as removal of the US bases and also use of drones, though they are important to all Americans in light of presidential promises and defense issues.
Instead, we saw pictures of Mr. Obama golfing.
It does give me pause as to what else has been printed or not printed and who makes these decisions. I guess, we learn that it is important to remain vigilant and aware that there are always two or more sides to an issue. That is our responsibility living in a Democratic Republic and for the future of written history for our children and grandchildren. This is true, of course, for all people blessed with at least some freedom of the press . . . . including India. Thank you for sharing Gopi Krishna B.
The winners or strongest in the past or present are the writers of history. Is that fair? If not, how could that be changed?
Aloha!
Images from Reuters and Hang the Bankers.com
TalesAlongTheWay 
Amazing post and love the pics.
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Thank you for the visit and the comment!
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I think our media is a bit slanted as it is a ‘capitalistic’ enterprise. With that said, I prefer it as opposed to government owned. Keep the media in the hands of the people even if we must be vigilant and discerning in what we read and hear.
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I agree. Reminds me of 1984 when we were visiting friends in Croatia. We didn’t learn until the evening that Pope John 23rd had been attacked in Portugal. when our friends were able to access Italian news. Experiencing government control media was very eerie!
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nothing like being last to hear the news. I simply can’t imagine. But it’s good to have experienced that first hand. It gives you a greater appreciation for the free press we do have though it be somewhat flawed.
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How I feel exactly!
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Such good information on several things. Can’t wait to see more pictures. Would love to go back to Hawaii — I’ve only seen Maui!
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Husband was at Waikiki for a conference. I had gone there with him two years ago. It is very touristy , and though lovely, we preferred this resort we had discovered on a tour around the island. It is located on the North Shore near Sunset Beach and the amazing surfing! We only went into Waikiki for him to deliver
his paper . We wanted to go to the island where the huge observatory and the volcano are located but just couldn’t arrange that this time. Is that Maui
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Somehow I didn’t approve this comment, though my response is posted. Thanks Rusha!
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Aloha means: Hello, Goodbye, and I Love You as well!
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It is a beautiful word with beautiful message! T Y
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aole pilikia (you’re welcome)
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Aloha!
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Pingback: Danger in Paradise | TalesAlongTheWay
Thanks
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