The Pono Report

Chair's Corner

The Political Buffet: Establishment, Old Guard, Patriots, Grassroots, and… RINOs?!

Aloha, Hawaii Republicans!

We know politics can feel a bit like attending a family potluck ... everyone is bringing something to the table, and sometimes, you're not sure what's in the casserole (metaphorically speaking, of course). But worry not, we’re here to break it all down for you in true local style. Let’s chat about some of the "flavors" in our Republican Party that you might have heard of: Establishment, Old Guard, Patriots, Grassroots…and yes, even RINOs. They all have their own special seasoning!

The Establishment
In sociology and political science, the term “The Establishment” describes the dominant social group or elite who control key institutions, whether it be in society, government, or an organization. They are the folks who tend to maintain the status quo, hold the keys to power, and decide how things are run. Sounds fine on paper, right? Well, in reality, here in Hawaii, our Establishment is often a bit like those aunties and uncles who want the potluck menu to stay exactly the same year after year. If you suggest a new dish or...heaven forbid... mix things up with fresh ideas, they’ll politely (or not so politely) shut you down.

The Establishment in Hawaii doesn’t like change. They’ve been comfortable in their roles for so long that new perspectives and grassroots movements can feel like a threat. Whether it's resisting new candidates or blocking efforts to shake up the system, the Establishment will do what it takes to preserve their hold on power. While their experience and long standing positions may bring stability, they can also become roadblocks to the kind of growth and adaptation that our party needs to thrive. Change is tough, but sometimes it’s exactly what we need to keep things moving forward.

The Old Guard
These are the elders who remember the "good old days" when political arguments were settled over a game of horseshoes. The Old Guard is the seasoned crew that helped lay the foundation of the party. They've been through it all, from Reagan to Trump, and they’ll be the first to tell you. They're a bit like that uncle who still talks about “the way things used to be,” with a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. They’ve got wisdom, but sometimes we have to remind them that times have changed...and maybe it’s okay to let go of the fax machine.

The Patriots
Now, these folks show up to the potluck with homemade chili... it’s hot, it’s spicy, and they are ready to stir things up! Patriots are fiercely dedicated to preserving the Constitution and defending liberty, often at full volume. They are passionate, unapologetically conservative, and proud of it. Whether it's at rallies, social media, or front-row at a county meeting, Patriots are ready to jump in and fight for what they believe in, even if it means a few sparks fly at the dinner table. You’ll definitely feel their presence (and taste their chili).

The Grassroots
And now... the Grassroots... these are the ohana who show up early to set up the tables and stay late to clean up. They’re your everyday Republicans who want to see real change at the local level. The Grassroots crew is all about rolling up their sleeves, knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to neighbors. They may not always be in the headlines, but they’re the backbone of every movement. They're passionate, they’re persistent, and they don’t mind getting a little messy to make things happen (and they might just bring the freshest poke to the party!).

And Then There’s the RINOs
Now, let’s talk about the folks who show up to the potluck pretending to bring something special...but when you open the dish, it’s empty! Yep, we’re talking about the “Republicans In Name Only,” better known as RINOs. These are the folks who talk the talk but never walk the walk. They claim to be on our team, but when it comes down to it, they’re more interested in blocking progress than helping our cause. Think of them as the ones who show up to the party but spend the whole time critiquing everyone else’s food without bringing anything to share!

RINOs are often obstructionists, pretending to uphold our values while working against the very principles we stand for. They can sow division, stall progress, and sometimes even work behind the scenes with our opponents. It’s like inviting someone to a beach cleanup and they show up just to litter! We’ve got to stay vigilant and call them out when we see them...because our party deserves better than sabotage disguised as “help.”

So there you have it! Just like a well balanced Hawaiian plate lunch, each group brings something unique to the table. Whether you're a steady Establishment type, a nostalgic Old Guard member, a fiery Patriot, or a hands-on Grassroots organizer, there's a place for everyone in this big, beautiful Republican ohana. Just make sure you keep an eye out for the RINOs... and let them know we’re here to build, not block!

Let’s keep our party moving forward... with a little laughter, a lot of hard work, and, of course, plenty of aloha.

Mahalo for your dedication and enthusiasm!

Yours in liberty and laughter,
Tamara McKay
State Chair, Hawaii Republican Party

Declaration Nearing its Conclusion

     In this next portion of our Country Declaration the creators
begin their conclusion to their document.
The exact words of document copies are always the same.
What does appear in difference
between copies are the words that are sometimes
spelled with or without capitol letters.
     This portion picks up where it concluded
in the last presentation.

     “In every stage of these Oppressions We have
Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms:
Our repeated Petitions have been answered only
by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus
marked by every act which may define a Tyrant,
is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.
     Nor have We been wanting in Attention to our
British Brethren. We have warned them from Time
to Time of attempts by their Legislature to extend an
unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded
them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and
Settlement here. We have appealed to their native
Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them
by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these
Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our
Connections and Correspondence. They too have been
deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We
must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which
denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the
rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.”

The final part of of the author's article, part 9, will be published in Hawaii Republican Party Newsletter next week.

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