In Cuba I learned something I already knew about the Hawaiians - Indigenous Peoples Earth Religions. America is most fortunate to be part of Hawai'i. Not in a Political sense, but in a more intimate way - for politics come and go - but the connection to the Earth is the link to ancestors and Tradition from whence civilizations grow. America as an idea is somewhat different. The Americas must be seen as an event in Human History. I think it can be read this way:
A New World - vast and unknown to the other half of the world, is "discovered" and methodically conquered to the extent that in two centuries the entire hemisphere that comprises the idea of America is at the mercy of the newcomers. Such were the advantages of technology Vast areas were untouched - rather, unsettled by the newcomers - but this was a temporary situation and when the impetus to move "west" reclaimed the New-comers to this New World, they conquered with the Bible or the Sword - usually both.
The gods of these two civilizations differ as water to steam. One is seen and touched, the other is invisible but felt. Yet they are composed of the same elements. Treated differently they become different - estranged, even.
To the South the "Newcomers" were the Spanish - Gold Seekers with God on their side; they made inquisitional methods known in short order. In eighty years the indigenous Peoples of Cuba were no more - some say half a million gone in four score years. Oh, for sure the blood line continues in those Afro-slaves who escaped servitude and mixed with the Taino who had been fighting oppressors for 500 years - damn near as long as the Irish and English had been at it.The mix of Spanish and Afro-Taino is the stuff of today's Cuba - with, of course a generous sprinkling of the rest of the world. Meanwhile to the North of the industrious Spaniards in the South were the English with their own relationship to their God and steam and water. These came not for Gold - but for settlements in the name of God and profit - like the Spaniards to the Glory and enrichment of their respective monarchs. The English did not enslave and massacre the natives of their area, they made deals and treaties first - and if this failed to satisfy their ambition the sword and technology were equally employed same as their Spanish co-conquerors. Native Peoples overwhelmed by the followers of the Prince of Peace.
"Oh won't somebody tell me -
tell me if you can
Tell me, please somebody
What is the Soul of a Man?"
-- Blind Willy Johnson
The Hawaiians are those Natives who can make America whole. I'm bettin' on O'bama!
