AFTER reading the article from Tuisoso, my dog Bravo took off. I called Bravo back and told him I was surprised with his shock behavior. He shot back at me arguing that it is his "dog god given right".
Progression in civilization precipitates from community members compromising and even giving up some of their "god given rights" for the benefits of the diverse many.
Christians thank Adam and Eve for giving up their rights to everlasting joy in the garden so that there is opportunity for mankind to come to earth.
Christ should have used His rights as the Son of God to avoid the crucifixion, but forego that, and suffer the pain for a human meaningful existence.
I am an avid hunter. I truly believe that it is my right to kill any animal for consumption or even just for the fun of hunting, but have to give up some of that right to avoid the extinction of these animals.
An accelerated number of people in the world believe that it is their "God given rights" to be gay, lesbian or anything they want. But sensible minds are saying that these will be harmful to society.
The women of Tonga are highly educated, well informed and hold very respectable position and status in the government and community. They know their rights. But I think they also realize that it is not time to push for certain ones at this time.
Relatively speaking, the women in my life are well compensated for their contribution. They maintain their position as the Fahu of the extended family, they are comforted and honored by their "sister" status in the culture, they don't have to be in the front line in war, and list goes on.
The fact that Mokofisi seems to forget is that it is one thing to have a "God given rights" and it is another issue all together to exercise these rights. Tonga's women realize that they have the "right to choose" their actions but will not be able to choose the consequences of these choices.
Moreover, it is also a mistake to force any individual or any group to exercise their rights. The US involvement in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan speaks volume of an outsider forcing what it thinks are "god given rights" on others. All it seems to be doing is encouraging blood shed and destruction.
The same democracy is forced into Tonga where before the beginning of time, generations of people with cultures has known no other form of government but the constitutional Monarchy. Look at where it is at now. Is Tonga any better because certain individuals insisted on their "rights"?
History has proven time and time again that until the local inhabitants join hands to convince their leaders of what they want, business of losing blood and funds will continue. Nevertheless, it must be left up to them. The only effective and lasting changes are those that are done by and from within the community of those who are involved.
If and when the women of Tonga wants to repeal certain laws to assure more of their "God given rights", there is a civil and sensible process in place to assist them. Let them join hands and vote for those rights.
I applaud your effort Tuisoso. I know you don't think so but I am with you. However, we are both blind until we wake up and realize that until the women of Tonga are mentally ready to stand together for their "God Given Rights", we can preach all we want but business will remain as usual.
We are in no position, especially from off-island to dictate to the locals what is best for them. They have to decide for themselves. When they think it is time, there is a process in place to make the change.
