FEBRUARY 15, 2020 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1
FEBRUARY 15, 2020
HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS AS I SEE IT PERSONAL REFLECTIONS Bill Introduced The Political Divide Love Will Always to Fund Hanapepe Between GOP and Be Worth It Massacre Film Project Democrats Widens..... 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEFEBRUARY 15, 2020
EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor hile analysts turn to eco- Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor Suicide Is a Public nomic benchmarks as Chona A. Montesines-Sonido revelations of well-being, Associate Editors there are other measures Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo Health Problem; Know that show the U.S. is not Contributing Editor faring as well as we would Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. the Warning Signs W Layout like to think. For example, that America’s Junggoi Peralta alking about death is very uncomfortable and a life expectancy has declined in the last three Photography topic most people avoid. Having a conversation years. It is the first time in a hundred years this has happened, Tim Llena about death by suicide is even more unsettling, and largely, due to the surge in suicides. Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad in part, because surviving loved ones often feel Yes, suicides are epidemic and have risen to their highest Shalimar Pagulayan guilty that they were not able to prevent it. Given levels since the CDC has been tracking them. For our cover Editorial Assistant T the staggering rates of suicides across the entire story, associate editor Edwin Quinabo takes a look at the stag- Jim Bea Sampaga nation and almost all age groups, experts say it’s about time gering numbers – that nearly 45,000 lives are lost to suicide Columnists that we as a community, as a family, begin to have conver- each year; that there are 123 suicides per day in the U.S. Across Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko sations on this troubling topic. Identifying warning signs and the board from almost all age groups and each state, suicides are Emil Guillermo myths of suicides can actually save a life, experts say. up. In Hawaii, suicide is the most common cause of fatal inju- Melissa Martin, Ph.D. Myth one: People who commit suicide are mentally ill. The ries (more than car crashes or homicides) among residents with J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes fact is not all mentally ill patients commit suicide. More than one suicide committed every two days on average. Clearly, it’s Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. half of those who have died of suicide did not have a diagnosed a crisis, a silent one that is given little attention due to the taboo Charlie Sonido, M.D. mental disorder. associated with the act. The CDC has called it a public health Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. Besides mental illness, life stressors are often attributable crisis and would like everyone to begin talking about it more. Contributing Writers Why? Because suicides are preventable. Most suicide victims Clement Bautista to suicides – for example, the loss of a loved one by death or Edna Bautista, Ed.D. separation, financial ruin, criminal matters, job loss, eviction or do not just suddenly take their own lives; experts say they ex- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. traumatic events like sexual abuse. hibit warning signs. But most of us are not looking for them Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. because suicides are hardly ever talked about. This needs to Rose Churma Even though not all sufferers of mental illness will attempt Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. suicide, mental illness is a risk factor. Clinical depression, change if we are to reverse this devastating trend of loss which Linda Dela Cruz anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders leaves so many families and communities heart broken. In the Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand must be treated professionally. cover story, read some of the warning signs, why people are Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Myth two: People who commit suicide want to die. Health having suicidal tendencies, and important emergency lifeline Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. experts say that what suicide victims really want is to stop their resources available locally in Hawaii and nationally. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. pain. This is an important distinction because once the emo- Also in this issue, we have two Valentine’s articles to cel- Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos tional pain subsides, usually thoughts of suicide go away. So ebrate the month of love. First, in HFC columnist Seneca Mo- Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. the key is for family and friends to be there for someone in raleda-Puguan’s “Love Will Always Be Worth It,” she writes Renelaine Bontol-Pfister pain, to listen to his or her problems, or have a professional about what marriage means. To her, it’s far greater than an emo- Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Jay Valdez, Psy.D. intervene during deeply trying moments. tion or feeling, but it’s a covenant, a true commitment to each Glenn Wakai Myth three: People just commit suicide unexpectedly with- other for the long haul. It takes hard work and patience. Second, Amado Yoro out giving it much thought. So it wasn’t preventable. The truth HFC’s Mark Lester Ranchez takes an unconventional look at Philippine Correspondent: is a person with suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) usually Valentine’s season as one of self-love. He writes, “this Valen- Greg Garcia gives warning signs, verbally or by action. Since suicide is tine’s Season, it is important to remind yourself that true love is Neighbor Island Correspondents: rarely talked about, most people don’t see the warning signs within,” then goes on to offer healthy tips on caring for oneself Big Island (Hilo and Kona) or may not know what to look for. This is why health experts mentally, physically, and emotionally. Grace LarsonDitas Udani are encouraging the public to be better informed and to begin In our Health Feature, Philippine Medical Association of Kauai Hawaii President Dr. Marel Ver writes about the Hawaii State Millicent Wellington talking about it. Maui If there is a trigger event in someone’s life (life changing Trauma System that includes hospitals and other entities like Christine Sabado event), that should be a cue to look for warning signs. ambulance companies, air transport companies, police depart- Big Island Distributors ments, fire departments, ocean safety, legislative arms, and the Grace LarsonDitas Udani What are some typical warning signs? Department of Health. She also informs us of the Hawaii State Kauai Distributors Trauma System’s Stop the Bleed (STB) classes -- one-hour Amylou Aguinaldo A loved one: 1) prepares for death like changing a will, giv- Nestor Aguinaldo ing cherished belongings away or saying goodbyes; 2) becomes classes, free of charge, taught by health care staff. She says, Maui Distributors isolated and wants to be left alone; 3) shows deep despair by “we teach the importance of this STB initiative, how to iden- Cecille PirosRey Piros openly talking about the pain as unbearable. There are other tify life-threatening bleeding, and learn techniques to stop the Molokai Distributor warning signs like erratic behavior or use of drugs or alcohol. bleeding.” Maria Watanabe In our news sections, the Hawaii Department of Education Oahu Distributors There are certain groups with higher rates of suicides: mil- Yoshimasa Kaneko itary veterans, LGBTQ youths, and the elderly. These groups (DOE) has launched a first-ever international teacher recruit- Jonathan Pagulayan are particularly vulnerable and identifying early warning signs ment program to deal with the state’s teachers’ shortage. Re- Advertising / Marketing Director are even more crucial. While heterosexual individuals have a 4 cently, two DOE recruiters were sent to Manila, Philippines to Chona A. Montesines-Sonido percent chance of attempting suicide in their lifetime, lesbian, interview applicants. Also, Rep. Rida Cabanilla Arakawa intro- Account Executives gay, and bisexual individuals have an 11 to 20 percent risk, and duced a bill to fund the Hanapepe Massacre Film Project, that Carlota Hufana Ader transgender individuals have a staggering 30 percent lifetime needs our community’s support. And it’s tax time again – the JP Orias Intern risk of attempting suicide. AARP Foundation would like to remind the public that it is of- Mark Lester Ranchez Military veterans have double the suicide rate of non-vet- fering free in-person tax assistance from Feb. 1 through April erans. 15. All AARP tax volunteers are trained and IRS-certified. Households with the presence of a gun also put inhabitants Lastly, be sure to read our other regular columns. A remind- at higher risk. Over 50 percent of all suicides are committed by er: each HFC issue is available online. Let your family and the use of a firearm. friends know of this convenience. If you suspect a loved one is thinking about suicide, the best Thank you for supporting your community newspaper. Un- move is to ask. Health experts say talking about suicide doesn’t til next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay! make people more suicidal, but makes them less suicidal. (continue on page 3) FEBRUARY 15, 2020 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 EDITORIALS start demanding representa- tion much like they have been It’s High Time for Hollywood to Reflect Diversity in other industries. Why not pressure Hollywood? emember when had to release a statement, There needs to be more Hawaii 5-0 ac- saying: “I have heard your diversity at the very top. That tors Daniel Dae words and your disappoint- is the only way diverse sto- Kim and Grace ment, and I offer you a heart- ries, diverse “lead” actors, Park, who are felt apology to all who felt will help reshape the industry R both of Asian this was an odd or misguided to better reflect who we are as descent, left the CBS show af- casting choice.” a nation. ter the network refused to pay Least to say, that was just There is tremendous pow- them as much as their white lip service. er in image and storytelling. co-stars. CBS’ final offer to of filmmaking. overwhelming majority of When a very large segment the two actors was report- Hollywood is not represen- Changing the culture of white men controlling Holly- of the nation is practically ig- edly “10-15 percent lower” tative of our nation racism in Hollywood is diffi- wood, it’s no surprise the rest nored in this process, in many than the salaries of 5-0 actors People of color com- cult to upend when the film- of non-white America suffer ways, they are also ghostlike O’Loughlin and Caan. pose 37 percent of the United making strata happens to be from a dearth of representa- in real life. But a bigger question States and bought 46 percent predominantly white. tion, not having their stories Communities of color many Hawaii residents are of movie tickets sold in 2014 The data reveals a stag- told. have made inroads in achiev- asking is why is the show cen- – and yet, people of color are gering lack of diversity among Non-white communities ing political power, and de- tered around two white stars not well represented in the Hollywood’s top ranks: About are growing increasingly im- serving so. We must do what when the state has so much Hollywood. 96 percent of the more than patient with Hollywood’s rac- we’ve done in the political diversity for the nation and Why this matters? As the 450 members in the executive ist strata that there have been sphere to finally change racist world to see? Why not give Black community were saying branch are white and 87 per- numerous bans on the Oscars. Hollywood and be represent- one lead role to someone who when finally Marvel released cent are men. Viewership have been plung- ed. truly represent our beautiful a lead Black superhero for About 87 percent of lead ing. Black viewership fell 20 It makes no sense in this state? one of its films in the charac- actors, 87 percent of direc- percent. The practically all- day and age that minorities The quick answer is Hol- ter Black Panther – it matters tors and 92 percent of writers white awards show is com- with our billions in buying lywood is still racist. because it sends a message to for the top 163 films of 2014 monly dubbed the #Oscars- power are ignored by the film Even today, practically all Black youths that they too can were white, according to an SoWhite. industry. big box movies and TV shows be a hero in life (of course not analysis by UCLA’s Ralph If Hollywood is unwilling have white men as the main with fictious super powers), J. Bunche Center for African Pressure Hollywood to to change, let’s take our mon- stars there to save the day, be a leader, be a strong person American Studies. change ey and support projects that save the world, be the heroes; to affect positive change and White men lead all of Hol- What must be done? truly speak to who and what while non-whites, if there are save the day. lywood’s six biggest studios Communities of color must we are. any, are relegated to lesser, What this means ultimate- except Warner sidekick roles with only a few ly is conveying to minority Bros. (where exceptions. youths that they can be who- Kevin Tsuji- Another awkward exam- ever they want and achieve hara, an Asian ple of Hollywood whitewash- whatever they want. American man, ing with Hawaii-ties happened Diversity in Hollywood is chief execu- in the film “Aloha” when matters also to stop the de- tive), and those Emma Stone (white female) cades of programming that studios’ senior was casted as Captain Allison minorities are second-class. offices are run Ng, a one-quarter Chinese, Minorities having lead roles by 39 white one-quarter Hawaiian. can be empowering, some- men, 15 white The casting was so bla- thing that white youths have women and six tantly racist and controversial had the privilege and benefit people of color. that director Cameron Crowe to enjoy since the beginning Given the
(Suicide....from page 2) If you’re thinking of suicide… People thinking about suicide People with thoughts of suicide should prioritize themselves, take should know that they are not alone. They care of themselves and do all the must reach out and let loved ones know of healthy, enjoyable things to get what they’re thinking, not just about their through that dark period. pain but specifically that they’re thinking Suicide might be at an all-time about suicide. If the suicidal ideation is high at the moment (the 10th leading urgent, contact a professional immediate- cause of death nationally), but it is ly. There are suicide lifelines to also call preventable. Get educated, know the to help a person get the help they need. warning signs, show empathy, talk, Professional counseling has been talk, talk, listen, listen, listen, and found to be very successful in eliminat- love, love, love each other. ing suicidal ideation. The professional Even after the storm has passed, and patient explore self-management when a person with suicidal ideation strategies whenever a person feels over- says he is no longer suicidal, loved whelmed or stressed. A professional will ones should continue to communi- teach a patient how to regulate his or her cate and be supportive. Let the expe- emotions and work on proven techniques rience be a lesson learned and that a that lift the patient from feelings of help- healthy mutually supportive relation- lessness. ship must continue. 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEFEBRUARY 15, 2020 COVER STORY Suicides Are Devastating Families, But They Are Preventable By Edwin Quinabo ere is a disturbing statistics: on average, there are 123 suicides per day in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show suicide rates are up in every state and across almost all age groups. In half of the states, since 1999 suicide rates have risen by more than 30 percent. Nearly 45,000 H Americans die by suicide each year. The upward trend nationally also holds true for the state of Hawaii where rates went up nearly 18 percent from 1999 to 2016. According to the Hawaii State Department of Health, suicide in Hawaii is the most common cause of fatal injuries among residents, outpacing car crashes, homicide, poisoning and drowning. It’s estimated that one suicide is committed every two days in Hawaii. Within the Filipino community, higher rates of suicide have been report- ed among immigrants because of uncertainty of their legal status and added pressures of assimilation. Suicide in Hawaii as well as throughout the country could be the silent epidemic, the silent crisis. Not many are talking about it due to the taboo associated with suicide. Because of the stigma behind suicides, it’s believed suicides are actually underreported, and that the problem could be bigger than it already is. Prevention experts say now more than any is the time for the nation to take a sober look at the suicide crisis and work to reverse the trend. The CDC to about her despair, which ex- youths of the LGBTQ com- is already calling suicide a major national public health issue. Suicide is the perts say helps people thinking munity have always had about suicide to not act on it. higher rates of suicides than 10th-leading cause of death in the United States, overall. For people ages 35 Listening to loved ones, national averages. Military to 54, it ranks fourth, and for 10- to 34-year-olds, second. especially during hard transi- veterans have double the sui- tional periods of loss can make cide rate of non-veterans; and A Filipina Pearl City resi- her job, wanting to dedicate member thinking I no longer all the difference between life LGBTQ youths are three times dent, Nora (who requested her her entire being to raising her wanted to live, and serious- or death, experts say. likely to commit suicide than identity be kept private), con- miracle baby. She constantly ly considered taking my own non LGBTQ youths because fessed that she thought about shared photos of her daughter life,” confessed Nora. At-risk groups feelings of rejection. suicide six years ago when her on social media and was over- “What saved me was my Besides people like Norma While heterosexual in- daughter of 10 months old sud- joyed to finally have a child love for my husband. I couldn’t who experience a major loss of dividuals have a 4 percent denly died. She and her hus- given how old she was, in her imagine that he would have to someone very special to her, chance of attempting suicide band had difficulty conceiving mid-thirties. suffer the loss of our daugh- there are other at-risk groups in their lifetime, lesbian, gay, their first child. They went Then suddenly the worst ter, and to grieve my passing for suicide -- people with clin- and bisexual individuals have through infertility specialists day in her life happened. Nora by suicide. I just couldn’t do ically mental disorders, people an 11 to 20 percent risk, and for over three years trying to went to check on her daughter it. We had to be there for each addicted to drugs or alcohol, transgender individuals have a conceive. Finally, they were in her crib one late night but other.” people who have a history of staggering 30 percent lifetime able to have a daughter who found her miracle baby lifeless. After about a year in a trauma or abuse, and people risk of attempting suicide. they called their miracle baby. “It was too much to bare,” half, the couple decided to try who are under serious legal Half of all suicides are Their entire family and recalls Nora. “I screamed and having another miracle baby. and financial problems. committed using a firearm; so friends welcomed the new ad- begged God that this could not “Thank God that I did not go Mental health profession- households with a gun are also dition to the family. Nora quit be happening. through my urges to commit als also say suicide happens in at greater risk for suicides. “It was beyond tragic. No suicide because now I have all age groups and socioeco- words can describe how I felt another miracle child,” said nomic demographics. Depres- Asians and Suicide “I felt like I died too that Nora. sion does not discrimination; Overall suicide rates night. Each time I think about Deaths of despair – loss of such is true with suicide. among Asian Americans (5.24 it, many years later, the pain is a loved one by death or sep- Some experts believe deaths per 100,000) are lower still overwhelming.” aration – is among the most the rise in suicides across the than the national average. But A few weeks after Nora’s common reasons why people board could also be related to Asian immigrants are at high- miracle baby passed is when commit suicide, experts say. the opioid addiction crisis and er risk of suicide, according to she says thoughts of suicide Nora could have been an- economic uncertainty of the the National Latino and Asian crept in her mind. “I couldn’t other statistic, but fortunately past decades. American Study, a first-ever help but blame myself. That I for her, she had a lot of support A 2019 study by a private study conducted on the mental wasn’t there to save her, what to get her through those dark non-profit called National Bu- health of Asian Americans. could have been. It all hap- days. reau of Economic Research Within the Asian ethnic pened so fast. While Norma did not says there is a direct causal group, Filipino Americans “I also felt that people tell anyone of her suicidal link between worker’s wages have the lowest rate of suicide were judging me -- that I was thoughts, she had many fam- and suicide rates. (3.5 per 100,000) while Japa- an irresponsible mother. I re- ily and friends around to talk Military veterans and (continue on page 5) FEBRUARY 15, 2020 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY (from page 4) warning signs people thinking ing of committing suicide when nese Americans have the high- of suicide exhibit. The NSP warning signs are present. “Wherever you are, at any moment, est rate (9.1 per 100,000), fol- wants to convey that people try and find something beautiful. lowed by Chinese Americans who commit suicide don’t want Emergency Numbers (8.3 per 100,000). to die; what they really want is The Hawaii State Depart- A face, a line out of a poem, the The study doesn’t offer an to end their pain. These individ- ment of Health’s Adult Men- clouds out of a window, some graf- explanation for the differences uals are suffering deeply; they tal Health Division (AMHD) fiti, a wind farm. Beauty cleans the in suicide rates, but cultural feel helpless and hopeless. has a statewide ACCESS line experts could point to Fili- Here are signs to look for: program that was launched in mind.” pinos’ religion (majority are Preparing for death: sud- 2002 to help provide phone att aig, Catholics) as a deterrent to sui- denly updating wills, giving counseling and other crisis —M H cide. Under the Catholic faith, away cherished belongings, support to individuals who are Suicide Survivor and suicide is considered a mortal saying goodbyes. contemplating suicide. The author of “Reasons to Stay Alive” sin, which means to Catholics, Becoming isolated: avoid- Crisis Line of Hawaii also dis- is a sin that could lead to after- ing family and friends, losing patches mobile crisis workers When people feel there is no so long.” This saying makes life damnation. interest in social events and for individuals in the commu- one to receive their deepest people think about aspects of Nora said besides her love activities. nity who are at high risk and worries, they feel isolated. That their lives that give meaning. If for her husband, another sav- Showing despair: talking need urgent assistance. On isolation puts people at risk for that meaning is gone through a ing grace that prevented her openly about unbearable pain. Oahu callers can reach the Cri- suicide when other factors are loss – the reason why someone from taking her own life was When people are at the depths sis Line by dialing 832-3100. also present like drug abuse or might think about suicide in her faith. “I grew up Catholic of their hopelessness, they talk Neighbor island residents may mental illness. the first place – there are many and suicide was one of the ma- about having no purpose, feel- call toll free at 1-800-753- Seeing a mental health other significant meanings for jor sins we were taught that is ing trapped. 6879. professional when suicide living in a person’s lifetime. unforgiveable by God. Now Having erratic mood There is also a National ideation occurs is life-saving. Remember what they were and that I am older, I believe God swings: emotionally going up Suicide Prevention Lifeline Professionals can help people the joy they’ve brought. is a forgiving God and will and down, being depressed, at 800-273-TALK (800-273- deal with healthy coping strat- For people who lost a forgive anyone for anything anxious, sad, angry, irritable, 8255). It is open 24-7 and egies and emotional manage- loved one by suicide, there are as long as there is true repen- or aggressive in spurts. manned by trained counselors. ment. They can help the at-risk also resources for coping. tance while in life or after life, Changes in sleep pattern: If there is an urgent threat, it’s individual with techniques to Suicide survivor and au- including suicide. But because extreme changes of sleeping, recommended to call 911. get through life stressors. thor Matt Haig gives an up- that taboo was impressed upon either too often or a lot less There are many suicide lifting perspective: “Wherever me over and over as a youth, than usual. Prevention awareness books available. you are, at any moment, try there was some fear back when Drinking or taking drugs: Mental and public health Besides the topic of suicides and find something beautiful. I was thinking about suicide. substance misuse raises the experts say one of the best pre- itself, any book that helps in- A face, a line out of a poem, “Having been so close to chances of suicide, using a lot ventable measures to suicide dividuals with mental-emo- the clouds out of a window, actually doing it, I would nev- of drugs and/or alcohol are at- is talking about the subject. tional well-being can be help- some graffiti, a wind farm. er judge anyone or even speak tempts to dull pain. The taboo of suicide makes it ful. Spiritual books have also Beauty cleans the mind.” about what God would or Acting recklessly: en- difficult to talk about but there been known to be uplifting Problems are real. Every- would not do to people com- gaging in risky behavior like needs to be better communica- for sufferers of depression and one has them. Haig advocates mitting suicide.” driving dangerously or having tion within relationships, within suicide ideation. changing our perspective if risky sex. families, within the community. There is a powerful saying thoughts of suicide become Warning Signs Mental health experts say When people are under ex- on suicide: “When you feel overwhelming – that worked The National Suicide Pre- it’s never out of place to ask treme stress and despair, healthy like giving up, just remember for him, it could also work for vention (NSP) says there are someone if he or she is think- communication is the best cure. the reason why you held on for others. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Bill Introduced to Fund Hanapepe Massacre Film Project ep. Rida Cabanilla to, Dale Kobayashi, Chris Lee, announcement of her project TERY 1924. The film, she says, grave was just found in October Arakawa introduced Mark Nakashima and Joy San in September 2019 that “the will focus on What Happened, at the Hanapepe Filipino ceme- RHB 2515 that seeks fi- Buenaventura) affirms our effort greatest interest and the high- and the forums will engage at- tery, using ground penetrating nancial assistance for the “Han- and strengthens our commitment est impact instead would come tendees with speakers, lecturers radar brought in by community apepe Massacre Mystery 1924” to set straight the record of this from staging the screening of a and panelists who will address researchers on Kaua’i who had documentary film project. tumultuous event in Hawaii’s 30-minute docudrama for our the questions of Why Did This been searching for the unmarked The film project is led by early labor history and to correct Hawai’i community statewide Happen, and How. HB2515 also burial site. Emmy award-winning filmmak- the racist misperceptions of Fil- in conjunction with communi- seeks to fund memorials and dis- The former journalist also er Stephanie J. Castillo, who is ipinos in that day that have col- ty ‘talk story’ forum events. A plays on Kaua’i to pay homage cites recent findings by the Leg- from Kaua’i. ored coverage and understanding sharper focus on this tragedy to “to the sugar plantation workers islative Reference Bureau in its “We see a critical opportu- of the tragedy. Grave injustices educate and inform our future who struggled for dignity and 2020 report to Rep. Cabanilla nity here to better educate and that occurred and the lack of un- generations who know nothing self-determination.” that found injustices against the inform our Hawai’i community derstanding of why this massacre of this history is needed as we Castillo, a former Honolu- Filipino strikers and their sur- about a shrouded and tragic his- happened is at the heart of the approach the 100th anniversary lu Star-Bulletin reporter (1984 vivors were very apparent. It tory suppressed for 95 years,” story we will tell, based on his- of the massacre in 2024.” -1989), is especially interested said: “The Hanapepe Incident is says Castillo. torical documents.” HB2515 asks the Legisla- in exploring the coverage Ha- blamed entirely on the strikers “The introduction of this bill Castillo had originally ture to fund these efforts, as well wai’i newspapers of the day and quotes to substantiate this by Representative Rida Caba- planned to create the film as a as the publication of a compendi- provided in telling the massacre are taken from interviews with nilla Arakawa (D-HI-041) ) and 90-minute documentary for fu- um of articles and research doc- story and in setting in place this the policemen involved. Court several colleagues in the House ture broadcast on national PBS, uments used by the filmmakers history for 95 years. records and documents which (Romy Cachola, Richard Cre- but changed her plans when it in the making of their 30-minute The record is still amiss, of- may have provided insights from gan, John Mizuno, Roy Takumi, became clear after intense me- film, which is titled THE HAN- ten contradictory, and needs up- the perspective of the strikers Tom Brower, Troy Hashimo- dia attention surrounding the APEPE MASSACRE MYS- dating, says Castillo. The mass (continue on page 7) 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEFEBRUARY 15, 2020 OPINION Editor’s Note: Update – The U.S. Senate has voted to acquit President Donald Trump of the two impeachment charges. On the first article, abuse of power, the Senate vote was 52-48 (not guilty/guilty), with one Republican Mitt Romney voting with Democrats. On the second article, obstruction of Congress, the vote was 53 Republicans voting not guilty and 47 guilty. On both charges, 67 votes were necessary for conviction. While Trump will go down in history as the third president to be impeached in the U.S., the Senate acquittal enables him to remain in office. The Impeachment Circus Is Still in Town do whatever it takes to get what acts? A genuine narcissist rare- or actual behavior), an over- had the right to bully another he wants and actually believes ly changes. He will debate, ar- whelming need for admiration, country’s leader into doing his By Melissa Martin, Ph.D. he is above the law. He believes gue, and fight until he gets his and usually a complete lack of dirty work. Trump is portray- residents lie. Bill his followers should follow own way. He surrounds himself empathy toward others. People ing himself as the victim of a Clinton, Richard without question. And when with apple polishers. Scams with this disorder often believe partisan crusade. It’s not for Nixon, Lyndon B. you question his decisions, and scandals R US. they are of primary importance show—he really believes he is Johnson, and the you are judged as disloyal. He “A narcissistic personal- in everybody’s life — and to the victim. Really? Yes, really. list goes on. While reacts with indignation when ity disorder causes problems anyone they meet. While this He will demand an apology P some know they questioned about his unruly be- in many areas of life, such as pattern of behavior may be from the Democrats. are telling lies, others believe haviors. “How dare anyone on relationships, work, school or appropriate for a king in 16th If Donald Trump is im- their own lies. They rational- this planet question me!” He financial affairs. People with century England, it is general- peached by the Senate, will ize their reasons. And some are also craves and demands ad- narcissistic personality disor- ly considered inappropriate for he pack his bags and leave the better than others at hiding lies miration. His brain is stuck on der may be generally unhappy most ordinary people today.” Oval Office without a fight? I and deceitfulness. And some me, myself, and I. He will nev- and disappointed when they’re Read more at www.psychcen- doubt it. have narcissism—it’s just to er admit when he is wrong— not given the special favors or tral.com. I Just Don’t Like the Sound what degree. because he believes he is never admiration they believe they “The essence of Govern- of “No!”is a children’s book. I “When the President does wrong. deserve. They may find their ment is power; and power, suggest the Republican party it, that means that it is not ille- How does the public expect relationships unfulfilling, and lodged as it must be in human read this paperback to Presi- gal.” ―Richard M. Nixon a President to react when his others may not enjoy being hands, will ever be liable to dent Trump every morning and But an individual with deceitful deeds are exposed? around them.” Read more at abuse. —James Madison every night. Narcistic Personality Disorder When impeachment fails, will www.mayoclinic.org. President Trump will want takes his misuse of power to a he decide to play by the rules “Narcissistic personali- and demand more than ac- MELISSA MARTIN, Ph.D., is higher level. Why? Because his and adopt ethical principles ty disorder is characterized quittal. He will want and de- an author, columnist, educator, and character defects are ingrained. or will he tryer harder to hide by a long-standing pattern of mand vindication. Why? Be- therapist. She lives in Ohio. www. This individual feels entitled to indiscretions and self-serving grandiosity (either in fantasy cause he actually believes he melissamartinchildrensauthor.com. FEATURE This Valentine’s Season, Love Yourself More By Mark Lester E. Ranchez Well, worry no more. Be- 1. Sign Off...For A While focused mind and body will t’s that time of year recklessly by your friends on cause the only love you need-- Logging off from social get you through any hardship again. Your social their Facebook feeds. While the one that you truly deserve- media will leave you with there is in life, both within media is flooded there you are, miserable in -is within yourself. It is true, free time to spend...with your- your emotional and physical with sweet, syr- your pajamas, caressing a what Whitney Houston said, self. Take this time to do little well-being--and maybe even upy posts of lov- cup of tea--or a glass of vod- that the greatest love of all, things that will gain you gen- the fact that your still single, I ey-dovey pictures, ka--pondering whose idea it the one you desperately need, uine satisfaction, like finally despite yourself. According heart-laden camera filters, and was for your staying single this is something you cannot find reading that book you’ve been to Mayo Clinic, “Meditation cloying love quotes shared long. elsewhere, outside yourself. It setting aside for months, or can give you a sense of calm, is within you. It has been in- taking long walks around the peace and balance that can side of you all along. new block, or watering the dry, benefit both your emotional Loving yourself--or “self- wilted plants sitting on your well-being and your o