Expansion of U.S. power and influence around the world was most evident
beginning in the 1800's. At first, imperialistic policies were declared
to be the nation's "manifest destiny". Later, they were explained as a
matter of "national security", followed by a more open ended claim of
"national interest".
An important example of the U.S. extending "back door" authority over an
independent nation came with its military support of the overthrow of
the government of Hawai`i in 1893. President Grover Cleveland, after
looking into details of unauthorized U.S. military involvement, told
Congress several months later that it showed no regard for accepted
standards of behavior;
"As I look back upon the first steps
in this miserable business, and as I
contemplate the means used to complete
the outrage, I am ashamed of the whole
affair."
U.S. forces were landed in Honolulu from the USS Boston in violation of
diplomatic agreements between Hawai`i and the U.S., giving support to a
"provisional" government representing mostly American economic and
religious missionary interests that wanted to make the islands a U.S.
possession. At the same time, the military had interest in making Pearl
Harbor a permanent Navy base for influence throughout the Pacific Ocean
region.
The Hawaiian head of government, Queen Lili'uokalani, was held prisoner
for nine months, yielding what she hoped would be only temporary
authority;
"...Now, to avoid any collision of
armed forces, and perhaps the loss
of life, I do, under this protest, and
impelled by said force, yield my
authority until such time as the Govern-
ment of the United States shall, upon
the facts presented to it, undo the
action of its representatives..."
But it wasn't until a century later that the U.S. officially apologized
for the action and, even then, refused to restore control of the islands
to legal authority.
In 1994, international law professors Francis Boyle, of the University
of Illinois, and Richard Falk, of Princeton University, said a Hawaiian
movement to restore the proper government would be justified, and would
take precedence over the Hawai`i vote for statehood which came 66 years
after the overthrow.
With an AUTHENTIC CONSTITUTION in harmony with the natural
Cosmic Laws of the universe, and producing High Moral Values and
Democratic Ideals, all forms of imperialism and control over independence
movements are prohibited.
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