I did not know Bob Meyers well. I was acquainted with him and had begun a dialogue with him for my Hispanic newspaper, El Jardin, as he was a candidate for County Council. I received an e-mail shortly before he
I did not know Bob Meyers well. I was acquainted with him and had begun a dialogue with him for my Hispanic newspaper, El Jardin, as he was a candidate for County Council. I received an e-mail shortly before he left for the airport, the day before he passed away in Washington D.C. attending March 2000.
I write this letter because I believe a man’s last words deserve to be heard: “I understand that people are uncomfortable with change, Eduardo, a different lifestyle, idea, opinion. I’ve tried in my own way to express without reservation what I believe is so and how to possibly bring forth a positive light and education to others concerning difficult subjects that face our island home. I want to help them digest the information and see a great vision and progress.
“What harm is there in a sincere desire to learn through the eyes of some in our community of their daily plight and struggles on our island, whether it be lack of services or lack of basic needs. They are citizens as important as anyone.
“The cultural scene is changing all over America. If elected, I want to service all the people of Kaua’i. No special interest. I hope people notice that I am different. I have compassion. I am a thinker. I want to be a solution person. A vote for me is a vote for the people whom I will humbly serve and work endlessly for. I will try and do what is right for Kaua’i, not just the Hispanic, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, Caucasian or Hawaiian, the whole community, one all-united island, which we are all a part of, working for a better island for our children.” Bob was a professional singer and writer. He had a soft spot in his heart for the old ballad. A favorite one stated the following: “Your castles may crumble, its fate after all, life is really funny that way.
No use to grumble, smile as they fall, weren’t you king for a day?
Just remember that sunshine will always follow the rain.
So wrap up your troubles in dreams and dream all your troubles away.” So said the son of Kaua’i, the day before he left this world. Are you listening, Kaua’i?
EDUARDO VALENCIANA, Lihu’e
