2010 Shiraki Campaign: Amen and Amen
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 07:40AM My final message to all the volunteers who helped me with my first political campaign:
Aloha Team,
Well, our 2010 campaign has ended in defeat. I am not angry, sad, or even discouraged. You and I have done our very best to make a difference here in Hawaii. Even when things do not turn out as we want, there is a peace that comes, a blessing of faith, that rests upon those who have "fought the good fight." Which is what we all did. I feel good about what we accomplished even though the final outcome did not manifest as we had hoped. We offered the voters of Pearl City a choice, a clear choice, between two good candidates who demonstrated huge differences between the two of them-- striking divergences in political ideology, guiding principles and leadership philosophy. We must not discount the importance of our efforts which provided a choice.
Without choice, there is no decision.
Without decision, there can be no commitment, no progress.
So while on paper, I go down as the loser in District 36, in reality, we are ALL truly victorious for believing and expressing our faith with good works. The voters in Pearl City, this year, were given the opportunity to choose, to decide and to express their decision with a vote. This is democracy. This is the process that empowers liberty.
So, again, I feel good about what we accomplished.
There are so many people to thank. So many friends and family members who have donated time and money to this effort! If you are reading this, in some way, you have helped sustain me during this fight. My appreciation is sincere and deep. Mahalo! You truly, truly had my back from the get go up until the end.
To Kyle Ho, my campaign manager, and Jason Tateishi, my campaign treasurer: I want to publicly express how much your friendship and loyalty means to me. From the moment I told you about my running intentions (when both of you looked at me like I was crazy) up until the final count of 2898 votes, you guys have been there like brothers.
Already, I am being asked if I will run again in 2012. In all honesty, at this point, I do not know. For now, professionally, I will refocus on my chiropractic practice and the care of my patients... and on the home front, I want to get back to being a fully-present husband and father-- not the grumpy zombie I've been for much of the past year. I will stay active with the Pearl City Community Association and the Pearl City Foundation. I will continue to serve in the Church. Will I run in 2012? Ultimately, I guess, I'll make the decision the same way I did this one: on my knees. Whatever the Lord inspires, confirms and leads me to do, I will do.
Just one final request, team. I would like to clean up Pearl City of my campaign signs ASAP. If you have a sign in your yard or see one hanging out there in the neighborhood, please take them down straightaway.
That's it. Thank you again for everything! May Heavenly Father bless you and your loved ones abundantly!
Ever faithful,
Dr. Shiraki
Reader Comments (1)
Right on! God has blessed us with Dr. Shiraki!!!