LIHUE — Ensuring the government is in compliance with the ideal of capitalism is why Ana Mo Des is running for mayor.
“In order to move forward in any direction, we must first be in compliance with the ethical practice of capitalism, where exploitation is prohibited,” the Kalaheo woman said. “There’s a deep wound that must be healed starting now.”
“This (exploitation) has caused the economic disparity we are experiencing, that I will label as economic oppression. Our freedoms aren’t guaranteed by the size of our bank accounts, they are our birthright,” Mo Des said.
The symptoms of this ailment are drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, crime, homelessness and suicide, she said.
“Section 22.2 of our County Charter limits my ability to establish what I feel would be the solution, to bringing economic balance by providing avenues for success to those that have been imposed on and not offered equal opportunities, hence exploitation,” the 36-year-old said.
To alleviate these symptoms, Mo Des said, there should be bath houses in each moku, because every child deserves a hot bath before bed or a hot shower before school, whether they live in a house or not.
“Since there is a child within us all, this extends to everyone. Treat others as you wish to be treated, the Golden Rule. This human exchange to see others as ourselves will heal the damage and ripple outward from our small island and cover the world,” Mo Des said.
Kauai can serve as a blueprint for how it ought to be, she said: Paradise for everyone, not just those visiting.
The homeschooling mother of two said the normal route to the mayor’s seat would be to start out as a councilmember, but she prefers to go in, even everything out and then continue on with her life.
“I never thought a political aspiration would be something I would be inclined to my purpose on the planet. I am inspired and passionate about all of humanity and that’s not nothing that’s new to me, but I do see that the only way to accomplish what is necessary, is this route,” Mo Des said.
Born and raised in Miami, Mo Des, who is of Cuban and Lebanese descent, moved to Kauai 11 years ago.
For 12 years, her father was a political prisoner in Cuba. Her mother was a nun for 10 years who worked on establishing orphanages in Spain.
“I’m very careful in how we navigate into the future. There are wrongs that have been committed, but it’s invaluable, this government that we have. Communism and socialism may look good on paper, but in practice, it’s not true freedom. We’re in compliance with the ethical concept of capitalism that allows everyone to truly live free, because there’s no exploitation permitted,” she said.
•••
Bethany Freudenthal, Courts, Crime and County reporter, can be reached at 652-7891 or bfreudenthal@thegardenisland.com
