Pawn shops have no business making a profit from stolen goods - especially when they accept more than 20 slips signed by an 18-year-old! If pawn shops did not exist, thieves might have a more difficult time exchanging stolen goods for cash.
Pawn shops ought to require proof of purchase of ownership in the course of doing business. It may not completely reduce the amount of burglaries, but it would make victims feel a little better knowing that a third party is not gaining from their already unfortunate loss.
Lori Young
We, as parents, have the responsibility to raise our children with proper morals and ethics. Raising kids who are positive and productive individuals should be our No. 1 goal.
A discipline that is both positive and consistent must be administered. We must teach the difference between right and wrong, and that there will always be a punishment for wrongdoing.
If we would take the time that is necessary to raise our children (and stop expecting the local schools, day-care providers or neighbors to do that job for us), and put half as much effort into parenting as we do into our professional jobs, then there would be fewer criminals on the streets and in our jails.
Frances J. Mendes
Mililani
The assessor does an excellent job hitting market prices as long as there is inflation, but he drags about readjusting valuations when prices of real estate fall. Likewise, those who set the gasoline prices in Hawaii immediately peg gas prices to the current market conditions, but are almost forced to adjust the prices when the gas and oil market prices fall.
I go to California every month. Last month, the price in the competitive market was $1.55 to $1.65 for regular gas. This June, the prices are down almost 20 cents to around $1.35 or less.
In a competitive market driven by competition, the prices are adjusted rapidly. In Hawaii, like assessment valuations, things drag and drag and drag.
Napoleon Delmonte
Can you believe it? President Clinton is tied with "Citizen" Dole in Texas! Texas has voted Republican in presidential races for the past 20 years. In one poll, women favored Clinton by 31 points.
It's obvious women, who are more attuned to the needs of children and the poor, are disgusted with Dole and the heartless GOP.
I relish election night 1996: President Clinton will trounce Dole and Neil Abercrombie will be re-elected in a Democratic congressional sweep. How sweet it will be. Oh, yes, while the women of America help re-elect Clinton, many of our angry males (Sigmund Freud would have a blast listening!) will keep calling the talk shows.
It's cheaper than professional therapy and at least it keeps them off the streets.
Bob W. St. Sure