Think about what students
will lose if teachers strike

Funny, isn't it? Solidarity, common goals, strength in numbers. Sounds like something that you would hear in a communist state. No, but we are looking at an island called paradise.

Governor Cayetano is and should be dedicated to the people of Hawaii to resolve the impasse with teachers. And the teachers have an obligation to the students whom they teach.

Everyone is missing an important point. In this case, the students will become oppressed. They are the future of Hawaii. Put aside any 19th-century mentality and think of the children.

I went to a private school in Hawaii, and currently make a pretty successful living in New York. Now I know why my parents gave me that education.

Yasuo Ogawa
New York, N.Y.
(Via the Internet)

Cayetano needs to revisit
his public school years

Today, so much more is expected out of our children: more credit requirements, higher education and just the ability to compete in the business world. I want the best for my children.

Teachers these days have to do more to keep up with standards, to be up-to-date, and just better prepare our children for their adult years. I support the teachers and their efforts to gain respect in our state.

Governor Cayetano, when was the last time you were in a classroom? What would your teachers in elementary or high school tell you today? Why does better education have to be compromised? Increase taxes to improve education or find resources that can assist to ensure better schools.

I urge all parents to look at your children's teachers and ask yourself, would I want to be in their position.

Nancy Jones
Laie
(Via the Internet)

Retired teachers support
a whole new generation

We, the retired teachers of Hawaii, stand 100 percent in support of our active teachers in their quest for a fair and equitable contract.

We, who have been through a teacher strike, know only too well the ramifications of using a strike as the last resort to getting an agreement. We did not want to strike. But we did.

We did it because we cared passionately about our profession and about the quality of education for our students. If the teachers go on strike this time, it will be because they care about the very same things.

Readers, give your support for quality public education by writing or calling the governor and asking him to settle the contract without delay.

Loretta Lum
President, Hawaii State
Teachers Association Retirees
Aiea

Government of Philippines
must protect its 'treasures'

The tone of your Feb. 10 editorial, "Manila must play fair," seems to be that of, "WE know what's best for YOUR country."

Recently, my family and I returned from a beautiful wedding reception at the Manila Hotel, and it truly is a national treasure. With its unquestioned historical significance, original Amorsolo paintings adorning the lobby, and the national dance company, the Bayanihan, performing upstairs, the Supreme Court was absolutely correct in declaring the Manila Hotel a part of the national heritage.

For my part, I would hope that it remains in the most caring and capable hands, because it is an oasis of civility amid the high-rise sprawl and mega-malls of metro Manila.

My view is that the Philippines must, whenever possible, chart its own course into the next millenium. If that means preserving its own history and national identity at the expense of "sorely needed capital," then so be it.

Howard L. Reyes
Kapolei
(Via the Internet)

---

Same-sex archive