Not every disabled person
requires a wheelchair

Victor Librizzi's Feb. 25 letter criticized the issuance of handicapped parking permits to people who "abuse" such privileges, since they walk around without any visible aids.

Some of us who are handicapped are able to walk for short distances without aids. To push this too far would invite a painful fall. The use of a shopping cart in a grocery store gives far better support than a cane or a crutch.

We who are handicapped would be willing to swap with you at any time, Mr. Librizzi, including the frustration of finding a parking stall in a crowded shopping mall.

Juliette H. Heath

History of gay marriage
brings foreboding message

The Star-Bulletin's series on same-sex unions in Denmark (Jan. 22-24) was rather one-sided. However, it did give a chilling view of how the gay movement obtained marital rights once the state opened the door by granting domestic partnership "rights."

Efforts to acknowledge homosexual partnerships in Denmark apparently began in 1968. In '73, a committee rejected same-sex partnerships, but left the door open for discussion.

In '84, Parliament passed a bill to form a commission to characterize the position of homosexuals. Based on the commission's report, Parliament amended inheritance and taxation laws to put same-sex couples on equal footing with married couples.

In '88, a bill was introduced to create registered partnerships. In '89, Parliament passed it into law.

The only things homosexual partners cannot do is adopt children, have their ceremony or blessing in the state church, and receive free government health services for artificial insemination. However, those laws are likely to be amended this year to offer partial rights in the areas of adoption and church blessing.

Next up on the agenda is to get lawmakers to allow foreign homosexual couples to register in Denmark.

This is the course that many of our state senators have decided to follow: same-sex marriage.

Gloria Kaneshiro

Ramos is causing chaos
in Philippine elections

The EDSA revolt was staged 11 years ago, over four days, by millions of Filipinos willing to die for the Philippines. Organized against then-President Marcos, it was an inspiring event for the world to watch: people armed with flowers, rosaries, prayers, religious songs and fervor. They became a classless society temporarily sharing their food with strangers, and sleeping on sidewalks or concrete streets.

If there were hopes that EDSA would mark a revolution, the people's hopes were dashed by Cory Aquino. The new president remained true to her class by surrounding herself with the old oligarchs or ruling aristocracy, even Marcos loyalists. She unwittingly closed the door to the rebellion.

Her anointed successor, Fidel Ramos -- the president whose first and only six-year term is ending in 1998 -- is creating a furor. He wants Congress to produce amendments to postpone the 1998 elections by lifting the one-term limit for him and members of Congress.

There are at least 14 other prospective candidates for the presidency, including Imelda Marcos. The fact that Ramos chose to downgrade the 11th EDSA anniversary (when it was a holiday for 10 years) raises questions and doubts.

Jovita R. Zimmerman

Manila

Cayetano does great job
in leading this state

What short memories we voters seem to have. I read with interest your Feb. 24 story on the governor's approval rating, and was frankly surprised that it was not much higher.

Cayetano came into office promising to restore trust and confidence in state government. That confidence was sorely needed. He has done so.

Cayetano has proven himself to be a man of his word who has demonstrated integrity and responsibility in office. He has confronted directly the difficult economic times that were largely caused by the collapse of Japanese speculation in our economy.

I am very proud of Ben Cayetano. I am proud of his no-nonsense approach to government, his willingness to take on powerful special-interest groups and his fearless use of his political capital to do the right thing.

David J. Gierlach

Hawaii residents need
education about tourism

If the 1997 Legislature allocates funds to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, some of those funds should educate our own citizens about the value of tourism to our economy and the reality that it may be the only viable industry on the horizon to help support our state.

It's extraordinary that so many of our citizens do not see the benefit of making sure our local industries are supported, encouraged and developed.

The future of Hawaii depends, among other things, on viable sources of money coming into our state. Otherwise we will all be taxed into oblivion.

Beverly Van Horne
Kailua
(Via the Internet)

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Same-sex archive