Plot of Clinton drama is just like a (bad?) movie
Recently, Al Gore reportedly claimed that he had been the inspiration for the movie, "Love Story." Now it seems that Bill Clinton has surpassed Gore with box-office attractions of "Titanic" proportions.Bill started the year "As Good As it Gets." This big hit was quickly followed by "An Affair to Remember," "The Sting," "I Know What You Did" and "Fallen."
But the blockbuster of them all could turn out to be an Academy Award for "The Full Monty."
We'll just have to sit back and wait for the results. Sometimes I could just "Scream" for the good ol' days, when "George of the Jungle" was still in office.
Wanda Kulamanu Ellis Au
Clinton is great president, shouldn't be persecuted
In my book, President Clinton occupies a pedestal in view of what he has accomplished for our nation. Our country hasn't been on such a good footing for many decades.Although he has gone through many storms since he has occupied the White House, the recent politically motivated scandal had me glued to the TV and reading newspapers closely following the event.
The White House intern scandal came about at a wrong time, as Clinton and his Cabinet members were preparing to mend the Middle East peace conflict, which is of significant importance to our country.
I have followed with interest many presidents, but it seems that this one is the most persecuted in American history.
Benjamin B. Velarde
Kaneohe
Somebody is in denial about harassment charges
I hate to jump to conclusions, but how many women are going to come forward and accuse President Clinton of improper sexual conduct, in or out of the office, before one begins to wonder who's dropping the pants for whom, and for what reason?Surely, by the law of averages, somebody is strong on denial and should seek counsel from someone other than White House counsel. I mean either admit it and get help, or the female population in and around Washington should seek other forms of publicity. I tend to believe the former.
John L. Werrill
Missouri association did provide Dec. 7 wreath
This is in partial response to Ed Carter's Dec. 30 letter, concerning a memorial wreath donated during memorial services on Dec. 7.On Jan. 5, I was informed by Arizona Memorial personnel that the association did, in fact, contribute a memorial wreath. I understand the wreath was displayed in the Shrine Room.
Although invited to the ceremonies, I was not privileged to have a ceremony program that listed the participating organizations, due to a shortage of programs.
I later contacted the association and expressed my apologies. I said I would issue an apology to the group via the media upon my return to Hawaii after an emergency trip to the mainland.
I honor that commitment with this letter.
Donald Barnhart
Big mainland stores will hurt small business
As a small businessman, property owner, 35-year resident of Windward Oahu and, not the least of which, a father of two children, I would like to remain in Hawaii. So I feel compelled to speak out against the plans for introducing a Home Depot in the islands.Small business is vital to the local economy and we, as residents, have a vested interest in preserving it for our future generations.
But the effects of the "Big Box Superstores" like Home Depot are well documented. They have an adverse effect on small business and the jobs we create. Also at risk is the crucial tax base that funds local governments.
There is much at stake here yet most small-business people are unaware of the scope and detriment of this issue. Let's take a stand now against this kind of development in Hawaii!
Mark Reed
Kailua
Giant stores can draw business to smaller ones
Your Jan. 21 article about the Sedona store and its success illustrates an important perspective on the debate over Home Depot: A good company can survive and thrive in the world of the mega-stores and, often, a mega-store can help smaller businesses.As Sedona experienced with Borders, a mega-store can complement other retail stores and act as a magnet for customers, revitalizing an entire retail area. Are the small stores in Hawaii Kai helped by Costco? Yes. Have stores at the Ward malls benefitted from Borders, Computer City and Sports Authority? Again, yes.
Will Home Depot help merchants in Pearl City? Without a doubt, yes.
It's unfortunate that some hardware stores have chosen to use the political process to keep out a competitor rather than fight in the marketplace. I understand their fear, but it is misplaced.
Our City Council should do what is right and let Home Depot open in Pearl City.
Abe Toma
Statue of Rell at Makaha would be fitting tribute
George Downing is right when he wrote in his Jan. 17 letter that Rell Sunn's spirit should remain in our memories forever. Extending that memory to subsequent generations, however, would benefit from a more permanent memorial.Consider the small reminder at Waimea Bay of Eddie Aikau, a man who gave his life for his shipmates, who risked it frequently for many, and who called Waimea Bay his home beach.
A similar memorial to Rell at Makaha would give rise to an explanation to my granddaughter's granddaughter that yes, some time back, there was a woman here who did things right, who saw good things to do and did them, who put herself in harm's way for strangers, and who turned strangers into friends through simple aloha.
Memories fade, becoming fainter with each generation until all that's left is the music of the poets, the statuary of the warriors, and the public works of the politicians. How much more important to remember someone like Rell, who has shown us all what we can be.
A small memorial where she last visited "her" beach will extend her memory beyond our own years.
Robert T. Hoffman
Kailua
Sports columnist is right about 'Hall of Shame'
Dave Reardon's Jan. 9 column on the "Baseball Hall of Shame" was a grand-slam homer. Joe Jackson never got a dime from gamblers, who set the fix on the 1918 World Series. Sadly, gambler Pete Rose (whom I've personally seen annually for years at the Kentucky Derby, including '97) isn't quite as bright as Jackson.Jackson apologized, but still is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Neither is Rose. Had he acknowledged the exhaustive findings of the Dowd investigation of his gambling, there's no question Rose would be in the Hall today.
But Reardon is 100 percent correct: There are more than a few sleezes in the Hall, based on their playing exploits -- not their womanizing, prejudices, addictions, stupidity, arrogance, etc., or any combination(s) thereof.
I'm with Reardon on this, as are the vast majority of fans, based on last week's Baseball Weekly poll on the topic. Go for the fences, again, Dave!
Mike Kallay
Bishop Estate Archive
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