Japanese residents should fund ethnic studies post
Hiring freezes and across-the-board budget cuts are instantly effective but, like rain, these measures fall on the just and unjust alike. Such actions are particularly damaging when they affect a unit with a single incumbent.A case in point is the Japanese-American faculty position, which has remained vacant since October 1997, in the University of Hawaii's Ethnic Studies Program (Star-Bulletin, May 20). Except, in this case, a ready remedy is at hand.
Why doesn't the affluent and influential Japanese-American community in Hawaii raise the money to endow a chair in Japanese-American studies? This move will provide permanent relief for any future fiscal emergencies.
I even have a suggestion. Why not name the chair after former UH regent Wally Fujiyama, who lost out to Stan Sheriff in the naming of the UH sports arena?
Paul J. Scheuer
Professor Emeritus
Department of Chemistry
University of Hawaii-Manoa
Government has nerve prosecuting Microsoft
So, the federal government is suing Microsoft for being a monopoly. Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black? Isn't the government the mother of all monopolies? Who protects us from it?Since the government, in its infinite wisdom, advocates competition, what would happen if we, the people, could select from competing governments?
Well, for one, we'd get lower taxes, since one of the theoretical benefits of competition is lower costs. We might get a more responsive Legislature, because if its members don't deliver the goods, we'd simply change governments as easily as we could switch from Microsoft's Internet Explorer to Netscape.
Seriously, Microsoft is strong simply because Apple and IBM were stupid. IBM didn't think the PC was going to amount to anything, so it allowed Microsoft to do with DOS as it pleased. Apple had the operating-system edge with the Macintosh, but it tried to keep the ball to itself and not let anyone else play.
The government has no business going after Microsoft simply because it is a success where others failed.
James Ko
(Via the Internet)
Cayetano is giving Lingle free publicity
I, along with a lot of other people in Hawaii, want to thank Ben Cayetano for his continuing support of Linda Lingle's campaign to be next governor. How can I say that?First, he called her "that woman from Maui." A free slogan from Ben.
Second, he initiated the "Stop Linda Lingle Campaign Reform Bill," which gave her free news coverage. It was also a reminder that Ben must be worried about her chances to beat him.
Finally, he supports our senior statesman, Frank Fasi, who is running in the GOP primary. Ben couldn't be saying it any clearer: "Vote for Frank so I will not have a strong opponent in the Nov. 3 general election."
Linda Lingle and I thank you for your support, Ben. It is saving her a lot of campaign money that can be used for other needs.
Mike Golojuch
Makakilo
Stop talking about prison and just build it already
No one wants Hawaii to need a prison. However, as we debate our incarceration needs, 600 offenders with thick arrest files, convicted in Hawaii for crimes committed here, will be sent to Texas to join the 600 Hawaii offenders already housed there.Our streets, parks and homes will continue to offer criminal opportunity to violent and non-violent offenders. When chronic offenders are locked up, they are not casing your house, stealing your car or coveting your children.
We need a prison in Hawaii. Now!
It's time to stop talking and start building. We need to allocate funds, then contact architects and contractors so Hawaii's justice system can address the needs of both citizens and offenders.
George Gonsalves
Kailua
Some ways to improve Miss Universe contest
At first I was very skeptical of the large investment that was put into the Miss Universe Pageant -- until I saw the parade of contestants through Waikiki and watched the tourists, as well as locals, smiling and in awe.And then I was thrilled and thoroughly entertained by the televised pageant itself, which was shown worldwide. The cinematography, costumes, choreography, staging, storyline, etc. were all excellent.
It was like watching one long commercial about Hawaii. Danny Couch's song, "These Islands," brought chills and made me proud to live in Hawaii.
Yet there were a few things that could have been improved. For one, commentators should have been selected who spoke more intelligently and who had a more expanded vocabulary than to use the word "beautiful" in practically every sentence.
Colin Kau
Good projects don't always require taxpayer money
Congratulations to the Legislature for authorizing the Department of Transportation to plan a ferry system for Leeward Oahu to relieve traffic. This initiative could be the beginning of a full-spectrum maritime industry. Traffic solution: just add water!Congratulations to the residents of Niihau for supporting a proposed Navy rocket-testing facility. This opportunity could lead to a private space industry.
The DOT ferry system, the Navy rocket-testing facility and the private space industry don't require general funds or an increase in taxes.
E. Alvey Wright
Kailua
Shootings are symptom of country without God
Lately, a lot of people have been asking why there has been so much violence in our schools. To me, the answer is very simple. When God is removed from government, schools and society, chaos reigns.The courts, government and schools have gradually removed God, morals and the concept of an absolute truth from our society.
We have removed copies of the Ten Commandments from the courthouses, Bible reading and prayer from the schools, and the concept of sanctity of life from many medical facilities.
Perhaps, a more pertinent question is: What steps are we going to take to give our country back to God?
Sharon Dumas
(Via the Internet)
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