Quotables "I don't have time to save the world, but I don't want anyone to go through what I went through." Bobby Marks, Discussing his symptoms -- fatigue, failing eyesight, weight loss, constant thirst -- before being diagnosed with diabetes and urging others to get tested. Yesterday was Diabetes Alert Day. "We banned him because he's a man." Rachel Berman, Choreographer and associate director of the Tau Dance Theatre, saying director Peter Rockford Espiritu was not allowed to participate in the development of "Ladies Night Out," the troupe's all-woman show

Columnist exploited teen-ager's death

Michelle Malkin's March 22 column on the kidnapping, rape and murder of 13-year-old Jesse Dirkhising cynically exploits this horrible act for the sake of scoring political points.

Malkin claims that organizations supporting pedophilia receive "praise and sympathy from liberal magazine writers and literary critics," but does not name one writer or critic. She talks about opponents of pedophilia being "smeared" and "tarred," but provides no specifics.

She mentions the ACLU's support of the right to free speech by unpopular organizations, but doesn't discuss its explicit disavowal of support for these organizations. It took me one minute to find that disavowal on the Web.

The Star-Bulletin does a service for its readers when it prints editorial opinions from all over the political spectrum. Your columnists do a greater service to your readers when they provide facts to support their claims. Maybe Malkin's assertions are right, but she gives us no new facts to help us decide.

Mike Morton
Mililani

Smyser took a piece of us with him

A few days before he died, Star-Bulletin contributing editor A.A. "Bud" Smyser wrote a column mentioning Riley Allen, longtime editor of the Star-Bulletin. It was vintage Smyser: simple, clear, believable. I read it to the last word.

There is a proverb that says: When a friend whom you greatly admired dies, a piece of you dies, too.

Sanford Zalberg
Former city editor of the Honolulu Advertiser

Smyser's wisdom still guides paper

My sympathy goes out to the people of Hawaii on the loss of Bud Smyser. He was not only a newsman in the true sense of the word, but a man's man in a world where many are seeking their identity. I read his columns on the Internet and found them very meaningful and always to the point on any issue.

I was fortunate to be in the family through Bud's marriage to his wife Dee, who is my cousin. Bud always was a very gracious host and would fill our time together with much personal conversation as well as a history of the islands. On each vehicle trip we would go here and there, and it did not take long to realize you were getting another lesson.

Hawaii has lost this man, but those who worked with him at the Star-Bulletin had better look over their shoulders: He is still there and still teaching.

Larry J. Graham
Highland, Calif.

Teachers supported governor's re-election

For eight years, I worked both a full-time clerical job and a part-time evening job as a data-entry operator. Tired of working 12 hours a day, five days a week, I decided to improve the quality of my life by going back to school to earn a master's degree in education.

Upon being hired by the Department of Education I learned that as a DOE educator with a master's degree I would earn less than the combined two salaries I earned at my previous jobs, neither of which required a college degree.

In addition to less pay and more duties and responsibilities that extend beyond normal work hours, I also have a large student loan to pay back.

Many Hawaii State Teachers Association members supported Governor Cayetano in his return to office. It pains me to know that now that the governor no longer needs our support, he doesn't seem to care about the people who put him in office.

We helped Cayetano and his family have the quality of life they currently enjoy and perhaps take for granted. What is the governor doing to help us improve the quality of our lives?

Darlene Orpilla-Rezachek

Nurses need reason to stay on the job

The March 22 article on the nursing shortage was revealing and insightful but offered little information about how to resolve the situation.

As a critical-care nurse for the past five years at one of Honolulu's major hospitals, I have been astounded at the rate of attrition, turnover and burnout in the critical-care areas. Retention has to be addressed by the hospitals in order to minimize staffing losses. Competency, advanced licensing and senority bonuses would certainly be financial incentives to stave off the continual turnover. Happy and satisfied employees generally don't leave their jobs.

Nursing can be a very stressful job when dealing with patients and families in extreme emotional and physical distress. Having to deal with infectious blood, urine, stool and sputum on a regular basis also add to the stress of the job.

Obviously, the minuses outweigh the pluses for many nurses as they look for jobs outside of hospitals. Until the hospitals start addressing the questions of why nurses are leaving and begin retention programs, the shortage of nurses will be a continual dilemma in health care.

Patrick Kelly

Donors don't want to pay Mansho's fine

City Councilwoman Rene Mansho knowingly violated several ethics laws, including misuse of campaign contributions. She used campaign funds for expenses not related to her campaign, yet the majority of her "fine" will be paid from her campaign fund.

This just does not make any sense at all. I contribute to a campaign to elect a representative who shares my views, not to violate laws and then use my hard-earned money to pay for her indiscretions.

The City Council has removed her from leadership positions as its sanction for her violations of ethics laws. In other words, Mansho has been slapped on the wrist. What a sham! Is it any wonder why people are cynical about politicians?

John Stewart
Mililani

Pali accident elicited tons of aloha

On March 9, while on duty as a Honolulu Police Department solo bike officer, I was seriously injured in an early morning accident on the Pali Highway. I would like to express my warmest aloha to each and everyone who sent messages of love, prayers and concern. The multitude of fruit and floral arrangements, the ono food and the many personal visits are something that my family and I will never forget.

To all of my family at HPD and the staff of The Queens Medical Center, who did their jobs with compassion and expert skill, mahalo nui loa.

Valentine N. Huihui Jr.

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