Christmas story tells the meaning of life

Will we be able to create life from scratch? Genius columnist Marilyn vos Savant of Parade magazine conjectures that it won't be for ages. For even the simplest life form, "we are nowhere near being able to synthesize the necessary ingredients."

When it comes to complex design, we know that one day of purposeful work is more effective than billions of years of chance. Otherwise, it seems to me, we would find a lot more Rolex watches and Apple computers in the fossil record.

Let's get real. It is a trillion times more credible to believe that we were created by a super intelligence than for life to be an accident of random chance even over billions of millennia.

Life may have meaning after all. This season why not read the Christmas story? It's the account of an all-knowing, all-powerful God, creator of all things, who sends his son to die for his creation that we might know that he is all-loving. "Incredible," you say. Yes, and also the most credible explanation of our existence.

Tom Tanimura

Taking on religion is an act of courage

I'd like to congratulate the Star-Bulletin for having the courage to recognize Mitch Kahle as one of "10 who made a difference" in Hawaii during 2002 (Dec. 28). I don't know Kahle, and I must confess that, from what I've seen of him on the news, I would not seek him out as a friend. Nevertheless, I respect him for the difficult, unpopular work he has taken on.

You observed that Kahle has been "the target of pointed criticism ... as the purveyor of a godless society."

Kahle should be accused of being a purveyor of a society that respects the U.S. Constitution. However, I think few of us doubt that he is a devout atheist.

In any case, please note that there are others like me who applaud Kahle for championing a belief system not based upon the supernatural.

Some of us look forward to the day when people no longer believe a god has told them that they are the chosen ones, and that they must murder and subjugate in his name. We look forward to the day when people will take full responsibility for the good or evil that they do.

History is strewn with acts of hate committed in the name of religion, showing it to be one of the most divisive institutions created by humankind. The world conflagration that threatens us now may become the worst example of all.

In his own small and yes, irritating way, Kahle is working against that. So, my thanks to him for his acts of unpopular courage, and to the editors at the Star-Bulletin for theirs.

Bill Harby

Give Hawaii residents a shot at lottery

Local lawmakers should change the law and allow the public to purchase lottery tickets in the future, as in the recent $315 million Powerball payoff on the mainland.

Knowing the odds are millions to one, I and many others are willing to spend a few dollars for the huge jackpot.

How Tim Chang

Shame on us for isle workers' burdens

Lamentable is a word not often paraded before our eyes. It should be. What else can a society be called whose numbers would have the shapers of their minds (the teachers) and the caregivers of their bodies (the nurses) sent like beggars to the streets to plead for their livelihood?

Indeed, the word could be posted at every street corner, an honest label for the paths we and administrators in the public sector are taking too often.

Howard Driver

Girl Scouts, donors pitched in for families

We at Child and Family Service would like to extend our thanks to Linda Fong, membership development director of the Girl Scout Council of Hawaii, and to the 1,384 Girl Scouts statewide who donated food items and assembled more than 220 holiday baskets for our families and children.

As a private nonprofit organization, Child and Family Service touches the lives of more than 40,000 individuals and families statewide. This contribution of food is helping many families have a more joyful and healthful holiday season.

The generous assistance of the marvelous staff of Worldwide Movers and their donation of a moving van allowed us to transport the beautiful baskets for distribution to disadvantaged families.

This is a tremendous example of the continued generosity of our young people and our community during difficult economic times.

Geri Marullo
President and CEO
Child and Family Service

Warriors and coaches deserve praise

Thanks for the articles on University of Hawaii football.

Congratulations to Coach June Jones and the football team and coaches who had a successful year. I and many others are looking forward to another great season next year.

The ConAgra Bowl was welcomed; however, it's hard for residents to attend on Christmas Day, although it may be good for mainland exposure. I wanted to attend but I was hosting a Christmas party.

There was one negative aspect of the game, which was that some players were not team-oriented when emotions got the best of them. Personal fouls can cost the team dearly. I hope that at every game in the future the coaching staff will emphasize the need to turn away from any confrontation.

Please continue to provide excellent sports coverage and keep up the good work.

Henry Jim

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