Saddam's hatred of U.S. justifies war

Is the war with Iraq justified? Yes, it is. Saddam Hussein is a terrorist who will, without a doubt, provide other terrorists with weapons of mass destruction. Saddam and al-Qaida have two things in common: They hate Americans and they want Americans dead. Saddam promotes suicide bombings and pays family members of suicide bombers $25,000. On Sept. 11, 2001, I realized how much they hated us Americans.

The anti-war demonstrators shouldn't protest the U.S. government; they should protest Saddam and urge him to give up all weapons of mass destruction to avoid a war. When Saddam invaded Kuwait, at no time did I see these protesters making these unnecessary slogans against his government.

This is not the time to play politics. This is the time when we as Americans should stand united. I am proud to be an American. So please, support our people in the U.S. military. They are putting their lives on the line for our freedom.

Aaron Escobido-Ortiz

Many Canadians back U.S. troops, president

I'm a Canadian citizen living and working in Honolulu. Americans should know that many, if not most, Canadians support the United States and President Bush. French-Canadian Prime Minister Chretien does not speak for the entire nation; western Canadians are outraged and embarrassed at his decision not to support the United States.

Along with other Canadians who are privileged to live in this great country, I was at the "Support our Troops" rally last Saturday, where I stood with my American brothers and sisters.

Susan Hansen

Bush is pushing world back toward darkness

I am a World War II veteran who was in the Normandy invasion. I am a patriot. I support our troops. I do not support this reckless war.

Ever since World War II, the developed nations have worked to create a world of international treaties, laws and democracies so that we can live in a world of peace. We have seen great progress, but the actions of our president have undermined that and taken us back to the 19th century, to a world of endless war, of nation attacking nation. Taking out the other guy before he takes you out is something out of the Wild West or a Hollywood movie. It is a philosophy of lawlessness and violence, of "power wins."

Those of you who wave flags and signs reading "Support our Troops" are really demonstrating in favor of this war. We all support our troops, but those of us who wish for, and work for, a world of peace do not support acts of aggression of this nature. I suggest that you use less emotion and more reason and that you have respect for those who differ from you. That is the road to peace.

L. de Chambs
Kaneohe

Cartoon unfair to show protesters as scruffy

You published a nasty syndicated editorial cartoon on March 29 that ridicules everything I learned in civics class about the rights and duties of responsible Americans to protest. The cartoon showed a couple of scruffy people holding peace signs, with Saddam Hussein saying "Thanks." For the first time in our history, our government has launched a pre-emptive strike on a nation that has not attacked us. Saddam was not responsible for 9/11. This war is wrong and will put us in more danger. We protesters worry about our nation and we are patriotic enough to speak the truth.

Yes, "support our troops" and bring them home to protect our homeland and be near their families. Sending them into grave danger to bomb innocent people to satisfy a grudge and seek oil is profoundly wrong.

Every major religion is against this war of aggression, yet these leaders who preach religion (and have never served) defy them, and disgrace and endanger America.

Nancy Bey Little

Nostalgic 'Old Hawaii' show was superb

To Aaron Sala and all who shared their talents at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider last Friday evening: Thank you for blessing us with your wondrous interpretations of "Dreams of Old Hawaii."

It was an evening we shall never forget -- the soaring voices, the exquisite movements of the hula, the superb instrumental music, all presented so gracefully and blending flawlessly in the ambience of the Banyan Court, where "Hawaii Calls" took place years ago.

What more could anyone ask for in a truly memorable evening? 'Twas a nostalgic time for sure, and will linger in our memories always. Mahalo nui loa.

Ruth M. Isaak

Prisoners don't need TV and Internet

Overcrowded prisons or over-accommodated prisoners? Instead of building more "concrete Club Meds" for our criminals, we should give them a place to sit and think about the crimes they committed. Prisoners don't need the Internet, TV sets, weight rooms, law libraries, college-degree programs or three hot meals a day. When they break the law, they should lose certain privileges that honest, hard-working Americans have earned and paid for.

Instead of Internet access and TVs, give them the newspaper. Instead of weight rooms, give them a sledgehammer and some rocks to grind into building material for their next prison. Instead of a law library showing them loopholes, give them a piece of paper with the law they broke written on it. Instead of three hot meals a day, give them vegetables, bread and water. Problem solved.

Jacob Brendan O'Neill
Waipahu

Blaring music shatters peace of Waikiki

Over-amplified music may appeal to a few and expand the egos of musicians, but there is no doubt that it intrudes on the privacy of residents nearby.

Sunset on the Beach spoils two weekends every month for Waikiki residents with its over-amplification of music and films. This is made even worse by frenetic MCs yelling into their microphones. It is a major nuisance for those living within two or three blocks.

Even more pernicious are the over-amplified sounds emanating nightly from a nearby hotel. Frequent telephoned requests for lower amplification are of little or no avail. Only the Liquor Commission, it seems, has any power to rein in the excesses of the offending establishments, since the implied threat of losing a lucrative liquor license grabs management's attention.

This, then, is a request to musicians and management to turn down the sound -- and perhaps even reposition their amplifiers -- so those nearby can actually hear the music without being overwhelmed by it and those far away can listen to music of their own choice without unwanted intrusion.

Charles Pomeroy
Waikiki

Better follow the rules for written testimony

Citizens need to know that when they send written testimony to the state Board of Agriculture's Chairwoman Sandra Kunimoto, they must use the word "testimony" in their statements or it will not be distributed to the board members.

I e-mailed testimony for a public hearing in February to the agriculture board and wrote "Item D-1 on Agenda" in the subject heading. To my dismay, the testimony I submitted was not distributed to the board because I did not use the word "testimony."

I have successfully sent testimony to other government agencies without using the specific word "testimony." It is common practice for people to submit written testimony for public hearings. Kunimoto should know that when people send written opinions to her, they should be made available to the other board members for their consideration, whether it indicates "testimony" or not.

I am angry that the board did not have the opportunity to review my concerns about Rusti the orangutan, especially since the outcome of the hearing was not in my favor.

Linda Vannatta

Bike lane needed along Ala Wai Canal

I am responding to your March 17 article about the proposed bike lane in Waikiki. Currently it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in Waikiki, including on the Ala Wai Canal. I used to bike to work when I worked in Waikiki, and bike lanes are needed.

I run along the Ala Wai occasionally. The Ala Wai sidewalk is bordered by the canal on one side and bushes on the other side. There is little room to move to avoid the faster-moving bicycles. Adding bikes to the sidewalk will make the situation more dangerous.

Bikes and pedestrians are not a good mix along the Ala Wai. Car owners are the only people complaining. This is another issue of safety vs. convenience. People's safety should be the utmost concern.

Joel Stauring