Veterans could benefit from magnet profits
If only a portion of the profits from those tens of thousands of "Pray for our troops," "God bless our troops," etc., magnets were given to the veterans disabled by war, the organizations that are trying to improve their lives in VA hospitals might not have to beg for money anymore.And other soldiers devastated by war, those with shattered minds, might be helped off of our streets and towards less painful lives.
Honolulu
Easy way to handle heavy phone books
It surprises me that people are complaining about the weight of the new phone books. Why don't they just cut them in half ... then same as old ones.
Pearl City
Debates ignored war's effect on Iraqi people
The three presidential-candidate debates are over. The war in Iraq was the central topic of the first debate, less prominent in the second, and a side issue in the third, yet there remains a glaring omission that stands in the way of calling the debates definitive as regards this pre-emptive war.Those central to the war's effects -- the Iraqi people -- were nowhere mentioned. They were non-persons. This applies not only to the debates themselves, but also to the questions of the moderators and audience, and those critiquing the candidates. The war is being fought in Iraq, but it is almost as though the debates' awareness of it ended at our shores, and its effects were entirely upon our soldiers, our budget, our taxes and the political fortunes of our leaders.
Since 9/11, a militant posture for most public personages has ruled the day and is the safest posture for candidates. Few people are capable of abstracting themselves from their immediate environments and viewing the war in all its messiness, yet this is precisely what will be required for a widespread consciousness of the effects of war and of this war in particular.
We have come a long way from the glorification of combat in prior centuries, and with the passage of time and the free flow of information that technology gives us, a more knowing scrutiny of the words and actions of our leaders may yet usher in the decline of warfare.
Honolulu
We need leaders who represent 'Them,' too
The basis of Mike Gabbard's congressional campaign is "Us vs. Them." His banners proclaim "Standing up for Us -- with Courage and Aloha." If you are part of the "Us," that's fine and dandy. But what if you are one of "Them?"Gabbard's advertisements make it clear who he means by "Them." It is a population that has never enjoyed the same rights and protections afforded by law and enjoyed by the ruling majority. Further, he wants new laws enacted to keep "Them" out. Historically, "out" has come in many forms. Wrong skin, stay out of schools and front of the bus. Wrong sex, stay out of the polling place. Wrong religion, stay out of your house of worship. Aloha, family and We the People do not survive based upon the principle of "Us and Them." Aloha survives upon inclusion and real courage is to love others. I am obviously one of "Them," so if you are reading this and you are one of Mike's "Us," I send you my aloha and hope you find yours.
Pahoa, Hawaii
It's not a smear, it's finding the truth
In reference to Virgil Gabriel's Oct. 15 letter, "Anti-Bainum signs should be condemned": These signs are not being supported by the Hannemann campaign but by a group of citizens who are not trying to smear Duke Bainum or his family but get the truth and facts out about him and his campaign. There is a huge difference between a smear campaign and giving the voters the truth about Bainum.Bainum is responsible for a tax bill that has hurt the farmers of this county, he wants to take land from rightful owners and sell it to others which in many cases is a direct detriment to the native children of this county, he has ducked debates on TV and at forums and he is wealthy through the labors of his family and is using this money to buy the office of mayor.
These same people who are complaining about the signs are the very ones who have condemned Frank Fasi for giving his support to Mufi Hannemann. Had the tables been turned I'm sure you would have seen high praise for Mr. Fasi.
These complaints and accusations are nothing but sour grapes. Facts are facts, and sometimes the truth hurts, but we all have to live with it.
Hauula
Librarian salaries even lower than published
Thank you for your Oct. 1 editorial "Hawaii must compete amid librarian shortage." We appreciate your assistance in making the public aware of our challenging systemwide staff shortage plight as we strive to restore public service hours.The Hawaii State Public Library System, in partnership with the Department of Human Resources Development, began vigorous recruitment efforts in April 2003, and will continue to pursue hiring qualified, service-oriented employees. Articles such as yours have generated inquiries from individuals in the public and military sectors.
We concur with your statement that "low wages are a major cause of the shortage." We would like to make a correction to the librarian salary information given in the editorial, emphasizing that the current pay is even lower than reported: At present, starting salaries for entry-level Librarian IIIs are $34,632; Librarian IVs, who serve in managerial positions, receive salaries beginning at $37,464; and Librarian Vs, upper managerial positions, receive $42,180. On Jan. 1, 2005, salaries are expected to increase, with Librarian IIIs' starting pay at $36,360.
Thank you for informing your readers of our situation.
Hawaii state librarian
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