Hawaii judges favor killers over victims
First, it was the judges on the Hawaii Supreme Court declaring that a fetus was not a human being, even though the baby was born by natural means and died two days later, and that the mother was not responsible for causing the baby's death. Now, a state judge issues a decree that incendiary remarks are cause enough to take another human being's life ("Neighbor gets 100 days in fatal fight over noise,"
Star-Bulletin, March 8). The judge even offered an excuse for the killer by saying "it was unforeseen."
So, if you don't like something that someone says to you, go ahead and take fatal matters into your own hands. Make sure you do it in Hawaii though, where the judge will excuse you and sentence you to 100 days in jail. After all, death at the hands of another human being is "unforeseen."
This is just another example of how our society, and as an extension of society, judges, have cheapened human life. The Hawaii judicial system is broken. What a tragedy!
James Roller
Mililani
A simple rainbow symbolizes our state
What to put on the quarter that will honor Hawaii's people ("Isles ready for ideas on state quarter,"
Star-Bulletin, Feb. 15)? "E pluribus unum" is printed on the bottom of the flipside of all new quarters. "One out of many" says it all about America and the island state of Hawaii.
To keep it simple yet thoughtful, all that's needed is a picture of the islands crowned with a rainbow symbolizing the diversity, harmony and essence of Hawaii's people and outlook.
That should capture the essence of our state attempting to bridge the gap between East-West and everything else with understanding and aloha.
Richard Y. Will
Honolulu
Corruption won't end without a clean slate
This is in response to Forest Shoemaker's March 7 letter about the corruption in the Bush administration. Do you really think the Congress and Senate really care? You must remember that 58 million people voted for Bush. Do you think they want him out? Too many people are getting richer.
I feel no incumbent should be voted into office. What we need is clean slate in federal, state and city government.
Jimmy Dolbin
Waialua
Writer inspired reader to strike up the band
My congratulations to the Star-Bulletin on publishing a very thoughtful and well-written
article (March 3) by Seth Markow on "The Dixie Hummingbirds." Markow described the music well, which is rare these days even in the specialized music press, and, even better, he pointed the reader to well-chosen albums and books for further information.
He has my sincere appreciation, and I hope that he will write more often, as he has much to share with us all.
One small correction on lyrics: "Prayer is your driver's license; faith is your steering wheel." At least that's how I heard it a moment or two ago. You see, Markow's article inspired me to dust off my copy of the song and give a listen.
Inspiring people to actually go out and listen to the music is the highest level of music journalism. Keep up the good work!
J.W. Junker
Honolulu
What if Dubai company had terrorist ties?
Your
Feb 25 editorial tried to make two points: that there are more critical and important things than the Dubai takeover that must be addressed regarding port security (I agree), and that it is not important who operates the U.S. port terminal (I disagree).
Suppose the Dubai company has strong al-Qaida ties. Would the Star-Bulletin now be concerned with the takeover? I would think that such a situation would present a serious threat to security. How can we be sure that a company owned by a foreign government such as the United Arab Emirates would not be (or could not turn out to be) just as dangerous to our security?
E. Masami Tanaka
Pearl City
Get women involved in decision-making
Each year International Women's Day is celebrated around the world as a way to recognize women's struggles and accomplishments and to look ahead to the opportunities available to future generations. This year's theme for International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, is the role of women in decision-making.
We know when women are involved in decision-making positions, whether at our local school board or the new Iraqi parliament, women's concerns receive more attention. You can demand increased involvement of women in decision-making roles, whether at home or abroad. What can you do to help?
Encourage women to run for office and ask businesses to increase the number of women on corporate boards. We can also encourage government to help women with better economic opportunities -- good jobs, educational opportunities, to be entrepreneurs and participate in global trade. Education is a priority for women and girls, as well as encouraging women to be involved in decision-making at all levels.
Willow Aureala
Ocean View, Hawaii