Keep fighting so we can honor them more
Here's the headline on a May 30 Associated Press story: "Bush: U.S. must honor dead by continuing fight."
At last, our president has found a win/win situation. The more we continue to fight, the more dead we'll be able to honor by continuing to fight, the more dead we'll then have to honor by continuing to fight, the more dead ...
Thank you, Mr. President, for providing us with this endless opportunity to honor more and more and more dead.
John A. Broussard
Kamuela, Hawaii
Ethanol's benefits outweigh a few mpg
People are complaining about poor gas mileage with the ethanol mix. Hardly any of them have kept accurate records to prove how much lower their mileage is.
Also, they don't understand the concept. Reducing pollution is worth something. Better gas mileage while living in a poorer environment is not much of a trade off.
Besides, by reducing the demand for gasoline (and the oil it's made from) the price will drop, or at least not rise so much, and I daresay that will more than make up for reduced mileage.
Instead of looking at only gas mileage, look at the big picture.
Farms for crops to produce ethanol might give rise to a liquor industry. During World War II there was a liquor shortage here because of shipping priorities, and a number of distilleries sprang up to supply several brands, the best of which was named "Club Special." It even made its way to mainland bars.
Ted Chernin
Punahou
Akaka Bill's effects remain questionable
Supporters of the Akaka Bill emphasize the favorable effect it would have on the state of Hawaii and the population at large as well as on the indigenous segment. But certain data might negate their claim.
In 1959, 94 percent of Hawaii's population voted for statehood, including the majority of Hawaiians. But a recent survey by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii indicates that current support for statehood (in retrospect) by Akaka Bill supporters is now only 64 percent. We can only speculate, but adverse publicity on the state and federal government by Akaka Bill supporters might have had some effect in undermining support for the state.
Another consideration is that duplication of public services to provide for both the state and the proposed indigenous government might result in decreased efficiency and increased cost. The bill fails to indicate how the indigenous government would operate and how it would provide public services. Thus the contention of Akaka Bill supporters that the bill would have a positive effect either on the state or on the public is questionable.
Frank Scott
Kailua
Yes, gays want same rights as all Americans
People who oppose gay marriage assert that gays are trying to "undermine" marriage. We are, in fact, trying to "expand" marriage to include all U.S. citizens the rights afforded to us by our Declaration of Independence: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
All men are created equal, and we will accept noting less than equal treatment. So, yes, someday the Federal Marriage Act will be seen for the archaic, discriminatory law that it is. And yes, if you support discrimination against those with a different sexual orientation from yours, that makes you a bigot.
Hans Anderson
Waikiki
ID theft legislation needs improvement
I am one of the 26.5 million veterans who had their personal information stolen due to the Veterans Administration's failure to correct their security after numerous inspections gave them a failing grade. Now Governor Lingle has signed into law House Bill 1871, which allows victims of identity theft to place a security freeze on their reports (Star-Bulletin, May 26).
The key here is "victims of identity theft." Hawaii residents cannot freeze their reports until they are victims -- like closing the barn door after the horses get out. We can place fraud alerts; however, according to bankrate.com, creditors aren't required to abide by or even check such alerts.
About 20 states followed California in allowing all residents to place a freeze on their credit reports before they are victims of identity theft, with more states coming on line. Once again Hawaii is bringing up the rear, just as we were the last state to take Social Security numbers off driver's licenses. Governor Lingle, correct this error and allow us to freeze our credit reports before we are victims of identity theft. Please do not let us be last again.
Harlan Aliment
Kaneohe