Bush wants to save Iraq from chaos?
It's time the whiners who want to bring our troops back from Iraq at least listen to what the Bush administration is warning will happen if we do so.
Civil war will break out!
Sunnis will start killing Shiites, and Shiites will start killing Sunnis. Mosques will be bombed. Innocent people will be yanked from their cars and beheaded. People will be kidnapped and held for ransom. The morgues will be filled to overflowing. Foreign troops will rape and murder Iraqi women and then slaughter their families.
No, no, no! We can't let such horrible things happen to these people we have liberated. We must stay in Iraq to protect them.
John A. Broussard
Honolulu
Rail will carry Oahu through new century
The renderings for the proposed rail system on Oahu are interesting and exciting. As a supporter of a rail system for our island, I applaud the city for showing the possible transit structures from the viewpoint of users and residents.
One must remember this is a system which will help address transportation needs for the next 100 years. A rail people mover will have a visual impact on our island just like a new 25-story condominium, a new paved road with sidewalks, a homeless shelter, or a electric power plant. However, as our island population approaches one million residents, the ambiance of paradise must change to accommodate the complexities of modern metropolitan living. I believe a high-tech rail system will add to the quality of life for many island residents. The mayor and City Council are moving in the right direction to make the rail project a reality.
Sen. Will Espero
Vice-chairman
Senate Transportation Committee
You might be local but are you local enough?
Everyone is complaining about how Hawaii is becoming less and less like Hawaii. Development, traffic, violence and now mass transit.
The reason for this continued growth and development and deterioration of Hawaii's natural beauty is simple. According to a study, more than 10 percent of Hawaii residents are not from America. Further, almost 30 percent are descendants of foreign-born residents.
But the next question is, what percentage of Hawaii is from the mainland? I would put that at around 50 percent, and maybe higher.
This is important because the mentality and concern about the Hawaiian islands differs from those born and raised in the state vs. outside of state/outside of U.S. residents. If a person has not lived in Hawaii for a long time, the respect for the aina is significantly less. It is not a race issue, it is a "local" issue. Are you REALLY local? If you aren't, then maybe you should stop complaining.
Roger Dunn
Honolulu
Take down those ugly campaign signs
Regarding excessive campaign signage (
Star-Bulletin, July 14), I couldn't agree more. There were way too many the last time around and frankly, in large volume they are quite ugly.
We have sign laws in our state because we believe in her beauty. Apparently politicians at election time are incapable of using common sense to extend the laws regarding public property onto private property. (If I have the most signs, I win?)
Permanent signage is regulated in Hawaii. Why don't these rules apply to anything temporary? Just because it is up for 45 days instead of 10 years doesn't make it less annoying to look at.
Let's change our political signage laws.
Joan Gossett
North Shore Outdoor Circle
Namesake of governor has much to live up to
When I moved to Hawaii nine years ago, I had no idea that my name (same as Gov. John A. Burns of Hawaii in the 1960s) would draw so much attention.
Who was Gov. John A. Burns? He was a simple citizen, just like you and me, who through his strong leadership and inspiration captured the hearts and souls of a generation.
Over the years, the mention of my name has sparked such positive and vivid memories in hundreds of people. Anytime I asked what they thought of him, they each responded that he was the best and most admired governor in Hawaii's history. Nobody ever replied with anything negative. What a role model he has been for everyone, including me, to live up to!
Everyone knew that his leadership was meant for the better of everyone in Hawaii as a whole. As a result, he had everyone's support.
Gov. Burns, my hat is off to you. Your amazing spirit lives in the minds of everyone who remembers you, and will continue to live in present and future generations who will aspire to follow your example.
John A. Burns
Aiea