It does matter what we call situation in Iraq

Whether the violence in Iraq is to be termed a civil war or not a civil war is not simply a question of whether one says toMAYto or toMAHto.

Of course, terminology matters. Words are weighted and freighted with meaning. Think about it: If you were overweight, would you want to be called obese? Or plump? And what of referring to a black man as an African American or a n---, well, that word?

As for Iraq specifically, it makes a big difference -- emotional and linguistic -- as to how this violence is labeled. And if it isn't civil war that is raging there, then it must be anarchy because surely no government seems to be in charge.

And whichever the case -- civil war or anarchy -- do we Americans want our troops in the middle of either situation?

Smoking law will make things easier for thugs

We ask the lawmakers of Hawaii to reflect on the dire effects their new smoking law has had already. We tourists will probably cross off coming here and most certainly Waikiki Beach. Think of the disgrace -- a White House official was beaten and robbed (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 22). Why? Because he had to go outside to smoke. He obeys the law and gets mugged as a result.

This is only the beginning, as hoods will simply use this terrible law to make their task simple. This is a disgrace. The other night I could not sleep and went out the beach entrance, and there was an older lady, 20 feet front from the hotel, smoking. A filthy beach bum came up to her and it was my duty to send him on his way. All bars, hotels and the like will be forced to have armed guards to protect them from vile people like the above.

Now young children will really want to smoke. If it is considered against the law, they will pursue smoking more than ever.

By the way, I have never smoked a cigarette.

Residents are getting railroaded by city

I attended the Waikiki Neighborhood Board last month where a portion of the itinerary was slated for presentations on rail. One member tried to submit a resolution opposing rail to be voted on by the board. She was scuttled as out of order. Others, who were pro-rail, were allowed excessive time to explain their positions, and when it came to the end of the meeting, the chair quickly gaveled the meeting to a close, clearly refusing to put the resolution to consideration.

'Olelo TV recently carried the various hearings held by the City Council to garner public opinion on transit alternatives. It was clear by the questions and attitude of committee Chairman Romy Cachola that his mind was already made up. All of these meetings are, in reality, merely a formality. The same could be said for our mayor, Mufi Hannemann. There isn't anything that anyone could say that would change his mind at this point.

Therefore I propose that we stop calling this project "light rail" or "fixed rail" or any kind of rail. We should simply call it the Honolulu Railroad. Because that is what we are getting: railroaded.

2-deck freeway might be the solution

With all the talk about rail transit and HOT lanes, why does the supposed solution have to be "for profit"? Why don't we build a double-decker freeway for free? We would only be building up on the existing freeway; no homes would have to be condemned. The freeway could be built in such a way that the second level would take the driver directly to his or her destination. For example, if you are going to Wahiawa, once on the second level you have to go to Wahiawa -- you can't switch five lanes at the last minute to take another exit (common practice on our roads).

If you live past Pearl City, there have been no improvements for commuting. The Zipper Lane is great for the morning. Why doesn't the government care what time we come home? How come there's no Zipper Lane or other alternative to help us go home? Since a double-decker freeway offers no profit for the government, I'm sure it was never considered. Just food for thought.

Glenn Kuhia Jr.
Mililani

Save kids -- bring back Oahu racetrack

Why is there such a disconnect between the upsurge in traffic fatalities and the closure of Hawaii Raceway Park's drag strip? While public officials milk the speed enforcement cash cow, our kids are dying. If these officials really cared, a safe and controlled venue would be developed where people could speed safely and legally. Think of your own children. Please call your state representative today.