Next step -- cover up all the women

I feel much safer after reading that the Honolulu Police Department deployed 16 officers, dressing some of them to resemble prostitutes, and during the course of a week managed to arrest nine people who solicited their services. Pursuing vices such as these that harm the perpetrator is a much wiser use of our tax dollars and scarce law enforcement officers than pursuing lesser crimes such as theft, murder or rape that only affect innocent victims.

It is heartening that we are finally emulating our enlightened friends in Iran, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere who vigorously punish vice and reward virtue. Now, if we can just pass a few laws requiring women to wear burqas so men won't be so tempted to stray ...

Bush's trip to Iraq was excellent strategy

Brilliant! Brilliant! That best describes President Bush's surprise trip to Iraq on Labor Day. With his surprise visit to our troops in the war zone, Bush has let the insurgents know that America is there to win, and we will leave only when ground troop commanders determine it is safe. He has let our troops know that they have the support of their commander In chief, and he has let the American people know that his concern in ending this war is genuine and rationalized. The President heard concerns from our troops, commanders in the field and the leaders of Iraq, and we all pray he will make the appropriate decisions to address their concerns.

No one wants our troops to be in harms way one second longer than is necessary, and the president has let the world know that he is in command of the issue. God bless the president, God bless America.

Underneath it all, he's no Democrat

I absolutely agree with Victor Perera (Letters, Sept. 3) that the Democratic Party of Hawaii "respects and values everyone regardless of race, ethnic group, gender or religion"; however, I'm not so warm to the idea of welcoming Mike Gabbard to the fold. It's not that the tent isn't big enough for different religious affiliations, it's just that there are some fairly fundamental Democratic issues that Sen. Gabbard has consistently and stridently opposed. It strikes me that he is much more a Republican in Democratic clothing than a true convert.

Most Democrats oppose gay marriage

I'm a proud Democrat, as my parents and grandparents are. The main reason I'm happy that Mike Gabbard has joined our party is that I now feel I, and the vast majority of Democrats who voted to protect traditional marriage, have at least one of our Democratic leaders who is in touch with our values.

The truth is that most of us do not want civil unions or same-sex marriage in Hawaii. With Gabbard a member of the majority party, it will be even less likely that gay activists will be able to shove this down our throats.

Gabbard is a great addition to the Democratic Party and will do a lot of good by bringing crossover Republican and independent voters to our party.

Superferry too fast for Hawaii waters

What's so different about the Superferry? The speed at which it travels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which manages the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, considers 13-14 knots to be a safe speed for boats traveling through Hawaiian waters to avoid harming whales. The Superferry is a 350-foot boat that has the potential to travel up to 45 knots and claims it will not go over 25 knots in shallow waters where whales could reside -- still too fast. In the winter, whales frequently surface unexpectedly. What is the plan if a pod of whales were to breach in front of the ship? Swerve and injure the passengers and damage the cargo? Ram through the pod possibly killing an endangered species and risk fines and/or jail time? Or go the 13-14 knots the NOAA considers safe in the winter time thereby altering the schedules. Still wondering.

Join the coalition to oppose everything

In response to the large featured space the Star-Bulletin gave to "the Coalition" ("Another Perspective," Sept. 3): You neglected to mention how many people are members of Maui Tomorrow and Kahului Harbor Coalition. There are more than a million souls in Hawaii and I am reluctant for them to be controlled by less than a score or more.

However, after a sleepless night worrying, along with the Coalition, about "unknown environmental and public safety risks," I am converted. Therefore, I am creating a "Coalition (of one) for Hawaiian Nihilism" and hereby demand that Aloha Air, Hawaiian Air, Go!, NCL, international cruise lines, Young Bros. and private vessels be immediately halted. If we are to protect sea animals and prevent insects from getting from island to island, then there should no interisland intercourse at all. (Alas, I will miss my Maui onions). We should also do everything possible to stop birds, windblown insects and bugs on driftwood from moving about.

I also oppose tourists who might bring in something. Money can carry germs, you know. I also oppose mainland and international products. I also oppose ...