Better a prize winner than a president
At the risk of reverberating with what Star-Bulletin editorially described as the "outraged harrumphing (of conservative) think-tank types" (
Oct. 13), I would note America is much safer with Albert Gore as an Oscar and Nobel prize winner than as president. We are in a hot war and cannot afford to have as our commander in chief a man who has devoted a substantial portion of his life to the reenactment of a classic children's tale of imagined calamity and mass hysteria, "Chicken Little," as a way of diverting attention from his wooden, grindingly dull persona.
Despite the fact the sky is NOT falling, Gore -- as the much-fawned-over champion of infantile Cry Baby Boom tantrum throwers and other credulous, cognitively challenged nincompoops -- should be allowed to bask in the adulatory treacle of silly people to his heart's content. Meanwhile let us keep sight of the fact that Americans celebrated the new millennium by putting the adults back in charge ... and not a moment too soon.
Thomas E. Stuart
Kapaau, Hawaii
Ferry controversy sends right message
Several people, including Mike Fitzgerald of Enterprise Honolulu (
"Superferry viewpoints," Star-Bulletin, Oct. 14), whom I deeply respect, have suggested that the controversy about the Superferry is a blot on Hawaii as a business-friendly state. I would like to suggest an alternate interpretation. This controversy and others that have challenged business development send a message that this is a state that cares deeply about the environment and the sacred values of the host culture. We are blessed to have laws at the local and state level that reflect those commitments. When politicians weaken or the bureaucracy lacks the will to enforce the laws, an active portion of the community will stand up and be heard.
We are a business-friendly state when businesses come to Hawaii with a readiness to embrace the values of the state. What a blessing to live in Hawaii.
Laura Crites
Executive director
Hawaii Consortium for Integrative Healthcare
Warriors squeaked by, but Colt needs help
I turned off the University of Hawaii Warriors football game before the end because I couldn't bear to see them lose another road game to an inferior opponent, as they have done repeatedly over the years.
They did win in overtime, but Colt Brennan looked awful for much of the game. Since his ankle injury, he's had nine interceptions in two games and that won't hack it against strong opponents like Boise State and Washington at the end of the season.
William Moake
Honolulu
General should have said something earlier
Re: "Former U.S. chief in Iraq calls mission a 'nightmare'" (Star-Bulletin, Oct. 13): Retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez is one of only a very few men given the privilege of leading a fighting force in a time of war. Along with the position come responsibilities and accountability. Shouldn't he stick to recognizing what he did right and acknowledge what he did wrong in the fiascos that took place during his time in command? Isn't it deeply regrettable he failed to unequivocally make his reservations known at the time he was in command? Isn't his failure to do so a failure in leadership on his part, which has contributed to the situation faced by his successors?
Why is there always somebody else to blame? He had his chance. Still, thanks for his service.
Leo Hura
Honolulu
It's not just paper for gay couples, either
I'd like to chime in that "Marriage is more than just a piece of paper"
(Letters, Oct. 13). Making that public commitment (in Vancouver, B.C., so it was fully legal), in front of family, friends and government officials -- besides four TV stations and a number of newspapers -- even though Bill and I had been together eight years that day -- was an event with an emotional level that was hard to describe.
I would think that even those concerned about the so-called "gay lifestyle" (there is no such thing any more than there is a "boomer lifestyle") would be happy to see couples make the longterm, public commitment.
But regardless, we are together, no spat or disagreement can easily split us, we wear our rings proudly, and even though Hawaii doesn't yet recognize our marriage, that is how we respond when anyone asks -- "Yes, I'm married to him."
Too bad that it appears that Hawaii continues to consider it against public policy to support relationships such as ours, even when children are involved (I have two).
Lance Bateman
Honolulu