To add to her pithy observances, the Dream Team presents a bitter irony as we watch its members' less than inspired play. Here is a group of ball players whose combined annual salaries more than likely surpass that of the GNP of their opponents' countries.

I must admit that the chanting of "U-S-A; U-S-A; U-S-A" has always struck a nerve.

As we shuffle through this mortal da kine, it's good to reflect on the larger lessons and maintain a sense of perspective.

Leslie T. E. Baker

This great program was attended by almost 50,000 people in the Kobe portside stadium. We were invited as visitors to see the charity performance of almost 50 entertainers. I believe some of the proceeds from this performance were set aside for the rehabilitation of about 500 children who lost both their parents in the earthquake.

Representing Gov. Benjamin Cayetano at the ceremony was our own City Councilman Mufi Hannemann. He did a creditable job in reading the resolution and in responding to this occasion. He also caused the stage crew to come onstage often to adjust the microphone because of his unusual height, a rarity in Japan.

I thought the people of Hawaii would be interested in this news.

David Ikegami

The members of the Hawaii Kai community were elated when Mayor Jeremy Harris said, at the neighborhood board's June 25 meeting, that the city would provide the $280,000 needed to sustain after-midnight ambulance service in the area.

At that same meeting, Felix supported Harris and said, "The City Council will be working very closely with the mayor to ensure that service continues."

Now Felix has reversed his position and has been quoted as saying, "There was a bit of political grandstanding on the part of the mayor."

We have a very serious problem with the proposed cut in our ambulance service. Mayor Harris has stepped forward with a solution by cutting through the bureaucracy. Felix has not offered any solution.

Felix should cooperate with the mayor to keep our 24-hour ambulance service for Hawaii Kai. If he is unwilling to do that, Felix should not get in the way of Harris doing the job.

Bob Speck

Yet I cannot find an explanation for what went awry with the virtues considered sacred to this social group.

Could it have been that when these young Ilocano immigrants were introduced to America, they learned that they're protected by law against stringent parental discipline?

Is it because when both parents must work, it is necessary to leave the young ones behind unsupervised? Or does it suggest that these young Ilocanos are trying to be recognized in our society?

Recognition through lawlessness only undermines other Filipinos who are trying to get on par with other ethnic groups who are already in the upper strata of success.

One must consider the basic way for recognition is to be a law-abiding citizen and to work up from there.

Benjamin B. Velarde
Kaneohe