An example of inequity
inflicted on gay couple

I do not comprehend where some of your readers get the idea that gays and lesbians are asking for special rights. We are only asking for the same rights enjoyed by the rest of society.

An example: Two friends of mine, David and Scott, were lovers for over 10 years. They thought that they had their estate protected in an irrevocable trust.

When Scott died, his family challenged the will and trust. A Kauai Circuit Court judge, letting his personal prejudices and religious beliefs enter into his decision, awarded Scott's estate not to David, his rightful heir, but to Scott's brother.

David was forced to move out of his home. Had he been married to Scott, or had the judge been fair, this would not have happened.

When will the churches of this country quit trying to force their beliefs on those of us who choose to think differently than they do? Churches should lose their tax-exempt status if they are going to continue to meddle in the politics and laws of this great country.

George J. Gosselin
Hanalei, Kauai
(Via the Internet)

Being gay is a choice,
not an irreversible fact

Same-sex marriage is ultimately about the principle of whether civil rights can be based on a behavior choice. Even if the theoretical physical link that causes homosexual desires exists, it is still up to individuals to choose their behavior. Not all people who inherit this link or have homosexual thoughts will become lifelong homosexuals.

A homosexual is one who chooses to adopt the behavior, lifestyle and, most important, the identity of a homosexual. This identity is the result of choice and repeated homosexual behavior - and not biology.

Only people who have adopted this identity will desire to be in a same-sex marriage. Therefore, legalizing same-sex marriage would be the same as granting civil rights based on behavior.

If we set this precedent, then we may not be able to prevent legalizing polygamy, pedophilia, incest, bestiality and other forms of behavior choices.

Paul Uyeda
(Via the Internet)

Teen-agers don’t deserve
their negative stereotype

Too many adults perceive teen-agers as ditsy, lazy, moody adolescents who are engrossed in appearances, disrespectful in nature, and whose vocabulary barely extends past the boundaries of those all-time famous unmentionable words.

This societal stereotype is excruciatingly degrading to a lot of teens who do not, I repeat, DO NOT deserve to be categorized into this disarray of facades.

There is more to teen life than meets the eye. Not all teens are "clueless." There are teen-agers who are diligent, hard-working students, who really care about what they do and where they are going in life.

Teens have goals, and are working hard to reach them. Outside of the world of textbooks, math problems and grades, young people take part in student government, community service clubs, special interest clubs, athletics, church activities and other extra-curricular activities which are positive, fun and productive.

All I ask is for adults to view teens with at least a little respect, confidence and support, when it is well earned.

Dawn Kang
9th Grade
Mililani High School

Balancing the budget
is key to progress

As a former resident (yet frequent visitor) to Hawaii, each political approach to issues affecting the state is either affecting only tangential symptoms, or completely fails to hit the target at all. Why not focus on the real issues - which is to keep the state budget in check. You know, the KISS approach (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).

Why deviate from the standard property tax structure? This is a Financial Accounting 101 issue where you have a certain amount of income, and you must keep your operating expenses in check.

Mayor Harris is completely off the mark with his idea of building a sports complex in Waipio. Currently, the facilities on Oahu more than adequately support the population.

I personally left the islands because of such plain stupidity that is ruining the city and state. If this keeps up, there will be a continued outflux of the brightest and best minds in Hawaii.

Von Kenric Kaneshiro
San Jose, Calif.
(Via the Internet)

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Same-sex archive