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Swedes have achieved gender equality

I was a little disturbed by Diane Chang's positioning of herself as a "proud feminist" and the tone of her Feb. 10 column (Changing Hawaii, "Fighting Words"). It suggests that there is some kind of war between men and women, and that the latter have not yet won.

Many of us raised in the culture of America were scarred by the media calling the movement for equality of women the "battle of the sexes." I was born in Sweden where the same movement was called the "sex role debate."

I support Chang's interest in equality of the sexes but it needs to stop being a battle or struggle and become an honest debate. The Swedes, by discussing the issue on its merits, achieved better conditions for both men and women.

Did you know that in Sweden a mother gets a year's paid leave from work when she has a baby, and so does a father?

Mothers mostly take the first year and fathers the second. This enlightened policy ensures the child has a parent at home until the age of 2.

A sex role debate will reveal outdated notions resulting in unequal treatment of men and women. A battle hardens hearts and makes folks draw lines in the sand. I encourage Chang to consider furthering the debate so no one need ever be a feminist or a maleist, if there is such a word.

Rolf Nordahl

Students, teachers had HOT time with opera

Approximately 1,700 students, along with their teachers, attended the Opera for Everyone Event on Jan. 31. Following the excitement of "Tales of Hoffmann" was Hawaii Opera Theatre's (HOT's) "Marriage of Figaro" to be followed by the dual performances of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci."

The students' absorption in the music, dance and theater of the live performance, and their spontaneous, positive and contagious response are particularly gratifying in light of recent headlines focusing on low test scores and delinquent behavior.

Thanks should go to HOT staff and volunteers, and to the music teachers of the state who facilitate and encourage student participation in these wonderful events.

Norma Nichols

So many to thank after golf ball mishap

Our daughter, Amy Taniguchi, was injured in a senseless golf ball incident during the Hawaii High School Athletic Association softball championships on Feb. 2 at the University of Hawaii softball complex. Although she has more dental work to be done, she's recovered nicely, attending her classes and presently competing in basketball.

The care and support of the entire Iolani family and community have helped Amy remain upbeat throughout this ordeal. She is a trooper and will be just fine.

We'd like to thank everyone who has called and written get-well wishes. We'd like to especially like to thank Drs. Wendell Hoshino and Dennis Nagata, who have extended their professional expertise to correct Amy's realignment of her teeth and the replacement of her lost tooth.

Mahalo to Keith Amemiya, executive director of the HHSAA and Hugh Yoshida, UH athletic director, for their calls of sincere apologies. It certainly shows the kind of class leadership that our state enjoys in athletic circles.

Special kudos to Honolulu Police Detective Rodney Noguchi who has worked tirelessly to bring this assault case to some closure.

Herb and Elsie Yoshimura
Kaneohe

Quotables "We all understand what June means to our community and all the good things he has done, not only for the university but for the entire state of Hawaii." Hugh Yoshida UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETIC DIRECTOR After UH head football Coach June Jones was critically injured in a one-car collision on H-1 freeway on Thursday "When I first found out, I was in class. I felt like I wanted to cry. It was like somebody stabbed me. He's like a daddy to us." Lui Fuga UH DEFENSIVE LINEMAN On his distress after learning of the automobile accident that has kept his coach hospitalized at Queen's Medical Center

Legislators must realize public is watching

The Feb. 16 View Point column by Mary Anne Raywid, "Education and dollar signs," was well stated. Hopefully, those who represent us at the state Capitol read it.

As an arrival from Ohio some 35 years ago, I was anxious to assimilate and proceed with my third year as a professional teacher. I was impressed with my colleagues in the state public school system and amazed at their dedication. What I considered sacrifices, they thought of as expectations.

Throughout those years I've seen our state unintentionally deteriorate in servicing the needs of our children and teachers.

The fruits of our labors as a state seem to be bearing seeds of little value when it comes to education. Fortunately, we have a superintendent and support system that do have a plan and a growing vision on how to help our children better succeed along with very busy Board of Education members having to prioritize necessities.

Perhaps our Legislature needs to be reminded how potent its empowerment is. As legislators manage our money, we as voters need to be more aware of their moral qualities and integrity. If we don't value our future (children), why should our future value us?

Cherry Jeong
Retired Teacher
Kailua

TV series brought rewards to islands

"Baywatch Hawaii" had a profound effect on our ocean state. The sheer beauty it portrayed in its two-year run in 44 episodes and in future syndication will surely inspire many to visit the islands.

As a North Shore artist, gallery owner and resident, I feel the governor, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, many dedicated business owners and residents made the right decision to support this TV series, which ran in over 100 countries.

Wyland
Haleiwa

Let bicyclists ride on the sidewalks

Danger lurks the moment one leaves home. Bike riders cannot safely ride in traffic because of the lack of bike lanes, especially on busy streets such as Kapiolani Boulevard and Beretania Street.

Having lived for a few years in a country where bikes are used extensively, I found riding on the sidewalk to be safer, as long as bikes are equipped with bells to alert pedestrians ahead.

But bikers must ride at a safe speed. When some use the sidewalks, they show an attitude of having the right of way, expecting pedestrians to move.

Perhaps it's time for the laws to be changed. Bikes with bells should allowed on sidewalks. Bike riders should be considerate and courteous. It's the Hawaiian way.

Nancy Jeffs

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