Creationism debate curious on both sides

The recent controversy over teaching creationism in our schools has left me both bemused and bewildered. I am bemused at the vehemence of the letters against such a proposal. Frankly, if evolution is true, I should think the writers of those letters would welcome a chance for our children to debate its merits along side any and all other claims to the origin of our species. But no, they seem to be more intent on maintaining the status quo than any honest attempt at a rational debate on the facts.

On the other hand, I am bewildered by the lack of response from those who believe creationism is true. Do they agree with the evolutionists that creationism is a myth, something that can only be received by blind faith, regardless of the facts? If so, surely creationism has no place in our schools or anywhere else in our society. If on the other hand creationism is a more reasonable explanation of our existence, why has there been little if any protest from those who have examined the facts and determined that indeed it is evolution that is the myth and creationism that is fact?

Dean Schmucker
Wailuku, Maui

Creationism editorial missed the point

Sunday's editorial, "Creationism debacle drowned out meaningful discussion of beliefs," shows a lack of understanding of the issue.

There can be no "meaningful" discussion of beliefs if you are debating creationism versus science, which the Darwinism natural selective process clearly is. Science has nothing to do with faith-based belief. Science is based on compiled data over long periods of time that has been subjected to the most rigorous challenges. Religion, which is based on faith, has nothing to do with science or scientific inquiry.

The editorial position that there could have been a more meaningful discussion of beliefs is naive. How can there be meaningful discussion when the creationists, whose ideas are based on faith, are trying to abrogate the tenets of science, which is based on established, demonstrable fact?

To have discussions on world religions apart from science could be meaningful and might provide insight into the truth that forms the basis of all the worlds great religions.

Furthermore, it might even open eyes to the relativity of belief itself, thereby making possible the acceptance of the mystery that underlies all creation.

Wendell Davenport

Differential pay could have been found

Three points on where to find the money for the master's degree differential pay for the teachers:

>> Since the state wanted to offer money for each teacher found by the mainland recruiting company, and since that company has found only a few teachers, couldn't the money earmarked for that purpose be used for teachers already working in Hawaii?

>> Since the state is willing to offer a $10,000 bonus for those who are certified in special education, chose to go into regular education and then return to special education, couldn't the differential pay come from the money set aside to fulfill that obligation?

>> The governor has pet projects for which he would like to conserve money prior to leaving office. The money exists for teachers' differential pay but it is set aside.

Nandarani Evans

Numbers clear prior to HSTA ratification

Let's look at the contract dispute between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state by the numbers.

>> $500 million = annual teacher payroll.

>> 40 percent = estimated teachers with advanced degrees. This equals $200 million.

>> 3 percent = pay differential. That comes to $6 million in annual pay differential.

This was the simple estimated cost that the HSTA and the state agreed to, and HSTA published in its fliers sent to teachers prior to ratification. The numbers don't lie.

Sam Callejo
Chief of Staff to
Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano

>> HSTA Web site
>> State Web site
>> Governor's strike Web site
>> DOE Web site

[QUOTABLES] "My mom is probably looking down and thinking about all those spankings she gave me, for hitting balls through neighbors' windows...I want to tell her: 'Well, Ma, I hope you can see now that it was worth it. Your baby is going into the Hall of Fame.'" Kirby Puckett, Former Minnesota Twins outfielder, during his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech. "Everyone was freaking out around me. I was telling them, 'Calm down. Call 911. I'm going to be OK.' " Shannon Lima, Oahu woman whose eyelids were punctured by a piece of steel rebar, after she tripped in the dark during a family reunion party on Molokai.

Feral pig attack sounds fishy

Pardon me for thinking that your July 24 news story about a pig attacking a woman and her dog on the beach at Punaluu is more story than news. I have been hiking extensively in these islands for more than 30 years and have had a fair number of meetings with our feral pig population.

Although they can be vicious when cornered, I have never encountered a pig that would not run from a human or a dog, if given any opportunity to do so. Yet here we have one who comes down from the hills, boldly strolls through the town of Punaluu, crosses a busy highway to the beach, and then attacks both a lady and her dog. What did the pua'a do next, go for a swim? Then, shaking itself dry, it must have gone back across the highway again, trotted undisturbed through Punaluu (were all the dogs asleep?), and returned home with a great story to tell.

Richard McMahon

Look no further for governor's portraitist

I nominate Star-Bulletin editorial cartoonist Corky Trinidad to do the governor's official portrait.

Beverly Byouk
Ocean View, Hawaii

KITV news director will be missed

The sacking of Wally Zimmermann as news director of KITV-4 News bodes ill for quality television news coverage in Honolulu. Years ago, I worked with Wally when he was first the executive producer and then the news director at Channel Two News.

He is a consummate professional who has always demanded substance and quality from his news team, not just the superficial flash and trash that seem to dominate local TV news.

Wally hired experienced, mature reporters, not just good-looking kids, and was willing to fight station ownership to maintain independence and professional standards in the news room.

Under his leadership, KITV led the local TV market in tough, competent news, if not in the ratings. He'll be sorely missed.

Chris Parsons
Waikoloa, Hawaii

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