Make no mistake; we are at war

No matter how you cut it, it is WAR! It is different from every war we've fought in the past, but it is still a war. We were attacked, and we are at war. And to paraphrase a famous American general, "In war there is no substitute for victory."

While I'm normally more of a pacifist, I think the time is right to demand something of those who have violated us, killed thousands of Americans in a cowardly attack using our own civilian aircraft as their weapon.

We need to strike back. But let's give fair warning. Tell the Taliban that they have 24 hours to give us the mastermind murderer, or face the consequences. If they fail to surrender him to us, then we should send the leaders of that group a much stronger message in the form of military retaliation. They reportedly have said that they would shed the blood of every Afghan before they would surrender this Saudi criminal. Tell them that too can be arranged.

This does not call for a prolonged political or legal battle. It calls for military action. Send in a U.S. Marine detachment to wipe out the Taliban and let the people of Afghanistan elect new leaders -- hopefully, leaders with some regard for human life and international law.

Keith Haugen

Good Muslims must stand against terror

This is in response to William Sink's Sept. 12 letter:

I agree with most of Mr. Sink's points about dealing with illegal aliens and deporting those with loyalties to the enemy. However, calling other cultures barbaric is a stereotype and ethnocentrism.

I am a female Muslim, Arab American, proud to be a Marine Corps dependent. I volunteer in the military community, and I am horrified by the terrorist actions in New York City and the Pentagon. I have best friends who are Jewish, Catholics and Atheists, and life can be wonderful, we celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year's together.

The American public needs to understand that no Muslims or Arab Americans with the right way of mind support such attacks against humanity. These bastards are not Muslims; they use Islam for their evil purposes. Islam prohibits suicide and killing of innocents; so this is not a holy war.

It is time for the good Muslims and Arab Americans to stand side by side with Americans to fight against evil ... and the bad "Muslims." God Bless America.

Mona Darwich-Gatto
Mililani

[Quotables] "I just can't get my mind around it. I think we are looking at something that is true evil. If you ask why God would do it, I guess you have to say that God gives us total freedom, and it is up to us to choose good." Bob Nakata State senator and Methodist minister, on the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon "They hate us for what we do, and they hate us for who we are. On the surface it's our support of Israel. Beneath the surface it's our role as the supporters and representatives of the existing system and the future." Gideon Rose Managing editor of Foreign Affairs magazine, on the emotional and political forces that drive Islamic terrorists

Letter was lesson in intolerance

Thank you for publishing William Sink's letter. I took that issue of the Star-Bulletin to my U.S. History classes and my Asian Studies Honors class on Thursday and Friday.

To set the stage for the discussions of the great tragedies we have suffered, I read Mr. Sink's letter with all the dramatic emphasis I could give it, especially the part that read, "Bomb Kabul, Khartoum and Baghdad until not one stone is left upon another." Mr. Sink made my point because after I asked the girls what kind of letter this was, they responded with distinct disapproval noting that it was not only intolerant but filled with hate.

It led to very productive discussions about tolerance and a measured and appropriate response to these attacks.

Joseph M. Gardewin
Sacred Hearts Academy
Col., USAF (retired)

Anderson will spice Democratic primary

The recent announcement by former Republican leader Andy Anderson to run as a Democrat in the upcoming gubernatorial race drew skepticism from the voting populace.

Although there is no legal problem with such a move, the issue of credibility and viability of his candidacy is in question. Is he really in the race hoping to win, or is this just a ploy to help another well-established candidate? If he is joining the race seriously, the primary election will be interesting to watch.

Although Anderson has not been in the limelight for quite a while, he is a seasoned politician and can easily form a viable organization that can run his campaign effectively. Sure, his being a turncoat will be an issue, but bolting from one party to another is a political strategy that has been found effective in previous elections.

All the potential Democratic candidates so far have impressive political backgrounds. We just hope for the best for our state.

Constante A. Domingo

Chevron settlement is insignificant amount

I'm glad that former Chevron station manager Frank Young, who accused major oil companies in Hawaii of overcharging consumers, got a couple of bucks in the settlements of two lawsuits against Chevron.

Now, the Federal Trade Commission has approved the $46.6 billion merger of Chevron Corp. and Texaco Inc., allowing the formation of the world's fourth-largest investor-owned oil company, ChevronTexaco Corp.

Chevron's payment to Young is like a drop of water in the ocean. A $46.6 billion merger? Why don't we just give ChevronTexaco guns and let them be honest about robbing us?

Robert G. Devine

Give LeMahieu a chance to do his job

As the parent of two public school children I'd like to see Schools Superintendent Paul LeMahieu supported in his difficult and important job.

Problems with the state Department of Education are many. My sense is that LeMahieu understands them and is working earnestly for positive change.

I hope he doesn't take Governor Cayetano's suggestion that he look for a new job. I'd like him to complete his work.

I also admire the governor, but I'm weary of his need to prove that he's the toughest guy in town. I hope the next governor will do a better job of using the bully pulpit to inject wisdom and intelligence into the public debate.

Thomas S. Dye

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