Court's pledge ruling unfair to majority

Regarding the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision on the Pledge of Allegiance: What is happening to this country? Using the name of God is now considered politically incorrect. Why is it that the minority seem to be able to dictate the direction this great country of ours is heading?

We separate children because of their heritage; my children cannot attend some schools because they do not have a certain ancestry. I understand that we must not allow cultures to fade, but why limit whom we teach this culture to? Can anyone explain this without becoming angry?

Saying that the word "God" is not to be used in our public school system is like saying we cannot have hot dogs at a baseball game. Respecting one's right to not say the word "God" while reciting the pledge to this country is one thing, but to deny that right to the majority who believe "in God we trust" is just wrong. To the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, I say this: What is next, "God! Bless America"?

Wayne Brindley
Kapolei

Liquor commission could use overhaul

Here are some suggestions to prevent corruption between the liquor commission investigators and the hostess bars:

>> Hire gay police officers or female officers to become liquor investigators. This will eliminate sexual gratuities on behalf of the investigators.

>> The liquor commission should be held accountable for the whereabouts and actions of the investigators.

>> Putting retired cops in as liquor inspectors is just changing the bag man.

The mayor, police, prosecutor and other law enforcement agencies should clean their own departments, as well.

Steven Jon Lipski
North Shore

Stealing yard signs won't stop campaign

My supporters and I have been conducting a fair and positive campaign for the state Senate. Unfortunately, some people in the community are trying to undermine our efforts. In the past three weeks, about a dozen of my yard signs have been stolen or vandalized in Ewa Beach and Ewa, and I have notified the police.

I would like to ask the community to assist in reporting suspicious persons who may be vandalizing my signs at people's homes. If these individuals cannot respect political yard signs, they are a detriment to our good community.

I will continue to run a positive campaign despite the theft of my property.

Rep. Willie Espero
Ewa Beach

Is imperfect BRT better than nothing?

Honolulu City Council Transportation Committee chairman Duke Bainum says Bus Rapid Transit is not a perfect plan, but it's better than anything else proposed ("City Council OKs Bus Rapid Transit plan," Star-Bulletin, June 27).

Is that good enough? As a Windward daily commuter to town, I fail to see a single aspect of BRT that is good enough. Was the van-cam program accepted because it was better than anything else proposed, as well? What is the real reason for proceeding with BRT?

Jeffrey Esmond
Kaneohe

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