T-shirt sayings spread bad will on Earth

Standing in line at the post office, I'm staring at the back of the gentleman in front of me. "UP YOURS" it says in large bold letters on his T-shirt.

This type of language on T-shirts has become common, not only among rebellious teens enraged at having to grow up, but some adults as well.

Maybe it's no big deal, but to most people it still seems rude and offensive, and hardly in the holiday spirit. It probably says more about the wearer than anything else. (Why not just buy a shirt that says, "Hey! Look at me! I'm a crude and immature fool!")

If you wouldn't say it out loud in public with your mom, then don't say it on your shirt either. And parents, try a little moral guidance with your kids once in awhile. Go ahead, it won't hurt.

But ditch your own sleazy T-shirts first.

Michael Van Dorn

Leave advertisements to newspapers, please

When we went to see the latest "Lord of the Rings" movie, I came close to walking out and asking for my money back. The movie was to start at 7:05 p.m. We rushed through dinner to get there by 7, and then had to endure 10 minutes of commercials and advertisements.

This is something new. In the past, they would show previews of upcoming movies. Having to endure tasteless commercials was too much for me. During television commercials, I get up and leave. That is exactly what captive movie audiences should do -- leave and ask for their money back. It would stop this intrusive practice.

Leave ads to the newspaper and adhere to truth in advertising by telling the real time the movie will start.

Jim Delmonte

Lingle is doing a fine job so far

In response to Richard Port's Dec. 29 letter: Governor Lingle's record in her first month in office reflects a responsible leader who is keeping her word.

On leasehold conversion, Lingle is not denying the rights of condo owners. She is trying to preserve the rights of small landowners, including charitable organizations. Bill 53 would force these landowners, some of whom use the rent income to fund public programs and services, to sell their property.

On Hawaiian entitlements, the governor is following through on her promise. The newspapers reported she has met with Hawaiian leaders, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, in the past month to talk about releasing the money, and is working with appropriate authorities to ensure proper steps are taken.

On the issue of the nurses' strike, the governor wants to give the hospitals and nurses' unions a chance to reach agreement on their own, without imposing government influence.

Contrary to Port's comments, Lingle's first month in office reflects her patience, diligence and positive attitude in making the state a better place for all the people.

Jan Hamaguchi
Kaneohe

In face of protests, be kinder to each other

The anti-gay protest and picketing set to begin today in Hawaii by members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., should be an important community issue for a state so steeped in traditions and economics to hospitality. The protesters' presence poses a dilemma about how to respond to such uninvited guests.

Should they be welcomed in the "spirit of aloha" or should there be counter protests? The former would be in keeping with a sense of Christian charity, and Jesus' plea to "turn the other cheek," or the deep commitment we have to hospitality.

Such a welcome would not be found in our cultural traditions. A good example is in the dialogue between the paramount chief of the island of Hawaii, Kalani'opu'u and his wife Kalola when his forces attacked Maui. Maui was ruled by Kahekili, the brother of Kalola. When Kalani'opu'u realized defeat was imminent, he pleaded with his wife to go to see her brother to negotiate a peace. Kalola answered, "It will not do any good for me to go, for we came to deal death. If we had come offering love we should have been received with affection."

Aloha is a means to establish relationships, to maintain them and to recover them, if necessary. It should not be used in a religious or political context in an uncomfortable situation. The WBC is not coming here "offering love," and the protesters should not expect to be "received with affection."

How should we respond? Instead of counter demonstrations, which might heighten their visibility, perhaps we can practice and live aloha better in our own lives. We can smile more, be more courteous on the road, in a waiting line and make more deliberate attempts to live aloha so people will know this is not the mainland.

Malcolm Naea Chun
Cultural Specialist
University of Hawaii

Liberal ideas on war, draft are contradictory

Am I the only one who thinks it's odd that many liberals oppose war with Iraq, but favor imposing a draft to increase our ability to wage such a war? These same liberals want to raise the minimum wage, thereby abolishing jobs for the least skilled workers, and then get upset when those workers apply for jobs with the only employer left -- the military.

Jim Henshaw
Kailua

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