War will benefit those who control oil supply

It is unfortunate that so many lives will be lost in this war on Iraq. The Bush administration should be commended on its polished programs of disinformation and propaganda, effectively duping the American people into believing the true cause of this war is freeing the Iraqi people.

Who benefits from this war? It certainly isn't you and me, or our young people in uniform. The only profit will come to those interests controlling the world's oil supply, such as President Bush and his family.

It is time, America, to stand up to the intimidation and loss of civil rights this administration enforces with its iron fist. If you want to see the future, just go to your local airport.

Glen Mason
Keaau, Hawaii

Mistrust fuels opposition to war

No matter how frantically the Bush administration beats the drums, I do not see justification for war with Iraq. Other than mere circumstantial evidence offered to date, all we have is rhetoric and a supposed trust in our government to know what's best.

Why should I trust an administration staffed by many of the dominant players who, under President Reagan, supported the fledgling al-Qaida network as an effective means of combating the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, while also funding both Iraq and Iran in their bids to destroy each other? If their judgment was once so flawed as to contribute directly to the rise of both al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein, why should I assume their judgment is any better now?

As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words and the past actions of many of the key players in the current administration leave me wondering whether they truly have the interests of my family in mind, or instead are driven by imperialistic fantasies.

Long-term domestic security is reached by increasing global stability through an international government, not through U.S. global dominance.

Jeff Eble
Hilo, Hawaii

Better to protest at elected officials' doors

I am a Vietnam veteran and while I support the efforts of the people who marched Saturday in protest of war against Iraq, a protest at a military base is counterproductive. It has the negative effect of making the protesters look like they are not supporting servicemen and women who are putting their lives on the line for this country.

This point was clearly made by the photograph that appeared in the Star-Bulletin on Sunday showing a lone serviceman standing in front of a large crowd of protesters. It portrayed the anti-war protest as being against the military, the men and women who defend our country.

The same mistake was made in the protests against the Vietnam War. We are not against the military, but the policy of our government.

A more appropriate place to protest is at the local offices of our congressional delegation. These people have the power to influence these policies.

Peter Dinmore

Peace organizations exploit young minds

Columnist Mary Vorsino wrote about a letter-writing campaign to President Bush ("Finding Strength in the Collective Power of One," Feb. 16) that is spearheaded by associate English professor Ruth Hsu, founder of the University Peace Initiative.

Vorsino quotes from a student's peace letter: "Please do not go to war." The student says, "I can't come up with anything. But there has to be an alternative to war."

As long as there are young minds, they will be pursued by organizations like UPI. Once these minds mature they will no longer be useful, and they will be cast aside by said organizations.

There was an alternative to war and still may be. President Bush has his job to do. We have our jobs to do. It is our job to stand together as Americans, regardless of diversity. It is our job to protect our borders, language and culture. It is our job to protect our national secrets and not spend another eight years trading them to China and others for illegal campaign contributions.

Last but not least, it is our job as Americans to stand with our military and achieve peace through strength.

Jay Bauckham

Orangutan needs informed caretakers

The state Department of Agriculture should not approve the amendment to the permit which would allow Rusti, an orangutan being housed at Honolulu Zoo, to be moved to Kualoa Ranch (Star-Bulletin, Feb. 12).

The staff at Kualoa Ranch may be experienced in the care of horses, goats and chickens, but certainly not orangutans. These animals are highly intelligent and often manipulative. Orangutans can pick locks, are susceptible to human diseases and when provoked or frightened can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries to people. Overconfident or inexperienced caretakers will put themselves, the public and Rusti in great danger.

Rusti has waited six years for a proper home in Hawaii. We have failed him. It is time to send Rusti back to the mainland. He deserves to live out the rest of his life safely at a reputable sanctuary with experienced, knowledgeable care- takers.

Cindy Newburg
Citizens for Humane Animal Policies
Kailua

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