War gives terrorists motive to attack U.S.

Are we winning the war? Maybe, maybe not. The answer depends on which war we are referring to. If we mean the war in Iraq, yes, we will certainly prevail. If, as President Bush suggests, we view Iraq in the larger context of the war against terrorism, it's a different story.

Religious and political zealots have always lurked in the fringes of terrorism. Our pre-emptive attack against Iraq will be to those potential terrorists what Ruby Ridge was to Timothy McVay. All that potential terrorists need is a hint of justification; Bush has given them overwhelming world opinion.

Joseph Gedan

U.S., British battle against another Hitler

Since the onset of war in Iraq, it has become quite obvious, in glorious living color and newscasts, that all suspicions of Saddam Hussein's tyrannical, diabolical practices of rule are quite evident. That includes discovery of the massive destructive weaponry, long denied to prewar inspectors. One has to wonder what this monster had in mind, akin to Adolf Hitler and his antics, not to mention how he treats his citizens.

England stubbornly defended its cause against somewhat identical methods, and the good old United States came to help rescue Europe from diabolical atrocities, unheard of in the annals of warfare history.

Now the United States has to go it alone with Britain in what ominously looks like a no-rules, anything-goes, long-term battle to rid the planet of this evil, crafty slimeball who executes his relatives and, ironically, hides in a 300-foot-deep shelter designed by the Germans.

If the mission succeeds and Saddam doesn't swallow cyanide, how many of those thankless, uninvolved nations, which now sit back and watch the slaughter, are going to show any remorse for their selfish, inexplicable behavior?

John Werrill

Both sides in Iraq war have their own faults

As a little boy, I listened to a story of David and Goliath -- how a small boy defeated a giant. As I watch the war with Iraq, I see both sides thinking they're David and the other is Goliath. But it seems to me that both America and Iraq are wrong.

Both countries kill innocent people. America has abortion and Iraq kills its people. Instead of pointing fingers at each other, it's time that both countries take a hard look at themselves and begin to improve themselves. Then they should help other countries better themselves.

I think this war will humble both Iraq and America and make us see that both are in the wrong, and that we have to not judge each other, but change and become better for the sake of our children.

Alan Kim
Aiea

Long-term care plan another ripoff

I remember during Frank Fasi's reign as Honolulu's mayor, he signed a bill for a sewer charge of $6 per billing period. Today that same sewage tax has risen to about $80 per billing. It looks like Mayor Harris wants to increase this tax another 50 percent.

I also remember Hurricane Iniki, when the insurance companies packed all their money and deserted homeowners. The state then forced homeowners to buy their hurricane insurance, with the state setting the premium and price. Then, after collecting millions of dollars in the hurricane fund, there were no guarantees that you would be protected from the next hurricane.

I remember then-Gov. Ben Cayetano raided the hurricane fund, without due regard to homeowners, to balance the state budget.

Now the big ripoff is in session. The long-term care bill proposes to tax us all a starting charge of $10 per month. Who will qualify? Who will be in charge?

As a senior and a taxpayer on a fixed income, the thought of once again being ripped off scares me. Those who control our government don't seem to be too concerned about the people. But I will always remember.

Robert R. Barry
Pearl City

Pet quarantine system doesn't need changing

Let's not fix something that is not broken. I am disgusted that so much attention is given to try to change the animal quarantine system because some animals die. I would rather see some of them die than allow sickness or disease into Hawaii.

Their main argument is that rabies vaccines can prevent this from happening. Good idea, maybe, if there were no crooks, cheats or money-hungry people in this world.

I don't think my state should gamble -- no matter what the odds -- on fixing something that is not broken, just because it inconveniences animal owners. Keep the quarantine as it is.

Henry Pundyke
Kaneohe