Brainstorm! Challenge

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Little compassion given to Iraqi civilians

How can Americans raise so much fuss over the return of former POW Jessica Lynch and express such little compassion for the thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians, including children, who lost their lives at the hands of our armed forces in this unjustified war?

It's one more reason for the rest of the world to scratch their heads in dismay at yet another great American paradox.

J.P. Muntal
Kaneohe

Legislation is all about what's right and wrong

America is facing an acute moral crisis. Emboldened by the recent overturning of a Texas sodomy law, an attorney defending an adult bookstore has filed suit to overturn an Ohio obscenity law. He has said, "Legislative bodies are not to legislate morality." What a laughable statement. Laws define right and wrong behavior. The only thing legislative bodies do is legislate morality.

Kent Hirata is correct in his July 24 letter to the editor that the Bible is not a scientific book. It is a book of morality, and as such is perfectly suited to clarify for us whether sexual behaviors such as homosexuality are right or wrong, regardless of their origin.

Based upon existing scientific evidence, noted psychologist James Dobson has stated, "I am certain that homosexuality does not result from irresistible genetic influences, as some would have us believe." Whether this is true or not, the Bible clearly states that the practice of homosexuality is wrong, according to the vast majority of biblical scholars who work from the original languages of scripture. We would do well to cling to this biblical view through the rough moral waters ahead.

Steve Klein
Kailua

Pali rumble strips create more hazards

The rumble strips on Pali Highway are a hazard and a distraction. Drivers do not slow down as intended. Instead, they focus on the strips, often weaving to avoid them, and do not pay proper attention to the traffic light, other cars or pedestrians.

Over time, there are likely to be more accidents and injuries than before. It was a poorly conceived idea and a waste of taxpayers' money. The residents in that area should insist that they be removed.

Foy Varner
Kaneohe

Horse racing would be a boon to Hawaii

With the release of the popular movie "Seabiscuit" and all the hype surrounding this year's Triple Crown hopeful Funny Cide, Hawaii should consider becoming a part of the multibillion-dollar industry of thoroughbred horse racing.

A parimutuel racetrack in west central Oahu could prove to be the single greatest boost to our state's economy. Every industry and business could benefit financially. Revenue could go directly to education and social programs.

Horse racing is huge in Japan, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong and other Pacific and Asian nations. People from these countries, the mainland and Canada would be drawn here.

Unlike casinos or a state lottery, horse racing can be enjoyed by the entire family. Nothing is more beautiful than to witness the magnificence of thoroughbred horses.

Horse racing was once a popular activity in Hawaii. From commoner to alii, a day at the races at Kapiolani Park was enjoyed by all. It is an idea whose time has come again.

Raymond E. Noh
Honolulu

Dentsu will do well for Hawaii in Japan

It's always sad to read that someone has lost or resigned from a job, and I'm sure the 17 workers for the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau who may lose their jobs do the best they can while still employed (Star-Bulletin, July 26). But as a Hawaii resident who works in radio in Japan, I am confident our state made the wisest decision by awarding Dentsu of Japan the contract to promote Hawaii in that country.

Dentsu is by far the largest, most experienced ad agency in Japan, with the best people and the brightest advertising talents who will be able to influence more people to visit Hawaii, and thus reward our economy with brighter days ahead.

Robert W. Zix
(aka Kamasami Kong, FM802) Osaka, Japan

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] "What can be done with utility poles and lines to improve the view from our highways? Is legislation necessary, or perhaps some sort of invention or new technology?" Send your ideas and solutions by August 14 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or mail them to: Brainstorm! c/o Burl Burlingame Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Fax: Brainstorm! c/o Burl Burlingame 529-4750