Brainstorm! Challenge

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It's not polite to block the passing lane

The problem in Hawaii is not speeding, but lax driving techniques. People do not realize that no matter how fast they think they're going in the left (passing) lane, they should move over if someone comes up behind them. Passing someone is not rude or disrespectful, so move over and let others pass. On the mainland, it is common courtesy to move over and let faster cars pass. This lets traffic flow smoothly, without all three lanes going exactly the same speed so no one can pass.

Use common sense and courtesy when driving. You are not the only person on the road, no matter what you think.

Ian Smith
Kailua

Senior Bush was wise to stay out of mess

I commend and pray for our troops serving in harm's way, especially in Iraq. They are following the orders of their superiors. On the other hand, I have problems with why they're there.

First, Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. This case has almost been irrefutably proved erroneous. Second, we are there to free the Iraqi people from tyranny and provide them democracy. For real? Tell that to Native Americans and the many peoples of the world who are controlled by outsiders and conquerors.

It'll be extremely difficult to get out of Iraq and leave an ideal democratic country. I believe the senior President Bush, General Shinseki and others were hesitant to get our country into that quagmire because of what's happening there now. They had the foresight, prudence and wisdom to avoid getting our country into such a mess.

As a retired veteran who served in the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, I believe attacking Iraq was wrong and that the U.S. will pay heavily for its transgression. Nevertheless, let us not forget our troops and people of good will who are trying to make this world a more peaceful and better place to live. May those who have sacrificed their lives rest in eternal peace, and may their families be comforted.

Last, let's pray for our leaders that they may have the wisdom to lead our country on the right and proper course.

Lawrence M.O. Chun
Kailua

How would critics have prevented 9/11?

I just finished reading the most recent letters to the editor accusing the administration of not doing enough to prevent the tragedy of 9/11. Many believe the title alone of the Aug. 6 Presidential Daily Brief, "Bin Ladin Determined to Strike U.S.," should have put us on increased alert. However, as I read and re-read the entire document I saw nothing that gave even the slightest indication of the type and enormity of attack that took place on 9/11. This brought numerous questions to mind for the writers.

Before 9/11, could anyone have reasonably imagined that our enemies were capable of committing mass murder on such a monstrous scale in the manner that they did?

Could any of you suggest what measures should have been taken to prevent the tragedy?

Should we have passed the Patriot Act, or something like it, before 9/11? Even knowing the sad lessons of that tragedy, its provisions are still opposed by many.

Should we have resorted to the type of profiling that might seem to be indicated by the PDB's warning of al-Qaida's recruitment of Muslim-American youth? How would this have been received by groups such as the ACLU and other champions of individual rights?

Should our military have shot down the planes before they were crashed into their targets? If so, what would the public reaction have been to a president who ordered the downing of civilian aircraft that, as far as we knew at the time, might have been highjacked but were apparently only off course and out of communication? Should we shoot down any plane that is highjacked in the future?

What would you have done differently? Or are you politicizing this tragedy to vent against a president you dislike?

Doug Thomas
Mililani

Dump Democrats who think you're stupid

Senate President Robert Bunda, House Speaker Calvin Say and the rest of the state Democrats voted against letting the people vote on education reform. They think you are too stupid to decide if the Department of Education needs to be changed. Are you? If you re-elect these incumbents, you will, without a doubt, prove them right.

Dalton Sinclair
Wailuku, Maui

City projects would have to pass Mufi test

In reference to Patrick Stanley's letter of April 11: If Stanley or anyone else is interested in what Mufi Hannemann's platform is for the office of mayor, I would suggest their going to his Web site (www.votemufi.com/). It is perfectly clear on this site exactly what he plans to accomplish as mayor in his first 100 days in office.

Be it the neighborhood board, City & County of Honolulu or the state of Hawaii government, they should all be working together on economic development, transportation, education and the University of Hawaii. As much as we need our streets paved, sewers fixed and any number of other things, there has to be a list of priorities and I am sure these things are at the top of Hannemann's list but that does not mean he should ignore the other needs of the citizens of the Honolulu.

Mufi has always said that before he will start any project there are three questions that have to be asked and answered "yes" to: 1. Do we need it? 2. Can we afford it? 3. Can we maintain it? I have every confidence that those questions will always be foremost with Hannemann as mayor.

Sharon McCarthy
Hauula

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] Hawaii is popularly known as "The Aloha State." What might be a better slogan? To get started, think about what you might see around the islands -- rainbows, waves, sand, traffic jams, homeless orangutans ... Send your ideas by April 21 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or by mail: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or by fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750