Democracy can't be imposed on Iraqis
You can have a 50-point plan and there still won't be peace in Iraq ("Bush vows steady course toward Iraqi self-rule," Star-Bulletin, May 25). You can lead Iraq to freedom and democracy, but what makes you think Iraqis want those things?How can you bring stability to a region of the world that has never been stable and never will be? Different factions have and will keep control of their country no matter what the United States wants. These factions don't want to be free, they want to be in control.
Different religions, different sects, different ideologies have remained for thousands of years and they are not going to change. And there are people caught in the crossfire who just want to be free, but freedom isn't free, it has to be earned.
If the people in Iraq want a free and democratic Iraq, they're going to have to get along and earn it.
James Moreira
Waialua
World's problems hit home in Hawaii
First, Governor Lingle's trip to Tel Aviv put Hawaii on the map for the Islamic militants who hate America. The Palestine-Israel conflict is the crux of the problem they have with the United States.Why do we need to be on their radar screen right now? Will someone tell me how this can possibly benefit Hawaii? Most of us here don't even consider ourselves part of the United States; now we can join the mainland in being a target.
Then, I read that Verizon is selling its holdings in Hawaii to the Carlyle Group.
Could this be the same discredited Carlyle Group that is deeply connected to this foul Iraq war and the corrupt oil politics of our pretend president?
I can't believe we in Hawaii have to be tainted by being connected to this group of corrupt uber-capitalists. Do they think we are too stupid out here to know who the Carlyle Group is?
Liz Randol
Pahoa, Hawaii
Nordstrom may feel familiar for locals
I enjoyed the article on Nordstrom coming to Hawaii ("Nordstrom to anchor Ala Moana," Star-Bulletin, May 25). On the mainland, Nordstrom has the look and feel of the old Liberty House in many ways. Sorry to hear that so many local businesses are being affected in the neighborhood; I hope there will be some silver linings in the uncertain outlook for them.I have three suggestions on Nordstrom for our local friends and family:
1) They have great quality and strong customer service. You'll want to get to know one regular salesperson in your favorite department. Otherwise the service may seem a bit pushy by local standards.
2) Keep an eye out for the big sales each year. One is to introduce all of the new apparel lines for the new season. Everything is one-third off during that month-long sale. The other sales are the women's and children's half-yearly sale before Christmas and also the men's half-yearly sale just after Christmas.
3) It's Nordstrom, not Nordstrom's. Like Liberty House, not Liberty House's. Same thing.
Jim Dorsey
Los Angeles, Calif.
Why ban pot, when tobacco is lethal?
I want to thank the editor for printing Peter M. White's letter of May 27. He understands how the system ill serves the public when it allows Big Business to grow and sell tobacco, but makes it illegal to grow pot. Pot has never killed anyone. Tobacco kills 400,000 Americans each year. What message are we sending to our children?I tried to get state Sen. Gary Hooser to outlaw tobacco growing in Hawaii, but nothing has happened -- yet. Did you know they are growing "nicotine-free" tobacco on Kauai?
John Wyatt
Kapaa, Kauai
Waikiki sidewalks inspire song, shopping
People who are building the sidewalks of Waikiki appear to have forgotten their basic function, which is to get the user to his destination directly, quickly and safely with as few bumps and distractions as possible.Recent developments in Waikiki -- the Kalia Tower, Niketown, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Town & Country and 2001 Kalakaua -- have landscaped over the traditional sidewalks fronting them and replaced them with beautiful, meandering paths away from the curbs and closer to the stores. The slopes of these sidewalks range from slight to hazardously steep. It is difficult for pedestrians on these new paths to know whether they are on public or private property. It inspires new lyrics to an old song:
Eastside, westside,
All over Waikiki.
Sidewalks have strayed from curbside
Onto private property.
Tourists and locals must meander
Can't go straight from point A to point B.
You are nudged to holo holo and become a shopper
On the sidewalks of Waikiki.
Richard Y. Will
Honolulu
We were warned to avoid Iraqi conflict
Finally, the media are reporting the reasons the Bush administration should not have gone to war in Iraq.AP quotes retired Marine Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, former commander of the U.S. Central Command and special Middle East envoy from 2001 to 2003, as speaking out against invading Iraq before the war began.
Zinni regarded it as "disastrous for Middle East peace, and a distraction from the war against terrorism." Last Monday, he said, "getting rid of Saddam Hussein was not worth the price."
Zinni added, "He's a terrible guy and he should go. But I don't think it's worth 800 troops dead, 4,500 of them wounded -- some of them terribly -- $200 billion of our treasury and counting, and our reputation and our image in the world, particularly in that region, shattered."
George Bush's monumental mistake in "going it alone" in Iraq and pursuing Iraq's oil under the pretense of bringing the people democracy, will cost this country lives, money and respect for years to come.
Sally Raisbeck
Wailuku, Maui
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Acts of cruelty to animals can
presage violence to humansThe Star-Bulletin in May has reported on two high-profile animal cruelty cases. One is the case in which a Good Samaritan was severely beaten at Waimanalo Beach Park in March 2003 after he tried to stop another man from beating his dog to death.
The second was a more recent report from the Big Island in which three cats were killed and then hanged in public. It's particularly disturbing to contemplate the pain and suffering that were a part of these animals' demise.
The Hawaiian Humane Society and other humane organizations throughout the state have been following these cases, as have human service organizations. The media attention reflects a growing interest to better understand the link between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence. This connection has gained a tremendous amount of national publicity as communities aim to reduce animal cruelty, as well as family and community violence.
All too often, there is a progression from animal abuse to violence against people. In the Waimanalo case, the transfer of violence from dog to human was quick and seamless. In the cat-killing case, it remains to be seen if the cat killer(s) will some day commit acts of violence against people.
If someone would prey on a defenseless animal, what is to stop them from choosing an equally defenseless child or elderly person as their next victim? The FBI uses animal abuse as a measure to profile criminals. What the FBI acknowledges is that animal cruelty cases are not isolated acts in which animals will be the only victims of these predators. They are distinctive traits that can indicate a violent, abusive personality that has a dangerous potential to unleash anger on humans.
The entire community should be concerned about animal cruelty, as it has the potential to affect all of us. Those who commit acts of violence against animals must know that the law doesn't take these crimes lightly.
Pamela Burns
President and CEO
Hawaiian Humane Society
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[ BRAINSTORM! ]
The ponds at the state Capitol are full of icky green stuff. What, besides holding an election, can we do to get rid of all that scum at the Big Square Building? Or should we just replace the ponds with something else?Tell us what you think, whether you know of a way to clean the ponds or if you'd rather see a remodel of the Capitol grounds. Anything would be an improvement.
Send your ideas by June 16 to:
Or by mail:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
Star-Bulletin
500 Ala Moana
7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813Or by fax:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
529-4750
