Patriotism isn't gone; it's alive and well
In the lead article about the passing of Republican President Ronald Reagan on the front page of Star-Bulletin's June 6 edition, New York Times reporter Marilyn Berger wrote that President Reagan possessed the "traditional virtues of a bygone era."Will someone please convey to Berger that "love of country" and "faith in God" (the basic foundation of the president's beliefs) are not "bygone."
T.J. Pochinski
Honolulu
Speeding should be a more serious crime
Regarding "New isle speeding law draws criticism" (Star-Bulletin, June 4): I am happy to see that Act 105, aimed at cutting down on speeding, has been passed. This is a step in the right direction. However, we need a law that would make excessive speeding a felony and reduce the definition of excessive speeding from 90 mph to 75 mph. We also need to provide increased police presence on our freeways.As a driver who buckles up and holds my speed to the speed limit, I am tired of being tail-gated on the freeway. And I am sickened and saddened every time another deadly crash happens on our freeways.
Mary Moon
Ewa Beach
Show your support for bike projects
Are you sick of being stuck in traffic when you only need to go a short distance to work? Then, once you finally get there, do you have to search and search for a parking spot? Do you ever have to take your kids a quick mile down the road? Do you or your family members have a history of high blood pressure? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, keep in mind there is something you can do to improve these conditions -- ride a bike.For short trips, bicycling can be a quick and easy way to reduce traffic congestion and eliminate the need for a parking spot. It can provide inexpensive transportation for those without a driver's license or motor vehicle. Providing bicycles for your children can eliminate trips for you. And bicycling as a form of physical activity can play a role in preventing and controlling health problems, such as hypertension. There is a problem, though -- the lack of safe bicycle routes.
Who wants to send their child out on a bicycle knowing he or she does not have a safe route? Why would we want to use a bicycle as a means of physical activity when there is not a safe area to ride it? For these reasons, we need to support our City Council's decisions to continue funding for "Bicycle Projects."
You can support Bicycle Projects by contacting your Council member and telling him/her you support Project Number 1979063 of Bill 14, titled Bicycle Projects.
Jocelyn Pogue
Honolulu
How do we decide which moms are guilty?
Regarding the stories on the prosecution of Trayshea Aiwohi: It is always horrific news when we hear that any mother has caused the death of her infant, no matter what the circumstances. How does City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle decide to vilify some mothers and not others, I wonder?Wasn't the mother of the baby who died in a locked car at the Windward YMCA while she taught an aquatic fitness class just as negligent as the mother on crack cocaine? Both babies are dead. Drug use is a terrible thing, no doubt, but his job should be in following the rules of the law in each individual case -- not going on a self- serving witch hunt.
Karyn Herrmann
Honolulu
Downtown should offer vibrant cultural life
I am proud to announce the growing support for the movement to beautify downtown with music, arts, theater and dance. Many of us believe that a true cultural district can be created downtown, which will draw locals and tourists alike and take us back to the days when many establishments provided Hawaiian swing music, jazz, dancing and opportunities to enjoy the cultural life.As executive director of the 11th Annual Hawaii International Jazz Festival, I want to announce that we are providing music to galleries and street parties in the Nuuanu Avenue-area during the month of July, as well as presenting two major concerts at the Hawaii Theatre. Our "Swingtime In Hawaii" theme will embrace the Hawaiian Swing and Big Band music of the territorial days, and will show people that the enriching lifestyle of that era needs to return to downtown.
The Nuuanu Merchants Association has formed a coalition with the Hawaii International Jazz Festival and others to help bring this process about.
We invite the people of Honolulu to join us in our quest to develop the downtown area with quality venues for artists of different genres to be given ways to exhibit their talents.
We also applaud the Hawaii Theatre for its fine efforts in presenting local and international artists for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.
Abe Weinstein
Honolulu
It's a good thing Gandhi declined office
It's disappointing to see twice the coverage on anti-India terrorism compared to coverage of the swearing in of India's new prime minister. Despite 100,000 citizens killed by terrorists, India has maintained its democracy. That's a story worthy of coverage.Sonia Gandhi didn't decline the PM post; it was denied her by President Kalam, the constitutional leader of India's government. As an Italian, she is bound by certain reciprocal rules. Indians in Italy can't be elected to any post. Hinduism is not legally recognized in Italy. It's quite arrogant of Sonia to lead a nation with 800 million Hindus and not lift a finger for Hinduism in Italy.
With no leadership experience, she represents everything freedom-loving Indians have fought against -- 800 years of foreign rule, Abrahamic Conversionists, non-democratic dy- nastic rule and unequivocal support of extremist Marxist and Islamic groups. To many Indians, Sonia in charge would be like re-instating apartheid in South Africa.
Vrin Parker
Honolulu
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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
