Brainstorm! Challenge

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Farewell to a man who lives in memories

It matters not who we are, what we are, fame and fortune, stature, intellect and ability that we may possess; the common tread for all of us is that we are to be born once, to live once and to die once without exceptions.

However and nonetheless, the aura of Ronald Reagan's persona and his legacies shall forever be remembered. And fear not, we'll be communicating with the Great Communicator in our memories.

Rest in peace, Mr. Ronald Reagan.

Tetsuji Ono
Hilo

Great Communicator left a lesser legacy

Some say Ronald Reagan committed treason by undermining then-President Carter's negotiations with Iran during the hostage crisis, making deals to sell weapons for the hostages that were released on his inauguration day -- and strong evidence supports that.

Some say he was a war criminal who violated congressional directives with his Contra war against Nicaragua's legitimate government, and he probably was.

Some say his administration welcomed greed and financial corruption, setting an example of dishonest accounting that allowed the savings and loan banking collapse, and it is likely true.

Some say he polished the use of partisan regulatory appointees whose actual job was to oversee abuse of the resources and people their agencies were designed to protect, and he probably did.

Some say his extravagant support of Mujaheddin guerrillas resisting Russian control of Afghanistan created trained and dedicated Islamic terrorist groups like al-Qaida, and they are likely right.

But this charming actor's most important legacy may be his repeal of the FCC's Fairness Doctrine.

The consolidation of commercial radio, TV, print and film media sources under a few companies, whose management varies from partisan to timid, has made free press and speech endangered species.

Heavy investment in PR "perception management," the barrage from hired opinionators, the "reporters" on a second partisan paycheck and the systematic exclusion of those who actually question authority has left much of the public thoroughly, if uneasily, misinformed.

Our inheritance: voodoo economics and excommunicated history.

Daniel Grantham
Haiku, Maui

President Reagan was tough act to follow

President Reagan: You will find someone to take his place ... but you'll never find anyone to replace him.

Chester Chaffee
Pearl City

Reagan presidency marked by corruption

The popularity of Ronald Reagan symbolizes the continued refusal of many Americans to make a connection between public policies and the quality of life in the nation. Surveys during his administration showed that while he enjoyed immense popularity, many Americans disagreed with many of his positions.

Reagan dismally failed to take strong leadership on the AIDS epidemic that killed tens of thousands of Americans. He openly supported the Contras in Nicaragua, who were henchman of the former dictator. His administration was the most corrupt in the history of our nation. Reagan acknowledged that he committed impeachable offenses, including the selling of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages.

During his administration, the American middle class declined by 25 percent. He looted the national treasury by promoting three tax cuts that increased the percentage of wealth controlled by the top one percent of Americans from 25 to 37 percent. Reagan presided over the decline in good-paying manufacturing jobs and the proliferation of low-paying non-union jobs in the service sector of the economy.

For those who disagree, please take the time to check the above empirical observations.

Bill Honer
Honolulu

Brokaw's Normandy query inappropriate

The resting place of so many thousands who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy, to rid the world of yet another tyrannical maniac, with row upon row upon row of startling white crosses, each with its own "old glory" in the ultimate sacrifice, spread out in almost endless pristine order on a lush green carpet.

Even the presence for the first time of a dignitary of the opposing army added to the irony and sadness of a president's passing two days prior, who had melted the ice of another lingering threat we would never forget.

On the same Sunday, June 6, NBC's Tom Brokaw would sit under an age-old oak tree that could well have been a witness, to reflect with President Bush on the memory of Ronald Reagan and the gallant masses.

Asked to recall his thoughts on Reagan, the president responds that "truly he was an American icon."

And then, as if to invade the decency, "Mr. President, do you feel the fallen in Iraq, in 50 years, will be remembered in the same way?" In an eerie pause, the president faltered, as if in shock.

There's a time and a place for everything. Brokaw immediately should have been fired on the spot.

How disgraceful can a news anchor get?

John L. Werrill
Honolulu

Case respects rules on campaign signs

A big mahalo to Ed Case for observing the Outdoor Circle's guidelines for putting up campaign signs. Other candidates' ugly signs dot the roadside and pollute our scenery. I understand that the signs are necessity -- read "blight on the environment" -- but it is not necessary to create such stink for the eye in the spring.

The Outdoor Circle recommends waiting until 90 days before the election. That's plenty of time. Shame on all the candidates who wouldn't wait.

Tracey Bennett
Honolulu

Running away won't make Hawaii better

Born and raised in Hawaii, I have seen the people of Hawaii not wanting change in politics. People are now moving away to the mainland, to the likes of Las Vegas. These are the same people who've voted the Democrats into power year in and year out and now they decide they want to run from the mess they too have created for this lovely state we call home.

Now it's election time again and I hope, on behalf of those who left for real change, the warriors will vote for a better change.

Matt Martin
Las Vegas, Nev.

Big cats don't live for our amusement

Once again this year, the state fair has chosen to have an animal act. I say "chosen" because the decision is a choice, not a necessity. In the past, it has been chimps, donkeys and other unfortunate animals. This year, it is a beautiful tiger, forced to perform tricks for the public. The tiger performs when the whip is snapped.

Austria recently passed Europe's toughest animal-protection law, including the banning of lions and tigers from Austrian circuses. The new legislation carries penalties of as much as $18,160 and empowers authorities to seize violators' animals.

It is unfortunate and sad that the United States has not taken the lead in setting an example for compassionate treatment of animals. It is also sad that Hawaii still clings to the ways of the past, continuing to support the exploitation of animals for human entertainment. However, it is the people who enable this by attending performances of this type. It is time for the people to refuse to patronize these cruel animal acts. If there were no market for them, they would not continue year after year.

If you plan to attend the fair, please do not patronize the tiger act. The people have the ultimate power. Please use it and make the compassionate choice.

Pamela Davis
Honolulu

Galuteria's words offer hope for all

Although Richard Borreca's article was mostly about Hawaii's GOP (Star-Bulletin, June 7), it was for me about Brickwood Galuteria's eloquent and strong rebuttal. That the man is the new Democratic Party chairman is of no consequence to me. I am an independent. Brickwood's comments reflect a sense of hope for all of us citizens. And nationally, Mr. G., both John Kerry and George W. Bush, I believe, are not the people's choice.

May love, peace and liberty prevail throughout our state, our nation and beyond.

Ka'upena Wong
Waianae

Rules are appropriate for morning-after pill

Hawaii Medical Association is surprised and dismayed that Star-Bulletin's June 4 editorial "Move swiftly on rules for morning-after pill" criticized the governor for not more quickly to implement Act 201, allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception.

The HMA would like to commend Gov. Lingle for ensuring that there will be a public rule-making process that allows physicians and members of the public to comment. We also commend the Board of Pharmacy for undertaking the process diligently and appropriately.

The rule-making process for emergency contraception is necessary and will allow the Board of Pharmacy to:

>> ensure pharmacist training addresses the sensitive communications often encountered in emergency contraception, service to minors, quality assurance, referral to additional services, documentation and a crisis plan if pharmacy operations are disrupted by protesters;

>> ensure that the pharmacist dispenses only certain drugs approved for emergency contraception by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

>> establish protocol to ensure patients receive all necessary information;

>> specify any limitations agreed upon by the pharmacists and physician;

>> provide an informed consent agreement signed by both the pharmacist and patient to notify the patient about the emergency contraception drug.

>> gives the pharmacy board the authority to reject pharmacist-physician agreements that do not comply with the law.

Again, we thank the governor and pharmacy board for acting in the best interest of the health and safety of our citizens.

Sherrel Hammar, MD, President
Philip Hellreich, MD, Legislative chair
Paula Arcena, Executive director
Hawaii Medical Association

Mom knew 'ice' was illegal her first time

This is in response to Joe Ryan's June 8 letter to the editor concerning a mother being a "victim" of ice dealers and our city prosecutor.

The mother is not a victim. She chose to do drugs, and it was her decision to bring the crack pipe to her lips for the first time. There was a point in her life when she could have had the moral courage to steer clear of drugs and lowlifes that hover around the world of drugs. Was it back in the elementary school? Who were her role models? Did her parents talk to her about what happened to people who used drugs?

I was born in 1970 and grew up in Kahaluu. I saw drug use rampant at the fifth-grade level. Did I have anything in common with the kids that were screwing around with pakalolo? No! I was raised better. Mom and Dad gave me the basic tools of being respectful and of understanding what it takes to be a productive citizen. I think before Ryan blames ice dealers and the prosecutors for the ice epidemic, he should ponder what a million good moms and dads could do to stop drug use ... period.

Parents, don't just tell your kids it's bad to take drugs. Let them know it is a morally bad thing that will end with a trip to jail -- if it doesn't ruin their lives and others' lives first.

Brad Hayes
Kapolei

Isle GOP hopefuls finally have their day

I attended the Republican Convention last weekend at the Sheraton in Waikiki. I have been a Democrat for most of my life, but have found myself identifying more and more with the Republicans here in Hawaii.

I enjoyed the convention and I think the Republicans have a lot of good candidates and enthusiasm going into the fall elections.

I was especially impressed with congressional candidate Mike Gabbard, who sang a Hawaiian song and also gave a great speech. For the first time in many years, the Republicans have a good shot at gaining the 2nd Congressional District seat and a majority in the state House.

If I were a Democrat, I definitely wouldn't be taking any vacations before November.

Rich Logan
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: 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