City should dump trash-hauling business

I read with interest and a little disgust the Nov. 17 Star-Bulletin article about residents and the city services they want. In my opinion, residents should take care of themselves rather than expecting the government to take care of them.

A case in point is trash collection. All residents should be responsible for disposing of their trash; the city should not be responsible. This service is handled privately in many cities, and since all multi-resident buildings, offices and industrial buildings have to handle their own trash disposal, all residents should, too. I do not know what it costs the city to do this for single-family homes, but I am sure it would be a lot less if it were privatized.

As for parks, I see people using beach parks, but the others, such as Aala Park, are just places for drug dealers and the homeless. I do not see people in the neighborhood using them.

Recreational services, senior activities, botanical gardens, all should be handled by the private sector through charities or churches. The government should not be involved.

As soon as Hawaii citizens figure out that they need to take responsibility for themselves and to quit relying on the government for everything, we will be able to have our taxes reduced and to have a more friendly climate for both the citizens and businesses in this state.

Circle deserves round of applause

Kudos to The Outdoor Circle for its recent "win" against flying billboards ("Judge clips sky signs in Waikiki," Star-Bulletin, Nov. 10). Four times and counting -- that's impressive. Thank you, Mary Steiner and The Outdoor Circle, for all that you do to protect Hawaii's spectacular natural beauty.

Outdoor Circle kept skies free of signs

I'd like to thank The Outdoor Circle for standing up to protect Hawaii again. In its latest victory, The Outdoor Circle supported the effort to block the horrible blight of aerial advertising in the skies over Honolulu. Can you imagine the beauty and tranquility of Hawaii's beaches being broken by noisy aircraft towing large advertising signs?

The fact is The Outdoor Circle has always been there to block those who would pollute the wonderful views of paradise. Now, once again, its time for Hawaii to stand up and say to these dedicated crusaders "mahalo nui loa."

Shooting 'wounded' may be safest policy

The terrorists intentionally mass murder, kidnap, torture and decapitate innocent civilians. We know they use suicide bombings and booby-trapped bodies and do not follow any rules of civilized conduct.

Given those facts, what should the U.S. military policy be when, during the heat of battle, soldiers approach possibly wounded terrorists? Should our fighting men be required to get close enough to a potentially booby-trapped body and risk their lives and the lives of their brothers in arms?

State hospital staff worked hard to improve

I have been a mental health consumer and advocate in Hawaii since 1979. I would like to thank state Adult Mental Health Division chief Thomas Hester and the staff and administration of Hawaii State Hospital for their tremendous work in the soon-to-be-reclaimed state hospital from federal oversight after many long years ("Hospital passes muster," Star-Bulletin, Nov. 13).

I am very happy to read about the reduction in the use of seclusion and restraints. These are still being used today in the hospitals, but I understand that recently a grant was awarded to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division to study the reduction of restraints and seclusion. I hope that in the near future, a complete, humane alternative to these measures is found.

In the early 1980s, our bipolar support group developed a program in which we brought resources, snacks and drinks and our own experiences to share with the patients at Hawaii State Hospital. I remember the shackles, the bars in the windows, the seclusion rooms and other horrors.

Thank you, Dr. Hester. You have always listened to us and you care deeply.

Censorship critics apply double standard

Your editorial saying KITV should have aired "Saving Private Ryan" missed the mark (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 12). What you have said is that the adult material in this film would be acceptable to government censors because of the film's overall message. This is similar to the attitude many took about violence in "Passion of the Christ" or nudity in "Schindler's List" or "Roots." In each case what seems to excuse the film is the politically correct content.

"Ryan" promotes American values of patriotism. Therefore, President Bush's FCC appointees would not fine stations that air it. Janet Jackson's breast exposure promotes hedonism, a value contrary to that of the administration. Hence fines are levied.

This is a double standard in terms of the acceptability of violence and nudity. Two movies with similar levels of adult material are treated differently based on their political messages. This is a blatant undermining of the First Amendment.