Churchill's visit about academic freedom

Recent discussions opposing Ward Churchill's talk at the University of Hawaii have included characterizations of the University of Colorado professor as "un-American" and "evil." Such descriptions would no doubt have the late Arthur Miller reaching for a pen to revisit his work on the Salem witch trials. But the real issue here is that those who opposed Churchill's UH visit (perhaps not realizing that many supporters of the talk vehemently disagree with Churchill on a multiplicity of issues) were missing a crucial point: Ward Churchill's visit was not really about Ward Churchill at all.

Churchill's visit to UH was about valuing free speech, upholding the spirit of academic freedom, which involves open expression and transparent debate, and, equally important, respect for informed discussions within and beyond the university that do not boil complex, controversial and problematic ideas down to cable television and drive-time radio sound-bites. In other words, for many of us, Churchill's visit was about supporting an American society that will not find us sitting in a room someday answering the question: "Are you now or have you ever written a letter to a newspaper about free speech and academic freedom?"

Right to speak doesn't include payment

Ward Churchill has a right to speak his mind, as long as he does it on his own dime and not mine. The only reason anyone has anything to say about Churchill's right to speak is that his visit was partially paid for by public funds. And of course, while he has the right to speak, I have the right to ignore him.

To those at the University of Hawaii who invited him here, if your convictions on "free speech" are so strong, why didn't you pay for his visit out of your own pockets?

UH didn't allow head of NRA free speech

With puffed-up chests we are proud that our university stands so firmly on matters of freedom and democracy. The controversial and perhaps anti-American Ward Churchill gets to speak. But what happened to these lofty ideals when it was Charlton Heston, then president of the National Rifle Association, scheduled to speak? After a minor controversy he was cancelled.

Perhaps freedom of speech only applies to those with whom UH agrees.

Don't judge Churchill by others' words

The First Amendment to the Constitution establishes the right to freedom of speech and does so clearly in the context of persuading others. We are all free to utter our deepest, darkest thoughts to the bathroom mirror. It is the suppression of the right to persuade others in a public forum that is so dangerous and is being attempted in the case of Ward Churchill.

In our technological society the opportunity to reach those beyond the range of our voice must be guaranteed to all citizens. As a public institution (funded by all taxpayers), the University of Hawaii has a duty to provide a forum in the interests of academic freedom and a properly functioning democracy. The UH administration is claiming that faculty and other organizations are privately funding Churchill's talk. If this is indeed the case, the administration should be ashamed. Not everyone can be guaranteed a forum; it must be earned in some way.

Churchill is a tenured and well-published professor. His original article was solicited by a third party who presumably thought he would have something interesting to say. I urge everyone to resist the efforts of those who would silence anyone with whom they may disagree. Let Churchill speak and be judged on what he says, not on what others say about him.

Elites used Churchill to bolster their esteem

There was some speculation that Ward Churchill may have used his notoriety for a free trip to Hawaii to speak at the University of Hawaii. That may or may not be the case, but regardless, he was used by the "intellectual" elites of our community who invited him to speak here; they used him to bolster their image of themselves as intellectual superiors.

One cannot consider himself an intellectual and make a name for himself by espousing beliefs and traditions that have evolved throughout our history and are held by the majority. No, true intellectual elites must have revolutionary, cutting-edge ideas that clearly put them on a higher intellectual plane than the common rabble. What better way to do this than to support a controversial America-hating academic telling us in no uncertain terms how terribly wrong and misguided most of us are? Not only does this validate their vision of themselves as intellectually superior to the great unwashed but, through their time-honored subterfuge of wrapping themselves in the First Amendment as justification, it also provides them the bonus of feeling morally superior as well.

Band leader candidate is an inspiration

I support Michael Nakasone as the Royal Hawaiian Band bandmaster. Through his musicianship, leadership and superb teaching skills, he elevated the Pearl City High School Marching Band into one of our nation's most respected and honored bands.

I know this because my youngest son, David, served four years in the band and concluded his senior year as the band's drum major. I saw how Mike both instructs and inspires his students. I witnessed how the band built pride among the band members, the school, the Pearl City community, the island of Oahu and the state.

And I saw how Mike built character. David graduated from the University of Hawaii and is now a public school music teacher. He aspires to be a band teacher, just like Mike.

Mike will be a positive force for the Royal Hawaiian Band. He will bring unquestioned musicianship and leadership to this special band.

Warrior talent doesn't match ticket prices

When I read Jayne A. Henley-Davis' letter ("UH football prices would be Hail Marys," Star-Bulletin, Feb. 20), I thought it was a misprint. I did a little research and found out that they really are raising the prices that much. I don't know how they can even justify $500 for a season ticket, let alone $3,500.

From what I've read and seen about University of Hawaii football, it would be a stretch to consider it a Division 1 team. They could never compete with the PAC-10, BIG-10, ACC or any other big college football teams. They could probably compete with the Ivy League -- that is, in football, not academics.

I called my kid brother to ask him how much he was paying for a season ticket (he has four seats) to the New York Giants games at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, and he told me that he's paying $600 per seat. This is for an NFL team.

My advice to Jayne and other fans who feel like they've been had is to stay away. Maybe they'll get the message and come down out of the stratosphere, and down to earth.

Development ruins Hawaii's character

I have been increasingly worried about the ongoing development and building going on in Hawaii. From Pupukea to Honolulu it seems to never end.

Uncontrolled immigration to our islands, military buildup, developments, malls and a proposed tunnel under Pearl Harbor all stand in the way of preservation of our islands. The state and city governments talk of closing off fishing to the local people to preserve for future generations while allowing development to continue. All this makes no sense to me.

I believe it's time we put an end to development and immigration to Hawaii. It's time we tell the developers and our representatives we don't need their money and the filth that comes with it. If we ever expect Hawaii to be just a part of what it used to be we must stop this assault on our lands. For those from outside Hawaii, I urge you to research and to see what Hawaii once was and what she has become.