Media ignored major Iraq-U.S. milestone

I am stunned that there was virtually no mention of the third anniversary of the fall of Baghdad in Sunday's papers. It was a pretty big event, irrespective of all the politics surrounding the subject. One would think that since the media are so quick to mark every other anniversary and milestone, that the sudden departures of Saddam Hussein and Baghdad Bob would have gotten at least a footnote on April 9.

Air-fare savings will cost us dearly later

Francis Ibara (Letters, March 26) wrote that we should support Go! airline because their $39 fare "tells you that there are affordable air fares if you have at least three carriers competing instead of two." I'm sorry to inform him that the $39 fare is not a sustainable fare.

Mesa/Go! is offering a fare that is guaranteed to lose money even if the planes are filled. The intention of Mesa/Go! is to force Hawaiian and Aloha airlines to lower their fares to an unprofitable level, then to do it for long enough to force one of them to pull out of the market. Rest assured that if/when that happens, Mesa/Go! will raise their fares significantly to seek profitability. The result? Loss of hundreds of good jobs at one of the established airlines, replaced with minimum-wage jobs at an airline that is a bottom-feeder of the industry. The result for the traveling public? You'll be paying the same fares as before Mesa/Go!'s arrival while receiving an inferior product.

You will reap what you sow. Don't be foolish enough to think that these low fares are here to stay -- or that Mesa/Go! cares one lick about the needs of the traveling Hawaii public. Their strategy is hostile and the victims will be all of us if they succeed.

Young boxers need chances to compete

I would like to give a big mahalo to Ralph Martin for putting on the Junior Olympic Boxing Event on April 8 at Palolo Boxing Gym. This event gave the boxers the opportunity to participate and compete in the sport they love and in which they train hard. Imagine a basketball player who practices every day but never plays competitively. This is exactly what is happening to boxing.

With Police Athletic League boxing only a memory and boxing events being stopped in their tracks, there are no opportunities for the boxers to compete.

It's really sad that a U.S. Olympic sport has all these conflicts in Hawaii. What about the kids who wanted to be the next Brian Viloria or Jesus Salud? Their opportunities are fading away in Hawaii.

The real losers are the kids. Settle the personal conflicts outside of the boxing ring and let the competition go on.

Thank you, Ralph Martin, for your support in boxing.

Don't overstate danger of secondhand smoke

Regarding the April 8 letter from Barbra Pleadwell: Why is it necessary to overstate the hazards of secondhand smoke? The health risk is largely one of perception rather than one of reality. It is hard to see what risk is presented by an al fresco smoker in breezy Oahu.

A far greater risk to those with respiratory disorders must arise from traffic exhaust fumes on the frequently gridlocked streets and also when the wind blows from the direction of the Big Island, replete with volcanic dust and noxious acidic fumes. Worry about real hazards.

Turn your television to a better channel

Beyond everyone's favorites, like "American Idol," let's max out the value out of our family investment in TV sets and cable fees. Start making a habit of checking Olelo, OC 16. It has come a long, long way.

It surely make us better informed about the community in ways that regular news cannot. We see the great things our kids are doing, what decisions are being made by lawmakers while we go on with our lives, and many things going on around us.

So do not turn off that TV but yes, use your dollar wisely by switching to channels that are enlightening.