Realities of transit are becoming apparent

Every time I read recent comments on the proposed transit system, it seems those who initially supported the idea finally understand the reality of the situation. From the staggering projected cost to the unsightly renderings as well as the city's poor track record of managing any public project, they finally realize that they may have bitten more than they can chew.

I hope for everybody's sake that our good mayor comes to this same realization and puts aside his political agenda, and really explores other alternatives -- sensible alternatives that will not put our city government and the people of Hawaii in the biggest tax dollar chasm in its history.

Doctors don't seem to be doing too poorly

This is in response to the July 2 "Gathering Place" column, co-authored by a number of local doctors, regarding low reimbursements by Medicare and HMSA and high malpractice premiums. These doctors claim they are suffering financially and many in their profession are leaving Hawaii for that reason.

Strange, but the doctors I personally know are doing very well. One internist, who practices at Queen's Medical Center, built a two-story, marble-floored mansion in Manoa and also bought two Mercedes-Benzes. His financial condition can't be that bad, because his three children also became physicians. One daughter is a gerontologist while another is an allergist. The son is a cosmetic dermatologist, who is looking to buy a $2.5 million house in a posh neighborhood in Honolulu.

A neurosurgeon at Kaiser Medical Center remodeled his house to include a huge indoor swimming pool. He bought two Jaguars. Two other physicians I know own a mansion with a swimming pool in Waialae-Iki. Their son became a surgeon.

It seems to me these doctors are far from being poor or strapped for cash. If the situation were that dire, I am sure they would have left Hawaii a long time ago.

We still have a right to protest Iraq war

Harley Earl seems to have bought the big lie that patriotism and wars are the same ("Protesters learned nothing from past," Letters, July 2). Iraq is not a just or necessary war, and we still have the right to say so, though the radical right Bushies are working against it. A just war must be a last resort, after all nonviolent options have been tried. Iraq is not a just war, and peace is patriotic.

Don't let judges decide national defense

Regarding "Judge rules Navy can't use sonar at RIMPAC" (Star-Bulletin, July 4): Since when does the judiciary determine national defense?

Here again is another example of judicial tyranny. As a citizen I will spread biblical Christianity as a counter to this judicial tyranny. That is what I can do to combat these judicial dictators.

Soccer fans can bring peace to the world

Soccer, the beautiful game. The most beautiful sport next to horse racing is this art of war played out as ballet on a field of green in the summer sun. Epic stadiums with no food or drink served so all attention is on the drama. The most elegant players from every corner of the world draped in patriotism and the most beautiful wives and girlfriends in sports.

The English created this theater of dreams, allowing any country to dream of winning it all. The most and best fans in the world sing, creating opera and an atmosphere you can cut with a knife. A single war drum is the heartbeat of the game and drives the songs, chants and in Brazil ... the dance of love and life.

As the only world religion, soccer can stop war. The destiny of soccer is to create a day of peace on Earth.

This is the greatest World Cup ever, a global event cumulatively watched by every person on Earth four times. Let's each do our part sending out the aloha, asking the players and the world to make July 9, the final, be a historic day of world peace for the children of Earth.