Law on fetuses should be changed
The recent news story about the attack and killing of a mother's unborn child was despicable news ("Man allegedly stabs son, kills wife's unborn child,"
Star-Bulletin, June 13). It's even more horrific knowing that the alleged perpetrator can't be charged with murder in that specific crime under current Hawaii law.
I support legislation that would make the killing of an unborn child by an attacking third party (i.e., a nonmedical professional) a capital offense.
Legislators who support a woman's right to choose shouldn't confuse their issue with this issue. It's time to do the right thing and make violent attackers stand trial for the real crimes they commit.
Rep. Colleen Meyer
R, Laie to Kaneohe
Why not give tax evaders amnesty, too?
What is the point in having any immigration laws, if the political hacks periodically grant amnesty to the illegals? Can we all evade taxes and assume that we will have amnesty also?
Phil Robertson
Honolulu
Politicians protected by First Amendment
Wow, for years I was under the impression that the First Amendment protected the speech of all citizens, to include public and elected officials. Oh, but wait, that doesn't include comments concerning Christianity. Thanks to my good friend Mitch Kahle (
Letters, June 14) for pointing out that Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona has no business whatsoever voicing his "personal" religious beliefs.
Knowing Kahle's disdain for Christianity, I am not surprised at his negative spin on the lieutenant governor. Let's try to look at it in a different light: like President Bush, Aiona seeks to preserve life to include the human life within a woman's body; like Bush, Aiona wishes to have a balanced curriculum in schools -- no one wants a one-sided viewpoint.
As far as Kahle's comment about how "men of God" elected to office are so evil, I am confident that he is familiar with the Founding Fathers' viewpoints, in particular that of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin separated virtue, morality and faith from organized religion, although he felt that if religion in general grew weaker, morality, virtue, and society in general would also decline. As he wrote Thomas Paine, "If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it." I think Hawaii couldn't do any better than
James "Duke" Aiona.
James Roller
Mililani
Elected officials have right to express faith
In response to "Aiona mixes religion and politics" (
Letters, June 14): There is evidence of a creator, just look around. For example, when you look at automobiles, you know they have a designer or creator, and when you look at buildings around the city, you know they have a designer or creator.
As human beings, are we not more important than an automobile or a building? So common sense tells us that we, too, must have an intelligent designer or creator. Thinking otherwise is illogical. To think that a government official should not display his or her religious beliefs sounds intolerant, and accusing someone of using government office to further their ideology is also without evidence. One shouldn't slap a negative label on a person for their Christian faith.
I will continue to love and pray for all people in Hawaii. In Christ.
Jimmy Sawyer
Ewa Beach
DOE in a state of tax-funded denial
According to
Tuesday's Star-Bulletin, a national study by Education Week magazine reveals:
» Thirty percent of Hawaii public high school seniors either flunk out or fail to graduate on time.
» An estimated 36 percent of Hawaii's seniors don't graduate with their class.
» Of all the 50 states (plus the District of Columbia), Hawaii ranks down near the bottom in 41st place.
» Some states define what students should know and be able to do to be prepared for college.
» Hawaii is "working on a definition."
» Hawaii does NOT define whether students are ready for jobs.
But -- you guessed it -- "state Department of Education officials dispute the research and its conclusions."
So typical is this of the butt covering, lavishly funded, accountability-averse, soothing syrup dispensers who populate the fantasy-land known as the DOE, perhaps the title of this bureaucratic snake pit should be changed to "the state Department of Denials."
The workload at the state DOD would be light. They could simply re-issue the same old exculpatory umgawa again and again as more and more bad news arises like the stench of corruption from this massive, bureaucratic swamp into which a roaring torrent of tax dollars is dumped with no questions asked year after year.
You have to admit folks at DOE have had lots of practice trying to cover what a fighter pilot would call their six o'clock position, ex post facto.
Thomas E. Stuart
Public school teacher
Kapaau, Hawaii
Flexible cap gives UH system more diversity
The
June 5 Star-Bulletin editorial highlighting the enrollment caps at the University of Hawaii system brought to light the complexities of the situation. I am a Hawaii resident, raised on Oahu, and hope that a flexible enrollment cap policy can be installed for residents and nonresidents.
Our universities and colleges are changing shape, continually embracing the unique diversity that makes Hawaii so special. We have great programs and majors that call upon our island geography, history and the world. These special perspectives are what drive students to succeed in their desired fields.
On campus, I am always amazed by the dynamic interactions between local, national and international students who are here not only to learn academics, but also to learn about life. The background of each student is unique, based on his or her cultural heritage, talents, language and upbringing. This exposure has broadened my horizons, allowing me to understand how much diversity enhances my education.
When I finally leave the classroom and march forward to receive that special piece of paper, what I have learned as a student at UH-Hilo will be with me forever.
A flexible cap will guarantee that all seats are filled with students while ensuring that local students will always have the opportunity to attend a school within the UH system, and take advantage of its many opportunities.
Jonathan Koch
Chancellor Scholar recipient
University of Hawaii-Hilo