Let's give thanks for blessings, sacrifices

From picnicking on the beach with loved ones to enjoying a traditional feast around the dinner table, Thanksgiving in Hawaii is celebrated in many different ways. Our state's rich mix of cultures and traditions cultivates a unique harmony and reflects the countless blessings we enjoy.

As a valued part of our holiday tradition, hundreds of Hawaii residents will donate food or volunteer their time to serve meals to the less fortunate members of the community. Each one of us can make a difference through community involvement. Sharing the aloha spirit during the holiday season can help to strengthen our economy, ensuring growth in the years ahead.

In Hawaii, we are especially fortunate to be surrounded by the stunning beauty of our islands, a diverse culture which welcomes new friends and old, and the ideals of ohana, which tie us to this special place we call home. During this special time of year, let us remember our troops in the Middle East who are fighting for the principles of freedom and democracy. We appreciate the sacrifices made by the members of our armed forces and their families.

We are truly thankful to live in a blessed country where we are empowered to help those around us in need.

Obama has best traits of both of his homes

Richard Borreca writes about claiming Barack Obama's roots (”;On politics,”; Nov. 23). He was born in Honolulu and attended Punahou high school. However, he raised his own children on the south side of Chicago in Hyde Park. Now both areas are rightly proud of his accomplishments.

Well, I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Lindblom High School. And I raised my two sons here in Nuuanu. I can claim from experience that these are two areas are very different cultural worlds.

I think Obama demonstrates his tolerance and acceptance of others from Hawaii. Race is not his issue. And he showed his toughness from Chicago first by taking on both Clintons and later the Republican Party, especially attacks from talk radio and Fox News.

President-elect Obama has been described with first-class temperament and a first-class intellect. Both traits will do him well in leading our country. Hawaii and Chicago can share the success of preparing a fine leader.

School an empowering educational model

This Thanksgiving we are most grateful for the primary education that our children have received from Hoala School in Wahiawa. We have never had to sit down to help them with their homework. Founder Sister Joan Madden forbade it. It was their work, not ours. She taught the essence of personal responsibility in parenting classes and embraced it in their curriculum.

Our daughter, now a senior and carrying a 4.0 GPA, aspires to become a veterinarian. Our son is in his second year at Creighton University receiving two merit scholarships, aspires to become a medical doctor and has spent his fall break building a house with Habitat for Humanity.

From this small Wahiawa private school, where cooperation means more than competition and listening and “;clearing”; are skills actually taught and valued, I believe the leaders of the world will arise. It is now time to creatively rethink their plan to foreclose this valuable community asset named Hoala School (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 22). (For more, see http://www.hoala.org)

Give thanks before the crush of Christmas

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday since it is not a religious holiday but an American holiday. It is a holiday for all religions and ethnic groups that call themselves American. No special church, synagogues or mosques involved, in fact even agnostics and atheists can celebrate Thanksgiving and feel the spirit.

The editorial pages are usually filled with controversy and arguments. Thanksgiving requires no venting, only thanks; I only wish that retailers would wait until after Thanksgiving to start on all the commercialism of Christmas. .

Thanksgiving started out as a feast between the Indians and Pilgrims, opposites coming together to break bread, to give and be thankful.

May this Thanksgiving be a lesson: Life is short and although we may have opposing views, one thing is for certain - Thanksgiving is the one day for just that, thanks and giving.

The most wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is that food has no calories on this special holiday. Enjoy this untroubled, tranquil day that comes but once a year, although it would be romantically utopian having Thanksgiving every day.

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