Letters to the Editor
POSTED: Monday, February 16, 2009
For the GOP, it's principle over people
The unanimous U.S. House Republican vote (as well as the similar stand by all but three Republican senators) against the Obama administration's stimulus package should make all Americans quietly proud of this courageous adherence to principles.
What's important is not whether or not this legislation will work; whether or not it will prevent a deepening of the recession; whether or not it will help Americans who may lose their homes; or even whether or not jobs will continue to disappear.
America's 5 million-plus unemployed are of far less importance to Republicans than this vital matter of principles.
John A. Broussard
Kamuela
Civil union measure won't change marriage
The passage of House Bill 444, relating to civil unions on Feb. 12 was a historic moment in our civil rights struggle for equality. It is an important step toward treating all couples and families equally under the law.
One misunderstanding about the bill needs clarification. HB 444 extends to partners in a civil union the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities that are granted to spouses in a marriage. It does not alter the definition of marriage, which would remain between a man and woman according to Chapter 572, part 1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Other states' same-sex marriages would be recognized as civil unions by Hawaii, not marriages.
Alan R. Spector Family Equality Coalition
Honolulu
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