Value freedoms that are eroding

It's a shame that while the country celebrates the Fourth of July, many Americans don't really understand what they are celebrating. Our forefathers were tired of living in the shadow of British royalty and were virtually enslaved as worker bees under tyrannical leaders, who used torture not only to intimidate, but for amusement. There was no opportunity to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, nor religious freedom.

America's founders fought and died for the many freedoms we enjoyed for hundreds of years. But recently, some of our leaders have been eroding these freedoms, like privacy, painting those who don't support their religious beliefs as less then American. Or coloring anyone who didn't support an unnecessary war that has cost billions of dollars and thousands of lives as unpatriotic. A U.S. spy identity was revealed when her spouse didn't go along with myths regarding the Iraq war.

Give public more flu information

I was stunned to hear that our state recently had its first death from swine flu. What's even more upsetting is that the lady died at Tripler Hospital on June 19. My question is why the Department of Health didn't let the public know sooner.

It's clear from this decision and just about everything else they've done since the virus appeared that our health officials really don't care about protecting us.

In a democracy, the people should be well-informed so that we can voice our concerns and influence public policy. The fact that our government doesn't even feel that we deserve to know what's happening with a deadly virus makes me wonder if I'm living in a police state. Auwe!

Reform needed on health care

Each day, more and more Americans and small businesses are facing unaffordable health-care costs.

Too many Americans are getting health care by going to the emergency room. We wind up paying for their health care anyway.

We must pass health reform that is a uniquely American solution and makes health care more affordable for our families and businesses.

Aiona does much for community

Richard Borreca's article on lieutenant governors (”;No free ride to top office as lieutenant governor,”; Star-Bulletin, July 1) does a disservice to your readers by painting a deliberately false and glib impression of Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona as “;just barely here.”;

Contrary to the view that Mr. Borreca would like to spread, Duke has been very active and visible in a number of key areas:

» He was the point person regarding a possible Constitutional Convention, which is apparently the only way we will ever have meaningful tort reform in this state.

» Duke has been the point person on the state fight against ice/methamphetamine use, absolutely the most destructive issue for our poorest communities.

» He has spoken tirelessly about the need for responsible and affordable state government. It seems Mr. Borreca wants him to oppose Gov. Linda Lingle on this, as if this was an act of personal integrity, but it takes greater integrity to stand up for what is right, not what is easy.

Discounting Aiona undermines the efforts of many

to improve the quality of life in our communities. The

reason is simple: Duke Aiona is a man of the community who is dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone. Your paper and readers would be wise to take notice.

'Auntie' off limits for some seniors

I greatly resent familiarity spoken by insensitive people. I am certain senior citizens feel as I do.

Addressing a senior citizen, a female, a stranger, as “;Mama,”; “;Grandma,”; “;Auntie,”; or addressing an elderly gentleman as “;Pop”; isn't friendly, it's rude. If you're inclined to speak to a stranger, more appropriate would be “;Madam,”; “;Ma'am,”; “;Lady,”; or to an elderly gentleman, “;Sir”; or “;Mister.”;

Familiarity when unwanted breeds contempt.