Posted on: Saturday, December 7, 2002
Letters to the Editor
December 'holy days' predated Christianity
They are the "holy days," Mr. L.E. Harris, and they were that long before Christianity converted the season to its own purposes (Letters, Dec. 5).
The practice of celebrating during the winter solstice has roots that can be traced in every culture to their own pantheon of gods.
Most religious authorities agree that Christianity borrowed the holiday from several Roman festivals that lasted from Dec. 13 to Dec. 25, the original 12 days of Christmas. Christian traditions moved the event to the 12 days after Christmas, marked in some cultures by the arrival of the three kings or wise men on Jan. 6.
On an ancient calendar, winter solstice was celebrated on the 25th of December. Most pagan midwinter feasts celebrated the beginning of the sun's return northward, after the short days and discouraging cold. Christianity made the transition from the old religions to the new easier for followers by setting the date of the midwinter feast as the traditional date of Christ's birth.
Perhaps using the term holiday is not just political correctness. Instead, it is based on decidedly American notions with strong Christian roots. We all are equal, and we should love each other as much as ourselves.
We now accept Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and other religious traditions surrounding the winter solstice as valid celebrations of holy days. It is no coincidence they occur at the same time, and no group stole from another. All represent mankind's tendency to hope for the best and have faith that a better day will dawn when we can all live in peace and harmony.
Beatrice DeRego
Kuakini strike isn't about pay increases
I am a Kuakini registered nurse who is out walking the picket line for what I believe is right.
We are not asking for a wage increase so much as a little incentive for nurses to stay at Kuakini. We are striking so Kuakini will realize that without longevity of nursing staff, it will continue to work with staffing shortages and thereby compromise patient care and safety.
We want a little assistance toward medical insurance for those who retire after 10 or 20 years of service to Kuakini.
We also want them to take away the mandatory overtime that makes us stay and work 16 hours a day. Patients are at risk when judgment is compromised during such a long shift.
The average age for nurses in Hawai'i is 48 years. We need to attract nurses to stay here or young people to go into the profession. Otherwise, who will take care of us when we need it?
Kuakini nurses are asking for less than at both Kaiser and Kapi'olani so we could improve staffing and encourage longevity. It is not about the money.
Vicky Poland
Why does ILH send only one football team?
I am looking for a reasonable answer as to why the ILH sends only one football team to the state tournament?
Consider the facts: The ILH sends three teams to the state boys basketball tournament. It also sends two teams to the state boys volleyball tournament. Girls volleyball and basketball teams are treated in similar fashion.
In The Advertiser's Dec. 4 Top 10 football poll, the top two teams are ILH teams. On the same page, an article on the state football tournament highlights the championship game between St. Louis and Castle. The game last night was between the No. 1 and No. 3 teams in the state. Go figure.
Someone told me that it's all about politics. I may very well have to settle with that answer. I wish not. Now, I've heard the explanation given when the tournament was started. However, to this day, I'm still looking for a reasonable answer.
Miles A.P. Kahaloa
Jeanette Chun's energy backbone of Marathon
It was wonderful to see the story on the Chun family and their long-time involvement with the Honolulu Marathon. I have had the opportunity to work with Jeanette Chun for many years through our past association with the Mayor's Walk. She is, without a doubt, a delight to be around.
Jeanette's tireless energy and hard work really is the backbone of the Honolulu Marathon. Too often these good folks go unnoticed for their efforts.
I applaud The Honolulu Advertiser for highlighting Jeanette and her family for their dedication to the Honolulu Marathon.
Nancy Bottelo
Extra lanes needed to handle peak traffic The state should have built H-4 (extending H-1 double-decked over Nimitz Highway right on to Sand Island and then over to downtown from Sand Island). Negative vocal Kalihi business opposition killed that proposal.
Extra lanes (with a reversible toll) should be constructed to take either H-1 or H-2 ('ewa and town) traffic. The main backup points are the H-1 and H-2 merge (mornings), the H-1 and Moanalua merge (afternoons), and the H-1 traffic going into town on Saturdays after 9 a.m.
Richard Mori
Kane'ohe
'Aiea
President/CEO Special Olympics Hawai'i
Pearl City
