Posted on: Saturday, December 14, 2002
Letters to the Editor
Story failed to say show airs locally
The article (from the Chicago Tribune) in the Dec. 12 Advertiser on Michele Norris, the newly named co-host of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered," was most interesting. However, since the role of a newspaper is to inform, it would have been helpful if you had noted (in a sidebar, perhaps) that "All Things Considered" is carried locally by Hawai'i Public Radio from 4-6 p.m. daily on stations KHPR (88.1 Honolulu), KKUA (90.7 Wailuku, Maui) and KANO (91.1 Hilo), and from noon-2 p.m. daily on KIPO (89.3 Honolulu).
Morton L. Brown
Book of Mormon link inconclusive
The articles about Thomas Murphy in both the Dec. 8 and 11 Advertiser reinforce the wisdom of the adage, "A little learning is a dangerous thing."
Science requires that researchers' biases be held in check, that others have the opportunity to replicate their work and that the methodology underlying studies be thoroughly critiqued. Given these criteria, it is premature to draw any conclusions about the relationship of genetic analysis to the Book of Mormon.
Objective scholars explore all possible explanatory avenues and review analyses with others of different persuasions, but it doesn't appear that Murphy has done this. All should, moreover, be wary of critics, since these will likely seek the negative and ignore or gloss over data or interpretations that do not coincide with their views.
I have discovered during the more than 40 years I have examined criticisms of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that such attacks are either based on a misunderstanding of the church's real position, are methodologically flawed or poorly analyzed, lack adequate replication or are deliberate prevarications. We welcome, in contrast, the many non-LDS scholars and observers who demonstrate fairness and objectivity.
Phillip C. Smith, Ph.D.
UH senators didn't consult with students
Beverly Creamer's Dec. 11 article "Military's gay policy stirs controversy at UH" is not an accurate portrayal of the atmosphere at the University of Hawai'i. Many students at UH do not support Navy ROTC on campus. Student senators did not adequately consult with the student body or other student organizations.
To date, few students know that a vote took place. There have been at least four anti-war rallies and one anti-war march on campus this semester. They were attended by hundreds of students. Individuals have performed speeches, poems, prayers and songs advocating peace through peaceful means. Hundreds of students have signed petitions condemning American violence abroad.
Student senators had very good intentions when they passed the Navy ROTC bill. But just as
30 years ago, the timing of such a bill is wrong. In the future, do not generalize the opinion of the student body by using a resolution that was passed with a split vote.
Also, Karl Kim is the interim vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Norman Kukona
Up-to-date textbooks favored over renovations
In regard to an article about former Gov. Cayetano and his plan to renovate the public schools in Hawai'i, I am offering some advice from a student's point of view to Gov. Linda Lingle on what should be done with the public schools.
Cayetano spent millions of taxpayer money on unnecessary school renovations. I attend Roosevelt High School and we were fortunate to get the renovations, but the school looked almost the same. All they did was put new tiles in, paint the school, give us new desks and put in dry erase boards. Rather than spend money on renovations, spend it where public school students need it the most, such as on new textbooks, more fans, etc.
I am taking a history course called "Modern History of Hawai'i." How could it be modern when the book was published in 1989, not to mention the fact that the cover is on the verge of falling off, and there are about 20 pages missing in one section?
My math book, which was published in 1986, is as old as I am and is in the same condition as my history book.
During a time when we as a state are below the national standards, one can imagine why that is. I feel not having updated textbooks could be a factor.
So Gov. Lingle, I demand that you get us up-to-date textbooks that will motivate us to do better. Don't waste money where it is not really needed. Spend it where it will benefit the students.
David Onoue
Editorial accurate in calling for removal
The Honolulu Advertiser is right on the mark by calling for the removal of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.
As a lifelong member of the Grand Old Party, it is painful to acknowledge what is increasingly evident: Lott is a cosmetically sculpted, blow-dried airhead. From his ham-fisted meddling in the Air Force Kelly Flynn case some years ago, to his bungling of the trial of an impeached president on what were clearly grounds for a perjury conviction, this chap has demonstrated repeatedly that he is clueless.
Thomas E. Stuart
HPR listener
Professor of sociology
UH-Manoa undergraduate
Roosevelt High School
Kapa'au
