Letters to the Editor
Hawai'i's delegation is correct on Iraq
It is commendable that Hawai'i's congressional delegates are questioning President Bush's rally to invade Iraq, as you report in the Sept. 16 issue.
Bush's call to invade a sovereign nation without provocation is very distressing. As foreshadowed by the international opposition to Bush's proposal for unilateral action against Iraq, such arrogance on the part of America is likely to cause broken alliances, an undermining of the United Nations and a galvanizing of future generations of Arabs and Islamic people against America.
In their wisdom, the founders of America established a governance system with checks and balances. This is an opportune time for Congress to check, and triple-check, the executive branch's rationalization. The proverb still holds true: "Look before you (we) leap."
Debra Shiraishi-Pratt
Rant on biotechnology ill-informed, unfortunate
Judy Dalton's Sept. 12 rant (Letters, "Genetically engineered foods are bad for us") is particularly harmful because it supports the ignorance behind the recent rejection of food aid for starving millions by a number of African governments.
The process of selecting plants and animals for useful traits, which we now call "genetic engineering" and "biotech," dates to the dawn of time when humans turned from hunting to agriculture. Want more detail, pick up almost any college text on the history of civilization. "Biotech" has been of great benefit to all humans.
What motivates the Judy Daltons of our world to conjure up visions of mad scientists working in vast, secret laboratories to create "frankenfoods" that surely will hurt us? My guess is fear, but whether it is fear of food poisoning, 401K poisoning or change is not clear.
Being skeptical of mega-business motivation is probably wise, but let's not be stupid. Take a drive out to Waialua (or Waimea on Kaua'i) and talk to the seed farmers. Are these people mad scientists out to poison you and yours? Next, ask yourself: What foods in our local grocery stores are "frankenfoods"? If you can identify some by whatever standards you choose, then ask: How many people have been harmed or died eating them?
The broccoli/cauliflower cross may be the feared "frankenfood," but it tastes good and only hurts the wallet.
Every food product we consume is genetically bio-engineered by people and corporations in the agriculture technology industry. Live with it!
Jon Willers
City notice allowed citizen participation
I was one of those who learned of the City Council's plan to cut the budget through a letter from the city's Economic Development Office. Thanks to this notice, I was able to come and testify against the cuts as one of many citizens who did so to try to save projects we believed in.
Testifying before the City Council was the first such opportunity I ever had, but it won't be the last, even though my testimony was taken at 1:30 a.m.
I'm glad the Ethics Commission ruled that it was OK for the city to notify us taxpayers since this increased public participation got the facts out and saved our future projects.
The mayor was right to let us know. This allowed us to be knowledgeable and involved in a democratic process.
Casey Cho
Director, Worldwide Peace Exchange
Sept. 11 must also be a day to celebrate
A big "amen" to the Sept. 15 letter "No more reminders; just live your life well." I agree 100 percent that it was a tragic moment in America's history, but let's move on.
Sept. 11 is my son's birthday, and I would like his birthday to be remembered as a happy occasion — not constantly be reminded of this tragic event. I'm sure every other person born on this day feels the same. My son is only 7 years old and he'll for the rest of his life have to share this day with the anniversary of this tragedy.
So please, let's take Laura K. Manuel-Arrighi's advice and, "live, walk and talk the lessons taught to us by our ancestors."
S. Omine
Nonprofit organizations to help spark recovery
Kudos to The Advertiser for its front-page business article on the planned merger between the Hawai'i Business Roundtable and Enterprise Honolulu (Sept. 14, "Nonprofit business groups merge for economic push").
The proposed merger of these leading nonprofit business organizations should help to improve and diversify Hawai'i's economy.
Increasing the skills of our state's workforce is essential to attract and retain local businesses. To this end, nonprofit corporations, such as Victory 'Ohana Service Center, merit special recognition as they are providing marketable job skills to our community, from computer technician skills to office and clerical training.
Hats off to the entire Victory 'Ohana organization (particularly president Gary Shields, Jackson Barnes and James Price) for providing these timely and important services to the state of Hawai'i. It is a privilege to interact with this valuable faith-based organization.
Dr. Jason K. Levy
Instructor, Leeward Community College
