Letters to the Editor

Current civil rights system is essential

Richard Port's Aug. 25 commentary, "Leave civil rights system the way it is," is right on point.

As a former law clerk to the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission, I saw firsthand how the commission protects all of Hawai'i's people from discrimination when they're renting an apartment, applying for a job or attending a UH sporting event.

In contrast, the Sept. 15 op-ed piece, "Commission procedures deny employer rights," warps the language of civil rights to subvert the real issue. It also resorts to extreme exaggeration by claiming that the commission acts as the "prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner." Executioner? Let's get real.

Let's think instead about why the commission system is here. Before the current system existed, legislative attempts to help victims of employment discrimination failed. The current program was created to give a small measure of power to employees, while ensuring fairness for all parties.

The commission process comes out of a history that makes it an imperative. We shouldn't go back to a world before this system existed. To paraphrase well-known legal scholar Mari Matsuda, "We can't go back." Too much is at stake for us all.

Susan Kiyomi Serrano
San Francisco

We must find out why they hate us

I just want to thank you for having the courage to print Brad Lendon's article, "Sept. 11 showed much of the world how self-centered Americans are" (Focus, Sept. 15).

As shocking, traumatic and sad as the bombings of the twin towers and Pentagon have been, what's even scarier to me is to see how most of our nation's leaders and many of our citizenry have continued to allow their privileges as Americans to make them complacent about horrifying human rights transgressions around the world, and been so busy demonstrating patriotism that they have no time to discuss the sources of anti-American hate even among our allies.

To me, that type of behavior will only foster more resentment around the globe, which contributes to more acts of anti-American terrorism. If only out of self-interest, we need to start engaging in dialogue with our neighbors around the globe, educating ourselves about what has been changing their world, and trying to understand how our nation's policies have been and continue to be influential.

My husband teaches elementary school, where conflicts occur every day in the classroom and on the playground. If he told the kids to resolve their conflicts by ignoring each other's grievances, fight if you think you're right, and assume the other guy or girl is beyond reconciliation, people would probably think he's unfit to lead the children. But somehow the same attitudes are tolerated in our leaders and reinforced by much of our media.

Thanks, Brad Lendon. You put me out of my comfort zone by asking me if I forget that the U.S. isn't the whole world, and if I only want and use my privileges as an American to benefit myself and people closest to me. Where to go from there ... because the work begins after we finish reading your article.

Sharleen Nakamoto

Bush's logic for war points finger at Israel

In seeking to justify his call for war on Iraq, the president has told us repeatedly that Iraq has ignored 16 U.N. resolutions and possibly possesses weapons of mass destruction and has plans for nukes.

My research indicates that Israel has ignored literally scores of U.N. resolutions critical of its regime, including demands for withdrawal from the settlements in Palestinian territories and the rescinding of illegal deportation orders against Palestinians.

Furthermore, there have been 39 proposed U.N. resolutions critical of Israel that have been vetoed in the Security Council by the United States.

Finally, Israel has a plethora of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons.

Yes, but is Israel a destabilizing force in the region? Their neighbors believe they and their patron state, the U.S., are the major danger in the region, and many in Europe, Asia and Africa agree.

Does this mean that the international community should utilize Mr. Bush's criteria regarding Iraq and go to war against Israel?

Larry S. Jones

Mink has constitutional right to her privacy

All people in Hawai'i have the right to privacy, according to the state Constitution. No one should criticize Patsy Mink or her family for exercising this fundamental right. The Constitution protects everyone.

The same Constitution requires that elected officials promise in an oath to support and defend the Constitution. This is an important promise. Yet we see elected officials and candidates demanding information as though the right to privacy did not exist. One candidate even advertises her actions to undermine our right to privacy.

When I choose who gets my vote, I will remember who keeps their promise and works to protect my rights. I will also remember who does not.

Phyllis Dendle

One day a month, let bus rides be free

I am a responsible downtown working person who takes advantage of TheBus. Why? Probably because I am cheap and don't want the expense of owning a car. Also, because that decision reflects the part of me that is concerned about the environment. I figure it is a small contribution I can make.

As I gaze out the window and see all the isolated egos sitting alone in their bright, shiny cars, busily buzzing here and there, I do admit to a sense of moral superiority. But, mostly, I consider the bus to be my private air-conditioned limo service. I have friendly drivers, interesting companions, a cocoon that is untouched by traffic hassles, and I never need to worry about finding a parking space.

I even employ my private limo service to take me to Waikiki to go surfing. How is that for cool class?

And, best of all, I get to say "thank you" when I reach my destination, which keeps things in perspective.

I would like to see the City Council inaugurate one free day a month so everyone could try out having a private driver and a little time to read, meditate or just snooze at least one day a month.

P.S. I recommend bringing a book and an umbrella just in case.

Lauri Clegg

Recycling would help solve landfill problem

It's time that the public takes the initiative to do something about our landfill problem.

Start recycling if you don't already. Sign up for curbside recycling programs like those offered by O'ahu Community Recycling. Teach your kids to use less and reuse more. Educate yourself and your loved ones on sustainability and preservation.

It's a simple way to do your part for Hawai'i.

N. Gibson

Why didn't anyone notice telephone pole?

Please forgive the loose philosophic analogy, but if a telephone pole falls on the Leeward Coast, does it make a noise? Would anyone hear it? Would the City and County hear it? How about the homestead associations? Elected officials?

Perhaps the termites that spent a decade slowly devouring the pole heard it.

But we'll never know.

John Hansen
Waipahu