FOCUS
Hawai'i speaks up on threat of war
By Jerry Burris
Advertiser Editorial Editor
For the past year and a half or so, a remarkable group of retired and active military, school teachers, social activists, environmentalists, business people and community volunteers has been dropping by The Advertiser each week to talk about the issues that concern us most.
Advertiser library photo
These are members of The Advertiser's Community Editorial Board, a diverse group of residents who serve four- to six-week rotations with our editorial board, meeting once a week to broaden our thinking and share their ideas. One recurring theme, obviously, has been the prospect of war and what that might mean for Hawai'i.
1991: Triumphant Kane'ohe-based Marines are welcomed home in a parade through Waikiki on their return from the first Persian Gulf War.
We recently asked our "alumni" to offer brief thoughts on this theme, and they responded with vigor. There were no ground rules, so we were somewhat surprised that most of the first batch of essays tended to question or doubt the need for war. Given the tone of our editorial board discussions, we expected a broader spectrum of opinion. Clearly, even for those who put the security of our nation first, there are lingering doubts.
Still, we asked, and this is what we received. Watch for more in the coming weeks.
