Kerry's solution for Iraq still too foggy

Regarding Thursday's editorial "Fog begins lifting on Kerry's Iraq stance": I agree with your observation that it is vital for voters to be offered a choice in this presidential election and that the war in Iraq is the most critical issue. I just question your opinion that the fog is lifting from Kerry's stance on Iraq.

The specific positions that you cite as proof that the "fog is lifting" all prove that Kerry has great hindsight, but you don't cite anything that indicates that Kerry has the critical vision, or a coherent plan, that would inspire confidence in his election.

I am tempted to cite the hackneyed phrase "Don't change horses in midstream," but I prefer this: "Don't change courses in mid-scream." As dangerous as things are, they could be worse. Kerry is a good, intelligent man, but his vacillation is risky in these early stages of what promises to be a very long battle against forces that don't change their position.

Column was unfair to school board member

I don't know David Shapiro, never met him, never spoke to him. I have no idea what he does all day long, but I do know Denise Matsumoto.

For 16 years she has served as a faithful and dedicated member of the Board of Education. She has put in long hours, attended countless meetings and taken hundreds of phone calls from parents, teachers, DOE staff, concerned citizens and even news reporters. She does this without a salary. She treats each person with respect and does her best to solve any concerns. Our lives have never been normal since she began her quest to improve education in our schools 16 years ago. I cannot even begin to tell you all that she has done and her commitment to our schools.

Concerning the non-votes: They do not indicate the public's disgust with our school board. I'm sure if you check you will find that most blank votes for the Honolulu district are from voters who are from the Leeward, Central or Windward areas. It has been for years a misconception that they can't vote for candidates in the Honolulu district.

Denise never pleaded, badgered or begged Cec Heftel not to run against her. She only informed him of her role on the school board and left the decision to Mr. Heftel. Mr. Heftel did his homework. Any intelligent person would.

Mr. Shapiro, please do yours.

Columnist overlooked incumbents' strengths

David Shapiro's personal attacks on Board of Education incumbents, specifically Denise Matsumoto, smack of yellow journalism at its best and insult the voters of O'ahu who chose to vote for those advancing to the general election.

I have been a member of the Board of Education since November 2002, representing Maui County. For the past two years, I have seen Denise Matsumoto, Garrett Toguchi and Herbert Watanabe's commitment to education, including making the cultural shifts necessary for our students' success. O'ahu and the Big Island should return these hard-working incumbents. Our schools are being reinvented, our students are achieving, test scores are rising and there is far more transparency in school operations.

Read Act 51, Mr. Shapiro. This act is the result of legislators', educators', BOE members' (save one) and business and community members' conclusion that schools should govern themselves and determine how best to allocate their resources for student achievement.

Do you really know what is going on in our schools? Or is your knowledge limited only by hearsay?

O'ahu and Big Island voters should return these incumbents. They have worked hard for our students and they should be allowed to continue because of their knowledge, experience and voting record on educational policies.

What will protect farmers from thieves?

The media usually condemn citizens who fight back, so why are they so quiet about the Kahuku farm incident? There are probably several good reasons for this. First, has a stranger tossed your underwear, taken all the jewelry, and spent your credit cards? Some burglars have murdered housewives and senior citizens in their homes. Doesn't theft leave a big hole in our lives?

Second, the protocol calls for a crackdown on shotguns and farmers. However, anti-gun presidential candidate John Kerry claims to enjoy shooting and hunting with a shotgun. Also, looting has pushed many farmers to the edge. If they quit, we'll be living on Mainland vegetables. Tourists won't like that.

After the farmers leave, the estates will be forced to subdivide. That may become an environmental nightmare. Deprived of easy pickings, the addicts would loot rural neighborhoods and towns to support their habits. Many homeowners would fight back when the 911 emergency system fails due to overload.

In Kurosawa's classic movie, "Seven Samurai," a few warriors arm the peasants in a farm village, and together they defeat marauding bandits. In the same way, the law should be changed to encourage us to protect our property. Then we can persuade would-be looters to clean up and do honest work.