GAZA CONFLICT

ABERCROMBIE OWES EXPLANATION ON VOTE

On Jan. 9, members of Congress voted on a resolution that supported Israel's right to defend itself. For several years now (even after the Israelis pulled out of Gaza) the Palestinians led by Hamas have launched rockets into Israel, attempting to create as many civilian casualties as possible.

In 2007-2008, Hamas fired thousands of Qassam rockets into Israel. Israel has restrained itself until recently, and finally became fed up with such constant attacks on its people.

Prior to launching its offensive, Israel sent thousands of text messages and dropped leaflets to civilians in Gaza warning them of the coming offensive.

At last Friday's congressional vote, Rep. Neil Abercrombie voted "present" along with 21 others (five members of Congress actually voted "no.") Does that mean he supports Israel's right to defend itself or not? Voting "present" is not an option when tough decisions need to be made.

'FLASHBACK' COLUMN

SHOT AT PALIN DAUGHTER SHOWED POOR FORM

David Shapiro in his column (flASHback, Jan. 10) notes that "Hawai'i teen pregnancy is rising at one of the fastest rates in the nation, just behind Alaska." He then asks the question, "How can any state beat Alaska when they've got Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter leading the way?"

Tina Fey having fun at the expense of Gov. Sarah Palin on "Saturday Night." That's fair game.

Poking fun at her 17-year-old daughter, or David's daughter or mine, on Saturday morning — that's off limits.

Like hunting moose in Alaska, there can be good reason and even a season for taking aim at a political leader. But there is never good reason or season to take a shot at her teenage daughter, even in jest.

Still enjoy flASHback, but this one I filed in the Volcanic Trash.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

COUNCILMAN GETS CREDIT FOR RISING TO CHALLENGE

Kudos to Councilman Nestor Garcia for having the guts to take on TheBus for a whole week. (Advertiser, Jan. 4). I take TheBus or TheBoat five days a week from Nanakuli to work in Waikiki, and, true, it can be challenging, especially commuting from such a long distance.

Being prepared with an umbrella, jacket or sweater, bottled water, something to snack on, your favorite music on an iPod and, most important, patience, is the key for a stress-free ride. The system isn't perfect and does need changes, but for the most part it is good. Now that Councilman Garcia has walked the walk, he's entitled to talk the talk and start to make the necessary adjustments needed.

I also hope that this inspires all of our other political leaders to do the same before making changes or voting on other controversial issues. You will definitely gain the respect from the walk, rather than just talk.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

TRY WEARING A HELMET BEFORE OPPOSING CHOICE

While I agree that a prudent and safety-conscious motorcycle rider will wear a helmet, I do not support legislation to take that decision out of his or her hands.

I don't have statistics, but considering the far larger number of automobile accidents (many more cars on the road than motorcycles), I'll bet there are numerically more head injuries to automobile drivers and passengers than to motorcycle riders every year. To reduce injuries most effectively, we should logically require helmets for automobile drivers and passengers as well.

And, of course, car-pedestrian accidents probably often involve head injuries, so pedestrians should also be required to wear helmets.

Lawrence Thomas states that "statistics prove that helmets do not impede vision or hearing" (Letters, Jan. 10). Here's a challenge to Lawrence: Spend a week wearing a helmet while driving your car, then report back to us on your experience.

I think the lesson here is that you need to be careful about asking government to interfere in personal safety decisions — you might someday find that your zeal to protect others from themselves has come back to bite you personally.

LIBRARIES

KUDOS FOR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTING SERVICES

Thank you to Robbie Dingeman for her excellent article (Jan. 1) describing the services available to everyone through our Hawai'i State Public Library System. With library usage increasing due to the economy, public libraries deserve our tax dollars now more than ever.

HAMAS

U.S. OUGHT TO SUPPORT ISRAEL AGAINST TERRORISTS

Israel has a right and obligation to defend its citizens against the indiscriminate rocket attacks by its self-declared enemy, Hamas. All civilized countries besides Israel could be expected to react the same way to the incessant rocket attacks upon its citizens.

Hamas is a terrorist organization led by terrorists and their willing terrorist members. They have no concern for the horrific consequences of their terror actions, whether to the Israelis to their own people.

Our government should provide all support needed by Israel. At the same time, our government should make no commitments to their adversary, directly or indirectly.

TURTLE BAY

NORTH SHORE TREASURE MUST BE PROTECTED

As a recent Hawai'i resident and longtime visitor to the North Shore, I believe that it is essential that Turtle Bay be protected from further development. This is one of the treasures of the North Shore, and it must be saved for current and future generations to enjoy in its natural state.