Responses to Editorial On War With Iraq
I believe your editorial did not belong in an environmental newsletter. Please stick to environmental issues.
I also strongly disagree with your position. Like it or not, we are involved in a global war against terrorism. I strongly believe that we are correct to be proactive against those with ties to terrorists who are in the process of developing weapons of mass destruction.
We are in great danger of having one or more of our major cities destroyed. Unlike the previous administration which failed to act despite the many previous terror acts, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing which in the opinion of structural engineers very nearly succeeded in bringing down the Trade Center towers, this administration is being proactive in preventing future terrorist acts.
While many call for more proof, I firmly believe that the only proof that will eventually satisfy them is a nuclear explosion in a major U.S. city. There is no doubt that this would be the ultimate environmental disaster.
Masa Fujioka
Masa Fujioka & Associates
Honolulu
I wanted to thank you for printing the editorial opposing a possible war with Iraq in the February issue of Environment Hawai`i. Thanks for being brave enough to stick your neck out.
More power to you!
Jose
Placer Director
Coereba Society
[url=http://www.coereba.org]www.coereba.org[/url]
Seattle
While I can understand Environment Hawai`i‘s concern about overuse of fossil fuels and similar issues, the editorial went way beyond that. Its tone was arrogant and “know it all.” There as even sour grapes about the results of the presidential election mixed in. For full effect, I think you should have left in the line stating that those of us who voted for Mr. Bush are morons, McCarthyites, fascists, etc.
I believe that people of all political views can share environmental concerns and actions. Unfortunately, such editorials drive wedges and lend fuel to detractor’s fires. The comments stereotype those who wish to associate themselves with improvements to the environment.
I wish you well and thank you for the good work you do. However, I can’t continue to subscribe to Environment Hawai`i.
Kurt Bosshard
Lihu`e
I applaud your gutsy antiwar statement.
Bart Potter
Honolulu
I [too] believe it is not in the best interests of our country to engage in this dangerous venture. After that, we part company. I believe the cogency of your position is diminished when you turn from an argument based upon principle to a personal attack on the president, questioning his legitimacy to hold office. This is not a legitimate issue. Regardless of the popular vote, the funny ballots in Florida, the decision by the Supreme Court on the Gore challenge and other claimed outrages, the president is who the Senate says is president, based upon the findings of the Electoral College. This may be an outmoded system, especially hard to accept when it conflicts with the popular vote, but that’s what the Constitution gives us.
I believe that the presidency and its incumbent deserve respect, though this need not inhibit us from criticing the policies and decisions emanating from that officel.
All this aside, keep up the good work.
T.J. McAniff
Mililani
The Fiery Red Skin Of Waimea
As always, I enjoyed reading the latest Environment Hawai`i. However, just for your information: even Mary Pukui made mistakes. The `olelo no`eau (number 1662) quoted in the article on `iliahi, Ka wai `ula `iliahi o Waimea (The red sandalwood water of Waimea), should read Ka wai `ula `ili `ahi (The fiery red skin of Waimea).
The water of the Waimea River, like that of Kawaikoi and Koai`e, is a color similar to that of iced tea. When one puts an arm into the water, or swims in it, it looks as though one’s skin is on fire, e.g. fiery skin. This is a problem in Hawaiian — what is the correct way to transcribe what is either one word or two.
Anyway, Pukui’s version is in print and will go down the ages, even though we Kauaians know better. Ah, well.
Frederick B. Wichman
Hanalei
A further note on the article on `iliahi: The photo should have been credited to the late Dr. Charles Lamoureux. It was provided courtesy of the University of Hawai`i Botany Department. – The Editor
Volume 13, Number 10 April 2003