• Access denied • I voted for brilliance • A ‘New World Order’ • Kumbaya this • Bring on ‘Obama Mania’ Access denied Last weekend I walked the shoreline to Ha‘ula Beach, a place I’ve gone occasionally in the past
• Access denied
• I voted for brilliance
• A ‘New World Order’
• Kumbaya this
• Bring on ‘Obama Mania’
Access denied
Last weekend I walked the shoreline to Ha‘ula Beach, a place I’ve gone occasionally in the past to enjoy the peacefulness there, since it is out of the way and rarely has more than a couple people. Recently a “posted” sign appeared on a fence leading to the beach. I figured it was just a tactic by the landowners to scare people, so I went in as others have.
At the beach, I was immediately yelled at by three guys enjoying the area themselves with some beers. They puffed their chests and ran me out of there. Since they had a truck there, they obviously had keys to the gate and were probably the lessees of that land. What really angers me is that they were letting their teenagers tear the beach up on ATVs, which is illegal.
This is an area noted for its native coastal vegetation and is designated critical habitat for endangered plants. So we have guys claiming the beach for themselves, driving out responsible citizens, and abusing this beach entrusted to the public. By state law, the county could condemn a shoreline path for transit, but the resources aren’t there.
What’s a citizen to do? We have these new council members who talked about public access in their campaigns, maybe they can think of something. I know it happens all over Hawai‘i.
Mahalos to Grove Farm and the county Open Space Office for helping me understand the legalities, even if I don’t like the answer.
• David Bickham, Koloa
I voted for brilliance
Stan Godes (“Lost hope,” Letters, Nov. 7) sounds like Rush Limbaugh who has brought such hatred and “divisionism” into our politics and national life. He says Barack Obama’s speech gave much time to the civil rights movement, and that the whole election is a culmination of a guilt trip. I beg to differ on both counts. Obama’s speech was a brilliant attempt to bring the country together, and he won because of who he is and not because of the color of his skin.
I’m not white. I am a naturalized citizen from India who chose a sole United States citizenship instead of a dual citizenship which I could have had. I raised my two kids with the reality that many of the privileges that they enjoy today in this country stems from the labor of the African Americans and the pain of the Native Americans, and that they always need to respect that and not feel that they had no responsibility. It’s a great cop-out statement to say that our ancestors who were responsible for slavery are not here and that we’re not responsible for what they did.
I didn’t vote for Obama because he was half black. His half whiteness or his half blackness had no bearing in that decision. I chose a brilliant and patriotic young man who I knew would do the best for this country and the world, and will embrace everyone in that process. Peace will prevail. The whole world respects what we do and is looking at the global future with optimism, especially after the eight years of dishonest, divisive and bull-headed government.
Expressing one’s disappointment with one’s country does not mean less patriotism. In fact, only those who love their country will have the honesty to require that it rise to high moral standards.
• Vi Herbert, Kilauea
A ‘New World Order’
More and more I’m hearing talk about a “New World Order.”
Some of our nation’s past presidents have openly endorsed this NWO proposal. Leaders of this NWO will consist of military leaders, bankers, economists, and others from the four corners of the world. Can this be associated with Communism? Nah … I was taught in school that this could never happen in our mighty and democratic country, the USA.
Oh, I did read a book by Ezra Taft Benson when he was the secretary of agriculture during the Eisenhower administration wherein he was told by Mr. Krushchev of the Soviet Union, that Mr. Benson’s children and grandchildren would someday be living under Communist rule here in America. I’m trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle so I can have a better understanding. I need to get educated on these matters more, for the sake of our Constitution, our country, our people, our liberty and happiness.
• Myron Lindsey, Koloa
Kumbaya this
After eight long years of non-stop Bush Bashing the liberals want us to come together, hold hands and sing a couple of choruses of Kumbaya?
We are supposed to sacrifice and come to the aid of the party?
While we are at it, we need to address “issues” like UFOs (“For the greater good,” Letters, Nov. 6). Have a nice trip to Roswell and say hello to the little green men.
• Suzanne Woodruff, Kapa‘a
Bring on ‘Obama Mania’
America feels alive. Not since the Kennedy era has America been so energized by a charismatic leader.
Like many Americans and people from many countries I watched Barack Obama deliver his victory speech election night. Tears were flowing from my eyes. I am not usually the sensitive type and being a minority myself I felt many common bonds with Barack winning the presidency of the United states.
Newspapers from Chicago and New York on Nov 5, 2008, declaring Obama’s victory are selling for $50 a copy on eBay. Posters, T-shirts, and campaign buttons are still selling out. Stores cannot keep a stock of Barack items. They sell immediately, and six out of 10 babies born in Kenya were recently named Barack Obama.
I have not seen anything like this politically ever. The closest I can compare Barack Obama to is when the Beatles first came to America and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. People crying and cheering with hope and happiness.
The world loves Barack Obama, America loves Barack Obama and I love Barack Obama. Although he wasn’t born in a manger as many believe, he is definitely a sign of hope and inspiration for all man- and woman-kind.
Beatle Mania, or Obama Mania, it sure feels great.
God Bless America.
• Kimo Rosen, Kapa‘a
