• Politics and religion • Voting a right, privilege • Night ocean rescuers real heroes • Rename park for Irons Politics and religion In his 11/12 letter ( “Keep politics, religion separate”), Dr. Richman stated, “We urge each individual to
• Politics and religion • Voting a right, privilege • Night
ocean rescuers real heroes • Rename park for Irons
Politics and religion
In his 11/12 letter ( “Keep politics, religion separate”), Dr. Richman stated, “We urge each individual to incorporate into his or her life the separation of religion and politics as consistent with the principles on which this nation was founded.”
I will assume the good doctor means that we should practice the separation of religion and politics in the same manner as the founders did. I agree wholeheartedly. For example, Jefferson wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists, using the term, “separation of church and state,” in which he promised the Baptists that the government would never interfere with their religious liberty. He wrote this letter on a Friday. Two days later, President Jefferson attended a Christian worship service in the U.S. Capitol building and listened to a Christian chaplain, who was paid by the U.S. government to preach a Christian sermon.
In our Declaration of Independence, Jefferson mixed religion and politics in a big way. “God,” “Creator,” “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world,” “Divine Providence,” are a few of the references in the declaration. If we quote Jefferson’s “separation-of-church-and-state” doctrine, we must refer to the real Jefferson, not some make-believe version of Jefferson.
I agree that our politicians should show good taste in governing people of different religions. However, it is impossible to entirely separate religion and politics.
For example, one of the big political debates of the last century is whether we should have private-property rights or the government should control everything. Those who respect the Ten Commandments should realize that these commandments specifically endorse private-property rights. Our basic notion of freedom has its roots in religious-belief systems. The sanctity of life is another religious idea that will influence political preferences.
We should not pretend that belief systems have no effect on political preferences. I think a better course would be to be respectful of people of different religious perspectives and also be appreciative of the good values and wisdom that different religious traditions can offer to our community.
Mark Beeksma, Koloa
Voting a right, privilege
This past election day I listened to the same old excuses from people who didn’t vote and I would like to suggest to the powers that be that maybe we should move Veterans Day to the day before election day just to remind citizens of the significant connection between these two days in November.
The right to vote is a privilege not a chore and it only involves moving your being a few blocks from your residence and choosing between candidates on a ballot and voting yes or no on certain issues. Nobody is being asked to storm a beach at Normandy or Guadalcanal. Nobody is being asked to jump out of a plane in heavy flak and parachute behind enemy lines. Nobody is being asked to ambush a machine-gun nest in a malaria-infested jungle. And nobody is being asked to patrol an isolated highway with hidden IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in some far-away desert. But, exercising your right to vote is just as important as any of the missions that current military and veterans have undertaken. I am as disappointed as any human that we still have wars on our planet when we have evolved enough as a species to understand the pointlessness of it. But, I still appreciate the sacrifice of those who participated in wars whether I felt they were just or not and believe that if more of us participated in elections we could permanently remove those who start them in the first place.
Jason Nichols, Koloa
Night ocean rescuers real heroes
On Halloween night there was a rescue, see story “Swimmers rescued in ‘Deep Channel’ in Kilauea,” Nov. 2, 2010 The Garden Island. As a lesser participant in that rescue I would like to bring to light the courageous actions of our Kaua‘i Fire Department people. I have been working with these folks for many years and have witnessed many rescues. We all know how brave these people are, and the danger they put themselves into every day.
This particular rescue was anything but ordinary. The call for swimmers swept out came in just at dusk. Usually the rescuers have the benefit of assistance from the KFD lifeguards on Jet Skis as well as DAYLIGHT and air support if needed. None of those assets were available on this night.
The KFD crews of Station 1 (Princeville) and Rescue 3 (Lihu‘e) went in the ocean in the dark with only flashlights and surfboards in rough surf. Courage and bravery at its finest. The folks in need were promptly located and brought to shore without any injuries or loss of life. A successful rescue in difficult conditions. I don’t know if those folks know just how lucky they really are. The potential for loss of life here was great.
Thank you again to our fabulous EMS system here on Kaua‘i and all the men and women who participate in it. They are all true heroes.
Thomas Vanderwende, Kapa‘a
Rename park for Irons
I recently sent an e-mail to the county councilmembers suggesting that Pine Trees Beach Park (Waioli Beach Park in Hanalei) be renamed the Andy Irons Memorial Beach Park. It would be a special way to honor one of the best surfers of all time.
Eric Voorhies, Kapa‘a
