• Has respect for all religions • Cemetery desecration senseless • Lights on Rice brought her to tears • Light up highways for holidays Has respect for all religions Although I classify myself as Neo-Pagan, I have a very strong
• Has respect for all religions •
Cemetery desecration senseless • Lights
on Rice brought her to tears • Light up highways
for holidays
Has respect for all religions
Although I classify myself as Neo-Pagan, I have a very strong respect for all other religions as long as they do no harm to others. It is my strong belief that this world would be far easier and better to live in if we all simply had more respect for the religious freedom of others. Every religion has its strengths and weaknesses and many people are too judgmental in that they tend to pick out the weaknesses of others’ religions and act only on these rather than acknowledging the strengths.
Everyone should have the freedom to observe any faith they choose without criticism. Many think that this is what life is like today. Not so! All over the world, people are killed for their religious views. This is real and it is wrong. Take 9/11 for instance, or the crusades, or if you are Neo-Pagan like me, perhaps your initial reaction is “the witch trials!” All of these are examples of religious intolerance. The world has changed since those times, but not nearly enough as it should!
As I have already stated, one cannot simply pick out the flaws of a religion and then say this is that religion.
This world can change and hopefully it will.
Alexander K.B. Gill, Age 13, seventh grade, Hawai‘i Technology Academy, Hanalei
Cemetery desecration senseless
I received a letter from my sister yesterday telling me that the Japanese cemetery in Anahola, Kaua‘i was desecrated.
Apparently, vandals had gone to the cemetery one night or early morning and knocked over a number of gravestones. In the 78 years since I was born, the Japanese cemetery has peacefully existed on a hill overlooking the Anahola valley, and the random act of violence has made me wonder about the morals and ethics of the current population of a once-peaceful island in which people were at once friendly and generous to everyone they happened to meet. It has been some 60 years since I left to further my education and to lead a meaningful life in California, but I have returned periodically to visit relatives and to pay my respect at my parent’s and my grandparent’s grave sites. The news of the desecration of grave stones is at once shocking and dismaying. I can only wonder at the mental state of those individuals who would stoop to such a low level of uncivilized behavior.
I can only surmise that the culprits are young and seemingly without guidance and without purpose. I hope that they may somehow be reached and that their lives and their energies be redirected from acts of random violence to random acts of kindness.
Lloyd Tanabe, Westminster, Calif.
Lights on Rice brought her to tears
The Lights on Rice Parade made me cry.
When I was watching the Lights on Rice Parade last week, I found myself in tears several times throughout the evening.
At the time my tears surprised me and I had to later think about what was causing them. I realized it wasn’t the adorable keiki, it wasn’t the beauty of the lights, it wasn’t the incredible volume of the airport rescue truck horn, and it wasn’t from getting my ankle rammed by a misdirected stroller. No, it wasn’t any of these things.
It was the happy cheers of parents waving to their son on the Wilcox School float. It was auntie jumping up and down, waving to someone she knew walking with the Gas Company (who had great T-shirts, by the way). It was a kid in the Kaua‘i High marching band who took a moment to run over to the side and hug someone he knew. These genuine moments of love, ‘ohana, community, and joy brought those tears to my eyes. I moved away from Kaua‘i four years ago and I had forgotten that this is what makes Kaua‘i magical. Thank you, Kaua‘i, for reminding me of the beauty of family and the power of community.
Julie Johnson, Portland, Ore.
Light up highways for holidays
Hello out there. In case you didn’t notice, the holidays are upon us. My husband and I often drive after dark from Lihu‘e to our home in Kilauea. There are many homes along the route, however, only one or two bother to decorate with outdoor lights. Think of how lovely it would be to make the dark drive while enjoying the creativity of those who live along Kuhio Highway, who are willing to put up holiday lighting. One house along the way has gone all out. Hooray for them! We thank you for your efforts. How about the rest of you?
The new fire department building just outside Kapa‘a would look splendid all lit up. So would any of the homes along the way. And what about your neighborhoods? If you start the trend you will find your neighbors copying you in no time.
This is a challenge to all living in Kaua‘i. Get in the spirit of the holidays and do a bit of outdoor decorating. Lots of lights and displays are available very reasonably at our big-box stores. Have some fun with your family and neighbors and enjoy the spirit and light up the night. Unfortunately, no one sees our house in their travels, but we enjoy coming home to the lights ourselves. If you put them on a timer you can also be conscientious about using too much energy.
Mele Kalikimaka and Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou.
Suzy Fiorito, Kilauea
