• Mental health challenges • Profanity has no place • Play tennis or golf • Cutbacks are necessary • KIUC solutions Mental health challenges The horrendous tragedy in Tucson, Ariz. that the world is now focusing upon can happen anytime,
• Mental health challenges • Profanity
has no place • Play tennis or golf •
Cutbacks are necessary • KIUC
solutions
Mental health challenges
The horrendous tragedy in Tucson, Ariz. that the world is now focusing upon can happen anytime, anywhere. Unless and until there are major paradigm shifts in the ways we deal with mental health challenges that go virtually unattended, we will remain apprehensive about when the next catastrophic assault will occur and bemoan the loss of innocent lives… again and again and again.
Let’s face it. We have failed miserably by closing mental institutions, leaving the mentally challenged to fend for themselves. If they have not landed in jail, they are roaming the streets. When we see someone physically injured, aid and assistance can be provided and rendered. When someone with mental disturbances gets “quirky”, we tend to look away, “hope” we won’t be assaulted, or shake our heads in dismay.
It will take concerted efforts from the public and private sectors to deal with this problem compassionately, effectively, and realistically. This is not something for “somebody else” to take care of. We must all be involved in the process which includes open discussions, gathering of resources, consideration of various approaches and strategies, and dedication and commitment to implement those plans.
Let’s not continue to shun this task. We need to start somewhere. That place is here. That time is now.
Jose Bulatao, Jr., Kekaha
Profanity has no place
I can see no argument excusing the use of profanity in our language; on or off the football field at KHS. We are already inundated with profanity with the rap songs, MTV and music our youth choose to listen to. It is still considered the ultimate act of disrespect to use profanity when speaking to a person.
As a parent, I do not tolerate the use of profanity when my kids speak to me. However, how can I expect my kids to refrain from vulgar language when there are teachers and coaches in the public schools who are condoning it? We can only wish that everyone chooses to lead by example and exercise restraint as a society. The profanity used in our language only creates discord. It is time to do something counter-culture and refrain from using it as a society in general.
If a student athlete is not performing on the practice field, make him run an extra lap, good for the heart and doesn’t tear his self esteem down.
Niki Sifers, Koloa
Play tennis or golf
This is in response to the article about Kaua‘i High’s football coach being let go due to a parent’s complaint of cursing during practice/games.
It’s football! A sport where people break bones, get concussions, get paralyzed. It’s not a sport where the coach will hold your hand and baby you.
Cursing, although frowned upon by some, is part of sports — especially team sports. If parents dont want their child around the possibility of swearing go play an individual sport like tennis or golf (although if you listened to Cheetah Woods before, golf may have more cursing than football).
As for the parent who complained, I believe this is the same thing they did to Coach Morgado that got him out. Borrero has had an unblemished behavior record there and to be let go is just ridiculous. But it fits the mold of KHS and its leadership.
Remeber years ago when parents complained about the baseball staff because they lost for the first time in eight years? The administration didn’t “renew their contracts” either.
So a few things need to change. Parents, support your child at games and put your child in an environment you think is best for them.
Tonson Bernoises, Lawa‘i
Cutbacks are necessary
The state budget was supposed to be submitted within two weeks of Governor Neil Abercrombie taking office. We are now told it will not be submitted until March. Basically, there is not enough money to meet the state’s needs and/or wants.
It is obvious we have to make cuts. We may want to follow other politicians proposals. John Bohener (R-IA) cut the congressional budget by 5 percent. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) suggested a 5 percent cut in congressional pay. Jerry Brown (D-CA) cut cell phone usage by 50 percent. He is even using his own phone for state work.
I’m sure there are many more cuts that can be made. I would love to have more cuts proposed by readers of The Garden Island.
JoAnne Georgi, Ele‘ele
KIUC solutions
I know I am not the first person to write about KIUC’s high electricity rates. When KIUC first came into existence, we all hoped that somehow costs would come down. What a disappointment that has been. KIUC will say that most of their costs are fixed. That may be true. But it is also true that some costs ARE within their control. I must say that it is time for KIUC to start cutting costs.
I am fairly certain that there are many ways KIUC could cut major costs if they had a sincere desire to do so. May I suggest they start with the easy stuff, as follows:
1. Stop producing “Currents” It goes in the post office trash can. If KIUC has important information I need to know, it can be included in my bill.
2. Stop producing the calendar. I get so many calendars, I can’t give them away.
3. Stop charitable giving and community outreach programs. KIUC’s only purpose is to provide electricity at an affordable price.
Stop spending on “nice to do” things and spend only on “need to do” things. I don’t want the fluff. I want a lower bill.
The owners of KIUC, all Kaua‘i residents, expect them to provide for the efficient operation and continuing need for electricity. And, that should be done in the most cost-effective manner possible. That may mean making some tough, but necessary, decisions to benefit the ratepayers and residents of Kaua‘i.
Patricia Berg, Princeville
