• Stop talking about your faith, live it • Fire the whistleblowers, let corruption reign • Inept leaders fail to dampen desire to serve Stop talking about your faith, live it The following was said on March 27: “When we
• Stop talking about your faith, live it • Fire the whistleblowers, let corruption reign • Inept leaders fail to dampen desire to serve
Stop talking about your faith, live it
The following was said on March 27:
“When we use our intelligence and discrimination to investigate the subject of our ‘faith,’ a deep confidence is born. Then, faith is no longer dependent on any external object, teaching or situation for reinforcement. It becomes a part of us, a knowledge that is unshakable and as such, does not need to be defended or argued.”
Funny, because like the person who made this statement, countless believers feel the need to constantly defend or argue their faith in the newspaper. What is clear is that they have no intentions of stopping, but they seem to insist that nobody respond to them in any way other than mindless agreement. Well, some of us refuse. If that is a problem, then there is a clear answer: don’t make such comments in public where people can freely respond. If it is your right to discuss such topics in the newspaper, it is just as much the right of those who don’t agree with you to call it as they see it.
Bottomline: don’t keep arguing and defending things that “need no argument or defense.” Live your faith and stop talking about it, as the talk is usually not in any sense of alignment with what people can see with their own eyes — words and deeds in complete disagreement. That makes for a blatantly hypocritical appearance. Rather than beating everyone over the head with your faith, try some honest-to-goodness silence to contemplate the actual meaning of your faith for a refreshing change.
Michael Mann, Lihue
Fire the whistleblowers, let corruption reign
We are yearly visitors to Kauai. One of our favorite beaches is Poipu Beach. One of the reasons that attracted us to the beach was the friendly aloha spirit we experienced from the lifeguards at this beach, finding them friendly, informative and true ambassadors for your lovely island.
We have made friends with several of them and value our friendship with them. Their love and passion for what they do is unsurpassed.
Unfortunately, this year our good friend Myles Emura is no longer working the Poipu Tower. It seems that Myles was called on to give testimony in an internal investigation.
His testimony cast a dark shadow on the activities of several supervisors in regards to misuse of county resources. The outcome of this was retaliation, which led to a hostile work environment forcing him to leave his position.
Myles has a passion for his work. Myles was a whistle blower. People become whistleblowers because they take pride in what they do.
They take action when they see things that cross the line between what is right and what is wrong. They do this because they have freedom to do so. If they do not use this freedom they have nothing. They will continue to see things go wrong.
Whistleblowers recognize there will be problems, however they are determined to not be blind and let things continue.
They have patience and persistence. They are ordinary people like you and me. They are not afraid to use the freedom they have.
Are these not traits we want to see in our public employees? You, the citizens of Kauai are paying for these people. Would you not prefer to have honest people with integrity filling these positions?
Why is it that Myles is not working, while the people that performed these alleged acts are? Is there an ongoing investigation into these actions? Is it easier to get rid of the whistleblower and have corruptions continue? Myles used his freedom to report these. Should not the citizens of Kauai use their freedom and begin to ask why.
Blair and Mary Miner, Astoria, Oregon
Inept leaders fail to dampen desire to serve
Aloha to all the clients that thought out and needed help in the psychiatric unit at SMMH. You bravely face your daily challenges and continue to live your life the best that you can. You are heroes.
But be assured I had your back. I became your advocate, made sure your safety and rights were not violated or jeopardized. I was your friend, gave hugs if you needed one or allowed me to give you one.
I watched over you like a mother. I felt your pain. I was your night nurse for 36 years.
As staff, we too face many challenges under unqualified leadership and bureaucracy of management, humiliation, harassment, bullying, but as a professional, I put my best face on and persevered after 36 years.
I proudly hold my head high knowing that I gave the best care I possibly could.
Now, I’m retired. The truth has set me free.
Helgai Efhan, Kapaa
