• Outrage should be directed at abortions • On Syria and violence • Desperation breeds desperate acts • GMO can save lives • Life about to change Outrage should be directed at abortions In Sunday’s article regarding “HSUS offers $5,000
• Outrage should be directed at abortions • On Syria and violence • Desperation breeds desperate acts • GMO can save lives • Life about to change
Outrage should be directed at abortions
In Sunday’s article regarding “HSUS offers $5,000 reward for cruelty to a puppy” it is very disturbing in only one respect.
I am thoroughly against cruelty to animals. But in this country that does 3,500 human abortions every day, it befuddles me to see everyone up in arms about a puppy. The article has a quote from HSUS State Director that says, “This defenseless puppy suffered a terrifying experience. There is absolutely no excuse for an act that could have easily resulted in the death of this puppy.”
In case no one is paying attention, an abortion does result in the death of the child, not could or might result, but does result in a dead fetus.
So while we are all sorry that there is a person sick enough to do this to a puppy, our country kills 3,500 babies every day, 1.3 million annually, one every 26 seconds. And we are so upset about one puppy?
Kris Van Dahm
Kapaa
On Syria and violence
As a consequence of our technology it is becoming increasingly intolerable for most of us to tolerate the intolerable, such as what is now occurring in Syria. Throughout the world there is a growing concern with finding a meaningful and effective way to intervene to stop the violence imposed by the people upon their own people.
Throughout history, solutions to violence within a particular group of people have always required appealing to a “higher authority” outside the group. When assuming we must solve our own problems the tendency has been to act or react impulsively, which leads most often to violence. However, when assuming that we have the realistic option of referring the problem to be addressed by an outside “higher” authority, the prospect of violence decreases.
A simple example is that if seeing the shadow on your living room wall of someone who appears to be holding a handgun, there are at least two immediate options; one is to get your own gun from under your pillow, take matters into your own hands, and start firing; a second is to call 911.
Syrian rebels have gone for their own guns. The United States can go for our own guns, or we can appeal to a “higher authority.” The big question remains: “Who, what, where is the higher authority! Is it Congress; is it the United Nations; or are we interested in turning to one, and if so, is there one to be found?”
Robert P Merkle
Koloa
Desperation breeds desperate acts
This is an open letter to the vandal who felt compelled to steal our ‘Yes on 2491’ sign here in Kekaha.
In the U.S., we all have the right to express our opinion.
If you don’t like my opinion or how I express it, come talk to me.
Don’t steal my stuff. By doing that you just made my voice stronger.
It is a nice peaceful sign, one made from sweat and love by a concerned mother, not a mass-produced yard sign handed out by the chemical companies.
I keep hearing from the media that the westside is against 2491. I don’t think so. Just ask people who live there, not the chemical PR people.
People are tired of having their water and air defiled. All those chemicals running off the fields and into Pakala, PoliHale and other surf spots.
And don’t argue that because its been happening for a long time, it should continue. That’s just ignorant.
So hey, show what your really made of and return the sign. It’s the right thing to do.
Randy Wolfshagen
Kekaha
GMO can save lives
This morning brought yet another alarming Facebook post regarding “natural” versus “chemical,” this time in toothpaste. Mercury, lead, arsenic, and cyanide are “natural.” Does this make them “safe?” Of course not! Most insulin used by diabetics in the U.S. today is made by GMO methods. Does GMO insulin save lives? Yes! GMO can be life-saving. GMO saved the papaya industry of Hawaii. On the other hand, many foods that have been recalled because they have caused disease or death had been grown on certified organic farms.
No GMO foods have ever been scientifically demonstrated to be life-threatening. There is much misinformation about “natural” versus GMO products on the Internet. I keep hearing this underlying message in the worldwide web: “I know what I want to believe … don’t confuse me with the facts.”
Our knowledge of these issues cannot be reduced to sound bites; it seems that some would rather accept a simple lie than a complex truth.
Janet Nelsen
Kapaa
Life about to change
Each morning for the past 11 years I shower and shave, brush my teeth slowly, open the medicine cabinet to reach for the two-inch pill bottle, a six-inch pill bottle and a baby aspirin, 81 milligram container.
I check out the yellow caution labels … “may cause drowsiness,” “take with food” and “may cause confusion or blindness if not taken between the first lunar eclipse and the eighth orbit of the sun.”
I line the pills in order of size, color and warnings. I slowly place them in my mouth followed with a short glass of tap water and pray the nothing happens before I cinch the last elastic draw sting on my undies.
I brush what little hairs I have left and then sing “I’m off to see the Wizard” or “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, I’m off to work I go” … I realize my life is about to change in a manner I thought that would never happen.
Soon, I will have to refill my medicine, restock my shaving cream, buy a different type of tooth brush and find a different store front that has been proudly decorated for all the holidays.
Quality, kindness, friendliness were the a reasons why most Kalaheo residents would shop at the finest pharmacy in the world, Papalina Pharmacy.
We will miss each and every person that ever worked for Mike and Lisa. May the universe somehow repay them for all they did for all of us … we will deeply miss you guys.
Ronald Horoshko
Kalaheo
