Several weeks ago, a letter made the point that Americans accept lying from our national leaders. An example cited was the president’s explanation of benefits if we adopt Obamacare.

We know these benefits were mostly untrue and we are all paying the costs as our health care system descends into financial chaos. Supporters defend the lies; after all, the ends justify the means.

In addition to lies, the American people accept other characteristics without question: Growth and power of government, skyrocketing national debt and deficits; stagnant economy with stifling regulations and taxes; broken immigration system; lack of transparency/truth; dishonesty and malfeasance at the highest levels; and a rotten political system.

National polls show Americans have lost trust in their institutions. Anyone who agrees with these points should remain silent — or they will be labeled a “deplorable” and be accused of being phobic.

Jim McDiarmid

Mililani

Water could crimp new housing project

Where is the fresh water going to come from for Ho‘opili’s 11,700 homes and estimated 50,000 to 60,000 population?

Oahu frequently has years of water shortages between tropical storms and hurricanes, which bring frequent flash floods to the islands.

The state has never done anything to collect rain runoff to augment the water aquifers or prevent frequent flash flooding.

Thomas “T.J.” Davies Jr.

Waikiki

Bicyclists mustwalk while in crosswalks

While I understand another reader’s sentiment regarding bikes and crosswalks, I must disagree on a key point: Walking a bike through a crosswalk is not “prudent” — it’s the law.

With certain exceptions (bike lanes or signage indicating otherwise), bicycles are treated like motor vehicles — and subject to the same restrictions.

Legally, one should never ride a bike through a crosswalk; dismount and be a pedestrian.

People still do it, though (including me during some early morning commutes), but it’s their responsibility, if they take that risk.

If we are going to educate the public, let’s do so with regard to what’s legal, not just prudent.

Tracey Scott

Wahiawa

1-star rating was unfair to good movie

Regarding the one-star rating for “Florence Foster Jenkins,” I am interested to know where the Honolulu Star-Advertiser managed to find such a low rating for this excellent film.

I, and everyone I know who has seen this movie, loved it and thought the acting was terrific from all.

After seeing it, I searched the web trying to justify your one-star rating and found only ratings of three stars and greater.

I have heard too many say they are really not interested in seeing it because it got only one star. I know this is a foolish way to decide which movies to see, but I think you have done a real disservice to those who would look for guidance from the star rating in the newspaper.

Ann Kelminski

Hawaii Kai

Mauna Kea is a gift to benefit humans

I read the two different views about the Thirty Meter Telescope (“Should state allow TMT on Mauna Kea?” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 7). Both sides had good arguments.

One line popped out at me: “Mauna Kea dwells in the heavenly realm of po, out of which is born the potential for all things.” That moved me as being such a huge, elegant and hopeful notion: “potential for all things.”

The commentary went on to explain how Mauna Kea fits into Hawaiian creation stories and that it is profoundly sacred.

To me, this is even more reason to allow thoughtful, well-meaning people (now evolved and using new technologies) to advance humankind’s knowledge and understanding of the “highest heavens.”

Mauna Kea, this sacred place, has provided mankind with an ideal spot to better view the heavens. To me, it seems like a unique gift, a precious opportunity to help mankind achieve that potential.

Connie Wickware

Kalihi Valley

Opposing TMT is not to oppose science

As an educator for over 40 years, I understand the value of science, technology, history, tradition and culture. We teach our children to use science and technology respectfully, and to honor cultures and traditions.

Opposing the Thirty Meter Telescope is not an opposition to science or technology. It is a resistance to the threat, disrespect and contempt of Mauna Kea, its aquifer systems, its fragile environment and its cultural significance.

We teach our children to respect others and understand that they have a kuleana to this land. We instruct them to always do what is pono. These are the basic rules we hope they live by.

Because we breathe the air and our feet touch this Earth, we have a responsibility here. Mauna Kea helps to provide the essential elements of fresh water, clean air and land. That’s why we should always do what is pono and stand to protect her.

Cheryl Burghardt

Downtown Honolulu

Accentuate positive, eliminate negative

Last week, you printed an article about how the University of Hawaii Wahine volleyball coaches are teaching passing skills by repeatedly calling out, “Can’t pass. Can’t win.”

This strikes me as counter-productive, and even damaging. How about switching that to, “Can pass. Will win!”

This positive phrase plants images of success instead of failure.

Pam Chambers

Kakaako