Our culture is death-phobic

I was saddened but not at all surprised by the negative reaction to the proposed memorial reefs (“Memorial reef idea gets cool reception,” Star-Advertiser, July 28). It just confirms what I already know, which is that we live in a death-phobic culture.

We hide away any evidence of dying, death and grieving. We pump corpses full of toxic chemicals so they look more lifelike, all in an effort to avoid being reminded of our own mortality. We are a society obsessed with youth and beauty.

Why should we be uncomfortable paddling over an underwater memorial? Death is all around us: at the bottom of the oceans where we swim, scattered on the waves we surf, and under the earth we walk on every day.

As long as the possible environmental effects have been studied thoroughly, this ocean user, a member of the death positivity movement and a Native Hawaiian, doesn’t have a problem with it.

Marcy Wilhelm

Waipahu

Nothing justifies delegate’s action

The member of the Hawaii delegation who displayed her finger when U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced the votes for Secretary Hillary Clinton not only embarrassed the Hawaii delegation but the entire state of Hawaii (“Frustration prompted obscene gesture,” Star-Advertiser, July 28).

There is no righteous justification for that type of inappropriate behavior and it surely doesn’t represent the aloha spirit of our state. She may want to consider going back to Texas where she came from and join the Trump organization, where that form of behavior may be embraced.

Hal Omori

Mililani

Middle finger not state bird

A bird flew by former Gov. John Waihee and U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz at the Democratic National Convention.

If the intent of the lady who flipped it was to shame Hawaii, the Democratic Party and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, then she succeeded beyond all expectations.

Sanders unconditionally endorsed Hillary Clinton, despite his disappointment in not being able to secure the party’s nomination. It is a shame that this lady, a newcomer to our islands, could not act in the same civil, mature and responsible manner.

She ought to learn soon that the aloha spirit calls us to act with modesty, pleasantness and unity. Now we are left to remind others that the middle finger is not the Aloha State bird. The nene is.

A.M. Makana Paris

Papakolea

Don’t vote for Archie Bunker

It’s unusual that the editorial board of a major newspaper, The Washington Post, would take a stance this early (“Donald Trump is a unique threat to American democracy,” July 22), even before the challenger is nominated.

Do we really want a modern-day Archie Bunker representing America? Or an emotional shoot-from-the-hip guy as the commander-in-chief of the strongest military in the world?

Hillary Clinton is no panacea either, but she gives the country a chance to survive four years until we can get someone better. Having a proven ex-president in her household could help her make the right decisions.

Bill Santos

Kaneohe

Don’t allow fake service dogs

Lee Cataluna’s column on fake service dogs brought up a subject that upsets a lot of people (“Fake service dogs make life tougher for truly disabled,” Star-Advertiser, July 24).

If there are no laws that require service dogs to have ID cards, then there should be one. It’s not only an annoyance, it’s a health issue.

Those with legitimate service dogs are upset. Non-owners like myself are upset. But I think those most upset are the many dog owners who follow the rules.

Clark Himeda

Kaimuki

Slow cars belong in right-side lane

In response to Kristen Consillio (“Oahu’s fast and furious leaving aloha in the dust,” Star-Advertiser, She Speaks, July 21), I agree with her.

But in her case, there are basic rules of the road — one being that if there is more than one lane in the same direction, the passing lane is on the left, with slower vehicles on the right. This is so emergency vehicles and people who don’t have the day off, or are retired and have all day, can pass without having to weave in and out of traffic.

So when the ambulance driver gives you the stink eye because he has to go around you, roll down your window and tell him, “I’m doing the speed limit. Is there a problem?”

Lloyd Yamashiro

Ewa Beach