Full fireworks ban not fair to kamaaina

To completely ban the use of legal fireworks that many kamaaina have enjoyed for generations, in response to illegal fireworks used by a few, is not an appropriate response.

Word ‘political’ has become an epithet

Like the "F" word, the word "political" is overused and often misused, and has become practically meaningless.

Gov. Linda Lingle accused the state Senate of being "political" in its rejection of Katherine Leonard as chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

To the governor I would say, "So what? All decisions made by our elected representatives in the public arena are by definition ‘political.’ Did you mean to say something else?"

Actually, I heard many senators provide very reasonable explanations for their public votes.

What I think the governor intended to convey was that those who voted against the nomination are bad people, base their decisions on stupid reasons and like to retaliate against her for no good reason.

Since the word "political" has devolved into an epithet, and has the effect of stopping the public discussion of important public issues, I think it is time for us to cease using that word in public discourse. For as long as it takes.

Obama needs to show greater leadership

President Barack Obama inherited a hornet’s nest, with two wars draining the nation’s resources, a huge deficit and more than 8.5 million people unable to find jobs.

Obama’s call for "change" has been lost in the Washington, D.C., fog.

Other people, like tea party advocates and hard-right screamers, are setting the agenda.

The November elections may be the wake-up call that jolts Obama to act with courage and forceful leadership — two elements that have long been missing from the White House.

Not all Christians are like intolerant Taliban

As a Christian who believes Christ when he states, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," I think that Cal Thomas’ commentary is missing the focus of Christ’s message in regard to homosexuality ("Muslim fanatics aren’t wrong about America’s moral decay," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 11).

There are millions of Christians, including Episcopals, Evangelical Lutherans, Presbyterians, Quakers and United Church of Christ members, who embrace their homosexual members and welcome them as leadership in their churches.

As the Taliban claims to speak for the entire Muslim community, a small vocal portion of fundamentalist Christians is attempting to co-opt this issue with the focus being on their interpretation of the letter of the law as opposed to the spirit.

It is time for all people who believe in equal rights, including Christians, to take a stand and support the homosexual community on this issue.

Universal preschool not affordable just yet

As concerns the editorial on universal preschool ("Invest in early education," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 12), I think this is a good idea, but we have not yet emerged from the recession.

The editorial staff is spending money we do not yet have.