Big change often occurs quietly
Since the Sept. 20 repeal of the U.S. military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy that prohibited openly gay individuals from serving in uniform, the response has been relatively muted. No large celebrations or protests. No rush on recruitment centers by gay and lesbian applicants. Those who are serving their country still serve. Those who were drummed out must still live with the aftereffects.
The change, it seems, will come quietly, as thousands of active-duty service members stop living in fear because of their sexual orientation. Like Jeffry Priela, a Navy corpsman at Pearl Harbor, for whom personal questions about his relationships are no longer a mine field to be navigated. Which is good, because he has work to do.
"The mission is the ultimate goal," he noted. "Personal issues come second."
Who do you want on a stamp?
Now that the United States Postal Service has abandoned its rule that only dead people can appear on its postage, the options are wide open, and the service wants to hear from you.
Suggestions have included evangelist Billy Graham, first lady Michelle Obama and comedian Steven Colbert (self-submitted).
But who in Hawaii deserves the honor? Get an envelope, a piece of paper, and yes, a stamp, and send your suggestion to: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, Room 3300, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-3501.
Too much trouble? Then go to Facebook, Twitter or the Postal Service website. No stamp required.