HSTA will back Abercrombie

I find the conflict between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and Gov. Neil Abercrombie most amusing.

It certainly proves that the governor knows exactly what he is doing. He knows from the history of the HSTA that he can do anything he wants and it will still endorse him for the same position in the next election. No matter what he says or does, the parent organization of the HSTA, the National Education Association, will never allow it to endorse anyone but a Democrat.

There are few sure things in life, but one of them is that in the next election, all will be forgiven and you will see "HSTA for Abercrombie" ads all over.

Sid Tsubaki Jr.
Keaau

Teach value of sustainability

Upon coming across the Hawaii Stock Market Simulation project, I was both excited and dismayed to see what was going on.

I was excited to see the opportunities for Hawaii’s youth to learn about investing, but dismayed there was no sustainability aspect to it. Part of the project’s goal is to teach students about investing and saving — but why not do that through environmentally friendly, sustainable businesses?

How can we expect this generation to turn out any differently when we cultivate them to make the same bottom-line mistakes of the generations before them? Why not teach elementary children about microfinance and websites like Kiva.org, where they can invest $25 and really see how it can transform someone’s life? Or teach high schoolers about how employees work more efficiently and companies are generally more profitable when they are sustainable?

Katharine Levins
Kailua

Rail will make life a lot easier

I recently attended a town hall forum on rail and got an update on work being done, the financial plan and the project timeline. I’m very encouraged about what I heard.

What I like most about the project is that the first segment from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium will be built and fully operational by 2015. That’s not too far away. I live in Makakilo. In a few short years, we can begin taking the rail to places like Pearl Ridge, where we go often.

Aloha Stadium is also part of the first segment. During the work week, I’ll be able to take the rail to the stadium, then, at no extra charge, I can transfer to TheBus, which will shuttle me downtown.

Imagine if people from the west side take rail to the game, how much lighter traffic will be on game day. We’ll get to the game quicker and there will be less congestion on the roads. That also helps everyone coming from the east side.

Things are finally moving.

Lance C. Holden
Makakilo

America built on work ethic

This is America, land of the free and home of the brave. One of the few countries in the world where you can arrive with absolutely nothing and work your way to success in any field you desire.

I have seen legal immigrants from Vietnam, Laos, China, Philippines, Japan and communist countries come to Hawaii and build successful ventures. Not one of them asked for government aid; instead, they focused on working.

My mother-in-law arrived here from the Philippines with nothing but a dream. She took two jobs working 16 hours a day; she did not ask for free government health care, free housing or food. Two years later, she has her own apartment and living the American Dream.

I am sick and tired of the protests and mindset of people who want to do nothing and receive a free ride from the government. America was not made great by social programs, entitlements and government handouts.

Drew Santos
Waialae Iki

Evolution isn’t up for debate

In the Oct. 12 Star-Advertiser, the article by John Evans ("The false divide") and letter by Rodney Lau ("Schools don’t teach about God") require clarification.

Conservative Protestants may not oppose science in general, but opposition to evolution is anti-science. Evolution is a scientific fact. Anyone with an open mind can prove this by examining fossils from bottom to top in an extensive sedimentary rock sequence like the Grand Canyon.

Apparently Lau would like his version of God taught in public schools, ignoring constitutional separation of church and state and other religions. However, considering the global role of religions, a course on world religions should be required to counter ignorance and prejudice.

Leslie E. Sponsel
Hawaii Kai