Florida massacre could have ended differently

In response to the Orlando massacre, I anticipate escalated outcry from anti-gun supporters advocating restricting the sale of so-called assault rifles.

Given his intention to inflict great harm, the killer could have used other weapons to accomplish his ends.

Guns in the hands of responsible citizens are not a hazard to society, but rather a deterrent to crime.

I fully support the requirement for background checks of individuals who purchase guns or ammunition. These checks should include mental evaluations.

Unfortunately, that will not prevent weapons getting into the hands of bad people.

The shooter in the Florida massacre was a security guard who legally carried a gun, and was known to authorities to be emotionally unstable.

I wonder what would have been the outcome in Orlando had there been a dozen people with concealed-carry permits and a weapon with them that night.

Bob Freeman

Wilhelmina Rise

Commentary on rifle didn’t apply to Hawaii

The article, “Want to buy an AR-15 rifle? It takes 7 minutes and $759.99” (Star-Advertiser, June 15) totally misleads the people of Hawaii.

The article did not mention that Hawaii has among the strictest gun laws in the nation.

People reading this article will panic, not knowing that it takes time and background checks through the police department before a buyer can obtain a permit to acquire a firearm.

Anyone who wants to purchase a pistol will need to take a class and be certified prior to obtaining a permit to acquire.

While it is true that some states may be too liberal with their gun laws, you cannot put Hawaii on the same level as the other states.

Be fair in your reporting.

Albert Keliikuloa

Kaimuki

Later Quran passages do indeed preach peace

Muslims will be engaged in rear-guard action defending their religion until they acknowledge that the Quran’s violence-inciting passages, revealed to Muhammad over 18 years — and although far more numerous — were superseded by peace-inciting ones revealed during Muhammad’s last year (632 CE).

The belief that the Quran is “perfect” incites extremists to look forward to “vestal virgins” in Paradise by killing unbelievers (including Muslims disagreeing with them) and committing other injustices.

The Quranic clarification that later guidance superseded earlier guidance should become the Muslim mantra to promote Muhammad’s last advice of peace and interfaith harmony.

Saleem Ahmed

Hawaii Kai

Woman’s exact words better paraphrased?

I want to thank Dan Nakaso for keeping the tragic story of homelessness before the public consciousness (“Homeless settling in, in Iwilei,” Star-Advertiser, June 6).

He provided considerable information on the evolution of this phenomenon and its many moving parts around Honolulu.

Most impactful and poignant were his graphic accounts of the conditions under which some homeless folks are living and some of their actual statements. He doesn’t demonize or blame anyone for the situation.

However, I wonder if anyone else noticed his account of what Naomi Steamboat said about using Lowe’s restroom facilities: “But mostly, she said, ‘It’s shishi in a bucket, dump ‘em in the street.’”

Why did he use the original pidgin?

The reporting of this conversation could have read: “She said she uses Lowe’s facilities but mostly has to shishi in a bucket and dump it in the street.”

Just a question for all of us.

William E. Conti

Waikiki