During my childhood, there was a period of about a year and a half when my parents couldn’t make ends meet. My mother explained to me what food stamps were, and that she had applied for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

It’s left a powerful impression on me, that there was a safety net to catch us when we fell. We got out of the net after a while, but we were allowed to keep our dignity.

Not everyone has a cherished view of the system, or respect for who it’s there to help. I’ve watched people abuse the system in minor ways (intemperate spending) and abhorrent ways (fraud). I hope that we can correct such shortcomings so that such a safety net will remain available for those who need it (“Balance soars past $20,000 in SNAP account,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 27).

Harlan Sheppard

Ewa Beach

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Rail already risks city’s fiscal health

So the mayor says the funding deal from our state lawmakers would jeopardize the City and County of Honolulu’s financial health.

So far under his leadership, what more unforeseen excuses does he have as to why the rail project cost double its original budget?

It seems to me that our city’s financial health was being jeopardized at the start of the rail project.

Sam Deuz

Waialua

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Massive rail project will loom over city

The politicians pictured on the Star-Advertiser’s front page last week look as if they are in attendance at a funeral (“Rail deal spreads the accountability,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 25). Why this unusual display of public grief?

If you haven’t driven down Farrington Highway through Waipahu, or Kamehameha Highway through Pearl City recently, it’s a worthwhile trip to see what could be on the horizon for Kalihi, downtown and central Honolulu soon if the rail juggernaut proceeds.

The gargantuan, cement monolith looms over ant-like folks below and casts its pall as far as the eye can see, obscuring epic views of the Waianae and Koolau ranges. Oppressive and visually transformative, this monument to incompetence, greed and expedience is really quite tragic.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell and legislators should heed the voices of reason clamoring for termination of rail at Middle Street. Who would actively seek a legacy as the godfather of visual blight on Oahu?

Ellen Sofio

Manoa

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Trump’s comments on riots disturbing

Tom Freitas’s letter seriously lacked honesty (“Honest discourse lost in anti-Trumpism,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 27).

The most extreme violence in Charlottesville was committed by the alt-right; and just one day after his clarifying comments, President Donald Trump returned to saying there was blame on both sides. Trump needed to condemn the alt-right for the beating of an African-American man, and for someone on that side driving a car into a crowd of people.

If these acts had been committed by Muslims, there is no doubt what Trump’s reaction would be — and it would not be to condemn both sides.

If you read news media from other countries you will see shock and outrage at Trump’s statements by people from other countries, not just Americans.

Terrence Ching

Waialae

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Thomas’ column degrades women

Cal Thomas’ rambling, misogynistic essay unfairly heaped the full burden of our culture’s “obsession” with feminine beauty on Princess Diana (“Cult of Diana perpetuates society’s worship of beauty,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 29). His embarrassing piece was filled with attacks on Diana’s morality, references to body parts, and generally degrading comments on women in general.

Just journalistically, much of his offering was copied from an earlier essay. Comments like, “beauty covers a multitude of sins,” “a goddess statue … devoid of spiritual power,” “Barbie-Doll wannabes who are blonde with short skirts and apparently little self-respect,” “are all interchangeable parts,” and “but the lip gloss and hair look great,” are blatant attacks on all women, if not dog whistles.

I hope we all remember that Diana, like all women (and men) was trying to find her place in this world amid enormous public and private pressure and was, by all accounts, a loving mother to her two boys from whom she was taken too soon.

William E. Conti

Waikiki

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Use loans and liens for home retrofitting

I spoke to a friend from San Francisco who said that back in the 1980s, they were all required to retrofit their houses, mostly for earthquake proofing. The city gave homeowners money to do the retrofitting.

However, everybody’s deed had a lien put on it, which would have to be paid off before they could refinance or sell the property (and many paid it off right away). But someone who did not have money could still get the work done and not have to pay for it, even in their lifetime.

The lien would be paid when the person died if the heirs wanted to sell the property. It’s kind of like a reverse mortgage. I think this idea should be explored for Honolulu.

Joan Navales

Aiea

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Edible marijuana puts children at risk

I’m in favor of legalizing pakalolo, provided strict laws are enacted similar to the consumption of alcohol.

However, state Sen. Will Espero wanting to legalize consumable marijuana is an extremely bad idea (“Will Espero sees legal pot in 3 to 5 years,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 25).

Kids may not want to smoke marijuana because smoking is not a very pleasant experience for a lot of people. However, if you allow it to be consumed in the form of edibles like candy or brownies, kids will be more willing to experience marijuana.

There’s a reason young people shouldn’t consume alcohol and the same reason applies to marijuana. Don’t make it any easier for our young people to start using drugs (marijuana and alcohol).

Cliff Toyama

Moanalua