Why did President Donald Trump lash out now against NFL football, when the “knee on the ground” issue has been around since last year?

That “why” is answered by recognizing that every time something new transpires concerning the Russia probe, Trump does something outrageous to distract from those facts. The most recent news items have Special Counsel Robert Mueller getting close to Trump himself. Hence, what Trump said in Atlanta on Friday night was just another such distraction.

Did it work? Or will it backfire? As Trump often says, “Time will tell.”

If Trump wants to deplore people for disrespecting the American flag, he might take a good look at those attending his rallies: They flaunt American flag shirts, scarves, boots and bandanas. Add to them, those who carry American flags and set them on the ground when they are not waving them.

Perhaps the enthusiasm expressed by the Alabama crowd for Trump’s words helps explain why Alabama doesn’t have a professional football team.

Wendy Pollitt

Kaneohe

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Taking a knee an embarrassment

When National Football League players in London took a knee while our country’s national anthem was played, but stood when the British national anthem was played, I felt it was time for me to disengage from watching NFL games on television. It was embarrassing to every American. Not only in England, but around America NFL players took a knee, showing disrespect for our American flag.

Their issue was social and racial injustice in America. I do wholeheartedly support them on that issue, but not through disrespecting our national anthem.

What about those military men and women on Navy ships in the Korean peninsula, and those 28,000 Army troops in South Korea, ready to sacrifice their lives to protect our country from any attack by North Korea?

As a military veteran, I do thank our President Donald Trump for bringing this issue to the American people. I am a proud American to have Trump as my president.

Melvin Partido Sr.

Pearl City

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Labels applied to opposition, too

Jim Slavish outlined his feelings of alienation over his social and political beliefs (“Liberal labels make for confusing world,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 24).

However, he should consider those on the opposing side of the spectrum and how they, too, are ostracized.

If a person prefers diplomacy over war, they are labeled as a hippie.

If a person prefers accountability and efficiency in law enforcement, they are labeled as anti-law enforcement.

If a person prefers unionization they are labeled as anti-business.

If a person prefers having clean drinking water and safe food they are labeled as a tree hugger.

If a person prefers having a livable wage and safe working conditions they are labeled as a socialist.

I challenge Mr. Slavish to try looking past labels. He may have more in common than he thinks with those with opposing views.

Ryan Tin Loy

Makiki

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PC labels drive people crazy

Thanks to Jim Slavish for his letter (“Liberal labels make for confusing world,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 24). My first thought was, my sentiments exactly. I have many friends who feel the same way. This politically correct stuff coming from the left is enough to drive us crazy.

There are more important things for all of us to address. Bravo again for his thoughts.

Sam Wallis

Hilo

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Make sure you have exemption

I’m writing to remind Oahu homeowners who live in their home the majority of the year, that it’s time to file for the homeowners exemption on realpropertyhonolulu.com before the Sept. 30 deadline. This is particularly important for first-time owners, and owners who have recently moved back into their homes. Simply checking some boxes on this website drops the tax basis by $80,000 and lowers the property tax rate. For many people, this means thousands of dollars saved.

If you do not file the exemption by the Sept. 30 deadline, it is almost impossible to get the exemption retroactively, even if you can prove with evidence that you were living on your property. I just went through this flawed process myself along with hundreds of others. I ask that the City Council change this defective appeal system.

Sarah Fairchild

Kailua

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Tourists welcome in Kailua Town

I’m a Native Hawaiian and Kailuan, and wholeheartedly agree with Steve Holck regarding Japanese tourists in Kailua (“Some Kailuans like Japanese visitors,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 25).

What’s not to like? They’re quiet, polite, support our economy, and then go home. They don’t litter, get drunk in public, or pick fights. Where is this famous aloha spirit we’re supposedly noted for? Do unto others.

Annette Spinaio

Kailua