The government of North Korea claims the U.S. has declared war on its country. It says it is prepared to shoot down U.S. planes near the North Korean border, and its missiles can now reach Hawaii. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boasts he will soon test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific.

The fiercest of hurricanes have devastated large swaths of our country and have literally demolished the infrastructure of Puerto Rico and many other islands in the Caribbean. Millions of our fellow citizens, who a month ago were providing for themselves and their families, are now at the mercy of strangers for their sustenance.

Climate change is ravaging our planet. We may be on the brink of a nuclear war. Where are our leaders who will do whatever they can to minimize both?

Meanwhile, what an athlete does or doesn’t do before a sporting event in relation to the national anthem pales in comparison.

Robert Griffon

Moiliili

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Don’t cut beer tax, increase wine tax

So state Rep. Kaniela Ing wants to legislate fairness in our liquor tax (“Beer bill lowers taxation on average Joe’s libation,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 27).

Well, the answer is easy. Instead of reducing the tax on beer to equal the tax on wine, just increase the tax on wine to equal the tax assessed on beer.

Alcohol is a major contributor to traffic accidents and domestic violence, and violence in general. It also is a contributor to various health problems.

So why make it cheaper to consume alcohol? Like tobacco, we should make it more expensive to consume the product, in hopes that consumption will decrease, thereby reducing the social costs associated with drinking.

I’m also curious as to why Ing, who rarely drinks, got this epiphany about the fairness of taxation for beer drinkers. Aren’t there more important things that needs his attention?

Cliff Toyama

Moanalua

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Ban wheeled kiosks on Waikiki sidewalks

I strongly agree with the editorial, “Keep vendors off Waikiki sidewalks” (Star-Advertiser, Our View, Sept. 18), which said that wheeled vendor kiosks in Waikiki should be banned.

Why should these vendors be making money and not have to pay for rent while there are hundreds of other business paying for their space? Not only are they taking customers from those who pay a lot of money for their store, but they also are blocking the sidewalk.

The main purpose of a sidewalk is for pedestrians to walk, not for vendors. Waikiki is meant to be a beautiful attraction on Oahu, but if nothing is done about these wheeled kiosks, then this city will turn into a tacky attraction.

Courtnee Collins

Makiki

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Crack down on sales by pet breeders

I read with great interest the letter on foul breeders and pet stores (“Foul breeders spark call for pet-store ban,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 21).

The point that pet stores could go out of business without the money from the underground pet industry shows how powerful a business it is, and that laws and regulations should be stressed to protect animals.

Placing a ban on pet stores from selling dogs, cats and birds would be a great step toward reducing the number of immoral breeders.

I agree with naming this law after the late CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, Pamela Burns, because it would show a great appreciation for her work in advocating the well-being of animals. The Legislature should do what is right and pass a law to ensure animals be shielded from foul breeders selling to pet stores.

Kala Kahapea-Aquino

Kaneohe

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Don’t look to NFL for moral guidance

I’ve never been a fan of people taking advantage of a platform to protest or comment on social issues. It’s hard to get through the Academy Awards without a lecture from an overpaid celebrity.

Now we have the NFL following Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest that opposes the oppression of black people in this country. These issues are real and the country needs to deal with them.

The country is not perfect, but look at the NFL: How many times do you hear about an NFL player getting arrested? How many DUIs, assaults and domestic-abuse cases?

Ray Rice was suspended for two whole games for knocking his then-fiance unconscious and dragging her out of an elevator. So the NFL is now our moral compass. They know what’s right?

John Berry

Makiki

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Protesting athletes disrespect the U.S.

The Constitution of the United States give American citizens the right to protest. However, those players from major league baseball, the NFL and NBA taking a knee when the national anthem is being played not only disrespects the national anthem but also the United States.

They are disrespecting the country that gives the opportunity to make millions of dollars playing sports. What if our military personnel, who are overworked and underpaid, when asked to fight a war for this country, decided to put down their weapons and take a knee?

We have enough disrespect from nations all around the world for the last 10 years. There are many thing you can disrespect, even the president, but you should never ever disrespect your country.

Bill Bowles

U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

Mililani

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Kneeling displays reverence, not insult

There is no more reverent way to pay respect to our flag, anthem and veterans than to take a knee.

Since when is it an insult to kneel? In my church, we kneel during the most solemn part of the Mass. To sit would be an insult.

Pauline Arellano

Mililani