I commend U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s courage for getting outside our apparent comfort/safety zone by speaking with forceful passion her convictions. In the course of history, there are occasions when the values of truth, human dignity and justice that we dearly hold appear perilously undermined, and caring people need to act.

Sometimes, “fire is dealt with fire.”

Apparently Hirono sees this moment as such a time. She thus spoke the prophetic truth and shook us up.

As a Christian, I’m aware that Jesus, too, got out of the comfort/safety zone when he told his followers to leave their families and follow him, and when he furiously tossed the moneylenders out of the temple. In fact, he often told people what they did not want to hear.

His radical teachings, along with the example of his life, death and resurrection, turned out to be the inspiration for dramatic change in people, institutions and governments that continue to this day.

Wally Fukunaga

Makiki

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.