Racism is a chronic social issue that has tormented America’s conscience for decades.
After each hate-inspired tragedy, political leaders are quick to remind people to “stay calm and pray for unity.”
It takes more than prayers and the invocation of politically correct clichés to stop racism.
Racism is an attitude characterized by resentment and intolerance directed mostly against minorities because of their racial backgrounds and personal traits. Unless racists can find the courage to replace the hate and anger in their hearts with love and respect, racism continues to destroy our morality.
Let’s end racism so America can move forward.
Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani
Candidate’s signs a target of bigotry?
It is such a disgrace when property is vandalized, indicating ill feelings toward an individual who is striving to make a difference in his community. This is the case with Democratic state House candidate Cedric Gates (“Posters defaced by racial slur,” Star-Advertiser, July 27).
It is difficult to say at this point whether the person or people who defaced Gates’ campaign posters reside on the Waianae Coast. However, one thing is for sure: There is no room on this island for people who commit hate crimes because of their ignorance.
Hawaii is the melting-pot state. Diversity is what makes Hawaii unique.
We should not tolerate the narrow-mindedness of some people who refuse to accept diversity. Embrace diversity; don’t deface it.
Alexis M. Liftee
Nuuanu
Have all funds from lottery pay for rail
Funding the last five miles of the rail system to Ala Moana Center could be fun and gentle on our wallets.
Property taxes, the general excise tax surcharge and municipal bonds are not the only solution. What is the magic bullet to help build and finish the last leg of the rail?
Simple: a lottery. Almost everyone goes to Las Vegas.
When the Legislature convenes in 2017, we can ask for a bill worded specifically to say that all revenue collected from a lottery will fund the building and maintaining of the rail system.
Although the Federal Transit Administration has given Honolulu until December to explain how the last five miles could be funded, this solution could be part of the answer to the shortfall.
Along with the private developer contributions, this is a win-win for all of Hawaii.
Paul Hatae
Mililani
Too late now to stop terribly flawed idea
What would the vote for rail have been if the city had erected a mock-up section of the proposed rail at Honolulu Hale prior to the vote?
Would the vote be 52 percent to 48 percent if the citizenry saw two 30-foot-high columns with a concrete slab on top of it for the rail with a 10-foot-high rail car on top of that?
Unfortunately, the city is at the point of no return and must build the system now to Ala Moana Center, or a concrete white elephant will be all that remains of this flawed idea that was shoved down the throats of the voters of Oahu.
Larry Langley
Beaverton, Ore.
Have homeless help with the cleanups
Much of what one reads or hears relates to the homeless and their plight. There is a constant cry for more money and more resources to fix this situation.
It appears to me that the free ride many are getting is the reason for the increase in their numbers. I have always believed that one should work for what one has.
Therefore, I suggest it might strengthen their image and, more important, their self-worth if they were to participate in activities for the homeless.
You never or rarely hear of homeless participating in the cleanup of sites they have used or will use for temporary housing, or actually assisting community volunteers who work endlessly to get places in shape for homeless to reside in.
Having the homeless work toward a goal for their well-being could be essential to their future success.
Ron Miko
Kahala Nui
Trump beneficiary of a perfect storm
The party of Donald Trump is a far cry from that of Abraham Lincoln, but years of Republican politics and right-wing rhetoric created Trump and his party of hate.
Racism is systemic in America and may eventually be the cause of our demise. Trump is not campaigning for a better America; instead, he’s offering superiority for some over others. He’s building an alliance on bigotry.
Hillary Clinton is taking a more conciliatory approach that encourages tolerance and unification. However, her message may not be relevant to the many who will not accept racial, gender or sexual equality in America.
People are subjected to a barrage of violence daily through sports, news or game apps designed for killing and enjoyed by both children and adults. Trump arrives as the perfect storm of discontent peaks, enabling him to capitalize on hate and violence.
Support Hillary!
Bill Coelho
Pukalani, Maui
Don’t waste vote on third-party options
This is going to be a high-stakes presidential election. At the very least it will be a contest between a candidate considered “crooked” by some and a candidate considered “dangerously unbalanced” by others.
Some people say they want to protest by voting for a third-party candidate. But winners aren’t influenced by protest votes (and no votes). Voting for a third-party candidate makes sense only if that candidate has a reasonable chance of winning.
Sometimes the best we can hope for is electing the lesser of the evils. Don’t waste your vote.
James B. Young
St. Louis Heights
