Your views for May 2

A viable alternative?

Regarding Thomas Burnett’s letter (Tribune-Herald, Your Views): Since Mr. Burnett described himself as a scientist, I expected a more well-thought-out letter.

He submits that “people can believe what they like” but then strangely goes on to state that the kapu system was abolished in 1819 before the arrival of Christian missionaries. What does that mean? That we can believe what we like, or we can’t because of a prior government action?

What I do question, however, is Mr. Burnett’s lack of understanding that even though a government may abolish certain religious activities, it does not mean that adherents do not go underground to keep such practices alive (i.e., Christian believers in China practicing their faith, in spite of China’s repressive regimes).

I would argue further that if the U.S. decided to abolish organized religion within its borders tomorrow, people of faith would find a way to preserve their religious traditions under the government’s radar. The Pele Defense Fund did not only say “no” to geothermal, it instead offered another solution to Hawaii’s energy independence — such as the solar-driven micro-grid technology being developed at the university in San Diego, Calif.

Michelle Pokipala

Pahoa

Quality care for vets

Recently, I had to visit my Veterans Affairs counselor to update my disability status. The new facility is stunning and beautiful, and is located at the Keaukaha Military Camp (near the airport).

My counselor, Joseph L. Flores, is always a professional. He’s skilled and expert in his occupation. Just wanted to say thank you for taking care of us veterans.

Crawford Gonsalves

Kurtistown

Chess good for kids

Here is an important message to all educators located on the east side of this island: Chess improves academic performance.

Chess has long been recognized throughout the world as a builder of strong intellects. So why doesn’t our school system offer Keaau/Pahoa chess clubs and tournaments? We do want our children to be smart and stay out of after-school trouble, right? So why not promote chess games?!

Here are some facts about chess: A five-year study of seventh- and eighth-graders by Robert Ferguson of the Bradford, Penn., school district showed that test scores improved 173 percent for students regularly engaged in chess classes, compared with only 4.56 percent for children participating in other forms of “enrichment activities.” A Watson-Glaser Thinking Appraisal evaluation showed overwhelmingly that chess improved critical thinking skills more than the other methods of enrichment.

The above paragraph said it all. No further information required. Offer chess games in all school levels and they will become smart … and not become “ice”-heads.

Jim Lee

Coordinator,

Keaau Chess Tournament (June 30, 2012)