We’ve evolved
We’ve evolved
I thank Mr. Jeff Lux for sharing his thoughtful point of view about civilian ownership of assault weapons — a view that is shared by millions of NRA members (Your Views, Tribune-Herald).
I would, however, like to point out that we no longer live in the realm of Hollywood’s “Wild West.” With the possible exception of the state of Texas, we do not live in a lawless society where the sheriff is impotent and only Clint Eastwood, Charlton Heston, John Wayne and the “A Team” are capable of delivering justice, a land where the “Equalizer” reigns.
I like to think our society has evolved beyond that in a positive way. It would be of enormous assistance to our law enforcement agencies if the private and illegal (i.e., criminal) sale of assault weapons were severely restricted and laws regarding this strictly enforced, for a change.
Although I must admit that, after reading his point of view, I am tempted to go out and (Heaven forbid) buy an M4 with a grenade launcher, night-vision goggles, a CheyTac M200 Sniper Rifle, a Glock as well as an Israeli Tavor to protect myself from Mr. Lux and his ilk!
Pradeepta Chowdhury
Hilo
Thanks, ‘Big Dog’
I was fortunate to have participated in coach Wayne Joseph’s annual Resolution Run/Walk this last December. Earlier that month, I read a Tribune-Herald article announcing Hawaii’s No. 2 ranking as the healthiest state in the nation.
Back in 2004, when I first started running in Coach Joseph’s community fun runs, I remember only a handful of dedicated runners at the starting line. On a wonderfully rainy 2012 December morning, nearly 200 athletes lined up to support the Big Dog and his life-long belief in the “unlimited potential” we humans possess.
Right up there with his love for running and family — my grandmother can attest to this when the Big Dog personally shook her hand after finishing the Big Island International Marathon 5k in 2005 — was his belief that with patience and hard work, everything is possible.
To a bunch of high school track runners, he’d always remind us of this before the end-of-the-day huddle. But more than just saying, he showed us: He was always the coach who never asked of his team what he himself could not do. As a leader in the community, he offered nothing less, often times — as the marathon director — sacrificing sleep to chalk the route with Dano Banks, then running the 26.2 miles only to host the ensuing awards ceremony. He did all of this because he already saw the best in each person, and wanted nothing more than for them to see it, too.
Statistics aside, whenever I drive along Bayfront and see runners, joggers and walkers, I can’t help but smile knowing he had a hand in this. Mahalo, Coach Joseph, for always believing in us. Hilo is healthier because of your dedication.
Robert T. Otsubo
Dover, Delaware
(originally from Hilo)