Case for TMT
Case for TMT
Regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope: Nearly half of humanity, including India, Japan, Canada, China and our own country, as well as some of our major institutions, such as the National Academy of Sciences, University of California and California Institute of Technology — and most of the people in our own state — would like to see the TMT become functional as soon as possible.
We also should be grateful for the development of the first telescope.
We should be grateful to have learned the Earth is not flat and that we are part of a unique solar system.
We should be grateful to know we are the unique part of a galaxy with billions of stars in it.
We should be grateful to know that in this universe alone, there are billions of other galaxies.
We have one of the best locations for TMT in the world, and we should be grateful for that.
We should be grateful to have come to the realization that everything on this sacred “Spaceship Earth” is interconnected, with us as a vital part.
I have no doubt that the scientific community in our state, which is promoting the TMT, has taken into consideration opposing views, realizing the benefits of this project exceed any negative impact it might have.
In addition, most scientific achievements also have had positive practical applications in our lives.
So, let there be light so we can learn more about this “elegant universe” of which we are a vital part, remembering the fact that what we know about our universe is only about 4 percent of it. We still are seeking answers regarding the remaining 96 percent: What we call dark energy and dark matter.
Last but not the least, we should take into consideration the financial advantages of the TMT for our state.
Abraham Sadegh
Hilo
Think of workers
I am concerned for the safety of our county road workers, if the county stops using herbicides to control weeds along our roadways.
Standing on the edge of a road with a weed wacker is a dangerous job, but it looks like the workers are going to be pushed to do a lot more of this. Workers can protect themselves against pesticides by using gloves, goggles and an apron, but they can’t do anything to protect themselves against drivers who are texting, speeding or just dozing off and run off the road.
The county mows where it can, but using herbicides is a lot safer way to keep the rest of the roads clear, at least as far as the people who do the work are concerned.
James B. Friday
Hilo