No to refugees
No to refugees
Is our governor deaf, dumb and blind? Can he see what’s happening around the world? What Hawaii needs is some Syrian refugees to access our already overburdened health system. They will come with no money, expecting free housing, food and health care and wind up with better benefits than those who are paying for their keep — Hawaii’s citizens.
They are not here to be Americans; they are here to disrupt our way of life. Western Europe is feeling the impact of their humanitarian ways by being stabbed in the back. As far as disarming its citizens, what a disaster. They are just lining up unarmed citizens for slaughter.
There already are thousands of terrorists in our country who crossed into the U.S. unopposed from Mexico, and there probably are some in Hawaii. As far as Hawaii being the “Aloha State,” that is good as long as you are not dealing with people who are taught it is OK to steal, lie, cheat and murder to achieve their goals. This only might apply to 5 percent of the refugees, but 5 percent of 2,000 is way too many.
Do you want to risk the life and safety of your children and grandchildren? We can’t even take care of our homeless problem, Mr. David Ige, and you make a statement that Hawaii would accept Syrian refugees. Take care of your Hawaii citizens first, and the rest will take care of itself.
Bear Barrilleaux
Hilo
Warrior remembered
A person of legendary fame who was engaged in the battles of the war on poverty was none other than Yoshito Takamine.
Like an opihi, as state representative, Yoshito tenaciously battled for funding of programs for the disadvantaged, such as the Language Arts Multicultural Program for elementary schools and Dropout Prevention Program for high schools. These programs have flourished for more than 40 years.
Because of his tireless efforts, our transportation program for elderly and disabled clients increased by more than thirtyfold, from a fleet of three to 33 buses for more than 5,000 clients.
On the lighter side, Yoshito adhered to the habitual obedience of the daily routine of plantation life. His routine was to retire early and to rise early. At 9 p.m., he already was in bed and by 5 a.m., he was out of bed, and many times he was my alarm clock. The telephone rang, I picked up the phone, and the words, “Are you awake?” indeed woke me up.
Yoshito Takamine was my mentor, as well as a comrade in arms in the war on poverty.
We overcame problems, fulfilled needs and strove toward socioeconomic betterment of our county that still is yet to come.
George Yokoyama
Hilo