UN needed
UN needed
In response to the column, “UN credibility depends on keeping its forces clean” (Tribune-Herald, Your Views, Dec. 30), the columnist from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asserts that the United Nations is not rigorous enough in vetting its peacekeepers.
We would like to remind readers that the process of winnowing out problem people from law enforcement is difficult even in the United States, where we have witnessed police shooting suspects in the back as they ran away. The offenders in the U.S. apparently are vetted by local officials who have much more access than the international body.
Local people know applicants for jobs much better than someone from afar. The United Nations is such an important institution that has lowered wars and conflicts around the planet and provided relief for millions of refugees. This 62-year-old institution deserves to be supported in its efforts. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who took office Jan. 1, deserves to be supported.
This does not mean criticism should be avoided. The columnist asks that the United Nations improve itself. It has had continuous reorganization since the beginning. The last line of the column asserts “its credibility is on the line.” Without this international organization, with almost 200 countries as members, we would all be less safe.
Margaret Drake
United Nations Association, Hawaii Island
Not so fun
Dennis Chaquette’s letter (Tribune-Herald, Your Views, Dec. 30) takes all the fun out of the next four years.
Now that we know exactly what is going to happen, what is there to dream about?
He is so psychic.
Vernon King
Volcano
Act of kindness
I want to say a very big thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Louie’s Auto Repair in Hilo.
After eating breakfast at Ken’s House of Pancakes, my pickup wouldn’t start because of the fact I left the headlights on. My wife, grandson and I walked over to Louie’s to see if we could get a jump-start. The man I talked to said he would send someone over and jump-start my truck.
After starting the truck, I asked how much I owed him, and he said, “Nothing, just have a Merry Christmas,” and wouldn’t take anything.
I just want to say mahalo, and I appreciate your attitude and holiday spirit. I certainly will do business with them in the future.
Tim Childs
Ocean View