Ban won’t protect us
Ban won’t protect us
Living in fear is a terrible thing. It limits life and stunts a person, regardless of the phobia. Often, a person stops seeking perspective and follows circular thinking. J. Ingman’s letter about refugees is an example (March 18, Tribune-Herald, Your Views).
Educating oneself about the path refugees take to come to the U.S. is essential to understanding opposition to President Donald Trump’s travel ban. People are not arriving on our shores from a smuggler’s boat. They apply to the World Health Organization or similar established agency, have numerous interviews and U.S. departments examine them. Their whereabouts and contacts are closely tracked.
One of the first reported fatal shootings at a McDonald’s was 1984 in San Yasidro, Calif. One early mass shooting at a U.S. mall was in 2007, 10 years ago. Random acts of violence in the U.S. come from within our country.
The U.S., as a country and culture, considers violence as a problem-solving method. Violence only starts problems; it doesn’t solve problems.
Stop dignifying murderers as terrorists. Stop allowing an ideology of whatever kind to be an excuse for criminal behavior, i.e. religion, nationalism, seeing a person as a possession, an opposing viewpoint, supremacy, whatever.
U.S. presidents are not saviors, wizards, magicians or extraordinary. Donald Trump is none of these things. The travel ban will provide propaganda and a path for radical murder. It will not protect us.
Suzanne Bennett
Pahoa
Nice work
I would like to thank Mr. Neil Azevedo and his staff for trimming the trees at Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens. It made it possible to see the sidewalks and create a safe environment for all walkers.
The work was done well and I sincerely appreciate the fast response.
Edward Fukuda
Hilo