Racism in Hawaii
Racism has always been part of our society. It does not center on only one ethnic group.
In most instances, it goes both ways and includes Caucasians, Polynesians, Asians, Africans, Republicans and Jews.
This issue is the elephant in the room and could be the basis for many (nonracial) disagreements. It is time to admit that some individuals continue to have fear/anger issues, choosing to act out aggressively rather than seek other solutions to solve ongoing problems or accept that our society is evolving.
It took a long time to get to the place where we are willing to right past wrongs. We must not erode that hard-won position of power with violence. We all must use the political power that recognition brings us to move forward.
L.E. Goldstein
Keaau
Decision not easy
Ms. Denise Yamamoto seems to think that abortions are casual decisions (Your Views, Nov.17).
If that were the case, the person deciding is not responsible enough to have a child anyway. Instead, many women weigh all the aspects of their lives and then reluctantly decide to terminate the pregnancy.
I know few “pro abortion” people. I do, however, know people unprepared to raise a productive, healthy, contributing member of society.
I also know plenty of devoutly religious people, who go out of their way to reject some people as inferior and will not provide them with societal safety nets to help them thrive.
Ms. Yamamoto: There are plenty of people needing your productive support. How many children have you adopted? How many children have you mentored to reach their full potential? How many times have you voted to provide free breakfast and lunch for those children who come to school hungry?
In the absence of helping, please feel free to live your life without attempting to push your rules on others. I do not assault your freedom. Please do not attempt to assault mine or others’.
And by the way: I am 75 years old and don’t intend to get an abortion anytime soon. Neither have I ever had one. But that was my decision!
Magdalene Phillips
Pahoa
Beware of scams
This is a wake-up call to everyone who is 65 or older.
If you get an email or a phone call claiming to be from Social Security, toss it. There are scams going on stating that you will not receive your payment. Social Security doesn’t work over the phone or email. Only by mail, and if you do get a scam, contact the Hilo office.
I share this with you because we are a big target for spam risks and bad scams. This has become a headache, but if it sounds to good to be true, then it is. God bless!
Lynise L. Tarring
Hilo