U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono had every right as any American citizen to have expressed her recent opinions or thoughts while being protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Freedom of speech is one of the most important freedoms we Americans appreciate. However, I think she could have used more discretion with her remarks while representing the the entire populace of Hawaii. Surely Patsy Mink, who made angry outbursts in her time representing the Aloha State, would be proud of her.

Another writer wrote she is following the tradition of Hawaii as a warrior (“Hirono has always fought for Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 28). Hawaii’s tradition is not of a warrior but of aloha. The writer mentions Buddha, but Buddha was famous for saying that while a great warrior may conquer all his or her enemies, the greatest conqueror is one who conquers oneself.

James Kataoka

Mililani Mauka

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