A recent column on banning the provision of weapons to Israel claims to want a world free of violence (“Isle lawmakers must support ban of weapon sales to Israel,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 21). Why does the column neglect to even suggest the violence that Hamas unleashed? Why does it fail to note that absent that attack and its obscene violence, no one would be dying or starving in Gaza today?
It wants pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a peace. Why no pressure on Hamas to negotiate, which it refuses to do because it seeks to gain by leveraging the hostages what it is unable to gain in the war it unleashed?
The column speaks of ending hostilities with Hamas and the people of Palestine. The people of Palestine are involved only because of the Hamas attack.
I respect the spirit of the essay, but it is difficult to avoid thoughts of Lenin, who coined the phrase, “useful idiots.”
Peter Glick
Waialae
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
