Commentary reflected myopic view of history

The commentary by the Rev. Leland Bond-Upson simply floored me ("Conservatives get it right eventually …" Star-Advertiser, Nov. 25). It is astonishing that anyone dwelling in a place of tolerance like Hawaii, in a nation with such rich diversity, could take such a myopic view of history. By painting an extreme black-and-white picture of liberals and conservatives, Leland does history no justice whatsoever.

He says that conservatism has defended, among other things, tyrannical monarchies, most forms of social injustice and even slavery.

The actual situation is, of course, much more complex. Remember that for many years liberals defended and apologized for Soviet-style communism, arguably among the worst forms of slavery ever invented. If liberals had had their way just a few years ago, Saddam Hussein would still be in power and Osama bin Laden would still be killing Americans from a safe haven in Afghanistan.

This country cannot get out of its current divisive state and move forward until liberals and conservatives stop denigrating each others’ ideas and work together with the best of both to craft practical solutions to the country’s deepening problems.

Sometimes war does solve major problems

With regard to John Heidel’s comments on the futility of war ("History proves futility of war in resolving our disputes," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 25). I would point out that, as Ronald Reagan once said, war has never solved anything — except for ending slavery, fascism, Nazism and communism. It’s a hard-to-deny thought that war has had efficacy rather than futility in solving major problems of the world.

Improvements needed throughout the state

Now that Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie is in, I hope that every island will get a fair shake in much-needed improvements. For example, a middle school in Kapaa needs lockers with doors on them, and maybe gates around each of the quads to prevent theft. There is so much need for improvements on our island.

Churchill could offer lessons about treaties

Maureen Dowd expresses her support of President Barack Obama’s desire to convince Republican lawmakers to support the passage of the New START arms treaty with Russia ("Nuclear arms treaty is chance for Obama to stare down Republicans," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 23).

I recommend that Dowd, Obama and Democratic lawmakers read the biography of Winston Churchill, who warned against reaching arms agreements too quickly, without concern for the consequences. A party to a treaty may violate it at a future date, and other countries that are not signatories to the treaty may continue to build up their existing nuclear arsenals and other high-tech weapons systems.

By placing limitations to our country’s military capabilities, the U.S. could incur devastating destruction.

Tell TSA agents that you appreciate them

Regarding the current Transportation Security Administration airport screening controversy, I’d like to offer what may be a bit of a politically incorrect opinion: The next time you fly, look the TSA agent in the eye and say, "Thank you for working to protect our country" and mean it!

You’ll feel better for it, and so will the TSA worker.

I dare say that much of the problem is that the TSA higher-ups can’t get their guidelines straight. So show a little aloha from Hawaii.

TSA is treating us like common criminals

I find it troubling that some people are so willing to give up rights to submit to these TSA security measures just because some bureaucrat says it will make them safer. It will not. The incompetent TSA has never foiled a terrorist attempt at the airport; if the FBI doesn’t stop terrorists before they get to the airport, then it’s pretty much a done deal. I, for one, do not want to be treated like a criminal just because I bought a plane ticket. We need to draw the line somewhere.