We should all agree to disagree

With the recent comments of Rush Limbaugh and Kirk Cameron, I wonder why everyone is upset.

Today we think that truth is relative to what the individual thinks. If this is true, then we should not be offended by other people’s beliefs. Shouldn’t we all be open to what other people think?

Many people try to push their agenda at everyone and then get offended when people disagree with them. Then the very same people who push their agenda preach openness to the rest of us. This hypocrisy is evident in our society.

If we want openness, we cannot be offended when people express their opinions, and beliefs. We have to be able to voice what we believe while expecting others to agree or disagree, and embrace each other for it.

Alan Kim
Wahiawa

Singapore has much to teach us

As a former Singaporean, I disagree with Beverly Kai’s view of Singaporeas a "concrete wasteland" ("Rail will ruin Hawaii’s charm," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 14).

Perhaps she was in such a big hurry she missed the beautiful gardens, greenery and efficient above/underground rail system, which transports Singapore’s 3 million people safely and efficiently every 3-15 minutes all over the island.

Singapore’s reputation as a garden city, its people’s respect for their land, each other, and public properties, their racial harmony and their striving for excellence and cleanliness are values we can all emulate and learn from.

Our elder generations sacrificed for us; we can do the same for our children and grandchildren. Let’s not think selfishly for ourselves always.

Let’s all work toward getting the best rail system our money can buy — instead of spending it in the courts.

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock
Salt Lake

Rushed dismissal was bad decision

Kudos to Rhoda Hirokawa of Pearl City for sharing her comments on Coach Dana Takahara-Dias’ dismissal ("Timing of dismissal was mean-spirited," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 12).

I have been a supporter of the University of Hawaii sports program both at the Manoa and at Hilo campuses for many years and share her opinions with regards to the insensitive rush to terminate Takahara-Dias.

Though the coach had an unsuccessful season, this rushed dismissal was done in poor taste.

I was delighted when Takahara-Dias entered into the male-dominated coaching staff. And I am sure she realized then that success in winning is always the goal, but there will be some downturns as well.

That is true for even the best coaches in all sports throughout our country. We have seen many come and go.

Like Rhoda Hirokawa, I ask, "Couldn’t the dismissal wait for another day?"

Lorraine R. Inouye
Hilo

Isles need a foot in both camps

Columnist Richard Borreca recently highlighted Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s "rally" against former Gov. Linda Lingle’s U.S. Senate campaign.

Abercrombie argues that if Lingle is elected to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will lose his chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, calling it "a blow to Hawaii we will not countenance."

What Abercrombie shrouds is the fact that the Democrats may very well lose control of the Senate majority regardless of whether Lingle is elected.

What this means is that the Democrats will lose all their chairmanships of all the committees. What Abercrombie doesn’t mention is that this is precisely why we need a bipartisan delegation in Washington.

If Hawaii’s delegation remains completely Democratic, then Hawaii does not have anyone in the majority party looking out for us. The fact is, at a time when partisan lines are being drawn, it is in Hawaii’s best interest to have a foot in both camps.

Lucille Caba
Salt Lake