Keep religion out of politics

I often find it a comical relief reading the views of anti-gay marriage groups. But one published on Aug. 26 really caught my eye.

It simply stated that "God wanted one man and one woman in marriage. But now some people on Earth want … to have the same benefits as in the marriage of one man and one woman. … It will be all our tax money that will pay the benefits of same-sex marriage. … Why should we pay more?"

I can’t help but think if that is the case, should the federal and state governments consider issuing tax refunds to the gay population for taxes paid toward the straight population’s benefits all this time, and stop withholding taxes for future tax years?

Religion really has no part in the matter of civil rights. Please avoid using the Lord’s name to justify an agenda suitable to some righteous selves, and leave Him out of it.

Willy Shum
Downtown Honolulu

Gay marriage is road to doom

The Star-Advertiser, with its bully pulpit, has once again taken it upon itself to try and shape the views of the public.

In its Aug. 27 editorial about church exemptions, it concluded that "the issue of allowing equal rights of marriage to all must move forward — and churches in Hawaii should be among those preparing to adapt to this social change" ("Don’t overreach on church exemptions," Our View).

This outrageous statement is typical of an editorial point of view that is biased and unwarranted and unwanted. Look at history and you might learn that acceptance of moral decay has been the downfall of all great societies of the past.

Behavior such as trying to call a marriage between two men, or two women, marriage, is by far the social movement of doom.

Allen Canter
Manoa

View on Krauss hereby seconded

We were so pleased to see Becky Hommon’s letter in the Star-Advertiser reminding us that the kolea have returned, but, at the same time, saddening us that Bob Krauss’ annual article is missing ("Kolea evoke thoughts of Advertiser writer," Aug. 25).

My husband and I miss Bob’s articles heralding the subtle change in seasons. Every year toward the end of July, we listen for their cry and look for their arrival at their favorite spots where we live: in Queens Gate on the 15th hole of the Hawaii Kai Golf Course.

So far this year, we have only seen three, and it seems that every year there are fewer. For many years we were treated to watching them resume and defend their favorite spots on the grassy areas around our home. Also, we miss seeing one standing guard atop our neighbors’ roof.

Our thanks to Becky for welcoming home the kolea. We know Bob appreciates it also.

Lou and Marsha Faulkner
Hawaii Kai

Study on sharks seems unneeded

I read that the state has funded a study to determine the reason behind the recent jump in shark attacks in and around Hawaii to the tune of $186,000.

This increase in shark attacks here correlates to an increase in shark attacks around the world.

Here’s a clue: They’re hungry.We have decimated fishing populations around the world, allowed massive coral die-offs due to rampant disregard for environmental law, and altered the ecosystem of the world’s oceans due to the effects of global warming.

There. That wasn’t too hard. How much of the $186,000 do I get as a consultant?

Alexander Silvert
Kailua

NSA spies on us because it can

Why does the National Security Agency spy on us?

» Because it is technologically feasible.

» Because it can get away with it.

» Because knowledge is power.

» Because it is a bureaucrat’s dream come true.

» To identify its critics.

» To get the goods on political rivals.

» To label innocent people as potential terrorists.

» To follow in the footsteps of the Soviet Union.

» To make us safe — from what?

» To make it safe from us.

Brian Daniel
Manoa