Prison system needs reform

Charles Djou’s essay on the lack of accountability in our government was very well-written ("Government leaders fail us, but are never held to account," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Oct. 29).

However, he failed to mention a department that has been in the news quite a few times this year.

We have seen a number of examples of failure and incompetence in the Department of Public Safety, ranging from a convict escaping from the courthouse, sick leave abuse, prisoners released by mistake, and a criminal enterprise operating within the prison.

The public’s safety is at risk, prison operations are breaking down and the best answer the director can give is: We will be reviewing our procedures to ensure such incidents won’t happen again.

What are the consequences and where is the accountability to these failures? None!

Steve Chang
Chinatown

Local churches display bigotry

Religion teaches us to be more compassionate and loving toward our fellow human beings. Or does it?

Aren’t all religions based on the Golden Rule — treat others the way you want to be treated?

It is indeed ironic that the very institutions created to embody these traits are instead its worst offender. With the recent full-page newspaper ad against marriage equality — paid for by a coalition of Hawaii churches — we instead see unvarnished prejudice, ignorance, bigotry and fear on display.

It was Susan B. Anthony who eloquently stated: "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." You can safely say that you have made God in your own image when it turns out God hates all the same people you do.

Hawaii churches are on the wrong side of history. Albert Einstein sadly said it best: "It is more difficult to crack a prejudice than an atom."

Brian Marguleas
Nuuanu

McDermott’s remarks wrong

I was very disappointed to read the remarks of state Rep. Bob McDermott and in his attempt to remove state Rep. Cynthia Thielen from her position on the House Judiciary Committee due to her support of gay marriage.

In addition, taunting someone with whom he disagrees has no place in the Legislature of Hawaii. The angry and disrespectful rhetoric is unacceptable for a person in a leadership position and unfortunately, similar to what we hear from Washington.

McDermott has every right to vote as he sees fit, but also the responsibility to contribute to open and respectful dialogue on all issues. I hope his constituents will see fit to replace him.

Barbara Mathews
Kailua

Same-sex train has left station

Let the people decide? The people did decide — in 1998, when a constitutional amendment was passed giving authority over same-gender marriage to the Legislature. That train has left the station.

As to the fitness of same-gender couples to parent children, that is so not the issue. Gay couples have been raising children for centuries untold, regardless of whether their unions were recognized by any church or any government. What the Legislature does about same-gender marriage will not change that one whit.

Religious freedom is not the issue either. Gay marriage will not be mandatory, so if you don’t believe in it, don’t have one.

Rick Luttmann
Waipouli, Kauai

Children need mom and dad

What a lovely photo of Valerie Smith and her family in the Star-Advertiser ("Arrival of a child adds urgency to need for same-sex marriage," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Oct. 30).

The only thing missing is the father of her soon-to-be child. This is precisely what is wrong with same-sex marriage.

Children like Valerie’s will be forced to grow up without a father. Do we really want to create such an environment for our children? Other children will be forced to grow up without a mother and miss out on having this relationship.

Intuition alone is all you need to know that there is a great risk of these children being traumatized. Imagine what you would be like today if you had to grow up with same-sex parents.

What about children’s rights? Where is the "equality" in forcing some children to grow up without a mother or father while other children get to have both?

Peter Junker
Waikiki