‘Broken Windows’ start of urban decay

A controversial explanation for urban decay called “The Broken Windows Theory” states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes.

On a recent afternoon, I walked three blocks down Kinau Street to Times market. I counted eight separate piles of discarded large household items, spotted a half-dozen sidewalk fronts filled with tall weeds, and saw trash everywhere. One long-abandoned lot smelled of sewage and contained four abandoned cars. Someone was double-parked in the tow-away lane, ignoring the commuters who honked and then swerved out to go around. No big item pickup, no sidewalk or lot cleanup, no cops around.

Mr. Mayor, where are the people who should supply these public services that might possibly prevent more serious consequences? No thanks to you, I made it back home with my groceries, and avoided the latest uptick of violent thefts.

Dan Binkley

Makiki

Bill aims to help, not harm, more animals

The author of a recent column on Bill 59 criticized the Hawaiian Humane Society’s health and behavior assessments apparently without knowing anything about our procedures.

Every animal in the Society’s care is individually evaluated by a team of trained professionals to assess its unique needs. Our veterinary services team provides a health exam on every animal and any concerns are immediately reported to our veterinarians.

We are creating a behavior team to better assess animals coming into the shelter and work with animals who need extra attention.

One of the goals of Bill 59 is to reduce the minimum length of stay for stray animals so the ones who are ready for new homes can move out for adoption more quickly, and we can devote more attention to those who need extra care.

Our staff is committed to doing everything possible to get the best outcome for the animal. I urge the community to support Bill 59.

Dr. Kasey Carter, D.V.M.

Hawaiian Humane Society chief veterinarian

Oath of office hasn’t been honored lately

It is surely most extraordinary that the Republicans in Congress are far more loyal to President Donald Trump than to their oath of office, the Constitution, country, democracy, law, justice, morality and ethics.

Every entering member newly elected to Congress swears to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, domestic as well as foreign, and to faithfully discharge their official duties. The televised hearings in the impeachment inquiry repeatedly demonstrated that many congressional Republicans utterly fail to honor their solemn oath.

Meanwhile, any intelligent, informed, objective and reasonable person can only worry how much longer this nation and the world can endure the immorality, corruption, crimes, incompetence, delusions, lies and falsehoods of Trump and his disgraceful and unpatriotic administration.

Hopefully the 2020 election will provide a new president who restores competence, morality, ethics and dignity to the office to try to make the presidency and America great again.

Leslie E. Sponsel

Hawaii Kai

Praying for president to stay on the job

While the impeachment train rolls along led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, it seems to me that prayer is taking a role.

At each news conference, Speaker Pelosi inevitably says that she is in daily prayer for the president. There are many of us who have also been praying that the president be allowed to continue his historic restoration of the economy, defense of our country, preservation of a conservative judiciary and drive for America’s energy independance.

For the time being it appears that Speaker Pelosi’s prayers might be answered to impeach the president.

I believe my prayers will also be answered.

Pam Smith

Ewa Beach

SHARE YOUR RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

“Pay it forward”: a situation in which the recipient of an unexpected good deed pays forward a kindness to someone else.

In this season of goodwill, think about it: Have you ever benefited from a “pay it forward” gesture, which in turn inspired you to bestow a random act of kindness?

If so, let us know in a 150-word letter to the editor, or in a well-written essay (500-600 words) — and submit it by Dec. 16 via email to letters@staradvertiser.com, or via snail mail to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., #7-210, Honolulu, HI, 96813, c/o Letters. A collection of these will run on Dec. 22.

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