Letters To The Editor
November 28, 2007 - MidWeek
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Del.icio.usTolerate, accept
As presented in editor Don Chapman’s column, Richard Pryor’s extended quotation is very apt in regards to the absurdity of black persons using the hateful “N” word. But the kind of r-e-s-p-e-c-t Aretha Franklin sang about, as referenced by Mr. Chapman, is not really on point, as the tune had little to do with civil rights. What people of all stripes and colors need is simply a little tolerance or, better, acceptance.
What I’d like to see is an editorial on what “tolerance” and “acceptance” mean. Each connotes an act of conscious discipline, a choice among alternative courses of behavior. I don’t have to respect your culture to tolerate it, and no one needs to tell me “why” before I may apply my energy toward accepting the fact of your presence on the face of this earth.
I tolerate and accept - even begrudgingly - only because it is my duty as a member of the human race, particularly as it is organized within American political society.
“Duty” - the noblest word in the English language - is another concept demanding your attention. Look it up.
Ed Fyffe
Honolulu
No P.C. Dog
Regarding Jade Moon’s column “How The Dog Could Save His Day” in which she suggests ways he can change public perception of him:
Methinks Ms. Moon has the wellest of intentions, but I have one question: Would turning Dog into a neutered, humble social worker/educator displaying a P.C. vocabulary be the best thing for all of us, as she proposes?
Dog lives his life on the edge of danger, putting his life in harm’s way - for us! He’s going after really bad folks. Can he do a better job of that by cleaning up his language in that dark world? He’s a bounty hunter, not a pastor, politician, social worker or wordsmith.
Personally, I’m more concerned about him watching his back than his mouth. He stumbled. I got over it.
Jerry Puce
The power of two
Honolulu Your cover story on how two people talking story started a program to feed thousands of homeless on Thanksgiving was just inspiring. Here’s to you, Pele To’omata and Natasha Clarin.
Esther Yamada
Pearl City
Rude neighbors
Wow, I finally agree with Rick Hamada on something: The absolute rudeness of neighbors who are out weed-whacking and leaf-blowing at ungodly hours of the morning. What are they thinking? Or not.
Even more annoying is burning gasoline to power a device to move grass trimmings or leaves - uh, whatever happened to rakes? They’re quiet and don’t pollute.
Jay Leong
Kaimuki
Whacking noise
Rick Hamada’s column declaring war on those high-decibel weed whackers and leaf blowers is right on, and reminded me that back in the 1980s Joan Hayes founded Citizens Against Noise. I think it’s time to bring that organization back. Is Rick willing to lead? If so, I’m sure many will follow.
Ed Matsumoto
Honolulu
Guilt-free takeout
I had no idea that takeout food containers can be made of biodegradable materials. Thanks to Linda Dela Cruz and MidWeek for telling that story, and I hope Krista Ruchaber and her company Styrophobia are very successful. Great business name, too.
Jan Wong
Kaimuki
Green MidWeek
Just a note to say that I was very impressed with MidWeek‘s efforts to be “green,” as stated in editor Don Chapman’s column recently. I’m a big MidWeek fan, and it’s nice to know that the people there are as concerned about Hawaii’s environment as I am.
Terry Gomes
Ewa Beach
The photo of Judge Sabrina McKenna that accompanied Bob Jones’ Nov. 21 column was incorrect. It was not “courtesy” of the judge, and was incorrectly identified as such by an editor.
Send your letters to MidWeek Letters, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 500, Honolulu, HI. 96813; by fax to 585-6324, or by email to dchapman@midweek.com. Please include your name, address and daytime and evening phone numbers. We print only the letters that include this information, but only your name and area of residence will appear in print. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
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