Foreign affairs
Everyone has a bag full of troubles.
So, let’s tend to our own bag at home and let the other people ‘”over yonder” worry about theirs!
Dat way mo’ betta, no?
T. Ono
Hilo
Biblical dilemma
It appears that there are some people who seek guidance in the Holy Bible for all truths, especially with regard to homosexual marriage. In Leviticus 18:22 it clearly states that such unions are an abomination, and homosexual unions are therefore not allowed.
But why not abide by all of the commandments?
For instance, in Leviticus 25:44, it deals with slavery. One can own slaves if they were purchased from neighboring countries. I can see owning slaves from Mexico, but Canada, what did they do wrong?
Then there is the matter of selling a daughter into slavery, Exodus 21:7. I wonder what a fair price would be for her today. I don’t want to be taken advantage of.
When a bull is burnt on the alter as a sacrifice, I know it presents a pleasing odor for God (see Leviticus 1:9). The problem is the neighbors; they say it stinks. What to do? Perhaps put it in an enclosed cooker.
Leviticus 21:20 tells us that to approach the alter of God, one must not have any defect in their sight. I must admit that I wear glasses. Can I approach God in some other way?
Most men get their hair trimmed, especially around the temples, even though this is expressly forbidden in Leviticus 19:27. How should they die?
Exodus 35:2 clearly states that to work on the Sabbath, one must be put to death. Am I justified to kill him myself, or must the police do it?
And these are only the beginning. When do we stop complying with the Bible? Obviously there are some passages that are more equal then others. Which do we choose to obey? And which, if any, have no basis in a civilized society?
What a dilemma.
Michael L Last
Naalehu
UH remains silent
During this growing debate about banning the cultivation of GMO produce on the Big Island, one powerful voice has been inexplicably silent: The School of Agriculture at the University of Hawaii, both at Hilo and Manoa.
The opinion of this “legitimate” scientific body can make a huge difference to the future of agriculture on this island.
Pradeepta Chowdhury
Hilo
Rightful authority?
Russia’s President Putin is presuming Syria’s President Assad is governing a “sovereign” nation when he says it is “outside the law” to attack another country.
Assad forfeited that designation when he used chemical weapons. You need “rightful authority” to govern as a sovereignty (Webster’s Unabridged).
Come to think of it, is his authority rightful when his own “election” was suspect?
Robert Wahler
Pepeekeo
