Regarding bombs
A University of Hawaii email announced a procedure to follow in the event of nuclear attack, and it went viral nationally (Tribune-Herald, Oct. 11).
Whether this message was inflammatory or not is debatable. However, in recent times, politicians and news pundits throw around the idea of using nuclear weapons with an attitude either cavalier (use bombs on “them”) or fearmongering (bombs used on “us”).
For a grounded perspective, it is worth reading, or re-reading, the seminal essay on the use of the atom bomb, “Hiroshima,” by John Hershey. Post-World War II generations of U.S. high school students read it and I recently re-read it on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan.
In recognition of its importance, the New Yorker magazine devoted a whole issue to publishing it in 1946 and it is accessible online at www.newyorker.com/magazine/1946/08/31/hiroshima.
William J. Mautz
Hilo
Support for sirens
There is talk that Hawaii is creating an attack siren system specifically to warn of possible missiles from North Korea.
Despite verbiage and tweets, my opinion is that North Korea has not proven it has the necessary technology to launch a missile that could reach Hawaii.
North Korea has two long-range missiles called Taepodong-1 and Taepodong-2. Taepodong-1 can reach about 2,500 miles and Taepodong-2 can reach about 3,700 miles. The distance between Pyongyang to Hawaii is 4,500 miles.
Even though the chances of a missile reaching Hawaii are slim, I am glad there is an effort to notify citizens that we are under attack. This provides some comfort. I have confidence in our country.
Keala Fong
Hilo
No to rent control
James De La Cruz (Tribune-Herald, Your Views, Oct. 10) suggests rent controls will make it more affordable for Hawaii residents to continue living in paradise.
Price controls eventually lead to shortages.
As for housing, there already is a shortage of affordable rentals. The waiting list for Section 8 and other subsidized rental units is a mile long.
Sorry, James, but rent control will only exacerbate the problem. Low rents, but zero vacancies, is not the solution.
Don Baker
Volcano
