The means to peace
The means to peace
Most people would agree to building a “peace park” just about anywhere. But if bulldozing commenced, say, on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, all hell would surely break loose.
Upon reading Mayor Harry Kim’s recent “plea for reconciliation” in the Tribune-Herald, I was inspired to revisit the actual definition of the word “peace.”
If it is “freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility” and “the cessation of war or violence,” then bulldozing the very pinnacle of one of the world’s tallest and most sacred mountains might not be smart. Nor would building a peace park at its base right next to a highly active and toxic military training facility.
When he speaks of his respect for the Hawaiian people, acknowledging the “painful history of wrongs” they have faced, and putting said wrongs in the past tense, it’s as if the ones they are presently facing are somehow different or even nonexistent.
When referring to the mountain as a “living museum of the people of the First Nation of Hawaii,” one gets a sense that Hawaiians and their spiritual culture are something of the past. His “hope that Hawaii can become a model of harmony in a world of conflict” is entirely naive, so long as the religious freedoms and other civil rights of Native Hawaiians continue to be attacked and ignored.
A “living monument to world peace” wouldn’t necessarily entail the immediate cessation of ethnocide against the living systems of Native Hawaiian culture. And to say, “The concerns of Native Hawaiians can be addressed while continuing astronomy on Mauna Kea” is obviously untrue.
I do, however, agree with him, “that Hawaii can become a model of harmony in a world of conflict.” I would only suggest that the means to peace must necessarily be peaceful in nature.
Millicent Cummings
Pahoa
Cartoon explained
I’m writing in response to Mr. Sam Wallis’ Nov. 2 letter to the editor (“Demeaning cartoon”) about the Halloween cartoon published Oct. 20 in the Tribune-Herald.
The cartoon showed trick-or-treating children dressed up like our president, with the comment by the adult couple at their doorstep: “How cute! They’re dressed up like little morons.”
For years, our current president promoted the fake, moronic stories that our former president wasn’t born in Hawaii, but was born in Africa. He was quoted to have sent investigators to Hawaii to research his false claim, and stated, “they cannot believe what they’re finding.” I have not seen any proof that any investigation was ever dispatched to Hawaii.
He also claimed that our former president wiretapped his New York hotel property. These are just a couple of the knucklehead statements our president can’t back up with facts.
The irony of the cartoon is that the person who reportedly called this president a moron is the current secretary of state, who was appointed by this president.
Here is a definition of moron: A person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment.
In the past 10 months, many other Americans, including a few Democrat and Republican past presidents, are coming to that same conclusion. Mr. Wallis is right when he says, “Whether you like (this president) or not, he was elected president.” Unfortunately, this current president’s historically low approval ratings are an indication of most Americans’ low opinion regarding his statements and actions.
Regardless of which U.S. state this cartoon originated from, the world is watching how this president is conducting himself. If anyone actually thinks this Halloween cartoon is demeaning and tasteless, they might want to consider the demeaning and tasteless statements that come directly from the president of the United States of America directed at Americans. Trick or treat!
Ray Doblick
Keaau