Mail problems
Regarding Mary Hudak’s concerns (Your Views, Tribune-Herald, Sept. 15) our family is also experiencing very late delivery of our mail in the University of Hawaii at Hilo area! Just this past Friday, the mail carrier was here after 6 p.m. This has never been the case in the 10 years we have lived here; our carrier delivered about 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
My concern also is for the health and safety of the U.S. Postal Service carriers! Are they being overwhelmed by larger routes? Are they able to relax and eat their lunch? They have families and obligations, also. Working like this causes stress and burnout.
We sure appreciate and look forward each day to checking our mailbox!
Katie Kosora
Hilo
Reproductive choice
One of the most controversial topics that has been argued about is abortion. So, it really makes you think. How does access to abortion affect women and society as a whole?
Recently, 25 white male Republicans in Alabama voted to ban abortion in the state at every stage of pregnancy. Let’s face it: The majority of people with the power of authority are white men, and for decades they have been seen as superior. Their white privilege gives them more power to make decisions for their own interest. We as a society are accustomed to this.
A dozen states in 2019 either passed or attempted to pass stricter abortion laws. Doesn’t this say something about America and how we are so accustomed to men making decisions and allowing them to take advantage of our freedom to our bodies?
In a situation in which a young teenager like me were to be raped, she should be able to have the right to an abortion. Bringing a life into the world and having that thought constantly repeating in your head would mentally and physically break you down.
Why would someone want to put themselves through that? It would also affect the child growing up, and they would have to deal with mental health problems.
Modern abortion procedures are safe and do not cause lasting health issues such as cancer and infertility. Access to legal, professionally performed abortions also reduces maternal injury and death caused by unsafe, illegal abortions. Fetuses are incapable of feeling pain when most abortions are performed.
Overall, giving women reproductive choice empowers them by giving them control over their own bodies. The choice over when and whether to have children is central to a woman’s independence and ability to determine her future.
Although the stricter laws are not happening in Hawaii, it still takes away from a woman’s rights, no matter where this law is being made. Citizens are already making petitions and protests for pro-choice movement. If this is already occurring in many states, we can join those who are already trying to make a change.
Aliza Gonzales
Honokaa
