Propaganda, not science
The scientific method is not being used to educate the public on many issues, especially the current epidemic.
Real science involves constantly challenging theories, assumptions and ideology. Even long-held beliefs like Newton’s law of gravity can eventually be overturned by adherence to the scientific method.
The treatment of COVID-19 infections is now the victim of politicized science and massive censorship on a scale never before seen in our nation. Many eminently qualified scientists with decades of experience in epidemiology are routinely censored and branded as ignorant by the current administration in Washington.
Thousands of doctors who have treated COVID-19 patients around the world are dismissed by biased organizations like Politico and FactCheck.org. They tell us that these health care professionals are spreading disinformation on the treatment of their patients.
This is an unprecedented attack on free speech and the scientific method. Even the best scientists from institutions like Harvard and Yale have had their research on COVID-19 treatments cancelled.
Social media platforms owned and run by unelected billionaires decide what information is released to the public. This is not science, it’s propaganda and censorship.
Dan Knowlton
Pahoa
Roth defies the people
We are deeply disappointed in Mayor Mitch Roth’s decision not to pursue shoreline access at Papaikou Mill Beach, one of the few beaches on the Hamakua coast.
The only access to the beach is a trail on private property owned by a Canadian woman. The gate at the trailhead is locked every night. The owner also has rules such as no coolers, strollers or skateboards, and has had community residents arrested, fined or barred from the trail for breaking the rules.
Residents who have gone to the beach for generations are sometimes locked out. Kalani Lyman, a Native Hawaiian and also a descendant of the Lyman missionaries, was once arrested for using the trail at the wrong time — despite his constitutionally protected traditional and customary rights, rights that have been repeatedly upheld by the state Supreme Court.
For over 10 years, there has been widespread and unwavering support for access — from Global HOPE, the Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, and individual testifiers, young and old, kamaaina and newbies, from diverse cultural groups and diverse walks of life.
Old-timers have recounted memories of plantation days. Lawyers have analyzed deeds and statutes. Over 5,000 people signed a petition. Hundreds of people turned out for hearing after hearing. Many people held signs by the road.
In 2017, the county finally filed an eminent domain lawsuit to acquire the trail — but the suit failed in court. The county could appeal, with a good chance of success, and the entire County Council supports an appeal. But the mayor refuses, citing liability concerns.
Efforts to win access continue behind the scenes. But it is sobering to see one person negate the efforts of thousands of people.
Martha “Cory” Harden
Sierra Club, Hawaii Island Group
