• A stroll down memory lane • America needs oil • God bless everyone • Bud is ‘doing well’ A stroll down memory lane Council member Mr. Derek Kawakami, I want to congratulate you on your turn in decision related
• A stroll down memory lane • America needs oil • God bless everyone • Bud is ‘doing well’
A stroll down memory lane
Council member Mr. Derek Kawakami, I want to congratulate you on your turn in decision related to the farm-worker-housing bill, and as noted in TGI’s June 11 story, “Kawakami’s change of heart could mean passage of farm-housing bill.”
In many cultures, and by way of my experience living in a Yup’ik (Eskimo) Village, I would learn a good deal about the belief of the eternal spirit of memories and experiences — this spirit guarding the integrity and destiny of a culture.
As I am interpreting the segment in TGI, the story tells of how with a quieted conscious and in sleep, Mr. Derek Kawakami’s late uncle Edwin Kashima would come to Mr. Kawakami in his dreams, and nudge Mr. Kawakami, taking his nephew on travel perhaps so that this family member may remind his nephew, Mr. Kawakami, of his own roots, and to the importance of how farming has helped sustain many cultures, including Mr. Kawakami’s own.
In the Yup’ik language, spoken of ethical leaders is that of “umyuaqeggilriit,” meaning only those who have become wise and who are with a strong mind are to inherit the great responsibility to lead people, because it is in the hands of the tribal leaders that the lineage of the tribes is to be preserved and lives on.
I am impressed, Mr. Kawakami, that you were able to draw upon your own courage to speak on behalf of the people, and in our community’s best interest. As would be believed in the Yup’ik culture, you have traveled your “qunruyutet” (hard road) with honor. Thank you, Mr. Kawakami, for the stroll down memory lane.
Deborah Morel, Kapa‘a
America needs oil
Thanks for printing the Associated Press’ expose’ of Obama’s contempt for the truth regarding the oil spill. What wasn’t mentioned was the president’s assertion that we’ve “run out” of safer places to drill.
That laughable Clintonesque whopper can be dismissed out of hand. America’s enemies, China, VietNam and Venezuela are all drilling in the Gulf in shallower waters.
In addition, we should be drilling, on shore, in Alaska. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the size of South Carolina. And the amount of surface area needed to extract oil would be the size of a large municipal airport. In other words, a postage stamp on a football field.
But Obama is on record with his desire to see energy costs “skyrocket” with the help of his insane “cap and trade” bill. The country desperately needs more oil, not just for transportation, but for the plastics and chemical industries, among others.
And a weaker economy leads to more big government meddling. Obviously we need alternative energy. But right now America needs affordable oil, and lots of it.
John Burns, Princeville
God bless everyone
I am a straight woman who lives on the Mainland, but has family and friends on Kaua‘i. It is extremely scary to read letters like Bunny’s (“Dear Gov. Lingle,” Letters, June 16) and realize just how ignorant people still are in 2010.
I highly doubt that people would “choose” to be discriminated against, beaten, and ridiculed just for loving someone. Get a clue, people.
And why people feel so threatened by homosexuals is beyond me. Repressed urges, perhaps?
I do believe in Jesus Christ, but even I have my wits about me to know that the Bible has been misused by people throughout the ages to breed racism, misogyny, and general contempt for those perceived as “different.”
To use the Bible for argument’s sake is flimsy at best, especially since I know of no one who lives according to the literal word of the Bible (shellfish, anyone?).
And just for the record, my gay friends relationships seem to be outlasting those of my straight friends, go figure.
Erika White, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
Bud is ‘doing well’
Dear Nancy and Kaua‘i’s wonderful ‘ohana all concerned with the whereabouts of Bud White…
He was up at KKCR Tuesday collecting all the cans and bottles for recycling as he normally does. He had an operation and has a harder time walking, but said he’s “doing well … only 82 and lots left to do.”
He said he needed another operation before he’d be able to walk the streets again.
I, too, was worried about him and asked Barr at the Anini Beach fish taco truck as Bud always played cribbage there he had told me he was a little weak after his operation. Barr not only has the best food in town with the best view and prices but knows everything — all the local scoops.
So, I hope that makes you all happy, great people of Kaua‘i.
Tina Bartlett, Princeville
