• Not ready for more football • Democrats have only themselves to blame
Not ready for more football
I would like to invite my Kapaa neighbor James “Kimo” Rosen to sit down with me in the next few days to discuss peace and nonviolence. His letter to the editor extolling football needs to be addressed. (“Absolutely ready for some football,” TGI, Sept. 1).
James’ letter misses the bigger picture: Football is a violent sport, reminiscent of the ancient days of Romans urging gladiators to maim each other, often fatally.
Football is a dangerous sport. The recent “PBS Frontline” two-part series: “League of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis,” discussing the long-term ramifications of concussions, all in order to “win,” leads us to ask … at what cost? Follow the money: Who benefits? See also the excellent movie “Concussion” starring Kauai friend and actor Will Smith.
More and more parents are refusing to let their children participate in youth football for many reasons.
For our species to evolve we must look beyond all aspects of violence to see the benefits of nonviolence. I work with a nonprofit that studies the positive scientific and economic impact of practicing the latter versus the former.
All of the passion and money and time that is devoted in the United States to watching football can be better used to serve our fellow neighbors in need. Those who are homeless, poor, hungry, suicidal need our support and encouragement. Religions and social services do an admirable job helping in this daily outreach. But there is so much more to do. The billions of dollars that are poured into football every year could be channeled into helping our less fortunate sisters and brothers to heal: Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
The annual International Day of Peace is celebrated globally on Sept. 21. There are many symbols of peace on Kauai in the form of Peace Poles (www.peacepoles.com). The iconic phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is a plea following violent World War II, to urge our species to wake up and leave behind our immature violent ways to become a mature, beloved community. Kauai can lead the way!
Looking forward to meeting James and giving him a hug.
Terri Mansfield, Kapaa
Democrats have only themselves to blame
Does Mr. White (TGI, Aug. 26) recall the PPP of March 26, 2016? Few recognize the longer name, which is Hawaii DemocraticPresidential Preference Poll. Voters chose Bernie Sanders by a 70 percent margin over Hillary Clinton.
Yet, at the National Convention, eight of 10 Hawaii superdelegates, voted for Hillary Clinton. When Mazie Hirono was askedabout this at her May town hall, she pivoted to insist that the electoral college should be abandoned, not taking responsibilityfor betraying Hawaii and nominating a candidate whose campaign was insubstantial and lackluster — mostly claiming “I’m notTrump.”
I’m reminded of the vitriol published in the Daily KOS directed at those of us not interested in expanding the Americanempire; who wonder why the banksters were not prosecuted by Obama; and finally, how Clinton felt justified in acceptingbribes, disguised as speaking fees, from those banksters who “legally stole” our homes and our retirement accounts.
I voted “none of the above” in the 2016 presidential election — first time since 1972. Forty-five percent of potential voters didthe same thing by not voting.
Mr. White, you are mistaken to think that any of us accept any blame for Trump’s election. If the Democrats want our vote,address our issues. Outrageous, unsubstantiated accusations such as yours only confirm your selfishness. You blame usbecause your candidate failed to convince us she deserved our support.
This is not a “lesser-of-two-evils” question. It is a question whether any party cares about the “rest of us.”
John Zwiebel, Kalaheo
