Find a way to spread peace
Reading your article in Saturday’s newspaper about the killings at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland was heart-wrenching for me. I subscribe to and read the print edition of The Garden Island every day, just as I have for the past 20 years (lucky I live Kauai). Before that time, I subscribed to and read the print edition of the Capital Gazette, along with The Washington Post, every day.
Annapolis is my “home town” – I lived almost my entire life there. And now I love my Kauai — I have a heart in two places. I am pleased to share my Kauai/Annapolis connection with the residents of Kauai. It is a sad commentary on the current climate in America that I share it because the recent tragedy brings it to the forefront.
It is imperative that the current trend of demonizing the news media is stopped. Long before social media or the internet, before television and even before the invention of radio, newspapers have been the source of news, information, education and entertainment. The current repetitions of phrases such as “fake news” and the characterizations of the news media as “dishonest” and “lying” are not true and are being used to cover up the truth — truths that Americans want to know and have the right to know.
I offer thanks and appreciation to the publishers, the editors, the staffs and all employees of The Garden Island and The Capital Gazette and to all newspapers throughout our country. The work that you do is so very important — we depend on you.
My niece, who lives in Annapolis, is visiting us on Kauai. She was here on Thursday, the day of the Capital Gazette shooting. This is what she wrote:
My mind started to wander. And wonder. About the dichotomy between the chaos around us and our desire for peace. Over and over again, when there is inexplicable tragedy, we question who we are as humans; what we can do to effectuate change; how we can cope. I certainly don’t have the answers. Some spring into action politically. Some pray. Some react insensitively and selfishly. Some hold fast to loved ones for consolation and community. Can there be peace? I only know what I can control. I can control myself. What I bring to myself, and what I put out to others. No matter if you live on Kauai, in Annapolis, or on the mean streets, we can find a way to spread peace. Our time on this earth is short. Some live with pain, illness, family drama, poverty. It is still possible to create your own oasis. Love without reservation; give as much as you can, within your confines, to your community, your town, your city, the world. There is beauty around you and within you. Spread it.
Judith Rachap, Koloa
The observations in your recent letter do not reflect the rights of all Americans to engage in free speech. More concerning is your attempt to create a protected class with special status. Your statement that, ” It is imperative that the current trend of demonozing the news media be stopped” is an affront to free speech .
Where in the constitution is the media granted special status ? Every American has the right to exercise their rights to speak. That includes the right to critize the media even if you object to accusations made against the media. Imagine the wave of protest that would rightfully explode if someone proposed a restraint on the press from the exact same conduct about which you have complained.
What is next, a limit on politicians free speech ? Do you stop a speech by congresswoman Maxine Watters or by an entertainment elite ? How about a private citizen ?
The answer is that you, myself and all people must evaluate and accept or reject the information we are exposed to from all sources.you cannot solve a problem by limiting discussion.
It is disingenuous to turn a criticism of an organized campaign to discredit those exposing you into an issue of free speech. The next step, logically, is “Free Speech for School Bullies.” You know this; but, you made a choice!
So true, and very nicely said. Thank you for your thoughts!
Nicely stated, Ed. Unfortunately, many on this island would choose to limit the free speech that disagrees with their own perspective. Hypocrites!
Nothing in the letter from Mrs. Rachap is an attempt to stifle anyone’s free “speech” in any way…
What we seek is truth… not baseless accusations which have not place in this discussion, not just opinions which are fine in the proper context. THERE IS A BRIGHT-LINE distinction… FACTS, are based on evidence, that is documented by legitimate, verifiable sources that have a valid and rational relation to the subject are deemed reliable. We count on the press to present this evidence because our bureaucracy is not always reliable, as is evident. I may have an opinion that your hat is pretty or ugly, but a fact, is that hat was purchased at a certain store for a certain price can be verified. Receipts can be produced, witnesses interviewed. Simplistic example , but it is vital, in moving forward that we are ALL WORKING OFF THE SAME SET OF FACTS and not opinions.
There is a difference between having and expressing a person opinion verses promoting lies that impact the rights of other people. In civilized societies, we don’t make up facts to suit an agenda; we follow factual evidence and then formulate an opinion based on that evidence. Using the right to free speech as a license to belittle the opinions of others, or to degrade factual evidence (that you don’t like) from a reliable source is not a right, its an abomination against the truth. Thank you Mrs. Rachap for your insightful, thoughtful and compassionate message,
Frances Simons
Koloa, HI
This letter is just propaganda. It ignores calls to violence by leaders on the left. Then, it focuses on those who correctly state that much of the media has become fake news. If the media doesn’t like being called fake news, they should stop publishing fake news. Pointing out that many media outlets have become biased or incompetent is not the same thing as calling for violence.
Maxine Waters did not call for violence. You know this. So you used the more vague “leaders on the left” to build deniability into your new hobby of dishonesty! You are perfectly conforming to your leader’s model!
I agree there should not be a call for violence. I dont understand though why you dont call out the current president for suggesting :
1. That 2nd amendment supporters do something about candidate clinton.
2. Suggesting his supporters punch people in the face.
Scott Pruit resigned today in order to spend more money with his family! It’s the media, not trump, that is draining the swamp!