• Oh, my, there is hope • Humankind in action • Umbrellas not the answer • Keep whole island clean Oh, my, there is hope The title of this letter sums up the numerous texts, comments, calls and tweets that
• Oh, my, there is hope • Humankind in action • Umbrellas not the answer • Keep whole island clean
Oh, my, there is hope
The title of this letter sums up the numerous texts, comments, calls and tweets that many Kaua‘i residents received in immediate response to the recent ruling in California when Judge Walker struck down Prop. 8 (that banned same-sex marriage) for being discriminatory and therefore, unconstitutional. Additional words that may also describe how members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, their families, friends and allies are feeling; joyous, more free, valued, and validated. Judge Walker’s strong and clear opinion has loosened the binds of discrimination on a community of people that have been working for their full civil rights all across the nation for over half a century now.
Judge Walker’s ruling shines a gigantic spotlight on the fact that the Constitution protects the rights of all persons, and he reminds all of us that the majority should never be able to decide on limiting or restricting the civil rights of any minority. This ruling also puts pukas in Governor Lingle’s reasons for her Veto of HB444. She stated this issue should be voted on by the majority, Judge Walker ruled that’s unconstitutional. What say you now governor? Let’s hold out the hope that our state legislators will pay attention to the findings of Judge Walker.
Judge Walker’s ruling has bi-partisan support from California’s current Republican governor and the attorney general who’s the Democratic candidate for governor; they filed motions to begin allowing same-sex marriage immediately. Judge Walker did the job of hearing all the evidence in a full-blown trial, both sides had ample opportunity to present their case, and discrimination lost. Now it’s time for Constitutional law to be the guide. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” These are the words of abolitionist Theodore Parker in the 1850s. When will that arc reach our island home for the GLBT community?
PFLAG Kaua‘i is a chapter of a national organization whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Join with PFLAG Kaua‘i in calling for an end to discrimination in Hawai‘i.
Noelle Cambeilh L.C.S.W., President, PFLAG Kaua‘i
Humankind in action
While enjoying the day at beach, I would notice a family attempting to help, who appeared the elder grandmother, into the ocean. I decided the family tree was likely one of three generations — grandmother, daughter and grandson.
Others enjoying the late afternoon, too, noticed this family, as some trouble arose, and the family was in need of help. As though synchronized like a fine Swiss watch, several of us — at the same time — rose to our feet, and walked over to this family struggling at the shore break — the lifeguards now off duty.
The look of relief on the family members faces was apparent. Together we assisted the family. The family members all extended genuine gratitude to those who helped.
Visitors? Locals? Tourists? Transplants? No, very simply, humankind. As Anne Frank would be quoted, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Deborah Morel, Kapa‘a
Umbrellas not the answer
On Saturday 07AUG10, I was approached and commented about my letter, “Build an indoor, air conditioned stadium” (which was printed earlier on Saturday in the Forum of TGI).
The person’s comment to me was, “What, you afraid of a little sun? Then use an umbrella!”
Can you imagine everyone at the noon football games using umbrellas to shade themselves? Can you imagine watching the umbrella in front of you?
We pay much money to enter and watch the football games. This person (who made the comment mentioned above) would rather spend his money to watch an umbrella in front of him? I think not!
Again this dome/indoor stadium will prevent the athletes and the high-school fans from heat strokes. And there will be no more problems with the Newell’s from crashing onto the football field and (into) the stadium lights.
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
Keep whole island clean
The lee of the island has not become “ugly” (Howard Tolbe, “Keep Kaua‘i clean,” Aug. 12) since Gay & Robinson stopped cultivating sugarcane. It has always been chaparral land with a Mediterranean climate. Driving through, it reminds me of Highway 1 along the California coastline or even the Costa Brava in Europe. How can one look at the painted sunset over tanned grasslands, blue sea, and rugged ridges and in any sense call this “ugly?” I do agree that the swamps on the other side of the island tend to obscure the ‘opala (trash, garbage) from view better! So, let’s keep the entire island clean.
Olaf Hoeckmann-Percival, Waimea
