• More on National Day of Prayer • Mahalo for Hale ‘Opio support • Animal-carcass smell is the norm More on National Day of Prayer The “Dear Mayor Carvalho” letter of 5/11 asked our mayor to take control of the
• More on National Day of Prayer • Mahalo for Hale ‘Opio support • Animal-carcass smell is the norm
More on National Day of Prayer
The “Dear Mayor Carvalho” letter of 5/11 asked our mayor to take control of the rotunda event and set the guidelines for who is invited and what kind of prayers are prayed. Do you see what Judie was asking for? She wants the government officials to start ruling and regulating religious gatherings. This is exactly what the constitution forbids.
It is unconstitutional for American government leaders to forbid the free exercise of religion. However, it is perfectly legal and acceptable for government leaders to participate in religious activities.
Roughly 76% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. All other religions combined total around 4%. This makes Christianity about 19 times larger than all other religions in America combined.
It is no surprise that the National Day of Prayer is represented mostly by Christians.
After the controversy last week, I called Dr. Richman. He said that he actually had not asked to be a speaker at the rotunda event.
Also, he was not “miffed” about it.
He simply had seen an announcement inviting Christians, thought the scope should be broader, and decided to host his own prayer event.
I also talked with a primary organizer of the event at the rotunda. She confirmed that Dr. Richman had not asked to be a speaker.
She also stated that they had no intention of excluding anyone, but simply wanted it to be clear that it was a Christian prayer meeting. They would also be happy to consider a Jewish prayer leader, since Jews and Christians both worship the same God, Yahweh.
In summary, the National Day of Prayer is for people of all religions. However, members of each different religion can organize their own events.
The event in the rotunda was not a “county event.” It was, in fact, a Christian prayer meeting on a day when people of all religions are invited to gather together in groups.
At the event, the M.C. had to ask people to move forward so more people in back could fit into the rotunda. There were clearly around 100 people or more at the event, not 50 as was reported.
Our founding fathers would never have opposed public Christian prayers. Ben Franklin (one of the least religious of the founding fathers) made the following request for prayer at the Constitutional Convention: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God Governs in the affairs of men.
And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”
We of different religions have been getting along pretty well here in America. We don’t need anyone trying to stir up strife between religions.
We also don’t need anyone demanding a government takeover of religious events.
Mark Beeksma, Koloa
Mahalo for Hale ‘Opio support
I want to express my deepest appreciation and humble gratitude for the generosity of so many who helped us make the First Annual “Passion for Purses” Auction and High Tea such a fantastic success!
Ahead of the event, publicity was supported in many ways as we worked to get the word out to the ladies of Kaua‘i about our new event. On May 2, volunteers worked from 6 a.m. to set everything up perfectly, and were later joined by over 30 volunteers from the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority Eta Chapter, First Hawaiian Bank, our staff, and our board of directors as our event began. Lady Ipo opened “Passion for Purses” with a beautiful “pule” to bless everyone attending and Hale Opio Kauai, Inc.’s many programs in the community that help the children, youth and families of Kaua‘i.
And the debonair Ron Mizutani — what a treat — the perfect master of ceremonies for such a fun event! Support also came from all over Kaua‘i as more than 133 new purses, bags and totes were donated for the event, filled with wonderful lotions, jewelry, gift certificates, and a wide variety of special goodies. Two hundred attendees eagerly bid on their favorite selections in our live auction, silent auction, lucky-number drawing, and orchid-plant give-away. And the food. Kaua‘i Beach Resort created the perfect “High Tea,” complete with a delicious selection of petite sandwiches and decadent desserts to keep those bids coming! On behalf of our board of directors and staff of Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i, Inc., and the youth we serve, we thank each and every one of you for your support and enthusiasm for our new venture. And you can be sure, 2011 will see the Second Annual “Passion for Purses” Auction and High Tea!!
Mahalo nui loa and hana hou.
Mary Navarro, Executive Director, Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i, Inc.
Animal-carcass smell is the norm
Regarding the article in TGI paper on May 11 about the animal-carcass smell in Waimea Canyon. What does the writer expect to see, find, and smell occasionally in the mountains of Waimea Canyon? This is where the wild pigs, goats, and deer live and survive. Some wildlife die of starvation, disease, and yes sometimes from a minor wound from a hunter’s shot. To say the sight and smell was disgusting and adding to a liter problem was somewhat of different issues. Yes, all people who use the canyon for recreation or sport must be responsible to take their trash when they leave the area. Hunters are a small percentage of the users that visit Waimea Canyon and are tired of being blamed for this and that. I believe that the reason the carcass was found there is because a dysfunctional homeless person must have left it there without taking his trash out with him. Let’s all blame the dysfunctional homeless person, again and again.
Bob Moulton, ‘Ele‘ele
