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Letters for Wednesday, December 6, 2006
• The heart of the matter
• New yardstick for marriage
• Same-sex couples seeking equal rights
• Everyone deserves clean, unpolluted air
The heart of the matter
I would like to offer a few words regarding Chris Metcalf’s letter (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5), which was in response to a letter I wrote (“What is the sanctity of an American marriage?” Letters, Dec. 4)
Metcalf writes, in reference to the acceptability of same-sex marriage, “Can you imagine a building where every carpenter defined his own standard of measurement?” But I don’t see our country as one building. Instead it is a whole village of buildings, of diverse colors, sizes and architectural designs — build your own house as you see fit, and let your neighbors build theirs in peace.
As for the argument that expanding the definition of marriage to including same-sex marriage somehow “cheapens and degrades the real thing,” I say again that I find it impossible to imagine how the circumstances of someone else’s marriage, gay or straight, could possibly cheapen or degrade my own marriage. Should I ever marry, I certainly would hope that the sanctity of that union would arise from mutual love, adoration and respect between my bride and myself, rather than some abstract societal moré as I would wish the same for any couple.
I also find it odd that Metcalf’s letter presents the Scandinavian countries as an example of a society which, according to Metcalf, has already been degraded by condoning gay marriage. I say odd, because in fact, when examined in terms of general quality of life, these countries are virtual paragons of successful democratic states. For example, Scandinavian workers, for the most part, receive great wages with many benefits (generous vacation time and parental leave, for example), and Scandinavian countries in general have great healthcare systems (often free and government-sponsored). Literacy rates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland are all at 99 percent, and, for the most part, violent crime rates, particularly in Denmark, are almost absurdly low. These are hardly the hallmarks of “degraded” or failed societies! (Citing statistics of the numbers of children born out of wedlock, as Metcalf does, is ultimately irrelevant in regards to the health of a society in terms of universally accepted criteria, because it is only of concern if one happens to subscribe to certain religious beliefs, which not everyone does.)
But my core thesis (which, I noticed, Metcalf chose not to contest) is still this: In a free society, one adult cannot dictate to another adult how to live their life, based on privately held, non-universal, moral or religious beliefs. This is not a partisan or religious view, but a simple and logical deduction drawn from basic principals of free society. And I say that it cannot be any other way, because any other line of reasoning leads to impossible contradictions or, ultimately, in practical application, to a totalitarian state.
Do we really want this for America?
Sky Roversi-Deal
Kilauea
New yardstick for marriage
To answer your question, Mr. Metcalf (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5): YES, I would love that for America! I would love for everyone in the United States (and even the world) to be granted equal freedoms and rights. I would love for people to be accepted for who they are, and not be judged by closed-minded fanatics who think they know what is morally justified.
Who are you to say that homosexual marriage is an empty pretense? Seriously. I could marry some random man just because he’s got a fat wallet. Not that I would, but hey, I’m straight! I have that right! And THAT would be an empty pretense. But my dear friend John, who has been in a loving gay relationship for over 10 years, can’t marry his partner. And unlike a marriage of convenience or a marriage for money between a man and a woman, John and his partner would have the real thing.
You said that “a man and a woman joined together in holy matrimony is the time-tested “‘yardstick” for marriage. Remember that time when women had no rights? When women couldn’t own property? When women couldn’t vote? How about when it was considered acceptable for a human being to be OWNED by another person? When men and women alike were judged because of the color of their skin? All of those ideals were considered socially acceptable at the time. And they absolutely wouldn’t fly now. Perhaps it’s time for a new “yardstick” of marriage — one that cherishes and honors love and commitment, and not just relationships based on anatomy.
Cyndi Mei Ozaki
Redmond, Wash.
Same-sex couples seeking equal rights
In response to Chris Metcalf’s letter (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5), the simple answer is: It doesn’t harm your marriage. In fact, Mr. Metcalf, it has nothing to do with your marriage.
You mention “holy matrimony” and “throwing society into confusion.” Where is the holy matrimony in a drunken, impromptu Las Vegas wedding ending in divorce 27 hours later (Britney Spears, 2003)? And where is the clarity and sanctity of marriage in a television reality show that lets “America, Pick My Dad’s New Wife!?” You may see these people as heathens, but at the end of the day, the marriage certificate issued to them is still legal and binding — for better or for worse.
Same-sex couples are not looking for a “sanction” of marriage, they are looking for equal tax benefits, inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights and pension survival benefits that are afforded to all of the Britney Spears and reality show brides and grooms. If you want to preserve the American way, teach your children acceptance, tolerance and inclusion.
Ross Martineau
Kapa‘a
Everyone deserves clean, unpolluted air
While researching your Sun Village, I read your article by Lester Chang (“Sun Village man wants end to Kapaia Valley burning,” Jan. 26) regarding the health problems of Ned Sparks and others at Sun Village in Lihu‘e. Two of my daughters and I have experienced similar asthma and allergy problems due to smoke pollution. First it was the burning of the Everglades in Florida when they drained them and lightning strikes occurred. We moved to California on advice of doctors that we could lose one of our daughters. Again a few years ago the Parks Department burned eucalyptus brush, triggering asthma and pneumonia. My supervisor was also on the Pollution Control Board of three counties and they can burn only if smoke blows away from homes, the fire department stands by and there is prior notification. They have not burned in my area since, although it was scheduled twice yearly.
For a recent burn in Monterey County officials had to not only warn people but if they had to leave to avoid health problems they would be paid their expenses.
I hope the Sun Village (and particularly Ned Sparks’) problems were resolved favorably, and if not — a follow-up article? Kaua‘i is a lovely place; I just returned the 18th. We are all entitled to clean water and unpolluted air.
Lillian Wilson
Aptos, Calif.
• New yardstick for marriage
• Same-sex couples seeking equal rights
• Everyone deserves clean, unpolluted air
The heart of the matter
I would like to offer a few words regarding Chris Metcalf’s letter (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5), which was in response to a letter I wrote (“What is the sanctity of an American marriage?” Letters, Dec. 4)
Metcalf writes, in reference to the acceptability of same-sex marriage, “Can you imagine a building where every carpenter defined his own standard of measurement?” But I don’t see our country as one building. Instead it is a whole village of buildings, of diverse colors, sizes and architectural designs — build your own house as you see fit, and let your neighbors build theirs in peace.
As for the argument that expanding the definition of marriage to including same-sex marriage somehow “cheapens and degrades the real thing,” I say again that I find it impossible to imagine how the circumstances of someone else’s marriage, gay or straight, could possibly cheapen or degrade my own marriage. Should I ever marry, I certainly would hope that the sanctity of that union would arise from mutual love, adoration and respect between my bride and myself, rather than some abstract societal moré as I would wish the same for any couple.
I also find it odd that Metcalf’s letter presents the Scandinavian countries as an example of a society which, according to Metcalf, has already been degraded by condoning gay marriage. I say odd, because in fact, when examined in terms of general quality of life, these countries are virtual paragons of successful democratic states. For example, Scandinavian workers, for the most part, receive great wages with many benefits (generous vacation time and parental leave, for example), and Scandinavian countries in general have great healthcare systems (often free and government-sponsored). Literacy rates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland are all at 99 percent, and, for the most part, violent crime rates, particularly in Denmark, are almost absurdly low. These are hardly the hallmarks of “degraded” or failed societies! (Citing statistics of the numbers of children born out of wedlock, as Metcalf does, is ultimately irrelevant in regards to the health of a society in terms of universally accepted criteria, because it is only of concern if one happens to subscribe to certain religious beliefs, which not everyone does.)
But my core thesis (which, I noticed, Metcalf chose not to contest) is still this: In a free society, one adult cannot dictate to another adult how to live their life, based on privately held, non-universal, moral or religious beliefs. This is not a partisan or religious view, but a simple and logical deduction drawn from basic principals of free society. And I say that it cannot be any other way, because any other line of reasoning leads to impossible contradictions or, ultimately, in practical application, to a totalitarian state.
Do we really want this for America?
Sky Roversi-Deal
Kilauea
New yardstick for marriage
To answer your question, Mr. Metcalf (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5): YES, I would love that for America! I would love for everyone in the United States (and even the world) to be granted equal freedoms and rights. I would love for people to be accepted for who they are, and not be judged by closed-minded fanatics who think they know what is morally justified.
Who are you to say that homosexual marriage is an empty pretense? Seriously. I could marry some random man just because he’s got a fat wallet. Not that I would, but hey, I’m straight! I have that right! And THAT would be an empty pretense. But my dear friend John, who has been in a loving gay relationship for over 10 years, can’t marry his partner. And unlike a marriage of convenience or a marriage for money between a man and a woman, John and his partner would have the real thing.
You said that “a man and a woman joined together in holy matrimony is the time-tested “‘yardstick” for marriage. Remember that time when women had no rights? When women couldn’t own property? When women couldn’t vote? How about when it was considered acceptable for a human being to be OWNED by another person? When men and women alike were judged because of the color of their skin? All of those ideals were considered socially acceptable at the time. And they absolutely wouldn’t fly now. Perhaps it’s time for a new “yardstick” of marriage — one that cherishes and honors love and commitment, and not just relationships based on anatomy.
Cyndi Mei Ozaki
Redmond, Wash.
Same-sex couples seeking equal rights
In response to Chris Metcalf’s letter (“How does gay marriage harm your marriage?” Letters, Dec. 5), the simple answer is: It doesn’t harm your marriage. In fact, Mr. Metcalf, it has nothing to do with your marriage.
You mention “holy matrimony” and “throwing society into confusion.” Where is the holy matrimony in a drunken, impromptu Las Vegas wedding ending in divorce 27 hours later (Britney Spears, 2003)? And where is the clarity and sanctity of marriage in a television reality show that lets “America, Pick My Dad’s New Wife!?” You may see these people as heathens, but at the end of the day, the marriage certificate issued to them is still legal and binding — for better or for worse.
Same-sex couples are not looking for a “sanction” of marriage, they are looking for equal tax benefits, inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights and pension survival benefits that are afforded to all of the Britney Spears and reality show brides and grooms. If you want to preserve the American way, teach your children acceptance, tolerance and inclusion.
Ross Martineau
Kapa‘a
Everyone deserves clean, unpolluted air
While researching your Sun Village, I read your article by Lester Chang (“Sun Village man wants end to Kapaia Valley burning,” Jan. 26) regarding the health problems of Ned Sparks and others at Sun Village in Lihu‘e. Two of my daughters and I have experienced similar asthma and allergy problems due to smoke pollution. First it was the burning of the Everglades in Florida when they drained them and lightning strikes occurred. We moved to California on advice of doctors that we could lose one of our daughters. Again a few years ago the Parks Department burned eucalyptus brush, triggering asthma and pneumonia. My supervisor was also on the Pollution Control Board of three counties and they can burn only if smoke blows away from homes, the fire department stands by and there is prior notification. They have not burned in my area since, although it was scheduled twice yearly.
For a recent burn in Monterey County officials had to not only warn people but if they had to leave to avoid health problems they would be paid their expenses.
I hope the Sun Village (and particularly Ned Sparks’) problems were resolved favorably, and if not — a follow-up article? Kaua‘i is a lovely place; I just returned the 18th. We are all entitled to clean water and unpolluted air.
Lillian Wilson
Aptos, Calif.
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:19 AM:
" Hello again TGI,
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM:
" First of all, let this be known, that these comments here are worthless and useless considering the topic being discussed. We found this topic a useless waist of time and money. This is from any intellectual interested reader. And yes, I am not associated with any former classmates there on Kauai also, for this matter alone.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:50 PM:
" I have seen alot of losers being mentioned in association to Waimea High School sports at UH Manoa. Might I add they are the one's who are delerious and a debachery to any level minded reader. These names are wide and long. And they run from 1979-1990 graduates trying grace the pages of Kauai and represent that school, outrageous. I for one, right now am putting all of them down for ever contemplating fame and popularity. We actually do not understand your fame and glory at Waimea High School.
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:55 PM:
" Losers I have mentioned that graced those pages are as follows:
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM:
" Hello again TGI,
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
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HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:08 AM:
RE: 2/11/2009 and the above topic
Can we cut out the "EXPLETIVE" here. Everyone knows if you are or were affiliated with high school at one time in your life in Waimea, Kauai, you would know that you do not place one of the three stooges willing to work at Kentucky fried chicken and place him at the vice principal's seat at Waimea High School. We all know that BOE and DOE played no roll in this nonsense of students being athletes then becomming success in the respected choice of degree and field like a BA degree. An example, you cannot put someone like a Pereira or even an Aaron Francisco from Kahuku High School, now former Arizona Cardinals NFL, as a BA candidtate after a prolific showing in sports. It just does not work that way. We all know that they cannot be serious placing academics after a 10 year assistant coach with a rediculous man/educator and/or coach if I might add like Tommy Rita of the 1980's and then expect him, Patrick Pereira to educate people in 2000's after being associated with dumb athletes all their life and now turn to academics. Now they educate people? Ha! What are we looking at here is basically a rediculous and dumber community than most perceived DOE standard base learning. Otherwise throw this article out already, alright?
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "