Letters to the editor: 12-21-19

Look at China, India’s track records

I read the opinion of Mr. Gerard and the rebuttals of both Mr. Smith and Ms. Fisher concerning TMT. News flash for Mr. Smith and Ms. Fisher, China is not our friend.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, happens in China without the express approval of the Central Politburo of the Communist Party. There also needs to be a tangible benefit to the country or else it doesn’t happen.

Giving China access to this technology is foolhardy. As all nations race to weaponize space what better access to have than TMT and the technology it will employ. China also needs the public relations coup that would come from this project located in the United States.

India as well is in desperate need of a way to reshape its image as an ethno-nationalist country. Recently they just banned Muslims from being citizens despite having over 130 million Muslims currently living there. They still operate under the caste system and deny basic human rights to the lower castes. A recent article in the Washington Post revealed that sewers cleaned by these lower castes have to be cleaned by hand.

These are the countries we want to give legitimacy to for a few hours of telescope time for UH?

Mr. Smith and Ms. Fisher are easily bought. Mayor Kim and our Gov. Ige should abandon TMT right now and expunge all traffic citations issued up on the mauna. Hawaiians know what’s pono and TMT is definitely not that. Full disclosure, I did not get a ticket up on Maunakea.

Joseph Appleton

Waimea