Mahalo, Rotarians
The parade of all nations for the Ironman kickoff was a spectacular event, and the Kona Rotary Club was there to do their part for our community. To stand at the very start of the parade, we could hear the different languages spoken in just a few moments as the participants of the countries represented passed us by. Those languages gave us a sensation of peace that has been long overdue.
The excitement in the air reminded everyone of a world that can truly come together as one people. The crowd cheered for every contestant represented and gave our Hawaii a sense of pride too. Our Kona Rotary Club thanks every one who participated in this unforgettable occasion, and will be back at it for all the remaining Ironman activities. We are proud of our Kona Rotary Club, and are always open to welcoming anyone who wish to be a part of doing good things for our community.
Lisha Spicer
Kailua-Kona
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Words are fun!
George Will did it again Sunday morning, sending me to Wicktionary and Merriam-Webster for telling us, as to college football conferences, to “suspend your Pecksniffian disapproval.” (Back in July he stumped me with “Philippic.”) That both words are written capitalized is a clue that they refer to particular people, one historic, the other fictional:
“Seth Pecksniff, a character with a holier-than-thou attitude in Charles Dickens’s 1844 novel Martin Chuzzlewit, was no angel, though he certainly tried to pass himself off as one. Pecksniff liked to preach morality and brag about his own virtue, but in reality he was a deceptive rascal who would use any means to advance his own selfish interests. It didn’t take long for Pecksniff’s reputation for canting sanctimoniousness to leave its mark on English; “Pecksniffian” has been used as a synonym of “hypocritical” since 1849.”
So if you are a progressive politician who thinks you need more votes from conservatives, people may say you are being “Pecksniffian.”
Niel Thomas
Waimea
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Do the right thing
The Sept. 25 write-up concerning the Friesian mare “ONYX’S” death, has been following me. I had a big horse like her, a Hannoverian. I can only imagine how heartbroken Craig and Hal must be — and how absolutely furious. Who was/is this idiot who cannot distinguish a 17-hand horse from a feral pig? What was this “hunter” doing on private property in the dark, with a gun, to begin with? Not only did he kill this beautiful mare, he was trespassing. I only hope the little foal will pull through. The least this man can do, and should do, is pay for the mare, and a Friesian is not cheap. And to the neighbors with the pig problem: there are so many wild pigs on this island, if someone wants to keep them off their property, they have to fence it.
Erika Fluyt
Holualoa
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