Knowledge is the key to freedom
Here are several intriguing subjects combined into a single editorial.
I’ve been asking around, since I found out that only 26% of the population can tell you the three branches of government.
What is your story?
I saw the giant American flag flying over Hilo Bayfront, and all I could think was I hope it’s not a Trump rally. What a pleasure to find out it was truly a patriotic remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives in Vietnam.
Being old enough to have had a draft lottery number, this history stirs all kinds of emotional memories held deep inside my heart.
Thank you for the experience of the Vietnam memorial in Hilo.
And just like the three branches of government question, there was a docent speaking to several dozen high school students. One of the questions used to engage the students was that this copy of the wall was three-quarter size, and its length was given. Then the docent asked: Now, what is the length of the actual wall in Washington. D.C.?
Try as he may, with hint after hint, not one of the students could solve the seventh-grade equation. The speaker and I caught each other’s eyes, and he shared a slight shrug with me. Finally, someone gave the wrong answer, and he went on to the next subject. Both of us felt disappointed.
I was disappointed for the students and also for our country. Hopefully, this does not reflect the state of democracy and the future of our United States.
Knowledge is the key to our freedom. You are not going to find it scrolling social media on your smart phone.
Try this one. The countries of Iraq and Iran, one is Shiite the other is Sunni. Do you know which is which?
In memory of American military who lost their lives in Iraq, I sure hope so.
And with the political hate, venom and partisanship degrading our great democracy, how do you measure that against this significant amount of ignorance? There is absolutely a correlation.
The Vietnam War Memorial was inspirational. How do we embrace that patriotism and inspire our next generation?
God bless America and the next generation of our young Americans.
Michael Mamczarz
Kurtistown
Please keep away from the whales
Stop chasing the whales and their young with your small boats and unforgivably loud jet skis!
I live along the Hilo paliku (cliffs) and I see everything in Hilo Bay and everything north of the breakwall.
(On a recent) Sunday, several whales had unexpectedly gone into the waters of Hilo Bay. Not very common, on my watch.
Within minutes, several small boats and jet skis came roaring in and actually inadvertently chased all the whales out of the bay. The whales circled back, only to be confronted with gawking people (I won’t comment on their intelligence levels) who just had to go dangerously close to a breaching pod (family) of whales. A craft could easily hit a whale as it surfaces.
Are these people insane? Totally unacceptable.
The dangerous behavior and callous neglect of the wildlife here is sickening. Do what I do and buy a decent set of binoculars or good telescope and enjoy them.
We have enjoyed them for many years along the cliffs, and they appreciate us not stepping on their lawn. Stop being selfish.
Allen Russell
Hilo