Put gambling on the ballot
It would be refreshing if indeed our governor and his cronies actually were morally against gambling, but the reality is that they have been enjoying the campaign contributions and all the bells and whistles they get from big casinos lobbyists.
They call Las Vegas the ninth island. This island takes millions of dollars from Hawaii residents, money that stays on the mainland and not one dime staying here at home. The airlines have special flights daily filled with gamblers with pockets full of money to be left on the mainland. Many of these flights are carrying the same righteous politicians that vote against gambling. Of course, they are probably on a paid-for-by-lobbyists trip while the rest of us indirectly pay for their perks.
Wake up Hawaii, Vegas and our politicians are making money off Hawaii residents and we have no say in the matter. For those in Hawaii against gambling, feel free not to gamble but leave the rest of us to live our lives as we see fit. This should be an issue that’s put on the ballot. Let the people choose what’s good and not good for themselves
Paul Santos
Ocean View
Be part of the solution
A recent letter-writer was very self-righteous in her refusal to wear a mask, even when asked to do so. What she doesn’t want to understand is that she might actually have COVID-19 but be asymptomatic and hence could be spreading those germs to all within 6 feet of her. She doesn’t want her “freedom” imposed upon, yet by refusing to wear a mask she is taking away the freedom of others to live without fear of getting sick. Who knows, someone exposed to her (or any other potential carrier) might become very ill and die, or develop lifelong complications.
Sure, maybe her pilot friend didn’t transport any patients with COVID-19; how is that even a reliable statistic?
She commented that the flu kills more people than COVID-19; well, according to the CDC, last year 34,200 died from the flu. In 2020, over 300,000 people have died from COVID-19.
Scientists have been working on the mRNA technique used in the vaccines for over 15 years; the patients on whom it was tested showed few side effects, none serious. The vaccines have been proven to be 90% effective. I’m not concerned about getting vaccinated; I’d much rather suffer any few side effects that become deathly ill with COVID-19.
She is not part of the solution, she is a big part of the problem.
Bekke Hess
Bullhead City, Arizona
Religion and viruses
Michelle Melendez wants everyone to trust in God, the one that created our miraculous bodies. We should remind Ms. Melendez that same God created viruses such as the coronavirus, measles, small pox, chicken pox, cholera, and malaria, to name a few. Luckily, a few mere mortals were able to come up with a “vaccine” to eradicate them.
Jill Faust
Kailua-Kona
Policy is policy
It is policy of Costco to wear a mask when pumping gas. They’re trying to protect their customers from coronavirus. It has nothing to do with Communism. If she doesn’t like it, then don’t buy their gas. She’s trying to foist her nonscientific beliefs onto the general public as a COVID denier. If it’s just like the flu, why are anti-masker Republican Congressmen running to the front of the line to get vaccinated? Her “numbers” on the CDC website are twisted and not factual. I would expect you to issue an “apology” for printing this divisive letter as you apologized for printing a different viewpoint recently which was factual and truthful.
Joanne A. Martinez
Kona
Letters policy
Letters to the editor should be 300 words or less and will be edited for style and grammar. Longer viewpoint guest columns may not exceed 800 words. Submit online at www.westhawaiitoday.com/?p=118321, via email to letters@westhawaiitoday.com or address them to:
Editor | West Hawaii Today
PO Box 789
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745