MYANMAR TRAGEDY

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOW BLAMING THE VICTIM

As if the damage done to our image at the White House press conference that politicized the terrible human tragedy in Myanmar was not enough, now Defense Secretary Robert Gates is blaming the victim, calling the Myanmar government's initial reluctance to issue 41 visas to U.S. and Western aid workers, and disallowing U.S. warships into its borders, an act of "criminal neglect."

When the U.S. also refused offers of aid by nations such as Cuba after Katrina hit, was that also "criminal neglect?" Besides, after 20 years of an unequivocal, public, U.S. government policy to dismantle the Myanmar government, is anyone surprised that the Myanmar government balked? Had Hamas, Iran and Syria offered to helicopter in aid after Katrina, would the INS have issued them visas?

The immediate concern was distributing more effectively supplies the country already had. The devastated infrastructure and natural landform of the Delta (nine major tributaries of the Irrawaddy and dozens of large streams criss-cross it) was the problem, not bringing in more supplies sitting in U.S. warships.

But it was also symbolic. The Myanmar government was not about to accept on its hands and knees handouts from a nation that had publicly condemned it as "an outpost of tyranny."

The relationship between the U.S. and the Myanmar government has soured beyond the political; like that with Cuba, it had long become personal.

HOMELESSNESS

MONTHLY CHARGE AT IHS IS A WELCOME DECISION

Good news that IHS will stop enabling people to become long-term homeless.

After years of incentives, including free room and board, it is unlikely this new course can stem the tide of homeless sprawl. Every evening in downtown Honolulu, I step through the bedrooms of those camped out in every prime public space.

I close my nose to the stench of human excrement, close my ears to the rantings and solicitations, close my eyes to the misery and wretchedness of this squalor.

No, I have not closed my heart to their humanity. When we first noticed our brothers and sisters setting out to live their lives in this fashion, none of us told them, "No, you can't live like this, you deserve better." Instead, IHS and other organizations hand them free food, clothes, and help them become accustomed to their miserable situation.

Now we are all suffering from this lack of humanity.

WATER USAGE

WE ALL NEED TO KOKUA, PAY MORE ATTENTION

As we all may know by looking at the Ko'olau, we need rain.

During this time of need, we all have to be responsible for our water usage.

Like oil, we do not have a limitless supply, especially living on an island in the middle of the Pacific.

I actually see more people watering their yards, their driveways and sidewalks. The brown grass will eventually turn green when it rains. What good is it to have green grass and clean driveways, but no water to drink?

Take shorter showers, turn off the water when brushing your teeth, water the plants twice a week instead of three to four times, drive a dirty car.

I see sprinklers watering more of the roads and sidewalks than the yard.

We all need to kokua and pay attention to our water supply. It won't last forever.

HOTELS

PROFITS HAVE BEEN AT EXPENSE OF AIRLINES

I found your article in the June 3 Advertiser "Hotels feel pain of airline closures" somewhat amusing, since the hotels' profits over the years have largely been at the expense of airline profits.

At least the hotels, unlike the airlines, have enough sense to price their product at a point that provides profits, but in doing so, the growth in the hotel industry relies on airfares that are below profit levels.

If the hotel room prices had followed the airline pricing methods since 1960, we would be paying about $50 on average for a hotel room now instead of the $197.07 average that you quoted. That is the way airline pricing has gone.

Hotels have had to contend with inflation in costs for power (up about 10 times since 1967), salaries and benefits, and construction costs, while airlines have had to do the same but also cope with an increase in fuel costs of more than 50 times 1965 levels. Airlines were paying 9 cents a gallon in 1965, and now are paying around $4.80.

So if the hotels want to increase their occupancy, all they have to do is lower their rates to about $50 a night on average, and people will be able to afford the airline tickets that are currently as low as only 50 percent over 1960 prices.

Of course the airline ticket price is only paid once, while the hotel room prices are paid every single night, so a reduction in hotel room prices would be much more significant.

TRANSIT

PROPERTY ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED

Last Sunday's article on the possibility of people's property being confiscated to make room for the rail project addressed an issue that should have been addressed long before the City Council voted to approve rail.

I have previously written letters, as have others, warning about the possibility of people being forced off their land to make room for the light rail. I also wrote letters to the mayor and my City Council representative on this issue.

However, we have been ignored by nearly everyone.

I'm not against the idea of a rail system. I am against the idea of people's property being confiscated to make way for light rail (or any other project), and it's a shame very few have addressed this issue.

TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS COST LESS, PRESERVE BEAUTY

Jay Fidell's June 1 Thinktech column "It shouldn't be that hard to ease our traffic woes" was spot-on.

What a beautiful compromise to help decongest our traffic woes islandwide, not just for the Leeward side — take what we already have that's good about TheBus and make it awesome.

At a fraction of the cost of rail, we could have the best bus system in the world. And, at the same time, help preserve the quiet and scenic beauty of our lovely island of O'ahu.

Stop Rail Now, take note. Mr. Fidell cited a myriad of strategies, including smartcards, cell phones, TV and wireless services, express routes with signal pre-emption, free daytime loop in downtown, etc. Why is this not being advocated by our representatives, the mayor and the City Council, if they really have our best in mind?

TIMETABLES

ELECTRONIC BUS SIGNS JUST FRIVOLOUS EXPENSE

Electronic signs to monitor the city bus timetable for accuracy? More unnecessary expenses.

That money could be put to better use, such as adding more buses to enhance service. Since when is it the responsibility for the average citizen to monitor the buses?

How do we compensate the time factor when a bus arrives late because of heavy gridlock traffic or a service breakdown?

Can you imagine the customer service department being inundated with frivolous phones pertaining to this? The proper way to catch the bus and assure arriving at your destination on time is to be waiting for your desired route at least two or more buses earlier than your desired time of arrival.

You may be fine with catching the bus closest to the departure time, but if there is heavy traffic ahead, the bus will have to wait in line like everyone else.

So leave your home early, arrive early and enjoy a cup of coffee before work, knowing that you are not late.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS

OBAMA SHOULD JUST SAY 'NO' TO MCCAIN'S IDEA

Give credit to John McCain's handlers for coming up with a good idea.

McCain, the GOP standard bearer, can't seem to draw a crowd. About 300 showed up for a major policy speech in New Orleans. On that same night, 32,000 showed up in St. Paul to hear Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate. About 75,000 gathered to hear Obama at an earlier speaking engagement in Oregon.

So, McCain suggests that they should campaign together in "town hall" meetings, where he can deliver his attacks on Obama to crowds that will come to hear Obama. It is a good idea, all right; good for McCain.

Let's hope the Hawai'i-born senator from Illinois is smart enough to say no, again.