CUTS JEOPARDIZE FUTURE OF COUNTRY

Our nation is in crisis. Our children are in danger. Our future seems to be so hopeless. How can a few decision-makers, whom we elect, and the teachers union disregard the future of our children and put our nation in jeopardy?

Education is the foundation of a strong nation. Without a strong educational system, our nation will falter, and our freedom and liberty will be at risk.

Please don't play with our children's future. Please don't gamble on the future of our nation. There are other ways to cut budget than closing schools and sending our children home. We need to stop furlough Fridays.

peter s. hwu | Honolulu

GAYS IN MILITARY

SITUATION SIMILAR TO ENDING SEGREGATION

I have a comment to make regarding Robert Holub's letter to the editor ("Decision already made on repeal," March 9).

I heard very similar comments made many years ago when President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which started the process of ending segregation in the ranks of the U.S. military.

Does Mr. Holub feel that the U.S. military is not effective because of that decision?

Loretta Falls | Honolulu

ALOHA SPIRIT

KINDNESS TO TOURISTS SHOWN BY SEVERAL

Recently our family spent two weeks on O'ahu. My sister-in-law and I were driving near Hanauma Bay when she spotted a whale spout.

As I pulled off into a turnout, the asphalt ended and I got our car stuck in the sand. Not one, but two men with trucks came to our aid. It wasn't because we are young and cute. Both of us are in our 60s. We were very grateful not to have to call a tow truck.

As we were leaving Honolulu my husband lost his jacket and cell phone in the airport. The day after we arrived home we received a call from Transportation Security Administration at the airport. He had left his jacket and phone at the security area. With our permission the TSA representative took our items to the airport office, where they mailed them to us at a most reasonable fee. Once again, we were very grateful.

Thank you for the friendly aloha spirit. I hope that the people involved see this. We will be back soon.

barbara baldock | Monterey, Calif.

THEATER

'HAIR' A PERFORMANCE WORTH GOING TO SEE

Last night my lady and I had the great pleasure of seeing the performance of "Hair" at the Manoa Valley Theatre.

It was outstanding. I saw the original play on Broadway in 1969, and this production in Mānoa was as good or better than the original. Vibrant, happy, and powerful, with music that stands the test of time, this play is a must-see.

The quality of the performers was amazing, their acting, singing, and dancing all better than expected. Because of the size of the venue, the performers join with the audience at times and makes you feel part of it. To my stunned delight they even brought us on stage at the end to join in the singing of "Let the Sunshine In."

Give yourself a treat, and go see "Hair." If you're older, it will bring back memories. If you are younger, it will rock you.

tomas del amo | Kailua