ANOTHER MEASURED CRITICISM
Yeah, “no,” Axel. We will honor [the late U.S. Senator Daniel] Inouye’s military achievements and be stoked (Mauisphere, May 30, 2013). To have some wannabe hipster take that away from him is plain offensive. You insult the warriors from the 44th [sic]. Maybe it would suit your PC sensitive semantics if we called Destroyers Defenders instead.
They are [EXPLETIVE DELETED] killing machines. Inouye was a killer. Sorry reality bites for you. How do [you] expect the military to honor one of its heroes? Naming a bench after him? You are a Goober dude.
-Damon Valverde, via email
The Editor Responds: Thanks for your thoughtful letter. To be clear, Inouye actually served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.
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FUN WITH THE TAX CODE
Thank you for pointing out the fallacy of TPM’s [Tea Party Maui’s] claim that they are not a political organization (Coconut Wireless, May 30, 2013). But it’s even worse. Tax law requires code 501(c)(4) organizations to operate “exclusively” to promote the “public welfare,” that is, the law says there can be no political function at all.
The whole “49 percent” can be political comes from a 1959 IRS edit of the tax code that changed the word “exclusively” to “primarily,” but the IRS never defined “primarily.” The 49 percent figure is essentially an interpretation. Also, the change of this word in the tax code was never authorized by Congress. Last time I checked, the IRS cannot make law.
-John A, via MauiTime.com
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WHALE OF A COMMENT
Whales are highly evolved intelligent sentient species in extreme peril and must be respected and protected forever (“Triumph For The Humpbacks?” May 16, 2013). We are all connected, are part of the web of life. Once there is a tear, it speaks of our own demise. They are vital to ecosystem and spiritual balance. Our government needs to do its job–protect our public lands, waters, wildlife and health. Attention to this most urgent matter would be much appreciated by all present and future generations of all species.
-Lydia Garvey, via MauiTime.com
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