REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE THE U.S.

Aloha and Happy Independence Day!

On this day 233 years ago, 56 American patriots signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, Pa., forever changing the world and creating the foundation of our nation. As citizens of this great nation, we value the principles of freedom, opportunity and democracy that still define the United States of America today.

As we celebrate this historic event each year, it is important to reflect on how many of America's bravest men and women sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace. Throughout our country's history, courageous men and women have willingly answered the call to defend our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Whether you are barbecuing under the fireworks or relaxing with your loved ones, we hope you and your 'ohana enjoy this holiday and take time to reflect on its significance, while keeping our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, stationed around the world, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Linda Lingle | Governor, state of Hawai'i

James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. | lieutenant governor, state of Hawai'i

INDEPENDENCE DAY SEEMS TO BE NO MORE

As everyone celebrates the Fourth of July (formerly known as Independence Day), the residents of the most heavily taxed and unfriendly place to do business can take stock of what has happened in the past year.

Unprecedented government spending, bailouts, mortgage crisis, unemployment, furloughs, numerous hikes in taxes, fees and the continuing erosion of our freedoms by a nanny state banning cell phone use while driving.

Let's not forget the Legislature's 36 percent pay increase as a reward for making much of our misery possible. The principles leading to the Revolutionary War are ignored by both political parties in this state and more importantly its citizens. On the Fourth of July, maybe folks should mourn the death of Independence Day.

Jeremiah Hull | Wahiawa

M16 RIFLE

RETURN TO WEAPONS OF A HEAVIER CALIBER

The M16 combat rifle was adopted in 1964 at the onset of the Vietnam War by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. McNamara never spent a day in combat and was never in a firefight but decided the U.S. forces should adopt the M16.

It is a well-known, documented fact that all M16 combat rifle variants malfunction and jam consistently, costing lives of generations of U.S. military. Many U.S. combat personnel refused to carry the M16 and scrounged for an older previous M14 rifle, M1928 Thompson or an M3A1 .45-caliber Grease gun.

A friend of mine, a USMC sergeant and expert shot, while operating two scout sniper sections in Iraq, had to shoot an insurgent 12 times with his M16 carbine while breaking up an ambush. Light bullet weight not causing shock was the culprit.

Solution: Return to a heavier 7.62 or .270-caliber weapon, which will save many U.S. lives and cost more enemy casualties.

Al Eisner | Wheaton Silver Spring, Md.

NORTH KOREA

UNITED STATES NEEDS TO PROTECT ITS CITIZENS

I am a Honolulu resident, a U.S. citizen, and a supporter of any peaceful solutions to volatile world problems. However it is also my belief that days of repressive and irresponsible governments are numbered — and should be numbered.

With that thought, I would ask that any launch of North Korean missiles, remotely in the direction of Hawai'i, would be interpreted as an act of aggression of that country against the United States; and be met with a swift, deliberate and comprehensive annihilation of this North Korean government's ability to launch another missile anywhere-ever again.

While this would undoubtedly result in war between the United States and North Korea, I am at least one native of Hawai'i who would not tolerate his family to be physically threatened, or held hostage, by an insane dictator with nuclear-weapon capability. Especially, keeping in mind, that this particular dictator has nothing to lose by nuking us.

I would hope that our government would agree with this stance; and perhaps clarify it to the world — beforehand.

Remember: Na kaua e pale, Me ka ihe.

Richard Morse | Honolulu