Hawaii's judicial selection process, by nomination, was intended to give us good judges without the politics of "running for office." But the process is still very, very political. Wanna-be judges still do just as much politicking, it is just of the "old-boy" kind, and the public is excluded.
This special protected status of our judges has bred an arrogance that allows those who so choose to legislate from the bench. They are free to redefine long-standing social institutions in ways never imagined or intended by the society, and that are significantly out of line with accepted community standards.
These sophomoric and trendy judges need to understand that they are only agents of our society. Vote for a Constitutional Convention so that we can restore accountability to the judiciary.
Richard K. Rice
Kailua
n In sound, practical and effective stewardship of the environment and not environmental planning based on the "issue of the moment."
n That free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought and will continue to bring opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
n That art, music, literature and theater are essential and will endure with business and individual support, but should not require yet another bureaucratic agency providing subsidies with our tax dollars.
n That war is wrong but that we value and must preserve our national strength while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world. Strength prevents wars. Weakness invites them.
n In individual rights, getting Washington out of our pocketbooks, and getting the country back on a sound fiscal track. All of this will assure that more of us can realize the American dream.
Shirley A. Hasenyager
Kailua
When I retired, my focus changed to the environment, protection of wildlife, and the quality of life for older people, the retired and the elderly. Each time I have inquired about Congressman Abercrombie's stand on important legislation involving these topics, I have found that he has been actively involved in authoring or supporting bills to protect the environment and to help the elderly (Medicare, etc.).
I have found that, whatever the concern, we can still count on Neil.
Barbara F. Coons
Both were shaped by the tumultuous 1960s. One could see Abercrombie exhorting the crowds at the anti-war rallies, while Swindle was enduring mistreatment as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. While Abercrombie was learning the latest radical cant, Swindle was learning about the realities of war, the foe and life. He survived this ordeal and grew from these experiences.
When children of the baby boomers ask their parents what the '60s were like, all they have to do is point to Abercrombie.
Hawaii's special local interests and liberal values can be well protected by its other Washington representatives: Inouye, Akaka and Mink. But we also need someone who has some respect from and communication with the conservatives and Republicans in the rest of the country.
Let's elect a grown-up to Congress.
Richard Ziegler
Kaneohe