Task force asks for trust but the public shouldn't

Members of the Governor's Economic Revitalization Task Force brought their dog and pony show to our community the other night.

If anyone had a question or concern, their answer was, "We discussed that and our plan is better - trust me."

If anyone doubted their figures, well, the experts had given them data behind closed doors, so "trust me."

If anyone wondered what examples they could cite to show that these ideas would work, they had talked to lots of important people, so "trust me."

The governor's proxy was there to give a long speech that all will be fine if we go along with his plan, so just "trust me."

If you love higher taxes and the same old thing, brought to you by the people who got us into this mess to begin with, you'll love the task force's plan. Trust me.

Richard Rice
Kailua

Task force should listen to a real expert

Stephen Covey, author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" recently spoke in Hawaii. He is a renowned professional development leader and inspirational speaker.

I wonder if the governor and his task force attended this seminar. What a bargain - $125 to listen to one of Time magazine's 25 most influential people talk about successful business-development strategies.

Hopefully, the members of Governor's Economic Revitalization Task Force also took advantage of this rare opportunity. Our state could sure use some wisdom.

Sean Willman
Kailua

If George Washington was so awful, then...

On Nov. 12, you ran an article about the New Orleans School Board renamcing George Washington High School because - according to these custodians of political correctness - Washington was a slave owner and did not promote equal opportunity.

If these folks are so indignant over the likes of George Washington, then let them turn in their one-dollar bills and their quarters with his picture on it, those hypocrites!

Sean P. Porter

Media should be ashamed of belittling the Clintons

Your Nov. 7 editorial page carried two related articles: Mary McGrory stated that the press "plunges to new depths" on President Clinton, which is surely true. Then, on the opposite editorial page, Richard Roeper wrote a snide little column complaining about the first lady's birth celebrations.

Isn't it time to give the Clintons a break and restore the dignity and credibility of the news media?

Nancy Bey Little
Mililani

Banker's actions reveal how rich can buy influence

Larry Johnson's statement about his intended contributions to legislators brought to everyone's attention what has been going on legally all over America when we fund campaigns. Only when we have big bucks can we do what Johnson did. Is this what we want to continue in a democracy?

What does John Q. Public do if he doesn't have the money to "contribute" to a lawmaker, but feels that certain legislation is important? Civic-minded groups that have no interest other than the betterment of our community are notoriously strapped for cash.

It's about time we swept away the whole current messy campaign finance system and offer candidates public money. That way, no candidate would be obligated to any individual or special interest but could act in the best interests of all - the public.

Joyce Loo

It's not true that tourists come to this state for sex

There is a major flaw in Joe Stacy's Nov. 6 letter: Japanese tourists do not come here for sex. They are here for Hawaii's features - the sun and aloha.

If they wanted sex, it would be more cost efficient to solicit in their own countries or to go to the mainland.

John Lee
Waipahu

Reconciliation, acceptance should reign at all homes

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your compassionate Nov. 13 editorial, "Preparing for battle on same-sex marriage." When I hear of the all-out efforts to deny equal rights to the gay and lesbian community, my heart is pierced and the pain is real.

I pray your words plant reconciliation within families torn by the religious organizations that teach to hate and mistreat gay relatives. Maybe now the healing can begin so that families will return to a time when they loved and cherished all of their relatives.

May alienated families learn anew how to love, honor and respect each relative as a precious gift from our Creator. Thank you for renewed hope during this Thanksgiving season.

Carolyn Martinez Golojuch
Makakilo

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Bishop Estate Archive

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