Twigg-Smith's book deserves to be read
Letter writer Michael Dougherty's attempt (Star-Bulletin, July 24) to vilify the Thurston family through four generations seems to have no purpose other than to discredit Thurston Twigg-Smith's position as reflected in his recent book, "Hawaiian Sovereignty: Do the Facts Matter?"This cannot be done by vilification, but only by a thorough reading of Twigg-Smith's book.
Let's examine its factual sources as to accuracy and completeness, and carefully consider the cohering logic.
When we do, perhaps then we can correctly reassess our history and Thurston Twigg-Smith's sincere concern for Hawaiians and all the other people of Hawaii.
Walter F. Wild
Waimanalo
Reggie White is bravely voicing his opinion
While many of us may disagree with Reggie White's comments on ethnic issues, we should at least respect the fact that he is standing up for what he believes in.We're going to start teaching values in our schools but, in the real world, people are knocked down for having the courage and integrity to speak their minds.
It's a shame that people are fearful to stand up for what they believe because they must be politically correct. We're coming close to making free speech a thing of the past.
It's important to set examples for our children and grandchildren, and voice our opinions. Traditional marriage should be between one man and one woman -- it's that plain and simple.
Be counted and vote yes in November for traditional marriage.
Robin Makapagal
Kaneohe
Manoa's unfriendliness is demonstrated by ban
A bill has been introduced to enable neighborhoods to create permit-only parking. I am appalled! I live in the University/Manoa area and have no objection to students parking in front of my home.How can you target students who choose to further their education at our university because of economics or because they just love Hawaii? Where do you expect them to park if the structure is full or if they can't afford to pay for parking each day?
Do you wish them to leave the state to attend school and never return to a community that doesn't support their endeavors? Isn't that what we've done to tourists?
The people of Manoa should re-evaluate their attitude and become more "student friendly."
Gail M. Tajima
Candidate pros and cons
Labor unions err by endorsing Cayetano
How interesting that Walter Kupau, president of the Carpenters' Union, should endorse Gov. Ben Cayetano for re-election. It would appear that Cayetano's $1 billion capital improvement projects are finally starting to pay off -- for his re-election.While Kupau endorses the failed economics of the Cayetano administration, he doesn't understand that even the temporary spurt of spending and jobs created through this government windfall will have to be paid back, with interest, in the future.
His union workers may have jobs in the short term. In the long term, however, they will be burdened by high state debt that must be paid back through higher taxes.
As more unions endorse the incumbent, their true objective is obvious: to continue support of the status quo so that more windfalls will come their way. What will they say when Linda Lingle becomes governor?
Latha Tornquist
Ewa Beach
Governor solicits help of small-business owners
The owners of small businesses, who have been complaining about the tough business climate in Hawaii today, will now get a chance to have their say. Governor Cayetano is asking us to create a task force to help government find ways to help our interests. We will be asked to tell state government what we want changed in the way of rules, regulations and red tape.It makes sense to talk to the people who know. It would be great if small-business people turned out in force to join this task force. This is a chance to be part of the solution. The governor is showing some real leadership.
Wendy Goodenow
Lingle bumper stickers portend positive change
Driving through Honolulu this early in the political season, one can't help but notice the "Lingle" bumper stickers adorning so many cars. Think about it: Most of these people took the time to go to Linda Lingle headquarters on Waiakamilo Road to signal their support for a new way in state government.Gov. Ben Cayetano's term has seen more of the same approach to our economic ills: Try to raise the excise tax on almost everything and, when that fails in the Legislature, say that he is now against it. "It was a good idea in its time," he says. What -- three months ago?
Kenneth Mirabella
Lingle is off base about claims on Fasi
I was going to vote for Linda Lingle, but now I am confused. First, I saw her commercial accusing Frank Fasi of being a pawn of Ben Cayetano. I have been a Fasi supporter for years and I can assure her Frank is nobody's pawn.Next, her campaign person said that because Fasi and the governor had the same criticism of her claims, they are in cahoots. Perhaps they are both just calling a spade a spade.
Are we to believe that anyone who criticizes Lingle is wrong and is part of a conspiracy? I can't vote for that kind of arrogance.
Whitney Kawata
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