First lady may be right about Miers, or not

With the endorsement of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers by Laura Bush, a person of intellect and impartiality, surely the misgivings of even the most jaded skeptic should be allayed. Maybe not.

Politics a lucrative business for some

I just read that Vice President Dick Cheney's stock option in Halliburton has risen 3,281 percent in a year.

It was a mere $241,498 a year ago and now is worth more than $8 million.

Did he have some kind of influence?

Satisfaction misplaced about Harbin affair

The Oct. 1 letter about Bev Harbin by former state Rep. Sam Lee was both insightful and disheartening. Lee declared that he and his fellow Democrats have an "acute case of schadenfreude" over Governor Lingle's appointment of Harbin to the state House.

I had to look up the meaning of schadenfreude; it means "a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others."

So Lee and the Democratic Party take satisfaction in the misfortune of the voters in the 28th District? Even if Democrats are delighted by the governor's error and Harbin's lies, I am astounded that they would be so satisfied as to declare it publicly.

I think we all look forward to the election of 2006 when the voters of downtown, Chinatown and Iwilei can elect an honest representative who listens to their concerns.

Let's hope gov doesn't follow Bush model

It is great that once again our state has a surplus of funds (Star-Bulletin, Oct. 11), and it is great that our governor understands the responsibility this brings. My concern is that she will follow the Bush model of fiscal shooting from the hip, let the richest people get the most and hope (I guess I should say pray) that it trickles down.

And she we might as well give it all away so that when we need the funds, we can also borrow like the Bush administration does to support the tax cuts, unforeseen natural disasters and possible infrastructure repairs. Go Republicans!

Have compassion for Med-QUEST clients

Regarding a letter submitted by Sandra Fujii, "Med-Quest isn't free, just ask a taxpayer" (Star-Bulletin, Oct. 11): Fujii stated that she was "angered" by the statement that the Franco family has no idea how much the Quest program saved them.

In defense of the family, Hapaki Franco, the father, is a local boy with a local family, who are also taxpayers. Hapaki and and his wife are college educated with degrees on the way. Perhaps Fujii should look at the whole picture. I feel that they needed some support at this time in their lives. I believe everyone needs support at least once in their lifetime. If Fujii is still "angered," then perhaps she should seek support from family, friends or professionals. Have a heart.