Bicyclist brought disgrace on his fans
Floyd Landis was not accused of doping because he crossed the finish line first as the July 31 Mike Keefe editorial cartoon implied, rather he finished the Tour de France because he used performance-enhancing drugs to the disgrace and bitter disappointment of American cycling fans. The suspicion, based on elevated testosterone in the routine drug screen that has since been proven to be synthetic testosterone, conclusively demonstrated he cheated and rightfully will be stripped of the title he never deserved.
The French are to be congratulated for their diligence in returning the honor to the honest athletes who naturally take the high road relying on their skill and determination to carry them across the finish line.
David Bremer
Mililani
Akaka ads typify his weak stance
If Dan Akaka's mediocre performance in Congress is reflected in his current repetitive speech, it is no wonder he is reluctant to face Ed Case in public debate. This highly practiced speech becomes boring after numerous airings, showing no spontaneity of thought -- only "I need your vote."
This weak campaign does nothing to promise a vigorous six years' proper representation for matters Hawaiian.
For the first time, I, a Republican, will go Democratic in the primary, to vote for Ed Case.
W.W. Robinson
Honolulu
Take action to keep taxi drivers safe
With the recent tragedies of crimes against taxi drivers, safety on the job is on everyone's lips (again). The local taxicab industry in Hawaii has ignored the need for implementing improved crime prevention steps. The Taxi Drivers Safety Council believes it's time for action.
The recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration back in May 2000 to protect cab drivers fell on deaf ears (go to www.osha.gov and type "taxi" into the search box.) And while you're at it, please see www.Taxi-L.org and click on the "Memoriam" page with the names of 1,436 murdered taxi drivers.
Please let common sense prevail and act now to protect taxi drivers. Picking up strangers for a living is a high-risk occupation.
James L. Szekely Sr.
Director, International Taxi Drivers Safety Council
Huntington, W.V.
Mayor takes the credit but none of the blame
In regard to Donna Goth's
July 29 letter praising the city administration for its commitment to Kapolei as being the main reason Kapolei Property Development kicked up $15 million for the Kapolei Parkway ... oh, come on.
Any time anything bad happens Mufi blames the former mayor. Any time anything positive happens, Mufi claims (or asks someone to give him) the credit.
Yes, that's politics. It's also phony. No political figure I have ever seen pumps out as many self-congratulatory press releases as he does. Meanwhile the potholes in my neighborhood are still there, the police budget cut back so my neighborhood feels less safe and my neighborhood parks are beginning to look run down and shabby.
Mr. Mayor, that's where the votes come from. Not press releases.
Jason Kokaaina
Waipahu
It's naive to suggest Israel lay down arms
For all the bloodshed and shouting, one conclusion is inescapable.
Regardless of your feelings about the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab neighbors, even if you believe there is more culpability on Israel's part for whatever reason, the following two sentences really say it all:
If the Arabs put down their weapons today there would be no more violence.
If the Jews put down their weapons today there would be no more Israel.
Ward Stewart George Vye
Honolulu