Schatz stands out on a crowded ballot

The recent political forum hosted by the Democratic Party gave viewers an opportunity to get beyond just the names of the congressional candidates.

Brian Schatz really stood out. Not only is he the only one talking about the issues, he seems to be the only one truly capable of understanding how Hawaii fits into the big picture across the country and globe. Schatz is thinking about global warming and global peace at the same time. It's clear that Schatz has the foresight and skills necessary to represent Hawaii in Washington, D.C. There may be a lot of candidates in this race, but Brian Schatz is the only one who stands out.

Hirono will represent Asian Americans well

The Asian American Action Fund is a national organization dedicated to increasing the voice of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in government.

Last week it announced its endorsement of Mazie Hirono's congressional campaign.

"As a Japanese immigrant herself, Mazie is uniquely committed to issues of concern in the Asian American community," said Irene Bueno, executive director of the AAA-Fund. "Her distinguished record of public service and deep understanding of local issues in the Hawaiian islands make her an outstanding candidate for Congress."

Akaka stood with corrupted trustees

I contest spokeswoman Elisa Yadao's characterization of Sen. Daniel Akaka as being "courageous in his actions."

I saw no such courage on his part during the downfall of the old Bishop Estate regime. On one hand, teachers and children risked their jobs or their educations to speak up against the trustees' meddling, low moral standards, peddling of political influence and favoritism. On the other hand, the political establishment (minus Ben Cayetano and a few legislators) looked the other way as the institution was corrupted, then looted.

Akaka's foray into the issue was to speak up on behalf of the trustees, to defend their fees and say that they should be paid even more!

Certainly, she remembers the reason Akaka spoke at all -- it was because Ed Case drafted legislation to limit the trustees' fees. It failed, but Case stood by the kids and their teachers in their hour of need.

I say this as one whose son applied to Kamehameha and was turned down, in part because it didn't have the money to expand its classrooms, build new schools or hire good teachers. The money went to the old regime's lawyers and PR firms. How sad for him, and for all Hawaiian children.

Case often cancels out Abercrombie's vote

Not only is Rep. Ed Case ineffective in Congress, but he renders Rep. Neil Abercrombie ineffective when there is a split vote between them. When that happens, we may as well have no voice in Congress at all.

One piece of legislation that Case supported was the U.S.-Omen free trade agreement. This legislation will encourage imports of agricultural produce to the United States -- including Hawaii -- endangering our island ecosystem. It causes additional expense to island taxpayers and threatens local and domestic jobs and industries.

This legislation is, in every way, bad for Hawaii. Abercrombie voted against it. But Case voted for it-- canceling Abercrombie's vote. It passed 221-205. Maybe Case's race against Senator Akaka is a blessing. Now we have an opportunity to put him out of Congress altogether.

'Transition' argument doesn't hold up

Ed Case cites the need for "transition" in the Senate delegation. But commitment to the office ensures continuity and seniority building. Case has shown no commitment to any office, having run for three different offices in six years. He cited seniority in his race for the U.S. House, but has since abandoned that office.

Common sense calls for retention of respected leaders who continue to deliver value through their seniority and respect. As ranking member of the Veteran Affairs Committee, Senator Akaka incorporated an amendment into the Senate version of the Immigration Reform bill that passed, and that will help reunify Filipino World War II veterans and their families.

Case's "transition" argument is simply arrogant ambition.

Rankings favored the youthful Case

When the Akaka campaign brought out the rankings of "Case vs. Akaka" it only strengthened voters' resolve for a younger candidate. The findings show a snapshot comparison between three years of service as opposed to 30 years seniority!

Regardless of what the Web site Congress.org says about either candidate's performance, it still is NOT the "fountain of youth" Senator Akaka needs to become proficient.

Akaka's Iraq stance confuses troops

Sen. Dan Akaka already has set a date to leave the "mistaken war" in Iraq and the people of Iraq. With leadership like Akaka's, is it any wonder that 1st Lt. Ehren Watada is confused and refuses to deploy to Iraq? Young military personnel look up to our congressional leadership and are confused by Akaka's leadership.

It is wrong to play politics with the future of Iraqi's people. We've seen beheadings of American journalists and contractors. We all know the fate of those Iraqis we will leave behind if Akaka gets his way.

The colors of our military do not run -- and good Democrats do not endorse cutting and running, either. Ed Case is a realist and knows we can't announce a date for withdrawal, but must leave when circumstances dictate. As a former Marine, I support Case and his reasonable plan to leave when the time is right.

Akaka should borrow a line from the Gipper

I don't think age will be a major factor in the senatorial race between Dan Akaka and Ed Case. But I am reminded of the great quote from the aging Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, who said: "I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." Akaka would do well to quote the most popular Republican president ever.

I think it will come down to whether Democrats will vote for someone who is willing to sidestep his party's positions, and those of a majority of Americans, to support the most unpopular president in our history.

Most Americans oppose the errant George W. Bush, and polls show that most seem unwilling to vote for those who support him and his failed policies. That would include Case.

Low SAT scores shame isle politicians

About those plummeting isle SAT scores (Star-Bulletin, Aug. 30): Didn't our majority party politicians brag two years ago about their "Reinventing Education Act"? Still want to re-elect them? Is our state motto "Don't fix it if it's broke"?

How would Black gain from taking files?

The case against Sharon Black is a waste and abuse of taypayer resources (Star-Bulletin, Aug. 24).

What was the intent, motive or gain for Black personally? To "steal" "tamper" and access unauthorized government records of suicides?

Black was researching suicides; the intent was to learn information to help and teach others through awareness for prevention.

The gain would help the Honolulu Police Department with increased knowledge to assess and interact with those in crisis who are threatening suicide.

Emergency providers would gain improved awareness of current high-risk cases, enabling them to chose better treatment intervention and options.

The biggest gain would be for the individual in crisis.

One of Black's concerns was a rise in gun-related suicides. Awareness would increase the safety of all, a priceless opportunity for prevention.

The taxpayers are footing the bill for her prosecution, while cases of assaults, drug abuse and property destruction will have to wait.

The city agencies seem to have plenty of spare time. It's challenging to ignore the possibility of retaliation. The real crime seems to be within the system.