Case is the more capable choice for Hawaii's future
Age does make a difference
GRAY-HAIRED, 81-year-old Dan Akaka gazed across the stage at a youthful 53-year-old Ed Case. If it weren't for their different races, Case could have been his son. Not surprisingly, the question of age came up early in the debate. Case maintained that his campaign was not about age -- but transition.
Interestingly, it was Akaka who zeroed in on "the Age Factor." He tried to portray age as an advantage, not a liability, and pointed to the "deans" of the Senate who offer sage advice to their juniors. In other words, the older you get, the more effective you'll be.
As I approach age 65, I wish this were true. My heart was cheering for Akaka, but my head knew better. I realized that there are few members of the Senate who are Dan's age. They've either passed away or retired.
What followed was sad proof that Case not only won the debate, but that he was far more knowledgeable about the issues and far more adept at answering the questions.
To me, the most shocking thing about the event, was not the sorry picture that Akaka presented. It was the folks who wrote to the newspapers and my friends who acknowledged Dan's ineptitude, but still wanted to vote for him.
Why? Because he is kind, gentlemanly and exemplifies the Aloha Spirit.
I deeply admire these things about Akaka. But don't we have to consider that this is a competition for a job? We should not be focusing on how nice the man is, but rather, whether he can deliver an outstanding performance as senator over the next six years.
What if I know an 81-year-old doctor who would give you free heart surgery? He hasn't studied medicine lately, but he's kind, gentlemanly and exemplifies the Aloha Spirit. Any takers?
What if I know an 81-year-old pilot who would fly you to the mainland at no charge? He's not a very good pilot, but he's kind, gentlemanly and exemplifies the Aloha Spirit. Want to go?
So, what does it matter, you say, if the senator is ineffective? After all, he's not flying a plane or performing surgery.
A difficult job
How much do you know about being a U.S. senator? You may not realize that there is far more to the job than being an Ambassador of Aloha or taking visitors to lunch in the Senate cafeteria. It is one of the world's most demanding positions in terms of physical stamina and mental agility. It is particularly so in this age of globalization where the slightest political or economic development may have severe repercussions around the world. It requires sophisticated, in-depth knowledge of both domestic and international affairs, as well as an familiarity with the many "hot spots" that are plaguing the world and our government today. It is not a do-nothing, honorific position -- a reward for aging politicians.
It also requires aggressiveness, passion and, if you like, the ability to be tough and occasionally twist some arms -- characteristics that most people in Hawaii detest. But in Congress, that's what you sometimes must do to do the job well. Do you think that Dan Inouye brings millions and millions of dollars into this state by being "Mr. Nice Guy"? Would you like him to be more like Dan Akaka? I don't think so.
The job is especially demanding for a senator from Hawaii. In a July 3, 2006 editorial in the Star-Bulletin, Ted Liu, the Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, observes that our state can either become the 'Crossroads of the Pacific' or the 'Middle of Nowhere.' That is the stark choice that we in Hawaii face today when it comes to our future in the Asia-Pacific region."
"We ignore the region at our peril," Liu tells us. "Its accelerating economic, technological and social developments already have and will continue to affect our economy and quality of life."
Is it asking too much of a person in one of Hawaii's two most powerful legislative seats that he have the energy and ability to deal with these crucial developments, as they will impact our children and grandchildren? Is it asking too much that our senator be more than kind and gentlemanly?
Dan Akaka may have more years of experience, but it is Ed Case who has the knowledge of the myriad issues that must be solved if we are going to successfully make the transition to the 21st century.
Case has visited Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Palestine and many other countries. And, perhaps most importantly, he has gone to China for a first-hand look at a nation that is playing -- and will continue to play -- a critical role in our economy. Some months back, I heard him discuss China and was impressed by his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our businesses and educational institutions. In a recent speech, he said that he wants to be on the Foreign Relations Committee and become its expert on Asia and the Pacific. He would be ideal in this role.
And Case is well-educated. U.S. News & World Report ranks his alma mater, Williams College, as the No. 1 liberal arts college in the nation, and he graduated from one of America's top law schools, Hastings.
I've heard Case speak numerous times and listened carefully to his message. He is a decent, humble, family man who listens carefully to his constituents.
Given his drive, his intelligence, his oratorical skills and his charisma, I am convinced that he could become -- like Barack Obama -- a rising star of the national Democratic Party.
Case can win
But first he must win a Senate seat and, in Hawaii, the defeat of an incumbent is always a daunting task. Can he win? The answer is "Yes" because there are enough people in this state who really do believe that we need a highly competent individual representing us in Washington.
I respect Senator Akaka for his wisdom and values, and he has served us well. But responsible citizens must look to the future, and the future of Hawaii belongs to Ed Case.
C. Richard Fassler is a freelance writer whose work appears occasionally in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.