Young voice offers articulate commentary
Every generation has its voices that generate ideas for thought and discussion. Kim Fassler is one of those voices ("Case vs. Akaka: Is it time to rethink 'local values'?"
Star- Bulletin, Oct. 1). Her disappointment in Ed Case not winning the Senate race is not as important, to me, as is her ability to articulate her disappointment.
The clash of cultures has always been an issue for people born and raised from Hawaii. Her revisiting this issue is not new but her describing why makes me think about this topic again rather than just brushing it off. She is local and worldly, an exciting blend of how we all wish to be.
I hope to see more of her thoughts in your paper and hope not to find out that she has been lost to the mainland. It would be a tremendous loss for those of us who remain.
Paul Yuen
Honolulu
'Local values' had little to do with Case's loss
Kim Fassler's column described only what I consider the manini reasons people voted for Dan Akaka instead of Ed Case. Sure, the Democratic political "machine" discourages independent thinkers who don't owe them unquestioned allegiance, but that is the nature of all political behemoths, and one of the most frustrating aspects of our two-party system nationwide, not just in Hawaii.
The most important reasons many people didn't vote for Case had little to do with the "local values" of conformity, humility and non-assertiveness. Although many of us wanted to see Sen. Akaka "retired," many also voted against Case because of our "local values" of egalitarianism (Case voted for Bush's tax cuts for the rich), compunction (Case was unwilling to express regret for his Irag war votes) and respect for privacy (Case voted to support the Patriot Act and Bush's other assaults on our constitutional freedoms). These are the "local values" that I believe most people considered when voting against Case.
Maybe Fassler should consider trying to change the underlying power dynamics rather than running away to the mainland. It's not that much different elsewhere.
Michael Parke
Honolulu
Perhaps contributor has political future
Regarding Kim Fassler's Sunday commentary:
1. Bravo.
2. I hope she lives in my district.
3. I hope she decides to get more involved.
Valerie S. Koenig
St. Louis Heights
Voters, pitch in and put Hogue in Congress
Now that state Sen. Bob Hogue is the elected Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, voters and residents in all districts can help.
Supporters need to come together with all of those who voted and donated for other primary candidates to assist with "Bob 2 Congress."
Mahalo, Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa, for your candidacy. I send aloha to you and your family.
Hogue, as a Congress member, will be heard immediately in Washington and have an impact for all of Hawaii. Conversely, Mazie Hirono would be a new member of the minority, almost impotent in legislation matters.
Hirono had only 22 percent of the Democrat primary vote to win, while Hogue had more than 50 percent of the votes in his race.
This is an indication of many voters being receptive to Hogue for their representation. He will win with all our kokua.
Warner Kimo Sutton
Honolulu
Of course auto dealers don't want rail transit
Thank you for the "Insight" section commentary Sunday titled "
Lanes not Trains."
But thank you much more for the "About this article" at the bottom of the page. The author, David Rolf, represents the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association.
Now let's see, if you're representing the auto dealers and road builders, do you have any reason to give an objective viewpoint, or will you just give a viewpoint that points to more cars and roads? Hmm.
I'm not a genius here, but I'd bet Mr. Rolf wants to satisfy his dealers and get more cars on the road, get people away from mass transit and that he couldn't care less about Hawaii's traffic and pollution problems.
Lawrence Basich
Honolulu