Some criticized comics actually pretty good

A senior senior's view about the comics: The three new comics are in fact inane, as stated in Eiko Kanehiro's letter of April 24. But I do strongly disagree with the comments regarding "Zits," "Sherman's Lagoon" and "Bucky Kat" aka "Get Fuzzy." Any parent of a teenage son has lived "Zits." "Sherman" is so basic and daffy. "Bucky Kat" is so evil that he is loveable. These comics make you laugh as well as reflect upon the foibles of life, which is what comics are supposed to do.

I think "Doonesbury" is all the political satire we need, so please dump "State of the Union," "Brewster Rockit: Space Guy" and "Housebroken" at the first opportunity.

Gov was right to veto bad electoral bill

I approve of Gov. Linda Lingle's veto of Senate Bill 1956. The bill could have caused Hawaii's electoral vote to go to a presidential candidate not approved by the Hawaii electorate.

Worse, it would almost guarantee that Hawaii would be sending its electoral votes to the candidate supported by the largest cities. And those largest cities typically support candidates who offer them federal benefits and draconian federal regulations.

The virtue of the Electoral College system is that a presidential candidate must have broad support in the various states, and not just heavy support in a few states with large populations. In states where they multiply like rabbits, they also get a lot of voters. SB 1956 would have undercut our ability to make our own choice of presidential candidate and send our electors to Washington, D.C., to vote for our choice. Lingle's veto was absolutely right, and for the best.

Use your eyes to avoid hitting pedestrians

Although the law requiring cars to yield to pedestrians at intersections has good intentions, recent pedestrian fatalities seemed to involve drivers who never saw the pedestrian in the first place. To prevent such accidents, education is key.

First, make it a habit to look in the direction you are traveling. When making a right turn, for example, don't keep looking at the oncoming car to your left. Look to your right before your car rolls to the right. Ditto when making a left turn. Don't just watch the oncoming cars, but actually look to your left before turning. Also, be aware of the blind spot in front of the left or right pillar of your windshield.

When approaching a crosswalk in the middle of the road, play a little game and scan the crosswalk from left to right. Be an active driver, not just a passive one.

Finally, leave a little early so you don't have to rush. When you rush, you tend to go first and look later. Plus, if you don't see the pedestrian when turning a corner, 30 mph is likely fatal, while 5 mph could be survivable.

'Idol' charity show ruined by pro singers

I am disappointed that "American Idol" added a charity show Wednesday night. They could always have had the charity show separately. No matter what, all the professional entertainers would come out for the separate charity show. The American Idol contestants deserve their own show and chance to shine. I don't want to see all these professionals on "American Idol," I want to see the contestants.

I go to the Fox network only to watch "American Idol." I don't want to watch anything else. They spoiled the show by adding the charity special. I want to see "American Idol." I come home every time the show is on to watch the "American Idol" contestants. I want to watch the raw talent. I don't want to see the professional talent while "American Idol" is supposed to be on. I just want to see the "American Idol" contestants.

Override of veto would waste tax money

Thank you for your in-depth coverage of Wednesday's rally on Senate Bill 1642 (Star-Bulletin, April 26). As the Human Resources director for Honolulu, I am greatly concerned about this bill.

As your article noted, the bill is a reaction to a Hawaii Supreme Court decision that allowed management to transfer employees from one base yard where they were "sitting on the bench" to another base yard where more workers were needed to reduce overtime costs. This is an action the public would expect, if not demand, of government. To do otherwise would clearly be wasting taxpayer dollars. The enactment of this bill would not just bring us back to square one on the transfer of idle workers; it would take us two steps back by expanding the issues that are subject to negotiations.

The taxpayers will be the true losers if this bill is enacted -- they'll lose services and then will have to pay when government managers attempt to fix the situation and are taken to court. As such, the Legislature should let the veto stand.