Socialist views keep isles from progressing
This state is full of liberals, socialists and communists. Their political party is Democratic.
They own the public education system and continue to brainwash the children so they will become good liberals, socialists and communists.
The kids and many adults have been brainwashed into thinking profit is bad. Corporations are bad. Government is good and unions are good. With that thinking, it follows that anything that is good, means more is better. That is why government will continue to get bigger and unions will gain even more power. And capitalism will continue to be something to be despised.
You can pretty much rule out any progress in this state.
Bruce Wong
Honolulu
Obama-Kennedy ticket poses possibilities
What a smooth move! Sen. Barack Obama's biggest weakness is his lack of experience. Can you visualize a Democratic presidential ticket somehow having a Kennedy name associated with it, possibly even having Sen. Ted Kennedy as a candidate for vice president? Even the current office holders have something akin to this potential pair. Talk about popularity, power and experience, this would be a hard team for anyone to beat next November.
If such an Obama-Kennedy ticket were elected, then there is also the possibility that something might occur that would prevent President Obama from completing one or two full terms in office, and Ted Kennedy would automatically become the new president; OR, if President Obama did successfully complete his time in office, the Kennedy family, which thrives on exercising power, would be in an excellent position to impose their will as to who would be the next Democratic candidates for office. Please give this idea some thought; it is all very possible.
Jack Telaneus
Honolulu
Police should enforce excessive-noise laws
A letter writer recently expressed the opinion that "the city doesn't care" about the noise in Honolulu. I agree completely. The noise level in Honolulu is extremely offensive. The worst contributors are the ambulances that turn on two- or three-tone sirens in the mistaken belief they will get where they are going faster if they are louder. I'd like to see the data on siren decibel levels versus arrival times. Perhaps we could build an urgent-care center in Waikiki? Second on my most-offensive list are the lack-of-muffler offenders, with mopeds and Harleys at the top of my list.
Noise equals stress equals shorter, less-pleasant lives for everyone exposed. I'd like to encourage our police to take noise pollution more seriously. There is a reason for excessive noise laws, there really is.
Kurt Olsen
Honolulu
Some people are dirtier than dogs
In response to Monday's article about dogs on the beach, has anyone taken a ride down to "pit bull alley" on the Leeward side of Oahu? Why are the laws only for some and not everyone? Frankly, I think the woman I saw defecating on the squatter beach in front of the 7-11 is much worse than a dog. What kind of a ticket do you write for that? Oh and by the way, she merely covered her feces with sand. Nice!
Karen Scott
Waianae
UH academia are the real money makers
The University of Hawaii faculty, students and all associated with this fine institution are to be congratulated on generating $1.6 billion for the state's economy for the 2006 survey. These are the Warriors of Academia who bring the bulk of revenues to the UH in a consistent and growing manner.
To quote Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy, "there is no greater investment than education."
Imua UH !
Paul Perretta
Honolulu
Just a few questions about the rail system
I have some questions about the fixed rail. How many homes and businesses will be demolished; how many traffic lanes and on-street parking spaces will be erased; how will the water, electric cables, sewer and drain lines be serviced and maintained; what happens at intersections when the street crossing gates or stop lights fail to work to stop traffic for the train; will the ambulances and fire trucks have to let the trains go first; will people be able to standup for a long time in the cars during the rush hours or breakdowns; why isn't the fact mentioned that when Portland, Ore., built an extension of its excellent system parallel to an overloaded highway there was no significant reduction of traffic; how many additional bus lines will be required to get people to the stations; how many new city employees will be required to administer the contract; will more property taxes be the source to support additional costs and overruns; and is the stupid mentality still around that got a stadium that would not rust with movable bleachers that can't be moved, a dredge for the Ala Wai Canal which could not be used because it was too high to go under the bridges, and the useless street puka patcher which required a not-available asphalt?
Harold W. Sexton
Honolulu