Dump Rex - and maybe the board, too

Now we find out Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO Rex Johnson not only e-mailed pornography on his state computer, he also used it to send racist and sexist jokes (Star-Bulletin, Sept. 13). What kind of example is this flagrant and disgraceful behavior setting for taxpayers who are footing this guy's hefty salary?

I don't care how important he or his supporters might think he is to our tourism industry, I say enough already. If Johnson doesn't have the character or good sense to resign, then dump him - and fast. No more ridiculous three-week deliberations by the spineless HTA board.

If they won't can him after two minutes of discussion, then dump all of the HTA board as well.

Relationship with pastor still troubling

I'm still undecided about the presidential election.

Both the candidates are good men but I have to admit that I have a lot more questions about Barack Obama than I have about John McCain. One question I have is about his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

How could any American sit through 20 years of "Hate America" sermons without saying something or walking out?

When Obama was first confronted about his relationship with Wright he defended him. Isn't this worrisome to anyone else?

I would still like a better explanation about Obama's relationship with Wright.

Palin was right to ask for clarification

We'll probably hear a lot about the "Bush Doctrine" in the coming days. Following a Barack Obama answer regarding Pakistan during the Jan. 5 Democratic Primary Presidential Debate in New Hampshire, commentator Charles Gibson told Obama, "What you just outlined is essentially the Bush Doctrine." Obama retorted it wasn't. Media Matters defended Obama by stating, "Gibson was claiming that there is in fact a clear Bush Doctrine" when there really isn't.

In her interview with Gibson, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was absolutely right to ask Gibson to define what he meant!

Wipe off the mud and talk about issues

The presidential election is getting to be a shouting match to see who can persuade people to vote for them. Both candidates say they will change our government, but both don't say anything about what they will do to bring down our $9 trillion federal deficit, how they will stop spending and where.

Seems it's getting to be a popularity contest! Who can get the evangelical votes? Who can get the women votes?

To get people to vote for them, they should tell us what they plan to do to correct the deficit, Social Security, Medicare and housing problems. These problems need more attention than to yell at each other. This is getting sickening. Keep religion out of the contest and more on what our priorities are.

Coast Guard sends mahalo to residents

I express my deepest gratitude to the citizens of Hawaii for their gracious expressions of condolence and support during a tragic time for the U.S. Coast Guard family.

Most readers are aware of the terrible tragedy that fell upon our service Sept. 4. For those of you who do not know, let me take a moment to explain why our service grieves.

While conducting routine training with a boat crew from Station Honolulu, four Coast Guardsmen in a Coast Guard HH-65C helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point - two pilots, one flight mechanic and one rescue swimmer - crashed into Mamala Bay, about five miles from Honolulu International Airport, in a moment heartbreaking to all of us who wear a Coast Guard uniform. While we do not know the exact circumstances of the accident, three Coast Guard heroes, Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Wischmeier, Petty Officer 1st Class David Skimin and Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Nichols, lost their lives on that fateful night. Another hero, Cmdr. Thomas Nelson, is still missing.

Our Coast Guard family and our friends and partners from around the globe join the victims' families in mourning - and celebrating - the lives of these brave men of Coast Guard 6505.

I want to personally thank you for your uplifting words of sympathy and support. We are moved by your praise and respect for these Coast Guard guardians. And we are inspired to continue our legacy of selfless service in memory of our four fallen heroes.

Again, mahalo, and know that your Coast Guard continues to stand the watch, ready to serve as America's Maritime Guardian. Semper Paratus (Always Ready)!