No "Click it" campaign for McGarrett and crew
While watching "Hawaii Five-O" the other night, my wife, Sandy, astutely pointed out that Steve McGarrett and the other cops on this oldie-but-goodie TV show did not wear seat belts as they raced through Kahala and along Beretania Street in the pursuit of justice. My, my, how things have changed! From "Book 'em, Danno" to "Click it or Ticket!"
Jim Delmonte
Honolulu
GOP mavericks will shake up Washington
We watched and heard both parties' candidates for president along with their chosen running mates, and we have a very good idea if we follow the dictate of our soul and heart who will lead us through this dangerous world in the future.
Candidates' experience and dedication to the country and proven accomplishments as public servants cannot be put aside as a prime consideration when we vote next November. Speaking of changes, the do-nothing present Congress should wake up because mavericks who don't take nonsense are on their way to the White House.
Bernardo P. Benigno
Mililani
Palin's favorite line is insulting to pit bulls
As a long-standing member of the American Kennel Club, I've had the fortunate experience of having become acquainted with several American Pit Bull Terriers.
Sarah Palin's recent well-publicized quip equating hockey moms with pit bulls wearing lipstick is slanderous to this noble breed. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, I can assure you that American Pit Bull Terriers would have nothing to do with a bunch of dimwits in favor of library censorship.
Eleanor Thurber
Honolulu
Punahou ties could be bad for Hawaii
November should be the most infamous election in American history. The national hype is growing like a water balloon about to explode. Who will be the ones to end up all wet? The Democratic "change" campaign had me going gung ho until Barack Obama went to Punahou to play basketball. It made me think he will give Hawaii away to the corporate elitists who are destroying the Hawaiian charm we all hold dear. Watching what Punahou alumni like Steve Case and David Cole, Maui Land & Pine CEO, have done to Maui makes me terrified. All the greenwash-hogwash that these illustrious alumni spout and they continue to expect us to believe they care about the aina. What will prove stronger, school ties or political party ties? Will Hawaii get stabbed in the back?
Although the Maui Land & Pine money men have always been strong Republican supporters, it's a sure bet they will pad purses for all contenders. Even though Obama plays up his scholarship and denies being elitist, if he plays ball with classmates like that, we could have Superferrys in every harbor and a Maui Golden Gate Bridge to Oahu.
Roger Datbraugh
Lahaina
Obama will be better for Social Security
My husband and I are turning 63 this fall and are hoping to retire soon, or at least slow down, and collect my Social Security. I failed to take advantage of optional plans offered through my employer until just a few years ago, as I opted to spend the money on items such as my daughter's college education.
So even though Social Security will not be enough for me to live on, without it we would really be hurting. My husband lost his job at 61 and we have struggled to make ends meet during a time that we had depended on a larger income. Also the little we have put away in a 401(k) has dwindled because of the market.
If we had to depend on privatized Social Security we would face even leaner times than we now do. Yes, we should have protected our future better but we didn't, and thank God we have this fallback. We are happy to support Barack Obama and his promise to ensure that Social Security will be protected from those who would cut benefits to make a profit. Not only that but he is committing to making repairs to it that will strengthen it for my children and grandchildren.
Nancy Wilcox
Honolulu
Mayoral hopeful gave negative impression
I'm still waiting for mayoral candidate Ann Kobayashi to explain how Duke Bainum ended up being the only candidate to run for the City Council seat she gave away on the last day for nominations.
She was thoroughly unconvincing during the Sept. 9 televised mayoral debate, and she was shrill and negative to boot. Her silly charge of "bullying" was an act of desperation and made it clear that she offers nothing but grumbling, platitudes and rhetoric.
Malia Matias
Mililani