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Lingle isn't a true political reformer

Money has been described as the mother's milk of politics. Unfortunately, the better metaphor might be an opiate of politicians.

As the last campaign demonstrated, campaigns are costing greater amounts of money. More money means more favors that politicians must repay to special interests.

A current loophole in campaign finance laws is the one for "soft money," which allows large numbers of dollars to flow through political parties to candidates. Respectable reformers of both parties -- from John McCain to Bill Bradley -- have called for an end to this loophole.

I used to think of Linda Lingle as one of those respectable reformers, but her recent comments attacking efforts to close the loophole in Hawaii shows she is not only self-serving but also not the clean government reformer she tried to play in the last gubernatorial election.

Soft money corrupts. Reduce the corruption!

John Bickel

GOP is making progress in Legislature

In Gary Gill's Feb. 23 letter, the former chairman of the Honolulu City Council asserted an accurate point: "Our democracy needs to hear the voice of the minority."

It's unfortunate, though, that he immediately attempted to refute that noble notion by denouncing House Republicans with unwarranted complaints against their right to force House Democrats to allow debate on measures that the GOP pulls out of committee.

I find it refreshing that there will now be opportunities for issues to be debated on the floor. The games and grandstanding occurred when bills were bottled up in committee.

How exciting for Hawaii that the Republicans exemplify leadership in the Legislature. Maybe we do have a chance for a democracy here.

I believe the 1,700 GOP supporters at the Lincoln Day Dinner are counting on that chance.

Donna Rewick
Kaneohe

Minority party shows no class in session

I've lived in Hawaii all my life and I have never seen anything as disgraceful as the GOP's behavior in the Legislature.

Hawaii is a culture of tolerance and respect. It is part of our heritage that we practice aloha and humility when dealing with other people. We are unique in the way we cherish each other.

The Republicans' vicious attacks to try and embarrass a decent and honorable man like Speaker Calvin Say show their disrespect and disdain for island values.

I'm sure no one would have faulted Say for retaliating, but he obviously has too much class for that.

I, for one, do not want to see Hawaii politics degenerate into the in-your-face, hateful stuff we see in Washington, D.C.

Stella Samson
Mililani

Quotables "(Women) get to pick up the brass rings along the way, and that keeps us going. We don't realize life goes beyond the brass rings you collect." Kalei Inn HAWAII CONSULTANT AND HEAD OF KALEI INN, PH.D AND ASSOCIATES Who will give a presentation, "Redefining Success for Women," at the HerStory conference sponsored by the Junior League of Honolulu "The kids thought it was cool. The adults had a harder time dealing with it." Marty Wentzel FORMER TRAVEL WRITER FROM AINA HAINA NOW LIVING IN SEATTLE On the excitement after a powerful earthquake jolted the Northwest yesterday

UH coach must strive for personal victory

June Jones singlehandedly showed us how the seemingly impossible can be accomplished when you believe in yourself.

We ask him to use his indomitable spirit, and the collective love and heartfelt hope of the thousands who care about him, to pull through for us once again.

Judy Morita

Public outpouring for Jones is appreciated

As members of June Jones' family from Portland, we'd like to express our deep gratitude to all who have been wonderfully supportive of June, Diane and their family during this difficult time.

That support has included prayers, flowers, cards, meals, a huge banner with hundreds of signatures, and extraordinary medical care from a skilled group of paramedics, nurses, physicians and other hospital staff.

June developed a fondness for Hawaii beginning 30 years ago. We all knew that he desired to return to your glorious state one day. The tremendous outpouring of love and support given to him these past several days has helped us realize the real reason behind his longing to return.

Adequate words to express our appreciation and thanks are difficult to find. We feel very strongly that God's healing will continue to touch June. God has given us a sense of peace that June's recovery will continue.

Marilyn and Sheldon Jones, Parents
Teri Jones Geist, Sister
Peter Jones, Brother
Carolyn Jones Christoferson, Sister

Public needs facts, not false rhetoric

Conflicting and ambiguous statements made by the governor and his staff reflect upon their trustworthiness. Who can the general public believe regarding our state's present fiscal status?

The governor presented a rosy and optimistic economic picture in his State of the State address but now, when crunch time comes, he and his budget director both say the pay raises demanded by the teachers union cannot be funded. Local banks are also presenting a rosy economic picture when, ironically, many businesses are bankrupt or on the verge of it.

The general public must be fed objective information warranted by facts and not statements that are politically motivated.

Toshio Chinen
Pearl City

Casinos will lower quality of life

I enjoyed a recent visit to your beautiful islands. However, I was dismayed to learn that some residents are pushing to allow the establishment of casinos. I cannot advise too strongly against them.

While gambling seems to promise jobs and tax revenues, the real cost is a terrible one. Once a casino starts operating, it is estimated that 5 percent of the population will become problem gamblers. That is a huge number of people. I know several ordinary individuals who, once a casino came to their cities, lost enormous sums of money with tragic consequences.

Casinos will result in increased crime, social tension and deterioration of family life. It is simply not worth it.

Ronald Keith
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

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