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Student Union
 Brandon Consalvi |
Democrats
silencing a voice
that must be heardBeing a student at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, I have had the opportunity to read, listen and understand not only what I am taught but what voice I have and the opinions I represent. What does it say to the people of Hawaii and the rest of this country that the voice of the people has become superseded by the majority partisan leadership? It is no secret that Hawaii is owned by Democrats. Not to say that the majority parties in other states treat their people any differently, but where are the ethics involved in such actions?
Simply put, they don't exist. Ethics and values have been sacrificed for personal vendettas and childish party politics. I am referring to the kind of character assassinations and attempts to silence any opposition, such as those directed at Republican state Rep. Bud Stonebraker. I have heard and seen the kinds of tactics others have taken to silence this man, stooping so low as to call recess half a dozen times during his address or trying to censure him for speaking out. It disgusts me to see grown men act in such ways because of the personal dislike for reform and for those who support it.
Where does the voice of the people come in if those who represent that voice are silenced? Many people in Hawaii cannot be heard because those who represent them are silenced by the Democratic majority. I leave it up to my elected representative to take my wants and needs before the House. Unfortunately, Democratic representatives, disregarding the interests of the people, have tried to silence the outspoken. It is a tragedy that a man like Stonebraker is kept from doing his duty to the people of Hawaii because the bullies in the House don't want to support anything proposed by him. What does it say that when proposals concerning workers comp reform, a three-strikes law to cut crime, the call for a balanced budget amendment, the empowering of law enforcement, reduced fees for businesses and giving more people a voice in school boards are shot down?
Think of all the people such proposals would affect and the people who support such reforms who will not be heard because of the childish behavior of the Democratic representatives. Stonebraker is a man of character. At a stage of my life where I am thirsty for education, guidance and knowledge, Bud is someone to emulate.
For a man of such integrity and honor to be treated so unjustly is a catastrophe for our system of democracy. What great works could be accomplished if only our Legislature would honestly listen to the voice of the people?
I challenge the Democrats of this state and those who represent them to try something a little different this year: Give your ear to listen. Tear down the wall of party politics and do the job that you are called to do -- that is, to better our community through democracy. And for those of us who forgot what that is, it allows for all to be heard with an unbiased ear. We can begin where the problem is the worst -- in our own Legislature.
I implore the majority leaders in our state House of Representatives to listen to Stonebraker and the other Republicans. Imagine what can be done for this great state when the intentions of our government are fulfilled. Will my voice be heard or shot to the ground with Bud Stonebraker's and the others? I'm not sure. My only alternative is to offer it in faith and hope that democracy will prevail.
Brandon Consalvi is a sophomore majoring in biology at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.
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Student Union is a forum for Hawaii's teenagers to tell the community what's on their minds and in their hearts. It appears every Thursday, starting today. We welcome opinions of no more than 700 words on any topic. Please include your name, address and phone number. E-mail to letters@starbulletin.com, fax to 529-4750 or mail to Student Union, Editorial Page, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813. For more information, contact Jeff Finney at 529-4735 or jfinney@starbulletin.com.
