Jasmine!!

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Verdict to unseat Simms was laudable

Mahalo to Sidney Ayabe, chairman of the Judicial Selection Commission, and other commissioners for not allowing Judge Sandra Simms another 10 years on the bench (Star-Bulletin, May 11). I have been amazed many times at the extreme leniency in sentencing or delay in incarceration of individuals convicted of violent and despicable crimes. My thought is that this decision was made not on the basis of race or gender, but because of her poor judgment and lack of concern for the safety of the community.

J.D. Nielsen
Honolulu

Capitol's imbalance turns people off

In his May 9 column, the Star-Bulletin's Richard Borreca asks, "Why has the public lost interest in the Legislature?" How long would you watch a game where one team outnumbers the other 2-1, where the rules change each quarter, where the microphone is turned off whenever the minority team wants to call a play, where the referees all work for the majority team and where the touchdowns are run only late at night?

This is how the legislative game is played. Is it any wonder the public has lost interest?

But what is at stake is more than a football championship. It is the laws that affect each of us as we go about our daily lives. Some of these laws are silly, some make sense and some are so outrageous that once in a while the public rises up to overturn the outcome -- as we did when van cams were introduced.

We need a Legislature where the teams are more balanced -- Republicans and Democrats in equal numbers. We need a Legislature where both parties are given copies of agendas and legislation beforehand so that members can cast informed votes. And we need a Legislature where "honorable" is not just a title, but an earned accolade.

When we get to this point, perhaps Borreca will be joined by many more interested citizens watching from the bleachers.

Linda L. Smith
Senior policy adviser
Office of the Governor

Abercrombie too quick to oust Rumsfeld

With his usual bombast, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is calling for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld before any investigation or explanation of facts.

The Iraqi prisoner abuse was deplorable and those responsible at every level should be held accountable. However, a recent poll shows 70 percent of Americans do not think Rumsfeld should resign. In fact, only 20 percent think the incidents should cost the secretary his job.

I cherish the professionalism of Senators Inouye and Akaka, as well as Rep. Ed Case. Abercrombie, however, has been an embarrassment for years. Three out of four is still very good.

James Turner
Pearl City

Booze, bad judgment caused confrontation

About the May 4 confrontation between a group of mourners and police following the funeral of Mikiala Kahalewai:

Reports of unnecessary police force are in error. The accusers themselves are to blame. An officer stated that police "had no intention of arresting anyone," even though the group was drinking illegally. Instead of leaving, some in this large, intoxicated group precipitated the confrontation by throwing bottles and chairs at the officers.

While Kahalewai's death was tragic, his friends' and relatives' actions in celebrating his life were shameful; their defiance of law enforcement inexcusable.

Dean S. Miyamoto
Honolulu

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Hawaii's blind support of Jasmine ruins 'Idol'

STAR-BULLETIN Jasmine Trias seemed a little embarrassed last week as Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona read a proclamation in her honor at the state Capitol.

Way to go, Honolulu -- for destroying a great television show for the rest of us. I understand civic pride, but most of the rest of America wanted "American Idol" to be a talent contest, not a popularity contest. You made that impossible.

Jasmine Trias is a sweet girl with little talent, while LaToya London is a talent powerhouse.

My suggestion to the islands: Keep jamming the phone lines so the producers change the rules of the show to a vote for the least talented, so that Jasmine's win is given the weight and recognition it deserves.

Stuart Yael Gordon
Annapolis, Md.

Pick up that phone; Jasmine needs votes

I am proud of Hawaii for sticking up for Jasmine Trias. Everyone from Hawaii should be calling and texting their votes for Jasmine. Do not let anyone push local people around. We have to support our local people in their dreams.

So many young people make bad choices with drugs, pregnancy, graffiti or dropping out of school. Here is our chance to say, look at Jasmine: She stayed in school and chose a healthy way to express herself and she made it, you can too.

Robert Sanchez
Honolulu

Hawaii turns 'Idol' into popularity contest

Dear "American Idol" producers: I am a resident of Oahu and am very proud of our remaining "American Idol" contestant, however, I must protest this week's results allowing our Jasmine Trias to move on to the final three. This is a gross injustice to LaToya London's obvious greater talent.

For some reason, the voting has turned into a popularity contest instead of what it is suppose to be -- voting for the best talent.

My suggestion for the next season of "American Idol," is that you arrange with the phone companies that text messaging can only be used once per phone number and the same for dial-in folks. If you don't do this, then the integrity of this contest is at jeopardy.

Part of the problem is Hawaii residents, who always feel left behind from the rest of the United States. Residents here may feel this is their way of getting what they want for their people without regard to what your show really wishes to honor -- the best talent.

For the sake of the most talented contestants, who are depending on honest vote call-ins or text messaging, please address this problem, or people just may decide to turn you off.

Chico Ruiz
Honolulu

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] The ponds at the state Capitol are full of icky green stuff. What, besides holding an election, can we do to get rid of all that scum at the Big Square Building? Or should we just replace the ponds with something else? Tell us what you think, whether you know of a way to clean the ponds or if you'd rather see a remodel of the Capitol grounds. Anything would be an improvement. Send your ideas by June 16 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or by mail: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or by fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750