Brainstorm! Challenge

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Electing Kerry will bring back democracy

People can buy any number of cars or other things, but they cannot buy democracy. Big money, inaccurate vote counting and letting the Supreme Court decide the presidential winner destroyed democracy in the 2000 election. To restore democracy this election year, eligible voters must be able to vote, the ballots must be counted accurately and big money must not destroy any candidate unfairly.

The voters must know that the presidential candidates are qualified for the position. President Bush was investigated by Mother Jones magazine while his father was president. According to the magazine, G.W. Bush became a millionaire by bilking government and corporations. "Worse than Watergate," John Dean's book about secrecy in the Bush administration, shows that Bush has done things even President Nixon would not do.

To restore democracy in the United States, I urge people to vote for Sen. John Kerry.

Rose Norberg
Honolulu

President has really made a mess of things

Isn't it time to review the seriousness of the many Bush-created horrendous and deadly mistakes?

Such as: leaving Afghanistan to become a terrorist source; claiming Iraq had weapons of mass destruction: ignoring Ahmed Chalabi's corruption and perfidy; offending the many nations opposing war in Iraq; firing Gen. Eric Shinseki for suggesting we need more troops for the war; predicting a very short war; disbanding the Iraqi forces; prematurely declaring victory; having no reconstruction plans; offering contracts to his financial supporters; violating international law concerning the treatment of prisoners and more.

Jerome G. Manis
Honolulu

Don't cut off drug supply from Canada

Two recent studies have shown that drugs prices in the United States are rising faster than inflation. Therefore, Congress should keep letting the public buy their drugs from Canada. It's much cheaper than buying them in Hawaii. Plus they are safe and reliable.

I'm a senior citizen. I buy drugs for my blood pressure and cholesterol from Canada. You'd be surprised at the big difference in prices.

How Tim Chang
Honolulu

Any amount of alcohol, tobacco is unsafe

In response to Richard Lessner's May 11 column, "Go ahead and have one, it's good for you": Under his theory of advocating the moderate use of alcohol and smokeless tobacco to promote the healthful welfare of the public, Lessner is promoting products that have perpetuated more deaths and fiscal loss on humanity than probably any other manmade items.

His premise, that these "good" products are being screened from the public due to a "nanny stater" mentality, rings hollow.

A great percentage of the accidents and deaths on our highways are attributable to the use of alcohol. Billions of dollars are spent each year to address alcohol abuse in the workplace and the home. The small good that alcohol might do compared to its destructive influence on all of society is miniscule.

Perhaps Lessner should check with the American Medical Association and all other medical sources and find out the devastating effects of smokeless tobacco on the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue before he states that "the federal government and tobacco prohibitionist 'health' groups refuse to recognize the facts, thus preventing such life-saving information from reaching consumers."

Data will show that programs that teach leaving alcohol and tobacco alone will be far more beneficial than using either.

Glenn Mickens
Kapaa, Kauai

Waikiki Beach events bring people together

In these days of negative news overload, Sunset on the Beach and Brunch on the Beach are healthy contributions towards building community. These events bring us together and support tourism as well. Let these great programs live long and prosper!

Alice Lachman
Honolulu

Oahu should limit building permits

I am amazed at the lack of mental acumen of local politicians. We are now faced with water shortages if we have another drought. What do the politicians want to do? They want to keep growing because the development money and construction union money is so sweet.

I favor an initiative similar to the Sandy Beach Initiative, to limit building permits on Oahu. The political hacks do not care what happens to our children, only what will line their campaign coffers!

Phil Robertson
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