Democrats shouldn't act against each other
On Sept. 17, a day before the primary election, seven Democratic lawmakers (state Senate President Robert Bunda, state Sens. Donna Mercado Kim and Norman Sakamoto, City Council Chairman Donovan Dela Cruz, Council members Ann Kobayashi, Rod Tam and former Council Chairman John DeSoto) appeared in a political advertisement backing mayoral candidate Mufi Hannemann against Duke Bainum, a fellow Democrat. This was shocking and disgraceful. Democrats shouldn't publicly go against another fellow Democrat.Bainum has done no wrong to the Democratic Party. He is an honest and respectable physician who has helped people -- Democrats, Republicans and independents equally. He has not been a "convenient" Democrat for election purposes and attends the Hawaii Republican conventions, most recently the one this year, as Mufi has done. Duke is a man of integrity and does not straddle the fences for vote-getting purposes.
As a lifelong Democrat, I am ashamed of these self-serving Democrats. Their responsibility is to bring Democrats together, not to divide them. I hope they realize what they did is wrong before it's too late.
Honolulu
A ballot cast is never wasted
I want to thank the 468 people who voted for me in my run for the state House in District 18 (Hahaione Valley-Aina Haina). Behind each vote is a person who took the time to make the vote. I want those people to know they are appreciated.No vote is ever wasted. Regardless of who wins, your vote sends a message to the world.
Honolulu
Chance meeting shows support for U.S. in Iraq
On Sept. 22, my wife and I flew from Denver to Seattle. Because of a full flight, we were in different rows. A young man next to me slept most of the way.After landing in Seattle, the plane moved toward the terminal. I asked the now awake man if he lived in Washington. He said that he was a soldier on a month-long leave. He had just returned from Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division.
He said that nine out of 10 people in Iraq are grateful for America's help. I thanked him for his dedication and sacrifice in serving his country.
Later, he said he will use the GI Bill and get a college education. Today he is at home with his family in Eastern Washington.
Honolulu
Shoji's new "wheels" whizzes around court
Have you seen Dave Shoji's new set of "hot wheels"? Not only can it zig, zag and bug opponents, it has the gas mileage to go five sets when necessary.In the past few years, watching coach Shoji and his Rainbow Wahine was like viewing a driver, all comfy and cozy, behind the wheel of a powerful Hummer, plowing over opponents on its way to the NCAA tournament. Graduation took Dave's Hummer away.
But surprise, surprise. Did Dave ever come up with a replacement. It's a Mini Cooper. Sporty, speedy and swift as can be, forcing Dave to drive it by the seat of his pants as it tools and fools its rivals into capitulation.
Epithets do not do this team justice, whether they be the Kardiac Kids, Keystone Kops, Swiftah Sistahs, etc. Come see the Rainbow Wahine fly around the court. Come see coach Shoji work up a sweat. Come see this sporty version of Wahine volleyball hopefully roll over its rivals just like a Stanley Steamer.
Waikiki
Abercrombie, Case are out of step with voters
Once again our elected officials in Washington did not represent the citizens of Hawaii with their votes. Both Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case voted against a measure that would prevent federal courts from accepting cases trying to take "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance.This measure is necessary because the people who want to do this are merely trying to remove all vestiges of Christianity from the public sector so they may be free to advance agendas of doubtful morality. Fortunately, the majority of representatives disagreed with them and passed the measure. Both Abercrombie and Case had previously voted for keeping "under God" in the pledge. Their rationale for voting against this measure was because it limits access to the court system. That sounds like flip-flop partisan politics.
Abercrombie and Case also voted against the responsible consumer act that prevents irresponsible and opportunistic people from suing fast food companies for "making them fat." Again, fortunately, the majority of the House disagreed and passed the measure.
In both of these cases, the majority of Hawaii citizens would have preferred that our representatives vote for these measures. However, for their own partisan, personal agendas, they did not. Voters of Hawaii need to elect representatives who will represent their values and support their issues.
Mililani
Struggle goes on for Palestinians
For millions of Palestinian Christians and Muslims, the tragedy of Israeli oppression and military occupation continues (57 years and counting). They endure because Palestine is their land. But an occasional warm and compassionate international friend reminds them that all is not despair. Anne Gwynne, a 65-year-old woman from Wales, is such a friend. Appalled by the difficulty and indignity encountered at myriad checkpoints -- 734 in the latest U.N. count -- impeding the barest attempt to carry on a normal life, Gwynne suffers alongside the Palestinians. She helps in medical, social-interactive and intangible ways.The September issue of Washington Report On Middle East Affairs carries a searing article by Gwynne that should be read by all Americans. Gwynne also reports on Pacifica Radio's "Flashpoints," which is accessible to us in Hawaii. Do an Internet search for WRMEA and Gwynne. You will be the better educated, outraged and sadder, for it.
Pearl City
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