[ IN MY VIEW ]
People deserve to know
the real Democratic Party
Editor's note: The following was written in response to a commentary in last Sunday's Insight section by Ted Hong, a lifelong Democrat who now supports the Lingle administration because he feels his party has abandoned the principles of fairness and equality upon which it was founded.
A year ago I learned just what's at stake with the current state administration: the future of Hawaii. Along with other Democrats, I voiced my concern. But instead of watching and criticizing, I got active. I am a proud Democrat who refuses to stand by and let manipulative public relations tactics brainwash the people of Hawaii.
As Democratic Party chairman, I have heard many different opinions, ideas, concerns and solutions. It pleases me to know Democrats are not afraid to speak up and defend what is right. Those who claim Democrats are "out of touch," are wrong. They should stand up from their seats to see what is really taking place.
I am a Democrat who appreciates where the party has been and where we are now. Our values of equality and opportunity for all have not changed. But they are at risk. I am a Democrat who has chosen to make a difference by becoming actively involved in charting the course for Hawaii. The Democratic Party today is much like a canoe facing wave after crashing wave. Together we paddle hard and what drives us is our love for Hawaii and its people. The members of the Democratic Party are working men and women protecting the right to choose better lives for themselves. I am a proud Democrat who recognizes the accomplishments of our elected officials to ensure equal opportunity for everyone. I am a proud Democrat who has had enough of rhetoric and blame. And let's face it. There have been a handful of Democrats who have made wrong choices and decisions in their personal and political lives and are now paying the price. Unfortunately, Republicans try to taint the entire party with the mistakes of a few.
Do not be discouraged. I encourage you to get involved. Learn the facts that aren't always reported.
This year Democrats passed the most comprehensive anti-ice package in the history of the state. With tough new laws, targeting drug dealers and those who choose to sell drugs to our children, and more than $14 million for assessments, treatment and expansion of the successful drug courts, plus $15 million in federal dollars from our congressional delegation. Democrats have shown their commitment to fighting this crippling epidemic instead of adopting a "wait-and-see" approach.
Rather than move forward on this issue, the governor's refusal and "go-slow" approach to release the much-needed "ice" funding appropriated by the 2004 Legislature are serious management mistakes. What do programs have to do to prove just how badly resources are needed before help is given? Do people in need have to continue to go hungry to prove there is a problem? Why does it take demonstrations at the Capitol before appropriated funds are released? Democrats want to lift people up, not watch them fall or kick them when they are down.
Hawaii's business climate thrives in large part because of the federal investment brought home by the congressional delegation and state lawmakers including construction on large- and small-scale levels. They have committed resources to cultivate and diversify our tourism industry, and have grown our film and television trade. Democrats have made inroads toward developing a high-tech sector and taking Hawaii's production base beyond agriculture and tourism.
Democrats have responsibly reduced much of the "red tape" that is so often complained about. We've lowered many of the registration fees that businesses must pay. Through the de-pyramiding of the general excise tax, Democrats have addressed an issue that has long been a complaint of the business sector and saved consumers money in the process. And let's not forget that the self-sufficient Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that the governor loves to tout was, in fact, the creation of a Democratic department head working under our past governor.
Democrats still have the best new ideas and the deserve credit for them. For example, Hawaii Rx, which forces down prices for prescription drugs. People in our community don't realize how hard Democratic lawmakers had to fight to get it where it is now. Today we see TV commercials featuring the governor plugging the very program she once opposed. This governor claims that Demo-crats hold back change. This governor accused the Demo-crats of being nothing more than an "old boy network." Yet her administration is full of political paybacks.
The Democratic Party's strength has always been its diversity and inclusiveness. It is the party of people from all religious, social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Hawaii's Democratic governors have been Caucasian, Japanese, Hawaiian and Filipino. Look at our Democratic officeholders today. They are teachers, business people, social workers, engineers, attorneys, nurses and soldiers. They come from all neighborhoods. They are kamaaina and malihini. Quite simply, they are Hawaii.
The journey continues. We are threatened with a one-idea governor who is not open to welcoming others to the table. My friends, the future of Hawaii is at stake. Vote knowing people need help to get off ice, not just incarceration. Vote knowing we need to protect and nurture our environment. Vote knowing the traffic situation is getting worse, and it doesn't have to be. Vote knowing our gas prices need not be the highest in the nation. Vote knowing our children need more books not bureaucracy. Vote knowing all students -- not just those in privileged districts -- need a quality education and every teacher needs the resources to help our children grow. Vote for the candidate with the best record, not the best spin. Vote knowing. Vote Democrat.
