Republicans should drop anti-filibuster bid

We reject the "nuclear option" as a nation, because of its senselessness and the uncontrollable nature of radiation damage. If the U.S. Senate ratifies its own so-called "nuclear option" to abolish the filibuster, it is equally senseless and dangerous. The senators will replace representative democracy with the tyranny of the Senate majority.

This does not reflect the will of the majority of our country's voters. After all, American voters gave the Democratic candidate the popular vote. The Senate Republicans aim to pack the courts with judges who will push their own social and economic values. Judges should favor neither party. The federal courts must remain independent.

Do the usual rules not apply to DeLay?

We are assured again and again by Republicans that House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's (rather expensive) trips that were sponsored by businesses in which the money was passed through a charitable organization were "perfectly legal." Assuming a tax rate of, say, 30 percent, these businesses were buying influence at 70 cents on the dollar. Well, just one more tax break for business!

I, too, could save on taxes by donating money to a charitable organization for the purpose of paying for my children's college expenses. One reason for not doing this is that it would be illegal. Is it "perfectly legal" in DeLay's case?

Public-aid recipients should earn their keep

After the recent traffic death of a teenager in Makakilo (Star-Bulletin, April 5), school principals are saying "not enough crossing guards -- not enough money to hire them."

In certain European countries, people who receive public assistance are required to perform duties such as sweeping sidewalks and cleaning parks.

Why can't the state use people on welfare to perform some duties (such as crossing guards, security, cleaning bathrooms), as they're already getting paid by us taxpayers?

After adding cash payments, Section 8, food stamps, medical, preschool and child care, some of them make more than people working for minimum wage.

Lawmakers shouldn't strip gov's powers

I see yet another letter in your paper (April 18) from someone complaining about the Republican party trying to quash the filibuster. I agree.

But what I'd like to see more of, on a local situation, are more complaints about the majority in the Legislature trying to remove functions from the governor and give those functions to themselves -- in other words, suppressing her right to govern.

The Legislature meets but a few months out of the year. Are appointments, decisions that directly affect the citizenry and fund allocations supposed to wait until they are in session? Where's the fairness in that? How can a system like that be more efficient?

Let's hear it, folks. You want a two-party system? Or do you want a collective dictatorship?

Hawaii's children need Megan's Law protection

State House Bill 599/Senate Bill 708, which would enact Megan's Law legislation, must become law immediately to ensure safe communities for Hawaii's families.

Monsters who molest and rape children must face the most severe punishments possible. If this state is unwilling to execute or incarcerate for life those who rape, then the public must be given as much information on these criminals as needed to ensure the safety of Hawaii's children.

I applaud State Rep. Bud Stonebraker for his support of the Megan's Law bills under consideration by state legislators. It is vital that parents know whether a sex offender is living next door so that they can take steps to protect their children from a serious danger residing in their neighborhood.

It was interesting to learn that the American Civil Liberties Union and local attorney Brook Hart oppose Megan's Law legislation. Upon further research I found that the ACLU supports the idea that virtual child pornography is protected speech, and that Hart has defended individuals who admitted possessing and transmitting images of real child pornography on a computer.

The rights of victims of horrendous crimes must be considered, not the nonexistent rights of convicted perpetrators.

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