Case shouldn't run against kupuna Akaka

I am disappointed by Congressman Ed Case's decision to run against Sen. Dan Akaka. I acknowledge that Case has the right to run, but he is showing no respect for a kupuna, a man who is not only beloved by the people of Hawaii but also has been instrumental, along with Sen. Dan Inouye, in making sure that Hawaii is one of the few states that receives more in tax benefits than people pay in taxes.

Akaka is a veteran who understands foreign policy; a former teacher and principal who understands the value and needs of education; director of Hawaii's Office of Economic Opportunity who understands poverty and the plight of the homeless; a family man with five children and married 57 years; a person who values his Hawaiian heritage and a U.S. senator whose seniority is a major factor in being able to obtain resources for Hawaii.

Case has developed a record of moving from job to job. An employer -- in this case, the citizens of Hawaii -- in reviewing his resume might well wonder why he changes jobs so often. Not long ago, Case indicated he would not run for governor because he wanted to remain in the House of Representatives. What changed his mind?

I hope Case changes his mind again. In making his decision, he might want to reflect upon the race that Senator Akaka ran against Pat Saiki, or reflect upon the story of the tortoise and the hare.

Career politicians not part of Founders' plan

I really enjoyed Corky's cartoon Monday (Corky's Hawaii, Star-Bulletin Jan. 23), with Sen. Dan Akaka's entrenched roots and Rep. Neil Abercrombie shouting out, "Wait your turn!" Good one!

"Wait your turn" only happens when an anointed politician kicks the bucket.

It was never the vision of the Founding Fathers to promote lifelong, career politicians. This is democracy at its worst. I believe the Fathers would turn in their graves to see such dangerous, deep-rooted entrenchment in America's political system.

Yes, lawmakers, we can have it all

I was touched with hope and optimism to hear Governor Lingle articulately and proficiently lay out a framework by which the people of Hawaii can "have it all." No more "this or that," "cut funds here and there." It's all possible.

But then Rep. Kirk Caldwell countered pessimistically that "No, we can't have it all." He seems to think Lingle's paying lip service and saying words that have no meaning or substance. So, who can we believe? I, for one, would trust Governor Lingle.

Every year, she submits to the Legislature a balanced budget, as required by law, that balances expenses and spending with projected revenues. In fact, I have a copy of her Budget-in-Brief, a concise, clear and easy-to-understand public document, which details her plan to "have it all." Furthermore, she manages to do it while also leaving a surplus for next year. On the other hand, the Legislature, which is not required to propose a balanced budget, merely submits a "spending list."

If anyone can say with confidence that "we can have it all" and turn it into a reality, it's Governor Lingle. Thank you, Governor, for giving us something we can hope for and someone we can believe in.

Red light cameras, enforcement needed

I was definitely against the vancam program; however, I strongly support the red light cam program. This is a step in the right direction to catch those who don't stop before turning right at a stoplight. It would make drivers think twice before running a red light, or pulling into and blocking an intersection as the light changes to red. It would provide photo evidence if a pedestrian were hit, perhaps reducing the time that traffic is blocked while an investigation is conducted. And don't make the fine $50 or $75. Make it $500 for running a red light. If there's a pedestrian in the crosswalk when the infraction is committed, make the fine $750 plus 30 days suspension of the driver's license. Blocking an intersection would cost you $750 and attendance at a mandatory one-week drivers course, at an additional $250 for the course.