Seniority is important, so let Case get some

During this election season the Akaka campaign cites his seniority as the major reason to return him to the U.S. Senate. I agree that seniority is important. Sen. Dan Akaka has spent the past 16 years building seniority, but what has he accomplished? How has Hawaii benefited from his seniority?

The only legislation I can recall to bear his name took years to get to the floor, and then failed. Time magazine named him one of the five worst senators and called him the "Master of the Minor Resolution."

We are a small state, and, as such, we have only four representatives in Congress. We can't afford a "Master of the Minor Resolution." Hawaii needs masterful leadership in Washington. As voters, we have an obligation to ourselves and our children to send the best and most effective individual to Washington to represent our interests. It's only a matter of time before Sen. Dan Inouye and Rep. Neil Abercrombie retire.

For me, seniority will the deciding factor in the primary. Now is the time for change and to give Ed Case the chance to build seniority. Sen. Akaka, we thank you for your service, but it's time to step aside.

PBS is best venue for Case-Akaka debate

Now that Sen. Akaka has agreed to a debate, Congressman Case continues to complain -- this time that the chosen venue (KHET-PBS Hawaii) does not have the viewership of the commercial stations.

I don't think he needs to worry. We live in an age where viewers flip effortlessly among hundreds of television channels. Those interested will find the debate, those not will select another channel -- regardless of the channel the debate is on. But with KHET's unique statewide network (which is not duplicated by either cable or the commercial broadcasters), more of Case's rural constituents will have an opportunity to watch. I'd say that's a plus.

Vote for Akaka and his proven track record

I am a young voter just learning about politics and researching who I should vote for. That brings me to the race for senator between Sen. Dan Akaka and Rep. Ed Case.

Remember that I am a new voter and this is just my opinion, but shouldn't we vote for the man with the proven track record? I'm talking about Akaka. Case seems as if he cannot decide what he wants to be when he grows up and that is kind of scary to me.

Akaka doesn't need to debate Case. Akaka's track record speaks for itself. Case wants a debate because he can talk a good talk. Akaka has integrity and that's a hard thing to find in a lot of politicians today.

Leadership lacking from Akaka, Inouye

Senators Akaka and Inouye are constantly reminding us of the importance of seniority in the U.S. Senate. They have failed to tell us what representation the people of Hawaii can expect six years from now. Are we going to be abandoned to two novice senators or are we expected to depend on a couple of 87-year-old codgers to provide dynamic leadership?

One sign of a good leader is how well he plans ahead. We have not seen that from Sen. Akaka.

Fear mongers distract us from real dangers

It's time to stop the fear mongers who are at it again. We all know the world is a dangerous place. It always has been. Living in fear is not the solution; war is not the solution. We all should be vigilant, and we all should be educated about the defense of our nation and our Constitution.

Five years after 9/11, the Bush administration has failed to keep us safe. The war in Iraq has diverted attention from protecting America from terrorism. Recently 9/11 Commission members said Iraq is distracting from security at home.

The war in Iraq has inflamed the whole Middle East and is helping al-Qaida attract recruits. Osama bin Laden is still on the loose. Hurricane Katrina showed us that the Republicans aren't able to protect America at home. The Republican Congress hasn't followed through on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Republican political attacks since last week's terror threat are outrageous.

It must stop.