Illegal fireworks must be cut off

Two years ago they started on Halloween. Last year is was Oct. 13; this year, Oct. 3. If true to form, the intensity and frequency of the illegal fireworks will grow as we get closer to the end of the year.

These illegal devices present potential harm. But what really concerns me is that illegal incendiary devices are being smuggled into Hawaii. If smugglers can get illegal fireworks in quantity into the state without detection, what else might they be bringing in? Items that could harm the population?

Aren't there explosive detection devices in place at the ports and airports? What is being done to protect us from attacks via smuggled items?

I would advocate a complete ban on private fireworks use if I thought it had a chance. It may only happen after a catastrophic event. I would much rather see common sense be the prime mover of a complete ban than a tragedy.

Afghanistan war a bloody waste

A troop surge or not to Afghanistan, that's the question. What have we gained after eight years of the aimless war? How long will it continue to drain our resources and kill our young people while our own citizens are not able to afford health care? The answer is: Will all who advocate the troop surge be willing to lead the night infantry patrols? Or to pick up week-old battle remains in mine fields? For armchair patriots are very brave—with other peoples' bodies and blood.

Obama seems unable to decide

It is becoming clear that President Barack Obama prefers to remain “;the candidate”; rather than become “;the decider-in-chief.”; It seems that he has a decision-making paralysis as America's chief executive.

Just look at his indecisiveness on whether to win America's war in Afghanistan. Rather than make a decision on a surge in Afghanistan and once again prove that George W. Bush was right to decide on “;the surge”; strategy in Iraq, Barack Obama is now seeking more Afghanistan strategic options to choose from. He wants one that will make him more popular, not less.

It can also be seen with President Obama's indecision to make a course correction with respect to America's economy. Rather than admit that his political policies are not translating into good economic policies, President Obama refuses to own up to making a wrong turn with respect to big government spending. The national debt is becoming a hole that we will not be able to climb out of, and yet the digging continues.

Just wait until he gets to the Copenhagen parlay with the “;one world”; government leaders over redistribution of America's energy wealth. Will he decide to go with the best economic interests of the United States? Will it be America First or will it be Politics First?

Pedestrians have the right of way

Drivers need to respect pedestrians with or without a painted crosswalk. It is the drivers' responsibility to drive responsibly.

With or without a painted crosswalk, the pedestrian has the right of way at marked or unmarked intersections.

Drivers in Hawaii and government planners simply don't respect a pedestrian's right to life. Even in midblock it is simply not polite or respectful to run people over.

Drivers should know that if you see a ball rolling into the street to expect a kid to be running after it. Being prepared to stop is the drivers' responsibility.

Pedestrians also need to be alert, aware and not mindlessly walk into traffic. Unfortunately, many of the pedestrian accidents have involved the elderly who simply don't have the physical capacity to cross many of our main streets.