Lack of sense led to felon escaping

A dangerous multiple felon on a work line at Ala Moana Beach Park (”;Inmate flees work line at Ala Moana Beach Park,”; Star-Bulletin, Police/Fire, Dec. 16)? Let me guess: No restraints of any kind were in use and there were too few guards assigned to the work detail. The prisoners were most likely wearing their assigned nondescript dark green scrubs.

Why were they even in a highly populated area anyway, where there are so many directions to flee and hide? Work crews cutting brush along Likelike or Pali Highway is one thing, but who dropped the ball on using common sense?

He undoubtedly will commit more crimes while on the run; the Department of Public Safety should be held partly accountable when he does. The highest person in the chain of command needs to lose his job over this debacle.

Inouye's own history is basis for allegation

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye blustered, “;I have never suggested that the Akaka Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill be passed and adopted as part of the defense appropriations process. I don't know where this nonsensical suggestion originated.”;

This “;nonsensical suggestion”; actually springs from the reputation, track record and modus operandi of Sen. Inouye. He is famous for, and even proud of, his uncanny skill to work the system, tacking on various and sundry earmarks to unrelated appropriations bills. That's how he brings home the pork, and lots of it, year after year.

The very next day, we learn that Gov. Linda Lingle is miffed about being excluded from back-room secret talks on amendments to the Akaka Bill. Welcome to the club, governor. Now you know how the people of Hawaii have felt for the past 10 years, being left out of the process in this classic example of back-room politics. The Akaka Bill epitomizes Inouye's crafty, “;nonsensical”; style.

Climate conference really about freedom

Ultimately the alleged climate conference in Copenhagen is not about the climate. In reality, it is a joust between the developed world and those nations still struggling for economic self-reliance; democracies versus dictatorships; and finally, the haves against the have-nots. The solutions are to have prosperous countries assist underdeveloped Third World countries build economies to achieve self-sufficiency, to allow freedom to trump oppression and dictatorships, and create economic freedom in the world where the have-nots can join the haves.

Health care reform is right thing to do

In considering the costs, it is not just the federal budget that matters, but the cost to our entire economy and society. High health insurance costs put our companies at a serious disadvantage versus their competitors in other industrial societies. Worse, our current system costs us more per capita than the health care system of any our nation, yet gives us inferior care and shorter lifespans. The reverse brain drain from the U.S. back to the rest of the world is due in part to our inferior health care system.

While a lucky minority can afford the best care, the vast majority of our citizens live either without insurance, or in fear of losing insurance due to a job loss. We know from first hand experience that many potential entrepreneurs are discouraged from starting new businesses because of ruinously high health insurance costs.

Health care is not like any other set of goods and services: The competitiveness and efficiency of our economy (and the dignity of workers and the good of society) require us to put aside concern for the narrow interests of the insurance industry and do what is right for the United States.