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Next generation takes the lead
I am glad to see that the voice of our generation has gotten louder with U.S. Rep.-elect Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz making their way to Washington, D.C.
I am grateful for all that our elders have done for us, but now is time for our leaders of tomorrow to step up.
By working with U.S. Sen.-elect Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, our leaders of today, I am hopeful that Gabbard and Schatz can continue to construct a better tomorrow upon the solid foundation that was built by their predecessors: U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink and U.S. Sens. Spark Matsunaga, Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka.
Jacob Ledesma
Palolo Valley
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Governor put party needs first
I applaud Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s selection of Brian Schatz as the late Sen. Daniel Inouye’s successor. I am, however, disappointed in him putting the "needs" of the party before the needs of the state and all its citizens.
Paul Olszewski
Mililani
Selection might haunt governor
Like many other people I have talked to, I was disappointed that Gov. Neil Abercrombie chose not to respect the dying wish of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to select U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
Inouye, with decades of experience in the Senate, would know better than anyone who could best represent Hawaii. He felt that Hanabusa would be that person.
Abercrombie chose to play politics instead by selecting Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz.He may regret that decision when he runs for re-election.
Dora S. Johnson
McCully
Shooting a sign of culture war
The blood of murdered school children soaks us all.
For five decades we have tolerated the toxic permissiveness of those who promoted "I’m OK, you’re OK" in the childish belief there is no objective good or evil, that to be "judgmental" itself is wrong. The fruits of the counter-culture elite who has waged this unrelenting war of permissiveness on a once-decent society are now splattered in blood across classroom walls.
Control of our culture must be wrested from those who poisoned it, so as to resurrect the banners of honor and re-impose the taboos of shame that once served as the guardrails of common decency. This obligation is not the task of politicians, nor is it for the "nice." Ordinary folks who understand their grim duty as citizens to preserve the republic will gird themselves for a fight to the finish. Lives hang in the balance.
Let the fighting begin.
Thomas E. Stuart
Kapaau
Test scores not fair to teachers
In light of the heroic actions of the teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, it is time for the debate about the worthiness of teachers to consider that which is never discussed.
In any school situation, it is the teacher’s instinct to protect his or her students. Fire, tornado, tsunami, hurricane, flood or homicidal maniac, the teacher will do everything to ensure the safety of the students under his or her care. That is their training and their motivation.
What can be so askew in the dialogue about teachers that policy makers would not give teachers a decent living wage, security from whimsical firing and respect? What is the mythical priority that overrides everything?
Two words: Test scores.
Is there anyone so cold-hearted who upon hearing about the teachers who sacrificed their lives, and the others who risked theirs, for the sake of their students would have for one moment thought, "Heroes? Maybe. What were their students’ test scores?"
Natec Harijan
Keaau
Name structure after Inouye
With the passing of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Hawaii and the nation has lost an outstanding leader and patriot. It is only fitting that Hawaii name a significant structure/monument in his memory so that his legacy of over 50 years of service will always be remembered by our generation and generations to come.
Hal Omori
Mililani
Terminate deal with tow firm
The city should terminate the towing company’s contract because the company doesn’t seem to understand its terms ("1 in 5 city towing bills inflated, invoices show," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 23).
All overcharges should be reimbursed. Thanks to the Star-Advertiser.
Harry Lovell
Makiki