Older pedestrians, be aware

I am not surprised at the increase in deaths of pedestrians, especially elderly ones on Oahu, considering what I see every day when I am out driving. I see seniors who fail to do basic, common- sense things when attempting to cross a street where there is a crosswalk with a signal light.

They stand at the beginning of the crosswalk waiting for the signal to change. Their eyes are focused only on the signal. Once it changes, they proceed across the street, face forward, and they walk as though they have blinders on. They fail to stop, look and listen, and they assume that drivers are doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Let’s face it: How on earth can people get hit by a large bus if they have stopped, looked, listened and waited for a break in traffic? I am a senior also, and I take every precaution I can when I am out walking.

Be alert, be aware, and be safe when walking.

Not paying taxes is widespread

I don’t understand why some are amazed to learn that people selling goods are not always paying taxes legitimately. This practice is widespread.

Everyone required to have a tax certificate should have it displayed front and center for all to see, be it in their homes, tables at a craft fair, flea market, etc. Auditors could walk door-to-door, space-by-space, spot checking and making better use of their time.

There are businesses that hire under the table without issuing a 1099 or W2. There are businesses that take cash and never report the sale.

These situations create loss in revenue for city, state and federal entities, affecting programs for children and the elderly and Social Security, to name a few.

Handicaps not always obvious

This is in response to Bob Frye ("Handicapped stalls being misused," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 22). I agree that handicapped stalls are being misused. But not all handicapped persons have visible handicaps or disabili- ties. I am 100 percent-rated disabled by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. I do not have to use crutches or a wheelchair all the time. I do not always have outward signs of my disability.

So just because a person does not show signs of a disability does not mean the person is not entitled to park in a handicapped parking stall.

Target will be a gain for Kailua

As a former longtime resident of Enchanted Lake, I have a few comments about Kailua vs. Target.

First, I have some experience with Target and have nothing but praise for its management. It is as likely to be as good a neighbor as is the Safeway store contiguous to its property in Kailua. (Remember the rants about "another Safeway"?)

The changes Target has made in developing its Salt Lake property have been positive, and the neighborhood improved by its presence.

As a retired marketing consultant, I can see many opportunities for Kailua to continue to be a most desirable place to live.

Obama visit here welcomed

I am writing in response to Lyn Turner’s letter ("Obama should respect others on vacation here," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 20).

I also live in Kailua and am so excited that the president and his family have chosen our town again as the place he wants to spend his holiday.

Being the president is a difficult and often thankless job. He deserves a vacation, especially in a place where he has friends and family as well as fond childhood memories.

Instead of looking at how "inconvenient" it is to have the Obamas in town, I hope that we can show him the aloha that our island is known for!

Profiling better than groping

Would someone please explain to me why profiling a few to keep us safe is considered a violation of one’s rights, but we find nothing wrong when the government violates all our rights by inappropriately touching and groping us and our children?

After 9/11, no sharp objects were allowed on planes. Then we had to remove our shoes, followed by no liquids over 3 ounces and now the enhanced pat-downs thanks to the underwear bomber. What next — the TSA asks us to bend over?

Why not use intelligence and profiling to identify those who potentially mean us harm? When you consider the freedoms as Americans we have lost and will lose, who really is winning the war on terror?