Legal behavior not always right

With all due respect to Harold Loomis, he just doesn’t get it ("Bain Capital did nothing wrong," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 18).

The question isn’t whether what Bain Capital did was legal, but rather, do we want a president who so completely and vigorously embraces the idea that the ends always justify the means?Is the form of capitalism exercised by Bain and others (legal or not) truly in the best interests of our country?

I will not believe that a system that so disproportionally favors the haves at the expense of the have-nots is what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they stated, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

Of course, maybe I don’t get it. Maybe corporations are people.

Kevin Cain
Downtown Honolulu

Obama insults business people

The president is now talking stink about successful entrepreneurs who have put their shoulders to the wheel, taken considerable personal risk and used the unparalleled opportunities served up to all Americans to create wealth and jobs.

Now he is even going so far as to claim that these successful overachievers are not permitted to take any credit for the results of their efforts.

Four years ago as candidate, the president chanted, "Yes we can!" Now he shouts with equal gusto, "No you can’t!"

No doubt about it. That is transformational change.

Thomas E. Stuart
Kapaau, Hawaii island

Gabbard has traits of leader

Current-day philosophers and political and cultural commentators often talk of the failure of today’s elected officials to sincerely commit themselves to protecting our country’s sacred institutions. Instead, politicians all too often formulate their positions based on poll results.

Thus, it is not surprising that their decisions are frequently in line with what their contributors want them to be.

Tulsi Gabbard believes that the strength of America is founded upon our constitutional right to freedom, and that in the long run freedom cannot be effectively protected unless all citizens are provided quality education and health care, safety at home and equitable laws. Tulsi’s decision-making process derives from her unfiltered perception of reality and her disciplined commitment to be virtuous in all of her decisions.Most great leaders of the past had these traits.

Bill Meheula
Waialae-Iki

U.S. Chamber controls Lingle?

Former Gov. Linda Lingle says she may vote to repeal President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, if she is elected to the U.S. Senate.

Three weeks before the Democratic Party nominee has even been decided, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Linglefor the Senate. How’s that for being fair and open-minded?

The Chamber is behind at least one of the super PACs now dumping millions of dollars into political campaigns of Republican candidates around the country — money collected from anonymous individuals and corporations.

If elected, do you suppose Sen. Lingle will do what we want? Or what the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants?

Jim Loomis
Haiku, Maui

Lingle cares about Hawaii

Some people have voiced concerns that if former Gov. Linda Lingle is elected as our next U.S. senator, she would vote with only other GOP members of the Senate, often to the detriment of Hawaii.

But Lingle clearly has always been guided in her choices and decisions based on how deeply she cares about Hawaii and about those of us who call this special place home.

She did so as mayor and as governor. I believe we could expect her to continue to do so as our U.S. senator.

Anne Sabalaske
Wahiawa

Consent laws seem insane

We went to Kapolei Hale to get my son’s driver’s permit. We were told that both parents had to sign consent for him to get his permit. If my daughter wants to get an abortion, she can get this done without any parental consent in Hawaii. Are the lawmakers of this state insane?

My son needs two parents to sign for his driving permit, but my daughter can end a life all on her own volition. And we wonder why the country is headed in a downward spiral.

Art Laubach
Makakilo