I am a Republican in Ohio and often disagree with U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, but I have respected and admired her for several years. If there were more political leaders with her pragmatism, courage and intellectual honesty, our country would be in a far better place.

In this time of bitter tribalism, her refusal to demonize opponents and her willingness to work with others to find solutions is a refreshing example of how we get out of our current toxic mess. We need more leaders like her. She is restoring my faith in Hawaii’s aloha spirit after U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s shameful behavior over the past year.

I may once again pursue my dream of retiring in Kohala after Gabbard rejected religious bigotry in her brave op-ed (“Gabbard accuses Hirono, Democratic colleagues of religious bigotry,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 10). Hirono’s angry and hyperpartisan “shut up” antics led me to sadly abandon my Waikoloa retirement plans last fall because Hawaii island no longer felt welcoming to all. But I’ve decided that a place represented by Gabbard feels accepting.

Mike Lieber

Bay Village, Ohio

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