The article, “Challenger criticizes Gabbard for ducking debate” (Star-Advertiser, July 31), pointed out a disappointing fact: “U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has yet to participate in a debate against a primary challenger since being elected to Congress six years ago.”

With U.S. House elections every two years, there have been ample opportunities to defend one’s positions, flaunt one’s accomplishments, and answer voters’ questions and concerns.

Democrats should have the opportunity before voting to compare the incumbent against challengers Sherry Alu Campagna and Anthony Tony Austin. Not having a debate denies primary-election voters the opportunity to hear differing points of view.

In the general election, we should have the same opportunity to hear candidates from the various parties.

There are still opportunities for Gabbard to share the stage with challengers. There are several Democratic fora, one on July 20 at Aiea High School, and another on Aug. 3 at the Key Project in Kaneohe.

Nicole Woo and Amy Monk

Co-chairs, Hawaii Democratic Women’s Caucus

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Driver’s history stirs deep concern

Concerning the woman who killed one and critically injured two others, I was horrified to learn that she had been released and apparently not restricted from driving while the investigation is going on. What? With her driving record, her license should have been suspended years ago.

Driving and walking have become scary enough, without having a person with this sort of driving history on the road. What is wrong with our law enforcement system?

And how long could it take to determine that, yes, she killed somebody, she was speeding and she ran a red light? Meanwhile, there are people in jail for possessing an ounce of marijuana.

The woman is only 56, and could easily live another 20 years. If she drives like she has for the past 20, that scares me to death.

Sandra Conrad

Ala Moana

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Our free will on cultural diversity

Opponents of immigration claim it will change inevitably the culture of the host country in negative way. I don’t understand that. I can continue with my usual traditions and partake of them if I wish. It’s a personal decision.

What harm is done if there are others bringing here traditions from their old countries? I don’t have to eat tacos or wear a headscarf if I don’t want to. Nobody is forbidding me to eat hot dogs.

I concede immigration changes the host country’s culture by adding traditions, but why is that negative? Aren’t I free to ignore new traditions if I want. Yes, I am. The fear of inevitable negative culture change is illogical and irrational.

Lunsford Phillips

Kailua

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Negative ads only diminish the user

“When the debate is lost, Slander becomes the tool of the losers.” — Socrates

When one has to run political ads discrediting another candidate, it simply is a reflection of that person’s character. They cannot stand on their own accomplishments, so try to bring down another to make themselves look good.

Better think twice before going to the polls.

John Day

Kaneohe

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U.S. intelligence gets short shrift

Thank you for reporting on the president’s trips to Europe and finally Helsinki, Finland.

I was, like most, surprised that our intelligence agencies’ investigations on Russian interference during the 2016 presidential campaign were not taken into account during President Donald Trump’s briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In fact, given no weight at all.

I have been privileged to fly over Washington, D.C., and looked down at the thousands of cars parked outside of CIA headquarters. I wonder what all those employees think about their intelligence output now.

Jay Pineda

Waikiki

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Kapahulu reflects poorly on Waikiki

There has been a lot of media attention focused on the perception of Waikiki by our visitors. This very legitimate concern is mostly focused on how the homeless are detracting from the area’s sense of place.

What is missing from this conversation is the condition of Kapahulu Avenue, one of the main arteries into Waikiki and one of the busiest streets on Oahu. The visual is that of a Third World country.

A half-mile of orange construction fence with weeds growing through it lines the golf course; abandoned cars have been sitting there for years in plain sight, and there’s graffiti everywhere you look.

Every single visitor has this first impression. Let’s get our priorities in order.

Mike McFarlane

Tantalus