In “Sanders, Clinton and the world” (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 24), two ambitious politicians (both applied for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye’s seat when he passed) took opposite views before today’s Democratic presidential preference poll.
U.S. Rep Tulsi Gabbard mentioned the word “war” 11 times. And, there were multiple references to military mindset, commander-in-chief, interventions, etc.
What she never mentioned is that The Wall Street Journal estimated that U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ domestic proposals would cost $18 trillion over 10 years.
Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa focused on remembrance — Inouye, the internment of Japanese-Americans, and Hillary Clinton’s close ties to the islands. She avoided mentioning the close ties Clinton has to large financial institutions.
So the Democrats have two flawed candidates for president this year. Cynically, I believe these endorsements were meant to benefit the writers more than the candidates.
Sadly, the Republicans have only anger to offer Hawaii.
Jim Wolfe
Nuuanu
Push will continue for death-with-dignity law
Since the death-with-dignity bill died by a margin of three votes in 2002, every attempt to pass the law has failed, due to strong church and disabled-advocate opposition.
A bill that calls for just a study of the issue of physician-assisted end-of-life and palliative care did not get out of committee this session. Five states have either passed such legislation or had a court rule it to be a constitutional right.
It is likely that a more organized attempt will be made next year with assistance from the national Compassion & Choices group and the Hawaii Death with Dignity Society.
Several other states are considering the legislation this year.
Francis M. Nakamoto
Moanalua Valley
Where is outrage over people blocking rallies?
I find it fascinating that there isn’t greater outrage against those who have been blocking public access to Donald Trump rallies for the sole purpose of disrupting what Trump has to say.
Like many, I cringe when I hear Trump make bombastic statements, but there is something much more troubling than offensive speech: attempting to silence offensive speech.
While I’ve disagreed with many policies of the current administration, it has never once occurred to me to silence its message or engage in obnoxious tactics.
Kris Schwengel
Hawaii Kai
‘Jane Doe’ bears some blame for her woes
In his column, Leonard Pitts focused on the “never-ending punishment of ex-felons” (“Never-ending punishment of ex-felons is itself a crime,” Star-Advertiser, March 19).
The article was based on one person: Jane Doe, 57, a licensed nurse and mother who in 2000 was raising two young daughters on $15,000 a year and an $80 weekly child-support check. She was recruited by her then-boyfriend for an insurance scam that failed, leading to her conviction on fraud charges and a 15-month prison term.
Pitts failed to recognize the arguably bigger tragedy of poor life choices by Jane Doe. At 57, she decided to commit a crime with her boyfriend, putting the welfare of her daughters at risk.
While our judicial system has many faults, it appears that Pitts is more interested in social engineering through commentary than in objective reporting for the readers to critically analyze and decide the issues for themselves.
Ed Ige
Kaneohe
