Name recognition is poor way to vote

Mark Ida’s letter is, if anything, further testimony for the reduction, if not complete elimination, of the unsightly campaign signs ("Political signs serve a purpose," Letters, Aug. 6) .

Mr. Ida states, "We must realize that here in Hawaii many vote not by merit or political view, but by name recognition."

Please, everyone, realize that voting is a privilege that requires at least some degree of effort to establish whether the candidate you are voting for seems to be someone who will carry out their duties in a way that is consistent with your views and beliefs.

Voting is not some kind of social duty to be fulfilled through placing X’s just anywhere on a ballot.

You are voting for someone who will represent your interests.

Jim Wolery
Kaneohe

Leonard nomination falls to partisanship

The rejection of Appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as chief justice clearly justifies the need for a stronger two-party system in Hawaii.

If Judge Leonard had been nominated by a Democratic governor, she probably would not have encountered any problem being confirmed as Hawaii’s first female chief justice.

It is disheartening to note that despite the support of some of the best legal minds in Hawaii, Judge Leonard got a negative vote.

The premise that Judge Leonard lacks the leadership experience that a chief justice needs is illogical. Experience is acquired and learned.

Further, Judge Leonard possesses a very sharp legal mind — a trait necessary for a competent and effective chief justice.

Constante A. Domingo
Honolulu

Don’t blame just teens for bad driving habits

The letter regarding the means of dealing with speeding on roads has some good points ("Highway needs calming devices," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 5).

However, it is also a disservice to the many teenagers who do know right from wrong and act accordingly. There are just as many adults who speed and act recklessly.

There is one very important question regarding that tragedy in Waimanalo: Why were they not using seatbelts?

Robin R. Ching
Makakilo

Columnist should have applauded good idea

Why does Cynthia Oi find it necessary to write a negative article on the city’s progress in fighting graffiti?

For any of us who is sick of seeing graffiti-covered walls and signs, acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s recent announcement on the city’s use of an anti-graffiti application is great news.

To assume that officials have positive announcements only when they are up for election is ludicrous. Does Oi assume that positive announcements are being kept secret until an election year?

Charin T. Tomomitsu
Honolulu

Not all Christians are right-wing ideologues

I object to the media using the name "Christian" to refer only to right-wing ideologues. They ignore the great majority of Christians who are not part of this loud minority.

With all the media coverage given to religious conservatives, it’s not surprising that Anne Rice wants to divorce herself from any church ("More followers of Christ refusing to be Christians," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 5).

She and the media should be aware, however, that there are many progressive Christian churches across this country that support civil rights for all and work constantly to care for those who are homeless, poor or in need of help.

Please stop representing all members of the Christian faith as conservatives by your use of language.

Marita Nelson
Hawaii Kai