Let president enjoy a vacation

Mitt Romney was quoted saying President Barack Obama should stay in Washington and work instead of taking a Christmas vacation in Hawaii ("Obama’s isle vacation angers Romney," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 7).

I resent him saying this. President George W. Bush and other presidents took far more vacations than President Obama.

I hope our president will spend time with his wife and daughters, because I am sure his work schedule will follow him to Hawaii.

Ursula Meyer
Kaimuki

ACA is litmus test for Republicans

The Star-Advertiser recently printed two commentaries on health care.

The headline for Joe Nocera’s column says it all: "The best hope for Medicare is sent home by Republicans" (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 7).

Despite decrying budget deficits, Republicans played hardball politics to reject "the most qualified person in the country to run Medicare" and lower costs, because Dr. Donald Berwick supports President Barack Obama’s health care reform.

Spike Dolomite Ward’s story of her cancer diagnosis and lack of insurance is one we hope we never have to face ("Pre-existing condition insurance proves to be a lifesaver," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 8).

Fortunately, Ward was eventually able to obtain insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Opposition to ACA is a litmus test for Republican presidential candidates. But to say no to the millions of Americans who cannot afford health insurance in order to get elected is a sad commentary on how far the party of Lincoln has fallen.

What part of "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" does the Republican Party not understand?

John Ishihara
Waialae

Payroll tax cut is irresponsible

President Barack Obama wants to extend a $1,000 payroll tax cut that would normally expire at year end.

With that he joins the ranks of irresponsible politicians who want to buy popularity by "gifting" away money the U.S. does not have and cannot afford to give.

One should scream into his ear: "The country already spends $1 billion a day more than it takes in." That means going into debt every single day on top of the $15 trillion already accumulated. This is unimaginable financial lunacy.

Of course, the worst thing is that the selfish citizens who would profit from the tax cut are applauding Obama, encouraging him and his ilk.

Never mind that the country is almost bankrupt.

Volker Hildebrandt
Kaneohe

Article headline sent wrong signal

The headline "Highway deaths dropping despite cellphone antics" (Star-Advertiser, Parkway, Dec. 9) is a gross assertion that may well serve to ease the consciences of those who continue to phone and text while driving.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing in the article that in any manner links phone usage with the reduction in road fatalities. This is irresponsible journalism and you should immediately clear up what was meant.

Norman MacRitchie
Honolulu

Drive with lights on for safety

As the nights get longer and traffic increases during the holiday season, I would like to see more of us driving with our lights on for safety during mornings and evenings.

Studies have shown that it is easier to see cars in low-light situations — and easier to spot cars in glare, shade, dusk, etc. when the vehicles drive with their lights on.

Also, your attention is grabbed a bit faster and it gives a few split seconds more to react — split seconds that could make a difference in dangerous situations.

Greyhound lowered its bus accident rates by 10 percent after adopting "Lights on for Safety" nationwide.

Let’s drive with aloha. And thanks to all of you who are learning to use your turn signals, too.

Tom Fujita
Aiea