I agree with Andrea Wagner that America will have a precarious time with a President Donald Trump (“Don’t expect Trump to change his spots,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 16). But what do I say to my millennial daughter?
Trump is a puppet master of the frazzled media, capturing news cycles with uninformed and mean-spirited tweets on international/national issues or opinions that bruise his ego and brand.
I tell her our mature democracy and its values can survive drastic policy shifts, and outrageous behaviors won’t become the norm.
I tell her democracy has checks and balances and the wisdom of a patriotic Congress and loyal opposition that will filter the president’s inexperienced, shoot-from- the-hip edicts. Moreover, an entrenched bureaucracy can resist undesirable political change.
We hope that Trump will become presidential, with the grace and dignity of President Barack Obama. We hope also he learns the vocabulary of diplomacy, rather than use Wall Street slang. But hope is not a viable strategy. However, demanding accountability is.
John Corbin
Kaneohe
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Name airport after Barack Obama
It’s time for the United States to fittingly honor one of its greatest presidents, both to appreciate his achievements and to inspire us in the troubled times ahead.
His birthplace city can take the lead: Barack Obama International Airport.
Greg deGiere
Sacramento, Calif.
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Obama’s presidency a highlight of life
Over my lifetime, I have so many wonderful events to look back on, but I will always look at these past eight years as a privilege and one of my life’s highlights to have experienced the Obama presidency. I look forward to witnessing what Barack and Michelle Obama have in store for us for years to come.
A big mahalo to the Obama family.
Mark Ida
Salt Lake
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Politics overtakes justice for Kealoha
Thank to Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha for his years of service to the city and citizens of Honolulu (“Honolulu Police Chief Kealoha to retire,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 7).
Yet again, politics has won over justice and, ironically enough, the people he served so well are the very ones who have empowered a small group who ultimately held his fate in their hands.
Wouldn’t it be a novel idea if this rule could be applied to all elected officials as well? Perhaps it would make for a more honest government.
Amy Ishida
Kalihi Valley
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Other counties can help pay for rail
Extending the 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge for Honolulu’s rail transit project across all Hawaii counties would reflect the reality that as Oahu succeeds as an economic generator, the other counties’ benefit.
As a resident of Maui County and frequent traveler to Oahu, using Honolulu rail transit would be a benefit. It should be paid for by all residents of Hawaii.
Kurt Wollenhaupt
Haiku, Maui
