PRESIDENTIAL RACE

GOP SHOULD PUT END TO RACIAL EPITHETS, THREATS

I know that racism in our politics is a very touchy subject, and even discussing it offends some. Personally, that it exists makes me sick.

After watching television reports about GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's rallies in Florida, I feel compelled to offer a suggestion and make a plea to the GOP.

When her fans turned on minority reporters and photographers and used racial epithets, the Republican VP standard bearer should have called on them to stop.

When they responded to her remarks by calling Sen. Barack Obama a "traitor," "terrorist," "criminal," and suggesting that he should be "killed," Gov. Palin should have put a stop to it right then and there, unless that is what she and Sen. John McCain are advocating.

Instead of smiling and applauding, Palin should have stood up to them and told them that is not the American thing to do.

And, when he learned of the incidents, Sen. John McCain and his handlers should have told Palin in no uncertain terms that he does not want racial smears and criminal threats against his opponent. Unless, of course, that is what he is advocating.

Look at where they are leading a huge, very desperate segment of our country. They are encouraging racism, name-calling, and criminal activity of the very worst kind when they should be trying to unite our country.

HOPE VOTERS DON'T FALL FOR SWIFT BOAT TACTICS

I see that Sarah Palin claims Barack Obama once consorted with a domestic terrorist — a claim not based on fact.

I once shook hands with President Reagan. In Palin's simplistic logic, that probably makes me a Republican.

If Palin-McCain can't win on the issues, maybe character assassination will carry the day.

I hope voters don't fall for the Swift Boat tactics this time around.

HOMELESS

SITUATION NOW DIRE, ISLES NEED SOLUTIONS

We decided to sell one car and use the bus, helping our budget and taking a car off busy streets.

We adjusted to riding the bus, feeling it is a good option. My concern is the homeless sleeping at and taking over the bus stops.

On a recent Saturday around 10 p.m., my 13-year-old daughter and I were going to wait for a bus on Nimitz. There were three homeless people encamped on the bench and sidewalk, another was nearby changing clothes.

My daughter was afraid; we stood as far away as we could to catch the bus, yet could hear their vulgar language and begging.

I understand everyone needs a place to sleep, but the bus stop is not the answer. Living in Waikiki, I see more homeless encroaching into our streets and parks.

How can we be asked to ride public transportation when we no longer feel comfortable? Can there not be an area of the island designated where the homeless who do not want to live in shelters can camp?

Do I need to buy a second car again so my daughter does not have to fear waiting for a bus?

Come on, let's put our heads together and come up with some kind of solution. I know no one wants the homeless in their back yard, but the situation is becoming dire and hard choices must be made.

FINANCIAL CRISIS

CYCLE OF CORPORATE GREED HAS GOT TO STOP

Days after the federal government bailed out AIG with $85 billion, executives of the insurance company went on a week-long retreat at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif.

AIG documents obtained by Congressman Henry Waxman's investigators show that the company paid more than $440,000; including $200,000 for rooms, $150,000 for meals and $23,000 in spa charges.

Meanwhile, Richard Fuld (ex-CEO of Lehman Brothers) defended his $484 million salary since 2000 and complained to Congress how they bailed out AIG and not Lehman.

Even more galling is the fact that he requested the board to give him and two other executives $20 million in compensation days before filing bankruptcy. After someone suggested that Lehman's top management give up their bonuses, both Fuld and George H. Walker, a member of Lehman's executive committee (and a cousin of President Bush), sent e-mails disagreeing with the suggestion.

Obviously Wall Street is expecting that business will go on as usual and that the taxpayers will bear the costs. This cycle of greed has got to stop; reckless executives must be removed from their positions and be replaced by fiscally responsible people.

Otherwise, the $700 billion will be used to line the pockets of the executives and not used for what it was really meant for, saving the taxpayers from a worsening financial catastrophe.

WORLD WAR II

NOT FAIR FILIPINO VETS MUST FIGHT FOR BENEFITS

Recently I have been reading about our state's and country's interest in honoring and assisting our brave veterans of past and current wars.

But it seems like the effort of Filipino vets of World War II to get benefits and recognition of their bravery has been going on for a long time. When will we finally recognize and reward the heroic sacrifices of these brave soldiers, who are important to so many families in Hawai'i and around the country?

It's not fair that the last survivors of this war still have to fight one last battle to be recognized and remembered.

CONCON

PUT MONEY BACK INTO SCHOOLS, NOT A CONCON

A proposed amendment to the State Constitution will be on the ballot for Hawai'i's voters to consider in the Nov. 4 election. This is an example of how the Constitution can already be changed without a Constitutional Convention, and at far less cost.

At a time when the Department of Education budget may be cut by almost $50 million, it makes no sense to spend tens of millions of dollars on a Constitutional Convention.

That money should be put back into the schools. Let's put our keiki first. Vote "no" on ConCon.