WAIPI'O TEAM SETS INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE

On behalf of our colleagues in the Hawai'i State Senate, we would like to join with people all across the state of Hawai'i in congratulating the Waipi'o Little League team on their victory in the Little League World Series.

We are proud to recognize not only the pride they have brought to our state, but also the tremendous example they have set for us all. Although the individual teammates come from within our districts, today they — and their accomplishments — belong to the entire state.

Watching these fine young men and their efforts, we are reminded of the power of dedication, the value of discipline, and the way a group of individuals can combine their unique talents and abilities to accomplish great things.

We hope that once the cheers have faded and the trophies have been placed on display, our community will not forget what these young men have taught us.

Like them, we can inspire success through our accomplishments. We can achieve greatness through teamwork. And we can become more than the sum of our parts by never losing sight of what we need to do and how we can do it together.

As much as the Waipi'o team has earned our cheers and respect, they have also earned our thanks.

We will do our best to live up to their example.

Sen. Ron Menor, D-17th (Mililani, Waipi'o)

Sen. Clarence Nishihara, D-18th (Waipahu, Crestview, Pearl City)

Sen. Will Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu)

Sen. David Ige, D-16th (Pearl City, 'Aiea)

Sen. Mike Gabbard, D-19th (Kapolei, Makakilo, Waikele)

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

MEDIA IGNORE THE LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE

It seems to me like both local papers have already decided whom they wish to be president, which I find frankly irresponsible for news outlets that tout themselves as fair and balanced. I have become quite disenchanted with both of the candidates and refuse to vote for the lesser of two evils this time.

We have a third candidate who is polling over 10 percent, yet not a peep from the media outlets save a few talk radio hosts that are mentioning him.

I would like to see the Libertarian candidate Bob Barr included in the media coverage and the upcoming debates. What happened to allowing the voters the opportunity to make an informed decision?

I've seen two interviews with Mr. Barr on CNN and I think he has a great message that should be heard. When I first heard his basic platform I thought it a little radical; however, upon hearing his in-depth explanations of the issues, I'm very intrigued by what he has to say, and I think others would be as well, if only they were given the opportunity to receive that information.

The Libertarian party stands 100 percent behind the protection the U.S. Constitution provides the citizens of this nation.

I hope that you will consider some media coverage for Bob Barr, as he is a candidate who deserves to be heard!

SARAH PALIN A POLITICAL, NOT PRINCIPLED, CHOICE

Sen. John McCain has accused Sen. Barack Obama of being unpatriotic and making decisions based on political motives as opposed to those that would be best for America.

What does selecting a woman who has only two years of governorship of the state of Alaska as a running mate and potential future president say about Sen. McCain's concern for America?

FOR A REAL CHANGE, REPLACE INCUMBENTS

Barack Obama said, "It's time for us to change America." However, whoever is elected the next president of the United States, one thing has to happen.

All those members of Congress who have been in office more than 15 years have to go in the primary elections or in the November elections.

Congress makes the changes. If you vote for Obama, who wants change, then how can you vote for someone like Neil Abercrombie, who has been in Congress more than 15 years and is part of the problem?

Mr. Abercrombie is proud of the fact that he gets millions of dollars for Hawai'i in the form of earmarks. He says, "I'm doing a good job for the people of Hawai'i." I can agree with that.

However, the voters of the First Congressional District have voted all these years for Mr. Abercrombie to take care of the government of the United States of America.

The voters of Hawai'i and all the rest of the country have to take a hard look at whom they are sending back to Congress. Do you really want the same old people back in Washington? Hawai'i, do you want earmarks or a strong America?

MASS TRANSIT

COMMUTERS CAN'T WAIT FOR RELIEF OF RAIL SYSTEM

Since so many people signed the "stop rail transit" petition, please post their names — it should be interesting if it is stopped when their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren do research and come across their relative's name.

I'm sure they would be so disappointed because they will be stuck in traffic, which only will get worse. I'd also like to see if some of my own relatives have signed the petition.

Living in Central O'ahu, I surely don't want double-decker highways and freeways, since it will cause more of a traffic jam while building, along with not getting vehicles off the road.

We can't wait for the rail to be built and running. I sure would love to be able to ride it in my lifetime, and knowing that our future here on O'ahu, the Gathering Place, won't be known only as one with terrible traffic jams filled with cars, vans, trucks, buses and taxis, and no traffic-free rail system.

Please wake up, "stop rail transit" folks!

ERNIE GOMEZ

DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE LAWS MUST BE ENFORCED

Is it any wonder that Hawai'i's women are being killed by their partners? There is no argument that soldier Ernie Gomez held a gun to his wife's head. He was convicted and given a mandatory sentence, yet the court with the support of the United States Army allowed him to be free for three years, leave Hawai'i and relocate to New York.

How can the court and the Army not understand that he used a gun to terrorize his wife? Using a gun does not require that the gun be fired.

He should have been jailed immediately upon conviction. Good soldiers do not put guns to their wives' heads.

The safety of Hawai'i's women depends on our laws against domestic violence being enforced and getting the community to understand that violence has no place in our homes.