Protecting our rights In this time, American citizens must be vigilant in opposing the onslaught against our basic human rights and liberties by an out-of-control federal government. The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act which allows anyone accused of terrorism
Protecting our rights
In this time, American citizens must be vigilant in opposing the onslaught against our basic human rights and liberties by an out-of-control federal government.
The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act which allows anyone accused of terrorism to be held indefinitely without charges is a travesty. Obama placated some people by attaching a signing statement promising that his administration will not use it on U.S. citizens — as if that would make any thinking person feel good.
Well, now, Sen. Joe Lieberman has introduced the Enemy Expatriation Act, which can strip a U.S. citizen of their citizenship for engaging in undefined “hostilities” against the U.S.
The Stop Online Piracy Act (Senate) and the Protect Internet Privacy Act (House) are brazen attempts to limit free speech and essentially dismantle the Internet as we know it.
This legislation is so potentially damaging that Wikipedia shut down for a day, and Google reduced services for a day in protest. Please call our legislators and express that we do not want these abusive acts to be passed.
The worsening economic crises will continue to be used as a pretext to stifle dissent and dismantle the Constitution unless we stand up. We cannot depend on the corporate media to tell us the truth.
We are told this is all necess ary, but I remember reading, “Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves.”
Rick Goding, Kekaha
More about Smart Meters
Let’s assume you’ve decided to opt out of having Smart Meters installed on your property.
The next day, you go out to collect your mail and current issue of The Garden Island and it hits you. You’re surrounded by Smart Meters everywhere in your neighborhood. You’ve just wasted your time and money in a futile attempt to protect yourself from EMF transmissions.
I suggest you think it through before circling the wagons against the “evil doers” and their planned Smart Meter infestation. Collaborating with others to prevent them from being installed in the first place would probably be more cost-effective.
But hasn’t there been enough convincing data published to alleviate your health and privacy concerns?
Aren’t these the two major concerns surrounding the use of this technology?
Let’s assume Smart Meters do get installed. If you’re not breaking any laws, what privacy concerns do you really have to worry about? That some company is going to hound you to buy something from them? That happens already.
What if the sales pitch is for something useful and actually saves you money? What if you start receiving energy audits from KIUC for free someday? Believe me, this has the potential of saving you a lot of money by providing a continuous real time energy analysis that doesn’t cost you a dime. What if you could go online, sign on to your KIUC account, then review what’s going on in your house (electrically) for free every day?
You could see that your electric back-up for your hot water tank is on unusually long for this time of year. Maybe you’ve got a hot water leak somewhere. Maybe having all this intelligence isn’t so bad after all. The possibilities are endless.
I’m talking about this now, hoping KIUC will be obliged to provide these reports for free someday. After all, didn’t we (taxpayers and KIUC members), pay for all these new toys? Shouldn’t we receive direct benefits from them immediately after they’re installed? I don’t know how to address EMF concerns except to say I’m personally not worried about it.
Vince Cosner, Lihu‘e
More praise for teachers
I commend my fellow educators for making a loud and clear statement in expressing with clarity that it is not wise to approve a contract which is somewhat “open-ended.”
It just isn’t fair to expect teachers to sign on the dotted line without knowing what to expect.
It will be interesting to see where this goes in this election year.
With what is happening in Wisconsin and with the conflicting points of view about the support of unions — right-to-work conditions, how to address educational priorities in each state, etc. — one cannot help but wonder how we here in Hawai‘i will shape and form the political outcomes this time around.
Should Hawai‘i’s unionized work forces unite in their efforts to determine the outcomes of political careers at stake, there may be some shuffling in the arenas of public service.Let’s see what happens between now and then.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Bicycle path history
When we, the Kauai Bicycle Club, originally started the bike path, we projected $2 million per mile. This was based on the A & B improvements on Lawai Road. Not cement but hard-pack coral, bicycles only. Then the math is correct.
As for Anahola, I had talked to the community chairman and they were happy with the results. The path would pass by the old light beacon and end on the Anahola Road at the beach and horseshoe section.
As far as Tolbe’s idea of linking up Waimea Canyon Road and Kokee Road at the one-mile gap, five miles up and about 1,500 feet straight up, crazy?
Gary Heu’s idea of a multi-path on the Wailua bypass, we tried that too. Instead of the path following the ocean behind the golf course (which then the county did not like), and coming out at Hanama‘ulu then using the new bridge to the airport.
But as any of the old-timers can tell you, the stones around KCC are from an ancient heiau. It would be years before permits for construction and maybe even two lanes.
Remember, KBC’s bike path would have gone behind Coco Palms at the zoo and cross to the boat ramp.
Bobby Ritch, Kaumakani
