• Welfare not the issue • Sidewalks needed • Construction workers • At the public library • Gluten-free pasta Welfare not the issue I do not consider Social Security an entitlement. I pay in and expect to draw it when
• Welfare not the issue • Sidewalks
needed • Construction workers •
At the public library • Gluten-free
pasta
Welfare not the issue
I do not consider Social Security an entitlement. I pay in and expect to draw it when I retire. The system has been working fine for decades, and with a few small tweaks to adjust for the baby boomers it should continue to work fine. It’s not an entitlement. You pay for it as an individual. As far as taxes, yes, 50 percent of Americans pay little or no federal income tax. That’s because 5 percent of Americans account for 95 percent of all the money made. The top should be paying more in taxes.
Do we have a welfare system in this country? Yes. It costs 5 percent of your tax dollar. Why are you people spending so much time complaining about 5 percent? We are wasting trillions elsewhere. Take your pick — corn ethanol rebates, corporate welfare, and bailouts of banks, airlines, farmers and anyone else with a two-bit lobbyist.
OK, a few bad apples take advantage of the welfare system for a couple hundred bucks a month. It would cost us, the taxpayers, thousands per case to investigate and prosecute. Come on people, there are bigger issues.
The extremist in both parties, left and right, want us arguing about stupid things like this so that we stay alienated and they can keep bilking us out of trillions. Don’t be fooled. Welfare is not an issue. Stop with all the hate. If we discuss things, I would bet we all agree on most issues. Washington doesn’t want that.
David Presley, Hanalei
Sidewalks needed
I visit the Koloa area for two months every winter, and I certainly agree with the student who wrote the letter last week asking the mayor for a sidewalk from the school to the fire station.
I walk that road regularly and the shoulder is muddy, overgrown and narrow. Some homeowners and the Kiahuna course mow, but in order to be safe you have to keep changing sides of the road.
No one goes the speed limit once they leave the school zone, especially on their way down hill.
There is also a huge need for additional marked crosswalks close to the roundabout, especially from Ho’onani to the Kukuiula shopping center. Let’s encourage walking and bike riding.
Nancy Anderson, Koloa
Construction workers
I am in favor of the walking paths, on the beach, up to the neighborhoods, with or without the danger of maniac bikers bearing down on pedestrians from behind.
The construction of these paths is also a necessary nuisance — the blockage of the highways, all-night illumination, the noise of heavy equipment — which brings me to my concern.
The contractors working on the paths seem to work during regular daylight hours and are considerate of people needing to sleep.
Not so the workers just down the hill from Kawaihau Sports Villas, at the large commercial construction site, who are learning how to use the backup beeper as they move piles of dirt back and forth starting at 4 a.m. seven days a week. So much for the peace and serenity of the Garden Island.
Greg Dorst, Kapa‘a
At the public library
The public library is a wonderful place. When we were children, we were taught to not talk in the library, and if we absolutely had to talk, we communicated in a silent whisper. It was a respect thing.
Homework, study and research were the primary reasons for going to the library. Fast forward 50 years, and public libraries have turned into inexpensive DVD rental stores along with free computers and Internet access.
Last, but not least, it’s a safe haven for homeless and tired people to catch a nap with a book in their lap as they doze off looking like they’re reading.
When they finally wake, they can use restrooms supplied with toilet paper, soap and paper towels.
Library etiquette has changed dramatically since I was a kid. In fact, when I shushed a group of teenagers as a sign to keep their voices down, they looked back at me with blank stares and continued clucking like a bunch of Kaua‘i wild chickens.
I looked at the teenagers and said, “Just wait until you’re my age.” They all looked back simultaneously and said, “Uncle, Shhhh!”
James “Kimo” Rosen, Kapa‘a
Gluten-free pasta
Last week my husband and I had dinner at Pomodoro in Kaleheo. We have come to expect excellent service and terrific Italian cuisine. But this time, owner Gerry and chef Tony outdid themselves.
Because I have celiac disease and am gluten-intolerant, I have been unable to enjoy the wonderful pasta dishes on the menu. When I asked waiter extraordinaire Tim for guidance as to what to order, he shared the gluten intolerance information with the kitchen.
Chef Tony produced a spectacular dish made with gluten-free penne, cooked perfectly. The sausage and sauce were delectable.
My husband’s veal, as usual, was perfectly seasoned and melted in his mouth.
This added specialty of gluten-free pasta, only reinforces our appreciation and love of this very fine restaurant.
Marylou Murphy, Po‘ipu
