Letters for March 23, 2016

Letters for March 23, 2016

Many things to consider when casting vote

This Saturday throughout the state, Democratic Party voters have their chance to state their preference for the nomination of the Democratic Party for president: Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton.

When I compare the candidates of any election, I search their history for their stand on issues, and level of success in the political arena. For some people, the “red line” in deciding for a candidate is focused on economic issues such as jobs, equal pay for all, fairness in hiring and promotion, and the impact of corporations moving union jobs overseas.

For others, it is education and equal funding as well as equality of access. Some are intent on making corporations liable for creating and selling dangerous products which includes pesticides, drugs, and guns, and whose actions create pollution. Others want to “throw away the key and send all law-breakers to prison” while many worry that is a tool to imprison minorities.

For many, it is access to health insurance and women’s health care in particular. Most of all, I look for a candidate with a proven record of success in legislating.

I also consider the personal experiences which can include which candidate is more likely to have personally experienced discrimination? Unequal treatment? Not being taken seriously and criticized in vague ways? Having experienced discrimination against women in the legal field, I am more comfortable with a candidate who felt it also. Are criticisms made without evidence?

Most importantly, we face a threatening international world and will for years. Is that the one thing that is likely to seriously affect us in America? Can we ignore world affairs and close our doors to those seeking safety like our families once did?

While I support Hillary Clinton because of her extensive experience in international issues and promoting fairness and justice for families, women, and children (with the Chidren’s Defense Fund), I respect different opinions. I believe all voters will make similar inquiry when deciding whom to vote for. I also look forward to an enthusiastic voting process Saturday which displays the warm aloha Kauai is known for.

Judith Fernandez

Kapaa

Hawaii part of USA

Regarding the “Other Voices,” by Mizu Sumida (TGI Forum, March 18):

Many good ideas, but “they do that in the USA?” Wake up call. Hawaii is part of the USA!

And, no, except for New Jersey, a few others, there are no fees to visit a public beach in the “USA.”

Ruthann Jones

Soquel, California