• The wages of war • On Kaipo Asing’s shift • Infuse the Westside • Dim those lights The wages of war Each of us has an important say in America, whether we live in Washington or on Kaua‘i. In
• The wages of war
• On Kaipo Asing’s shift
• Infuse the Westside
• Dim those lights
The wages of war
Each of us has an important say in America, whether we live in Washington or on Kaua‘i.
In the end, it’s about morals.
I initially supported the Iraq War.
I believed everything I was being told by our elected officials.
I was angry at the Muslim world, and wanted to strike back at the Middle East because I started to hate them.
But then as time went on, I noticed that there were more and more inconsistencies in what these same government officals were saying.
And I realized that I was being lied to on one subject after another.
So I then had the choice of either willful hatred or honesty and truth.
I chose the latter and chose to learn as much as I could about the steps leading up to the Iraqi invasion, and what has been happening since.
Vice President Dick Cheney just admitted on “Meet the Press” that whether or not Saddam had nuclear weapons or capibilty would not have mattered anyway.
Maybe that’s why Bush was so cavalier when he joked about looking under the couch for WMDs.
To put it into perspective, Muslim fanatics caused the deaths of almost 3,000 civilian Americans.
How many innocent iraqi civilians have died because of the Iraq War?
100,000?
Bush and Cheney could not have done it without the support of the American people. So the blame also lies with those of us who supported it. Some 4,209 young Americans were killed in Iraq as of this writting.
It is a deep shame that I will carry to the grave.
God bless all of his children, not just the ones we like.
• Dennis Chaquette, Kapa‘a
On Kaipo Asing’s shift
Bravo, Walter Lewis, for all your articles on “A Better Kaua‘i.”
And in particular your latest column about my friend Kaipo Asing (“The martinet ways of Kaipo Asing,” A Better Kaua‘i, Dec. 13).
As you so truthfully point out, before Kaipo became council chair in 2002 he was a “crusader who investigated government conduct and uncovered many of its failings.” He was the go-to guy for delving into wrongdoings anywhere on Kaua‘i and locals will certainly attest to that. In fact, as Walter also said, Kaipo was so well respected by his constituents that he was the No. 1 vote-getter when he ran for council even though he never spent over $100 on his campaigns.
So why the sudden shift from complete respect to the disrespect you brought upon yourself by the unprecedented power move that saw you pre-pick the committee and council structure before they were “officially” established?
You, Kaipo, spent many long hours working on maps showing the public in council chambers how the proliferation of time shares is ruining Kauai — an outstanding public service. You came up with a great plan and a bill for dog owners to put dog parks around the island as opposed to letting dogs on the multi-use path chancing possible injury and lawsuits.
This is the Kaipo we need to lead our council — as Mr. Lewis said, the person we all knew and respected. You were a basketball referee a good part of your life and you called the game without partiality or prejudice. The people and your colleagues only ask that you do the same for them now.
• Glenn Mickens, Kapa‘a
Infuse the Westside
I am not a golfer and I realize that there are enough golf courses on the island.
However, we need to bring some money to the far Westside (between Waimea and Mana) of the island.
I understand that there will be a large amount of money due to the Kekaha community. Why not use some of it to build a nine hole golf course and a small clubhouse with a restaurant? It will be guaranteed money for Kekaha and the Westside.
Just a perfect idea.
• Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
Dim those lights
Speeding and driving under the influence are two well-known hazards on the road. Fortunately the public is frequently reminded of them, especially as holidays approach.
Another hazard that merits equal attention relates to driving at night with the high beam lights on. These are blinding to facing traffic, especially on rainy nights.
Kaua‘i drivers, please remember to dim them.
• Maria Snyder, Kapa‘a
