• Low taxes led to furloughs • Words of wisdom • Extended dog path ‘wonderful’ • Why print attack column? • Fed up Low taxes led to furloughs After the Obama tax cut, federal taxes for 95 percent of Americans are the
• Low taxes led to furloughs • Words of wisdom • Extended dog path ‘wonderful’ • Why print attack column? • Fed up
Low taxes led to furloughs
After the Obama tax cut, federal taxes for 95 percent of Americans are the lowest since 1951.
How much lower does Mr. Agor want them to go? And whose taxes does he want to cut?
The middle class can pay a marginal rate of 35 percent — not including AMT — while the super-rich, 10 percent of the population who own 71 percent of everything, can pay only 15 percent. The cap on Social Security taxes means the super-rich pay comparatively nothing.
No wonder our Social Security benefits are being cut while the retirement age rises.
We have seen the results of “low taxes.” You get what you pay for. Yes, let us lower taxes so our children will also have furlough Thursdays, and Mondays, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Put them to work (doing what I have no idea). The super-rich will be more than happy to turn our island into a land of serfs.
John Zwiebel, Kalaheo
Words of wisdom
Thank you, Joan Conrow, for your outstanding letter defending Caren Diamond against unfair, untrue attacks for trying to be the best North Shore watchdog on Kaua‘i (“Online attacks unwarranted,” Letters, June 4). I agree 100 percent.
I have watched this dedicated lady testify before our Council and Planning Commission many times bringing to their attention — all factual — violations and problems happening on the North Shore.
Along with her work and taking care of her family she drives 100 miles to voice her concerns at public meetings about the illegal happenings in Ha‘ena and Hanalei.
She has no dog in this fight; no personal gain to be had; no publicity to gather to run for office. She simply wants to keep Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i, and deserves nothing but accolades for all she does and tries to do.
And don’t forget how long and hard she, along with her fine lawyer, Harold Bronstein, fought the Shoreline Setback law and finally won — a victory for her and, more importantly, the people.
Thank you Caren for all you do. The people who really care for this island salute you and the nay-sayers can take a back seat to the rest of us. Hopefully more of our elected officials will listen to your words of wisdom and take action where action is warranted.
Glenn Mickens, Kapa‘a
Extended dog path ‘wonderful’
I have been walking on the now-extended legal portions of the path with my two dogs and am grateful that the all parties involved were able to come to a resolution on this subject. I just wanted to say thank you! It really is wonderful!
Kathleen Gissing, Kapa‘a
Why print attack column?
I don’t understand how your newspaper can print such irrational, out-of-context thinking as displayed in the paper (“The tyranny of partisan groupthink,” Gene Lyons, June 3).
Labeling Rand Paul a racist because he believes in a principle is unconscionable. Rand said, in essence: Every person should have complete control over his own property. If not, that person has been enslaved by those who make coercive rules.
Rand went on to say that he wouldn’t do business with anyone who excluded a given race. This is where I don’t agree. If such a business had what I wanted at a good price and I couldn’t find it anywhere else, I would buy it there. Why punish myself?
Rather than disputing the principle with logical reasoning, Mr. Lyons chose to attack Rand’s character. A typical and stupid reaction from today’s so-called intellectuals.
I’m sure that Gene wouldn’t call a black-only fraternity racist. Talk about partisan groupthink? It is obvious to me that Gene is as guilty of this as Rand.
Ralph Tamm, Lihu‘e
Fed up
Cheers to Ms. Dorn (“Treat animals as living beings,” Letters, June 4). I came to Kaua‘i for the same reasons as Ms. Dorn. After many years visiting we made this island home, or so we thought.
The recent horse cruelty is incredulous! On the same token so is the blatant cruelty and disregard for dogs. My neighborhood is full of dogs that are chained, penned, tied and shut in a hot area for hours on end.
The suffering and frustration is exhibited by endless howling and barking, day and night. Not only are these poor animals suffering, the human toll from lack of sleep, ability to have ones windows and doors open to capture our breezes is impossible!
We are forced to take sleep meds, keep TVs going and use air conditioners that also make the electric bill go up. All because of ignorance and disrespect.
Where are the laws to protect the animals and human side of this deplorable situation? Hawai‘i is No. 2 in “the worst place for an animal to live.” Check it out online. What would the tourists think of that?
Liz Stevens, Lawa‘i
