• Raising our standards • Republicans don’t reflect values of the 98% • Hospice was there for her • Obama should stay in D.C. Raising our standards This is in regards to the couple, God bless you, that were monitoring
• Raising our standards • Republicans don’t reflect values of the 98% • Hospice was there for her • Obama should stay in D.C.
Raising our standards
This is in regards to the couple, God bless you, that were monitoring the run-off in the stream at Anini Beach. They were shocked at the pollution that they visibly saw to the point they got water samples and had it tested. The tests stated that the standard of the water condition was acceptable. Acceptable for who and what? Do these standards mean humans can survive exposure to this level of pollution? What about sea life, fish, crabs, shellfish, seaweeds, coral and micro-organisms? These living things are the foundation for our ecosystem.
Looking at our current coral disease epidemic, I think our standards need to be revised and in a hurry.
I have been here 10 years and have witnessed the decline in seashells. Beaches that used to have abundant seashells now have just dead coral. While snorkeling I have seen turtles with tumors growing around their necks. It is so sad.
In my opinion this is a man-made problem. We need to be proactive, write to our representatives about the pollution problems, re-cycle, conserve water, and avoid pesticide and herbicide use. Our society has an obesity problem, how about getting out there and pull some weeds instead of using poison?
Linda Bothe, Kalaheo
Republicans don’t reflect values of the 98%
When is America going to realize that the Republican Party does not represent 98 percent of the U.S. population? They are the most obstructionist, contentious members of Congress in American history.
This Congress has the worst approval rating in history as well. The “fiscal cliff” looms only days away and yet the Republicans are still entrenched in their efforts to protect the richest 2 percent of Americans.
They are willing to obliterate so called “entitlement programs” such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Headstart that help the most vulnerable citizens in America — the elderly, disabled, unemployed, the poor and children.
The American people have spoken in the last election, yet the Republicans remain in their intransigence. They don’t care that everyone’s taxes will increase if action isn’t taken by year’s end.
They certainly don’t care about the middle class and poor, because their goals of protecting the richest people from paying their fair share of taxes is their endgame.
We need to wake up and eradicate the pompous aristocrats in the Republican party that block progress in a compassionate fair way. The house speaker, the senate minority leader and all the congressional obstructionists should be vilified in the strongest procedural way.
Those who elected these people should rethink their future votes and “Throw the rascals out.”
Dr. Skip Rush, Princeville
Hospice was there for her
I feel I must reply to David Biederman’s letter of Nov. 16 and his views on Kaua‘i Hospice, “They weren’t there for me.”
Believe me, sir, I know how you feel losing your wife and I send you my sincere condolences. I recently lost my husband of 63 years and the feelings of desolation and desertion were overwhelming.
However, my experiences were quite different than yours. Hospice nurses, doctor, various staff members and volunteers made regular visits. They were extremely helpful and willing to do anything to make life easier for us.
I will forever be grateful to them for all the untiring, loving help they provided for well over a year. They provided a hospital bed and spent time showing us how to turn and care for him when he became confined to bed.
Fortunately for me, I had a loving daughter and daughter-in-law, wonderful neighbors and friends who helped me.
Hospice also provided spiritual counseling that came just when it was most needed. No one from Hospice ever mentioned Medicare or billing.
Mr. Biederman, your letter sounded as if you went through such a sad and difficult time alone and for that I am truly sorry. I only write this because I believe Kaua‘i Hospice and other readers need to read both sides of the story.
Brenda Verity, Kapa‘a
Obama should stay in D.C.
President Obama’s family vacation to Hawai‘i should be canceled. It’s a disgrace while Americans are suffering under his failed policies putting America ever-so-close to becoming “Greece,” Obama should seriously stay in Washington and do the job he was, and unfortunately once again, elected to do.
It is a wonder why he should be welcomed here at a time our nation faces high unemployment, a very benign economy he helped create, the U.S. military in harm’s way every day, and his disdain for the U.S. Constitution which made it possible for him to become president.
Until our liberty as a free people is restored and our nation’s defense strong, he should not take this unneeded vacation to Hawai‘i.
Drew Kosora, Honolulu
