If only politics was as simple as a morning sunrise
Kauai people are divided. Just this past week we were given yet another choice of whom to vote for mayor. The three major contenders running for mayor are all currently serving on the same county council. There are others running for mayor, however these three are the only ones I feel have a true chance.
They are Mel Rapozo, Derek Kawakami and JoAnn Yukimura (the newest contender). There must be some tensions at those meetings.
America is divided as well as our cosmic island by the sea, and with so much hate in the world even in our own backyards I have discovered one thing that unites all political parties, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent. The awesome incredible morning sunrises are without a doubt something everyone of all political genres can agree on.
Nobody has ever unfriended me over any of my many Kapaa sunrise posts on Facebook, yet I have been unfriended when people have disagreed with some of my numerous political blogs and editorials.
There is something about sunrises that brings out the best in humans. There is something about politics that tears people apart.
If only politics was as simple and exquisite as a morning sunrise!
James “Kimo” Rosen, Kapaa
Campagna fighting uphill election battle
I volunteer for Sherry Alu Campagna, who is challenging Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. I also participate in “Resist Trump Tuesday” (RTT), a group of voters that visits Hawaii’s Congressional representatives every Tuesday. It’s been our experience that all of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation appreciate interacting with RTT folks — except Tulsi.
Prior to joining RTT, I had no opinion about Tulsi, but I eventually developed one based on how we were treated. Tulsi’s office is dismissive. We never get straight answers on her stances. We asked whether Tulsi believed Assad ordered chemical attacks in Syria, what her position was on justice for transgendered individuals, and more. Having an aide say “we’ll get back to you” became the norm. It became obvious that whomever Tulsi claimed to be serving, it wasn’t us.
My role on Sherry’s campaign is to seek endorsements. In a truly democratic race, it’s vital that an endorsing body give voters information on all candidates so voters can make informed decisions, but Sierra Club doesn’t agree.
In stark contradiction to their national guidelines, the local Sierra Club has refused to include Sherry in the endorsement process because they want to reward Tulsi’s “strong environmental record.” This despite Tulsi’s refusal to take a stance on protecting the Papahanamokuakea Monument and refusal to co-sign a recent Congressional letter demanding the resignation of the EPA’s Scott Pruitt due to his unethical behavior.
We are also ignored by media. Local press ignores CD2 (rural Oahu and the Neighbor Islands) while copious information has been provided for the candidates of CD1 (urban Oahu). This is far from democratically fair. Voters shouldn’t have to demand information on candidates. It should come freely and fairly.
If media and special interest groups aren’t willing to give fair coverage, then how will we, as a nation, ever achieve the bold changes that are needed to secure fair elections?
Kirk Johnson, Kaneohe
