10-28-2008, 05:41 AM
Frankie, thank you for responding in detail. Your opinions are respectable, and you should never regret "spilling your guts," especially here on Punaweb. I especially like the fact that you take an INCLUSIVE approach, i.e. you didn't suggest that I go off and join the Republicans. (FWIW, I won't.) I do have a few more points in response, though.
The Kalani forum was not my only experience meeting Ms. Hanohano, but I did not mention it in my first post. I had the same impression on the other occasion, too. My own choice for her focus would have been getting desperately needed infrastructure and tangible resources for Puna, and not the GM taro ban. Others are entitled to feel differently.
Ed Case is indeed to the right of most Hawaii politicians, but there are plenty of Democratic officeholders in my native state of Texas and my previous state of residence, Georgia, who make Mr. Case look quite liberal. My biggest complaint in reference to the Case candidacy was the suggestion by many of the "pulse takers" that it was somehow outrageous for him to even run.
I am sure Daniel Akaka has an excellent staff, but we elect him and not them. At certain critical points in our representation, he has to be able to debate, counterpoint, and make a case for us. I don't see him as effective that way, but I do admire his environmental voting record and war opposition as you do.
We probably agree on far more things than not, Frankie, and I deeply respect your historical perspective on Hawaii politics. It is both deeper and longer than my own. And I still vote Democratic the great majority of the time. I was proud to caucus in Pahoa with all those other patient, enthusiastic folks. I'm sure you were there, too.
Cheers,
Jerry
The Kalani forum was not my only experience meeting Ms. Hanohano, but I did not mention it in my first post. I had the same impression on the other occasion, too. My own choice for her focus would have been getting desperately needed infrastructure and tangible resources for Puna, and not the GM taro ban. Others are entitled to feel differently.
Ed Case is indeed to the right of most Hawaii politicians, but there are plenty of Democratic officeholders in my native state of Texas and my previous state of residence, Georgia, who make Mr. Case look quite liberal. My biggest complaint in reference to the Case candidacy was the suggestion by many of the "pulse takers" that it was somehow outrageous for him to even run.
I am sure Daniel Akaka has an excellent staff, but we elect him and not them. At certain critical points in our representation, he has to be able to debate, counterpoint, and make a case for us. I don't see him as effective that way, but I do admire his environmental voting record and war opposition as you do.
We probably agree on far more things than not, Frankie, and I deeply respect your historical perspective on Hawaii politics. It is both deeper and longer than my own. And I still vote Democratic the great majority of the time. I was proud to caucus in Pahoa with all those other patient, enthusiastic folks. I'm sure you were there, too.
Cheers,
Jerry