ECONOMY

ONLY FEAR MONGERS CLAIMING RECESSION

The media have been clamoring about a recession, and a recent statement by Chairman Ed Lazear of President Bush's Council of Economic Advisers is being touted as proof that we're in the midst of one.

What he said was, "We are seeing what anyone would characterize as a recession in certain parts of the country."

How could that possibly mean that the administration is admitting we're in a recession? Clearly, Chairman Lazear has not said there's a recession, but that "anyone would characterize as a recession" what's happening in only "certain parts" of the country.

It's only the fear mongers who are claiming that there's a recession. That's all that the Bush administration's spokesman was saying.

MILITARY

SAD DAY THAT WATADA CANNOT BE TRIED AGAIN

The headlines read, "Army can't retry Watada." This is a sad day. A man who gave an oath to serve his country is free to flaunt his disrespect and bring disgrace to himself.

The history of Japanese-Americans who served in the U.S. armed services is filled with bloodshed in honor and commitment.

Unfortunately, there is always one who will not live up to the standard they set.

Lt. Ehren Watada should read a novel written by the late John Okada, a Japanese-American who served in the Second World War. His novel "No-No Boy" tells of the lesson learned by a young man, a Japanese-American, who refused to serve his country in the war. He was imprisoned. When freed, he met a former friend who did serve. When this friend learned that No-No Boy refused to serve, he spat on him.

The novel tells of the lessons learned, and that the love of country is placed in the heart by parents. And life goes on.

RAIL

TRANSIT PROJECT GOOD FOR JOBS IT WILL BRING

For a while, I was keeping track of the stories in the paper about layoffs as a check on how our economy was doing. But there were so many and it was so depressing that I stopped after the first 25.

Frankly, we need jobs on our island. I look around and wonder where they will come from. Then I read about the rail project — 11,000 jobs. We need them now more than ever. That's why I support rail transit.

MANY BETTER WAYS TO SPEND TRANSIT MONEY

A lot can be done with $5 billion besides a 20-mile stretch of rail, and still alleviate traffic and address environmental and other issues.

Consider: $1 billion, triple the number of buses; $1 billion, deck H-1 for HOV and create park-and-ride sites; $1 billion, build UH-West O'ahu; $1 billion, build alternative energy infrastructure; $1 billion, make the bus free to residents for five to 10 years.

Buses will be frequent, free and fast, which will create a huge incentive to turn drivers into riders.

UH-West O'ahu will switch the travel direction for thousands. The alternative energy infrastructure will get people into hydrogen and electric cars. Just as many jobs will be created.

We reduce risk by investing in more than a traffic solution, such as a state-of-the-art university, and because each individual project is more manageable. Some projects can be implemented immediately, and everything can be completed in five years.

We would alleviate traffic problems, address environmental concerns, provide plenty of jobs and become a leader in alternative energy while reducing risk.

This is our opportunity to help the environment and education as well as traffic.

MANY COMMUTERS SEE WISDOM OF USING RAIL

What a contrast! Mayoral candidate Ann Kobayashi is now opposed to rail. At the same time, we see news accounts that rail projects in many cities are now getting a $30 million federal boost because Americans are driving less and taking the train.

Numerous news articles have described how Americans are leaving their cars and packing the trains on the Mainland. In Washington, D.C., which has many expressways for autos, Metro is adding additional cars to trains because the trains are now packed.

Ann Kobayashi needs to catch up with the rest of the world, which sees the wisdom of getting cars off the road.

2008 CAMPAIGN

WE CANNOT IGNORE RACE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Victor Davis Hanson's Oct. 23 column questions why Barack Obama is not heading to a shoo-in election.

He then proceeds with the tired right wing litany of excuses (Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, ACORN, etc.). He hopes he is not racist simply to suggest that Obama's record is not good enough to win the election in a landslide.

If, indeed, Obama does not win in a landside it will not be due to his record; his less than perfect life (no life is perfect); or who he pals around with. John McCain has easily as many faults and questions (did you know McCain held a G. Gordon Liddy fundraiser?)

No, it will be due to racism. It will be due to people who might lean his way but when they get into the voting booth just can't vote for a black man. This may be conscious or unconscious, but given the circumstances it cannot be ignored.

As Mr. Hanson points out, there is every reason for Obama to win, yet only worn-out excuses for him to lose.

We cannot ignore race in this election, and we cannot wish it away.

We can only urge people to overcome their misgivings and discover that we are all pink on the inside.

RAIL

BASIC QUESTIONS ON RAIL NEED TO BE ANSWERED

It is very easy to become confused, overwhelmed or distracted with the rail transit discourse.

The analysis is not that complicated.

The threshold question is whether the system will benefit transportation through less-congested roadways.

If the answer is in the affirmative, the second question is whether the cost justifies this result. This should be a current and reasonable estimate of the total cost for construction and maintenance.

The final question is an analysis of the fashion in which this expense will be paid, including addressing whether any other city & county projects will be postponed or canceled to undertake the rail system.

The argument that the rail system will create jobs and boost the economy is misdirected. This is a benefit of the rail or any other infrastructure project. It is not a reason for undertaking it in the first place.

Thus far, there have been too many unrelated arguments regarding the rail transit initiative.

The basic questions with respect to benefit, cost and payment need to be answered in a clear and comprehensive fashion.

VOTE 'YES' ON RAIL FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Rail is a long term project that we need for traffic relief and planned growth, and it will benefit our city 25 or 30 years from now. Too many people are thinking short term, and it's not only about you.

Rail will benefit those who are and will be living on the Leeward side the most. But that happens to be where most of the affordable homes are planned and will be built.

So, do you punish a young family, just because they want to own a home and can't afford to buy in Manoa, Hawai'i Kai, Kailua or more expensive areas?

Our island's population will grow, and we have to plan for it. Rail is for the next generation, but we must step to the plate now so it will be a reality.

That is why I'm voting "yes" for rail.

RAIL WILL CONTINUE TO DEPLETE RESOURCES

David Shapiro's column, "Jobs, economy are part of rail debate" (Oct. 15), was a good assessment of the rail controversy. The closing quote by a construction worker says it all, "I care less what we build, what it's for or if it works. My concern is job security."

I wonder if the construction industry, and the Carpenters Union, which are spending thousands for pro-rail ads, realize they may be shooting themselves in the foot.

Unlike other construction projects which will continue to provide a benefit long after completion (for example, HPower), the fixed rail will continue to deplete Honolulu's finances for as long as it is in existence.

It has already increased taxes for everyone on O'ahu with the general excise tax increase and will continue to do so.

In the face of a worldwide recession, will developers be able to finance housing projects? With the general excise tax increasing the cost of everything, will anyone be able to afford to buy a house?